Electric motocross bikes, like the Stark Varg, are proving to be formidable machines even against the most modern 450s. So much so that the FIM has banned them from competing in the same class. No manufacturer could compete with the 80 horsepower that are instantly activated during the holeshot.
But there is one area where the Stark Varg cannot compete with a conventional motocross bike: the clutch, or rather, the lack of one. To get out of supercross obstacles or to keep the front wheel pointed to the sky on rough terrain or in a set of whoops, riders have to either let off or use the clutch to keep the bike moving.
The clutchless operation of the Stark is one of the few things riders say prevents them from doing everything they normally could. Well, when Yamaha releases its first electric motocross bike, it looks like it will have something resembling a clutch.
Last month, we learned that Yamaha has a new patent application, related to a motocross bike, specifically related to designing a transmission to improve traction.
But more recently, Cycle World reported that Yamaha has filed a new patent related to how the bike’s transmission would work without a conventional clutch, but with something that performs the same function.
The patent shows the transmission of Yamaha’s electric trial bike, the TY-E, with the clutch and flywheel eliminated and replaced by a set of springs between the motor and transmission. The purpose of these springs is twofold. Firstly, the suspensions should help smooth out the quick response of an electric motor and secondly, they can be used to temporarily store energy.
According to Cycle World, when the rider presses the accelerator, the springs compress and store energy. Then, they extend again to release the energy, which is combined with the motor’s maximum power to provide a small boost of power. Therefore, if you need to lift the front, as you would normally do when accelerating with a clutch, this should produce the same result.
