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View Full Version : Yamaha set to launch hybrid production motorcycle for 2010


Right Lane Cruiser
06-22-2009, 08:44 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg The possibilities offered by giving the computer more control over the eventual torque and power reaching the rear wheel are virtually endless (http://www.gizmag.com/yamaha-set-to-launch-hybrid-production-motorcycle-for-2010/12033/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Gen-Ryu_2005_Concept.jpgBen Purvis - GIZMAG (http://www.gizmag.com) - June 22, 2009

This tech is showing up everywhere. How will Honda's response stack up? --Ed.

Back in 2005, Yamaha showed the wacky 2005 Gen-Ryu hybrid concept bike at the Tokyo Motor Show amidst a raft of other very non-conventional two wheelers such as the aptly named FC-Me fuel cell bike, the ingenious Deinonychus electric reconfigurable motorcycle, the Chivicker, Passol and the Maxam two-wheeled limousine. Now it appears certain the bike will become a showroom model in 2010. A series of patent applications detail the new motorcycle which uses the YZF-R6 600cc engine to turn a generator which in turn powers the rear wheel. History shows that every Yamaha styling patent published over the last 20 years has resulted in a full production machine, so there's little doubt this one is also heading for a showroom near you in the very near future. You can expect to see it in the flesh for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.

Proving that the idea of hybrids – machines that combine both petrol engines and electric motors – are soon to become a widespread idea, Yamaha's 2010 machine looks set to steal the thunder from rivals at Honda, which has also announced it will be offering a production hybrid next year.

While rumours and earlier prototypes all suggest that the Honda machine will be a resolutely practical scooter, hiding its glamorous technology under a conventional-looking skin, the new Yamaha takes its inspiration from the firm's show-stopping 2005 Gen-Ryu concept bike.

That bike, revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show four years ago, combined the inline four-cylinder engine from the firm's YZF-R6 with a massive generator and electric motor. Instead of using the engine to directly drive the rear wheel, its main use was to turn the generator, which in turn provided all the power the electric motor could need to give sportsbike-style performance using a direct drive to the rear wheel. Using electric power, there's no need for a clutch or gearbox, and their... http://www.gizmag.com/yamaha-set-to-launch-hybrid-production-motorcycle-for-2010/12033/

Indigo
06-22-2009, 11:01 AM
I think a hybris motorcycle would be pretty cool. I've looked online for electric scooters and some of them have a 50 MPH speed and 50 mile range. A small 150 cc engine would round out such a vehicle nicely.

Of course, that's not the kind of thing that Yamahah is designing.

Earthling
06-22-2009, 11:38 AM
A hybrid motorcycle might require less maintenance. No chains or sprockets to wear out, clutches that wear out or fail, or splines that fail or need to be lubed. This sounds interesting.

Harry

KrazyDawg
06-22-2009, 01:45 PM
The MPG should be even higher since they can't add in "safety features" to lower the MPG.

xcel
06-22-2009, 02:19 PM
Hi Sean:

___I am simply hoping they both include FCD's and that both Yamaha and Honda invite us to their Hybrid bike press launches next year :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne



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