New Yamaha electric bike to enter FIM Trial-E Cup

Called the TY-E, the off-road motorcycle features a sophisticated electric motor that can deliver low-down torque as well as sustained acceleration. However, its powerful lithium-ion battery has been made with lightweight components to help keep the bike’s overall weight down.

It features a mechanical clutch to help deliver the instant torque generated by the battery pack and electric motor, and features 350 mm of ground clearance.

Kenichi Kuroyama, who is currently competing in the All Japan Trial Championship, is due to ride the TY-E in the upcoming season, representing the Yamaha Factory Racing Team.

The TY-E is a result of Yamaha’s ‘Evolving R&D’ system, which sees its R&D employees given the opportunity to work outside their usual routines and devote five per cent of their working hours towards the development of specialist concepts.

It’s during this development that Yamaha managed to overcome restraints associated with electric motorcycles – such as greater weight because of the batteries – and created a machine that would be ready to compete against other similar vehicles.

Only all-electric machines can take part in the FIM, whose founding event was held last June in France. This year’s season consists of two separate dates – with races taking place in Auron, France, on 14 and 15 July and then at Comblain-au-Pont in Belgium on 20 and 21 July.