Yamaha reveals TY-E 2.0 electric trials bike
Yamaha have unveiled a new version of their electric trials bike concept – the TY-E 2.0.
Unlike the original TY-E electric trials bike from 2018, which was a concept, the 2.0 upgrade is a prototype and Yamaha plan to enter it in selected rounds of the 2022 FIM Trial World Championship (TWC). This year, rather than competing in the separate TrialE Cup, electric trials bikes like this one will go head-to-head against conventional two- and four-stroke machines in the TWC for the first time.
Kenichi Kuroyama, who has been the TY-E 2.0’s development rider, will debut the new bike for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team at a yet-to-be-determined event on this year’s six-round TWC calendar – possibly the Spanish or Andorran rounds in June.
As part of Yamaha’s ‘FUN x EV’ development concept, the TY-E 2.0 aims to provide more fun than internal combustion engines by taking advantage of traits unique to electric vehicles, such as powerful low-down torque and strong acceleration.
Compared to the TY-E that was presented in 2018, the TY-E 2.0 features a newly designed monocoque frame made of composite carbon fibre laminates. Incorporated into this is an AC synchronous electric motor of undisclosed capacity, but Yamaha says it offers improved performance over the unit in the TY-E. Traction is said to be improved, too, thanks to combining mechanical parts, like the clutch and flywheel, with improved electronic control that can read subtle changes in grip.
A newly developed lithium-ion battery is around 20 per cent heavier than the TY-E battery, but has approximately 2.5 times the capacity, while revised packaging of the motor and battery unit in the new frame has achieved what Yamaha says is a significantly lower centre of gravity.
With LxWxH dimensions of 2,003mm x 830mm x 1,130mm and a listed weight of “over 70kg”, the TY-E is a demonstration of Yamaha’s aim of achieving carbon neutrality through all of its business activities – including the life-cycle of its products – by 2050.