Will the New Electric Power Steering Prototype Put Yamaha on Top?

At first, appearance, adding power steering to a dirt bike appears to be a complete gimmick. But, on second thinking, if it also functions as a steering stabiliser, it may be useful. Yamaha has just announced a new prototype system. A torque sensor, magnet technology, and an actuator are used in the prototype steering support system, which results in steering damper benefits at high speeds and steering aid input at low speeds.

This implies that at high speeds and in harsh circumstances, riders will benefit from increased stability and less strain, while at low speeds, assisted steering contributes to lightness and agility. The benefit of this supportive technique is that it seems perfectly natural. Yamaha’s electrically assisted bicycles have previously shown the magnetostrictive system’s ability to sense torque.

Jay Wilson, an Australian racer who works at the factory and competes with the All Japan Yamaha Factory Race Team, has put the lightweight technology to the test. With YZ450FM and YZ250F motocross racers equipped with the unique new technology, the squad will compete in this year’s All-Japan Motocross Championship.

The decision to develop electronic power steering for Yamaha motorbikes under race circumstances will provide real-world R&D input. Yamaha intends to speed the system’s refining by leveraging the quantity of data it collects in the rigorous environment of top-level motocross competition.

This is Yamaha’s first foray into a new realm of electrical assistance aimed at improving motorbike agility and stability. The technology was created as part of the company’s long-term goal of ART for Human Possibilities’ Transforming Mobility focal area.

Yamaha plans to install revolutionary EPS systems on a variety of its motorcycles to provide riders more pleasure, safety, and comfort. More technical specs and information about future production model fitting will be shared when they become available.