Yamaha releases electric TY-E concept bike
Yamaha Motor Co. announced that it has developed the TY-E electric trial bike as a concept model. Designed to optimize the unique advantages associated with electrical power, the new TY-E will compete for the first time in the 2018 FIM Trial-E Cup, with scheduled appearances at Auron in France on July 14-15, and at Comblain au Pont in Belgium on July 21-22.
Kenichi Kuroyama — who is currently competing in the IA Super class of the All Japan Trial Championship — will represent the Yamaha Factory Racing Team during 2018. The TY-E will also be on display at the Yamaha Motor booth at this year’s Tokyo Motorcycle Show.
Featuring advanced new technology, the TY-E has come straight from the company’s “Evolving R&D” program, in which Yamaha R&D employees are given the opportunity to work outside conventional frameworks and devote up to 5 percent of their working hours towards developing innovative new concepts.
It is here that Yamaha focused on a model for trials competition, and worked on its development to help overcome typical EV development issues. R&D employees worked to address challenges such as the high output from small-sized and lightweight components, and harnessing high torque output in order to create an easy, responsive and controllable riding character.
Yamaha TY-E Key Features
- A high rotation-type compact high-power electric motor that achieves high off-road performance with both powerful low-speed torque and extended acceleration
- Sophisticated motor control technology that achieves an excellent response and a power feeling from extremely low to high-speed ranges
- A mechanical clutch that ensures instantaneous power and control, and an electric motor and optimized flywheel that realizes excellent traction performance
- A newly designed compact high-output battery pack with compact and lightweight components
- Advanced CFRP monocoque frame that is at the lightest possible weight, while delivering optimal rigidity and battery storage space
- Extremely slim bodywork that does not interfere with dynamic rider action
FIM Trial-E Cup
This is the only FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme)-sanctioned event where electric trial machines alone can compete. This event was held for the first-time last year on June 24-25 at Lourdes in France, where 11 riders entered – with Spain’s Marc Colomer claiming victory. For 2018 the FIM Trial-E Cup consists of two events – Auron in France on July 14-15, and Comblain au Pont in Belgium on July 20-21.
