AutoYamaha’s off-road eBike has twin motors for all-wheel-drive adventuresThe wild Y-01W concept might look bizarre, but it will take you placesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoYamaha’s off-road eBike has twin motors for all-wheel-drive adventuresThe wild Y-01W concept might look bizarre, but it will take you placesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The wild Y-01W concept might look bizarre, but it will take you places
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Yamaha)
(Image credit: Yamaha)
Tesla does it. BMW does it. Heck, even Kia does it. Basically, strapping dual electric motors to anEVmakes it immediately better in every respect, so why not apply the same thinking to the eBikes?
That’s exactly where Yamaha’s collective brain is heading with the Y-01W concept.
it’s a tough and trail-ready electric bicycle that aims to blow the competition out of the water. It uses a centre-mounted eMotor and an additional hub motor in the front wheel for all-wheel-drive… on a bike.
According to its maker, there is “coordinated control” of the two motors – which is probably a good thing given the front and real wheels have the potential to be spinning at different rates and causing all sorts of slippery mayhem.
Naturally, Yamaha has kept all of the detailed technical specs under wraps for now, promising to unveil more at the mobility show later this month. But, we do know it looks set to pack at least one 500Wh battery pack of Yamaha’s own design. This is neatly integrated in the downtube and looks to be removable for charging or quick battery swaps on the fly.
(Image credit: Yamaha)
(Image credit: Yamaha)
That sort of battery output would suggest a motor of at least 700W, which should be good enough for tackling some seriously tough terrain… and that’s before you factor in the inclusion of a further hub motor in the front wheel.
Design-wise, it’s an absolute menagerie of carbon fibre tubes that seem to go in every direction. Boasting quasi-gravel bike proportions, the crossbar slopes rapidly, possibly to make it easier for different sized riders to throw a leg over. There are also additional tubes that sprout from the rear triangle and look perfectly-shaped to house panniers and other luggage solutions.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
There’s a smaller triangle mounting point placed at the front, while beefy upside-down forks take care of suspension duties. The cockpit is a neatly integrated affair, similar to that seen on some of Canyon’s gravel machines, but packs built-in out-front aero bars. That way, riders can comfortably mix up their body position during longer journeys.
(Image credit: Yamaha)
(Image credit: Yamaha)
Finally, Yamaha has thrown on some chunky off-road lights of its own design, which are stacked like a set of Hella lamps on a classic Group-B rally car and feature both yellow and brilliant white lenses.
It looks like an absolute monster and we can’t wait to see the final spec sheet when it’s fully unveiled.
Hoka Bondi 9 review: Ultimate comfort meets everyday stabilityThe latest Bondi iteration elevates max-cushioned comfort with a softer ride, improved support, and durable design
The latest Bondi iteration elevates max-cushioned comfort with a softer ride, improved support, and durable design
My most anticipated Apple TV+ show gets another tantalising teaserThe Studio gets a minute tease
The Studio gets a minute tease
Christmas car gifts for auto addictsFind the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
Find the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
Mercedes’ new all-electric CLA coupe is mountains ahead of the competitionThe upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
The upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
This is my favourite classic car EV conversion yetMazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
Mazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EVThe Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landedThe Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
Here’s your best look yet at the first-ever electric Range RoverThe new Range Rover EV creates a tricky game of spot-the-difference
The new Range Rover EV creates a tricky game of spot-the-difference
When it comes to EVs, buttons are better than touchscreens – and this car proves itLiving with a Genesis GV60 proves how buttons are best
Living with a Genesis GV60 proves how buttons are best
This even sportier Taycan GTS is the Porsche EV we want most of allSportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
Sportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
