Yam’s electric shock
By Team TMX on 29th Mar 18
Yamaha has made a shock (pun intended!) entry into the electric trials bike world with the announcement of a development trials bike, designated TY-E which will make its International competition debut in 2018 FIM Trial-E Cup.
The TY-E, which has been shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, will be ridden by long-time factory pilot Kenichi Kuroyama when it takes place over two Trial World Championship events at Auron in France on July 14-15, and Comblain au Pont in Belgium on July 20-21.
Kenichi, who will turn 40 this year, is a vastly experienced rider at top level having competed in TrialGP from 1995 to 2005 winning four GPs, taken 25 podiums and twice finishing runner-up in the World Championship.
He is also an 11 time Japanese Trials Champ and finished runner-up in 2017 so is still on top of his game. The FIM Trial-E Cup made was introduced last year with a single event in France when it was won by former World Trials Champ Marc Colomer riding a prototype water-cooled Gas Gas machine that has since been launched as a limited edition production bike with delivery promised for later this year.
The Gas Gas featured a six-speed gearbox as well as a conventional clutch. The Yamaha also features a clutch for maximum control but there is no mention of a gearbox in the specs.
This is Yamahas first major trials announcement since production of the water-cooled TYZ model ended in 1996, the Japanese giant having previously dominated the trials sales market for almost 10 years with their ground-breaking TY air-cooled monoshock model.
The air-cooled electric motor of the TY-E is mounted in a carbon fibre chassis that looks like it could change the face of trials in a similar way to it did back in 1984 when the TY made its debut. The following is taken from Yamahas official press release: Yamaha Motor Co Ltd has announced that it has developed the TY-E electric trial bike.
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.
Featuring advanced new technology, the TY-E has come straight from the companys 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.
It is here that Yamaha focused on a trial model for competition and worked on its development to help overcome typical EV development issues, such as the high output from small-sized and lightweight components - and harnessing the 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
TY-E KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2,003mm x 830mm x 1,130mm
Wheelbase: 1,310mm
Ground Clearance: 350mm
Weight: Less than 70kg
Engine: AC synchronous electric motor
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Clutch: Hydraulic, Wet, Multi-plate
Frame: CFRP Monocoque
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