Yamaha isn ’ t just working bizarre left field projects at the moment , with the firm confirming it has developed a new version of the TY-E electric trials bike prototype as well . The TY-E 2.0 ( as Yamaha has creatively dubbed the bike ) features a newly designed monocoque frame made of composite laminates and an electric power unit with improved performance over its predecessor . The bike also features a newly developed lightweight battery with approximately 2.5 times the capacity of the previous TY-E . The new prototype is the next step on from the original TY-E from 2018 which competed in the FIM World Trials Championships . Its development is in line with Yamaha ’ s goal of approaching carbon neutrality by 2050 while maintaining motorcycling fun .

The new TY-E is scheduled to participate in the FIM Trial World Championship from June this year with Kenichi Kuroyama on the Yamaha Factory Racing Team . Kuroyama-san also serves as a development rider . The TY-E 2.0 was exhibited at the Yamaha Motor booth at the 49th Tokyo Motorcycle Show in March . The layout of the power unit and battery is revised to achieve a

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Kiwi Rider April 2022 Vol.2 | Page 19

ELECTRIC TRIALS - TAKE 2 !