Yamaha steps into E-bike market

Yamaha has developed its first competition off-road motorcycle, the TY-E trials bike to enter the 2018 FIM Trial-E Cup.

Yamaha Motor Co. has announced the development of the TY-E electric trials bike to compete in the 2018 Trial-E Cup. It’s not enduro, of course, but it is interesting to see and it is hard not to find it a significant step for Yamaha.

Focusing on a trial model for competition means e-bike development within Yamaha has started and will evolve – it is shorter step from trials to enduro than it is for the many millions invested by, for example, by Honda and Mugen in electric street race bikes.

 

 

Building an electric trials bike poses “development issues”, Yamaha says, such as creating high output of power from a small and lightweight motor. Harnessing the character of the power is a challenge they say. Particularly taking the high torque output and turning it into an easy, responsive and controllable character.

Again, it is hard not to see that kind of talk as a developmental necessity if you were to produce an enduro model in the future.

 

 

The TY-E comes straight from the company's "Evolving R&D" programme, in which Yamaha R&D employees are given the opportunity to work outside conventional frameworks and devote up to 5% of their working hours towards developing innovative new concepts.

Yamaha TY-E Key Features:

A high rotation type compact high-power electric motor

High off-road performance with both powerful low speed torque and extended acceleration

Sophisticated motor control technology which is responsive and produces a strong feeling of power from extremely low to high-speed ranges

A mechanical clutch that ensures instantaneous power and control

Optimised flywheel that combines with clutch to deliver 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

Slim bodywork that does not interfere with dynamic rider movement

 

The TY-E will compete 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 – something of a legend in the sport who is currently competing in the All Japan Trial Championship – will represent the Yamaha Factory Racing Team during 2018.

 

 

At some point Yamaha had to produce an electric bike and this is the first step. Trials as a sport is pushing forward with electric bikes. Several manufacturers already make e-trials bikes, most notably Gas Gas who last year won the E-Cup with Marc Colomer.

Perhaps because trials can, because the nature of the sport lends itself to the performance levels of e-bikes as they currently exist, is why we're seeing the electric revolution grow here first.

That’s not to gloss over the Alta bikes which, we hear, might form an entry to Erzberg in 2018. Watch this space.