Rocky Mountain Releases the 2025 Instinct Powerplay SL e-MTB

The Instinct Powerplay SL packs a punch in a lightweight package. Powered by the all-new Dyname S4 Lite drive system, this bike rides like a trail bike with the power to explore further than ever before. With adjustable geometry, refined suspension kinematics, and MX compatibility, the Instinct Powerplay SL delivers unreal levels of playfulness and agility, lap after lap... after lap.

• Travel - 145mm front, 150mm rear
• Wheel Size - XS: 27.5” SM - XL: 29”
• Weight - 43 lbs (SL Carbon 90, Size L)

WHAT SETS THE INSTINCT POWERPLAY SL APART?

Packed with power

The Dyname S4 Lite powertrain is smooth, light and efficient, offering category leading Peak Power (550W) and Torque (65 Nm).

Room to roam

The Instinct Powerplay SL features a 480 Wh battery with range that rivals full-power e-MTBs.

Agility and prowess

The Instinct Powerplay SL is pounds lighter in weight than full-power e-MTBs. Paired with our mid-high pivot Smoothlink suspension design, riders can expect increased mid-stroke support and small bump compliance, resulting in a lively ride feel.

Reach adjust headset

Fine tune your ride with centered or +/- 5mm offset options.

RIDE-4 adjustment system

Allows riders to quickly fine-tune their geometry with a single Allen key.

MX (mullet) compatible

Primarily designed to cover ground on 29'' wheels, the Instinct Powerplay SL is also MX compatible with our dedicated link on sizes SM - XL.

No Corners Cut

The Instinct Powerplay SL delivers the perfect balance of smooth handling and real-world performance at a svelte 43lbs*. It's specced-right and setup exactly as we'd like it to ride at home on the North Shore, or anywhere in the world.

“The new Instinct Powerplay SL delivers a predictable and natural feel right out of the box. It proves to be incredibly capable yet playful while retaining those classic Rocky Mountain ride characteristics. With a surprising amount of power and range for an SL e-bike, this machine is a weapon on the trails! Huge fan!” - Alex Volokhov, Rocky Mountain athlete

FRAME DETAILS

OvertimePack 2.0 compatible

Get an additional 314 Wh of battery capacity that easily mounts to the downtube for extended range and good times.

UDH / Transmission ready

You asked, we listened. All models are compatible with UDH and SRAM Eagle Transmission.

No apps, no fuss

The Instinct Powerplay SL features our Jumbotron, an integrated display, for on-the-fly power adjustments. Fine tune settings with a tap, keep your focus on the trail, and let the bike handle the rest.

Fully enclosed internal routing

Allows for easy cable and hose installations, with thoughtful consideration for moto-style brake setups on both carbon and alloy models.

Battery

The Instinct Powerplay SL features a 480 Wh, two-bolt, removable battery. It’s sleek, rattle-free, and streamlined.

Proportional Rear Center

The 10 mm* difference in chainstay length between frame sizes makes the Instinct Powerplay SL’s handling characteristics feel balanced and stable.

* XS (27.5”): 430mm, SM - MD (29”): 440mm, LG - XL (29”): 450mm

TECHNOLOGIES

RIDE-4 ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

The RIDE-4 adjustment system allows riders to quickly fine-tune their geometry with a single Allen key. Four configurations are possible thanks to one rotating chip on each side.

DynameTM S4 Lite Drive System

The Dyname S4 Lite system offers class-leading torque and peak power in a lightweight package. Less heavy shouldn't mean less power or range, and that's exactly what the new Dyname S4 Lite system offers with it's drive and new 480 Wh removable integrated battery.

SMOOTHWALL Carbon Frame Material

SMOOTHWALL carbon uses one of the world’s most sophisticated carbon processes to deliver industry leading stiffness-to-weight, ride quality, and durability.

FORM Alloy Frame Material

FORM tubesets utilize premium materials to meet our strict requirements. Each FORM tube that we create is engineered for its specific purpose within the frame, ensuring optimized strength, weight, and ride quality.

Size Specific Tune

Size Specific Tune ensures that riders of all sizes get the right balance of small-bump compliance, mid-stroke support, and end-stroke progressiveness. Our design team does custom shock tunes based on real world field testing and adjusts each tune for specific frame sizes.

Smoothlink Suspension

Smoothlink suspension aim to provide maximum traction and comfort in all situations. It features a tuned blend of anti-squat and rate curve that is efficient yet supple. Each platform that uses our four-bar suspension design philosophy is centred on ride characteristics that balances kinematic variables to achieve the legendary Rocky Mountain ride feel.

Geometry

Models

Hit up bikes.com for more information on the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL.

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL in the Vital MTB Product Guide.