Yamaha has started taking orders from outside companies for a 200 kw high-density electric motor suitable for use in cars and, as the company states, other types of vehicles. That may of course include motorcycles.
If you prefer to have your horsepower figures translated to imperial measurement, a 200 kw engine is worth a touch more than 268hp horsepower in old school terms. Yamaha states that they will tailor the engine to specific customer needs but considering the electrons required to sustain a 268 horsepower effort, we will have to wait until the likes of solid state lithium ion batteries and other new battery technology comes online before the motor would have a meaningful impact on the motorcycle world.
However if your only goal or expected range is a quarter mile with your throttle hand connect to instant maximum – and very abundant – torque, this little electric jewel might be an option. Yamaha is also developing a 35 kw electric engine that will also be made available to third party builders. With the huge upswing in electric motorcycle startups, the option of buying a proven, high techYamaha motor will be a plus for many and will likely lead even more start-ups into the market.