New Yamaha Electric Motorcycle Shown in Patents

A patent filing from Yamaha suggests the development of a new battery-powered high-performance sportbike, with a focus on maximising space for batteries and minimising weight. The Japanese company is yet to venture into the electric sportbike world despite previous intentions to do so, but the patents, as uncovered by Cycle World, suggests that’s about to change.

Various electric motorcycle concepts emerged starting more than a decade ago, including Yamaha after it released versions of the PES1 and PES2 between 2013 and 2015. However, neither of these bikes made their way into showrooms. The idea of building electric motorcycles clearly hasn’t been forgotten by the brand, with Yamaha’s patent design clearly demonstrating the will to deliver a high-performance bike.

While the intention from Yamaha is to build a bike filled with performance, the patent shows a clear ambition to build something that is reliable in terms of battery output. Enticed by the idea yet or do you need more convincing? Well, Yamaha’s concept shows a conventional chassis that could strike gold with hardcore Yamaha fans, utilising a trellis-style frame. The swingarm pivot appears to be aluminium in the design which is built around the battery and electronics, as opposed to a combustion engine.

On the face of it, the patent depicts something aesthetically similar to that of Yamaha’s petrol-powered road bikes, creating a sporty and dynamic look. But the focus remains the battery. Some electric motorcycles are known for using liquid-cooled batteries, but Yamaha has opted for air-cooling in a bid to add simplicity and reduce the motorcycle’s overall weight. 

One of their main rivals when it comes to racing and production bikes, Ducati, is currently spearheading the electric racing scene as the sole provider for all teams in MotoE, but with Yamaha teasing its first-ever electric sportbike, it’s not out of the question that the company could become challengers in the future.

You’re probably all wondering how powerful this thing might be. That's unknown at this stage, but Yamaha has its own EV powertrain business and as a result supplies motors from a modest 47bhp to a whopping 450bhp. With a decade of unseen development, Yamaha could be a serious contender when it arrives on the scene.