Rocky Mountain does things its own way. Instead of contracting with an e-bike drive unit manufacturer like Bosch or Fazua, the brand developed its own. In 2017, Rocky introduced the Dyname 3.0, and in 2022, the improved Dyname 4.0.
Two years later, the Dyname drive system slimmed up, with the introduction of the Dyname-S4 Lite for the SL version of the Instinct Powerplay. Now, owners of the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL can add more boost with a firmware update to the SL motor.
Rocky Mountain Dyname-S4 Lite Update
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL is the electrified version of the brand’s popular trail bike, the Instinct. As far as the naming scheme, the term “Powerplay” indicates the electrified side of Rocky’s Lineup.
“SL” typically stands for “Super Light,” telling of an e-bike’s lower weight when compared to its full-powered counterparts. SL also almost always tells us that the bike has a smaller drive unit and battery, which is true in Rocky Mountain’s case.
Rocky Mountain uses its smaller Dyname-S4 Lite drive unit on its SL offering, the Instinct Powerplay SL. A firmware update to this motor is now available, adding 27% more power over the current Dyname-S4 Lite.
That said, the previous Dyname-S4 Lite was no slouch. The 2.26kg (~5lbs) motor delivered 65Nm of torque and 550W of peak power. Paired with a 480Wh battery, the Instinct Powerplay was able to go impressive distances and push up steep climbs.
Moving forward, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL will push up hills even faster. The firmware update will increase the power output to 700W of peak power and 75Nm of torque. This power upgrade easily places the Instinct Powerplay SL very close to the full-power category but within the SL weight margins.
How to Update?
The Dyname-S4 Lite drive unit update is available exclusively at authorized Rocky Mountain dealers starting on September 12. While power and torque are updated, battery size is not, meaning that the Instint Powerplay SL’s range will be affected.
Those who want to fine-tune the power of their Instinct Powerplay SL, or other Rocky e-bike, can do so on the Jumbotron display screen located in the top tube. Or, if you want to keep it pinned, full-power, full-torque, you might reach for the Overtimepack 2.0 range extender. That will add another 314Wh.
Dyname-S4 Lite Details
- 700W power (updated)
- 75Nm of torque (updated)
- 480Wh battery
- 2.26kg
