– Yamaha files patent for a motocross bike drive system
– Looks different from the brand’s existing TY-E trials bike
– Definite unveiling timeline not known as of now
Yamaha has filed a new patent for an electric motocross bike that might be seen in competitions sooner or later. The company has already created and put its TY-E trials electric bike into competitions and the learnings from that project are clearly being utilised for the upcoming motocross machine as well.
While the biggest benefit offered by electric motors is instant torque delivery, the company realised, during the TY-E testing, that the direct connection between the motor and the rear wheel didn’t return as much drive as needed. Hence, Yamaha included a flywheel and a conventional clutch in the system which helped in giving the rider better low-speed balance and instant propulsion on dumping the clutch.
However, the aforementioned mechanism may not have worked for a motocross bike since the overall package boasts a larger size and heavier weight. In this case, there’s a need for instant torque as well as a better throttle feel than a trials bike. The solution Yamaha seems to have come up with is adding a torsion damper into the transmission system.
This damper is made up of two spring-connected rotors mounted coaxially between the electric motor and the transmission. These rotors act as insulation between changes in the speed of the motor and rear wheel while the springs also store energy. Without going too much into the technical details, the end result, besides immediate punch, is a smooth variation in acceleration even when the rider is being aggressive with their throttle inputs.
While the patent design doesn’t give away anything besides the propulsion system, Yamaha electric motocross bike is expected to be based on the same carbon fiber monocoque chassis as the trials bike to house the battery. Although it’s difficult to predict an unveiling timeline for this motorcycle, Yamaha might showcase an electric motocross prototype project within a few months.
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