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Yamaha testing power steering for motorcycles

[All images courtesy Yamaha]

 

 

Yamaha Motor Co. is testing out a unique new steering support system on MX race bikes.

The prototype steering support system uses a torque sensor, magnet technology, and an actuator to provide steering damper benefits at high speed and steering assist input at low speed. Benefits for riders should include improved stability with reduced fatigue at high speed and in rough conditions, while assisted steering should contribute to a feeling of lightness and agility at low speed.

Yamaha says the "assistive intervention" electroinc power steering (EPS) system has the added advantage of feeling completely natural. The base magnetostrictive system in development already has a proven track record in detecting torque with Yamaha's electrically power-assisted bicycles.

The lightweight system has been tested by Australian racer Jay Wilson, who is currently working for the factory and competing with the All Japan Yamaha Factory Race Team. The team will compete in this year's All Japan Motocross Championship with YZ450FM and YZ250F motocross racers fitted with the unique new system.

Yamaha says its decision to use race conditions to develop electronic power steering for Yamaha motorcycles "will deliver real-world R&D feedback." The company plans to use the wealth of data it acquires in the harsh environment of top-level motocross competition to accelerate the system's refinement -- and maybe, ultimately, for street bike incorporation.

Yamaha sees the EPS system development as a "first step" into a new era of electronic assistance designed to improve motorcycle stability and agility. The system has been developed under the Transforming Mobility focus area of the company's long-term vision of "ART for Human Possibilities." This vision sets three areas of focus using robotics (Advanced Robotics) to address social issues in uniquely Yamaha ways (Rethinking Solution) and transform mobility (Transforming Mobility) -- themes for growth in existing businesses and the development of new businesses.

Unfortunately, we do not have any additional specs for the EPS system to provide at this time. Yamaha said it will release more in-depth details about the steering support system after its real-world trials take place.

Source: Yamaha Motor Co.

Published April 2022

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