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TVS Motor Company and Petronas Lubricants International, leading Malaysian oil giant and the sponsor of Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team have announced a partnership to form the Petronas TVS Racing Team.
Yamaha announced recently that they have developed a prototype of an Electric Power Steering (EPS) support system for motorcycles as a rider-aid contributing to improved motorcycle stability and agility.
The newly developed EPS is a technology falling under the “Transforming Mobility” (transform mobility to expand human possibilities) focus area of the company’s long-term vision of art for human possibilities. Yamaha are carrying out development of the system seeing it as a technology not only for transforming mobility for greater fun, safety, and comfort but also as one connected to resolving societal issues in uniquely Yamaha ways.
The EPS support system employs sensor technologies that differ from those in power steering systems for automobiles and other four-wheeled vehicles. Utilizing a magnetostrictive torque sensor enables the system to function as a steering damper and provide assisted steering, thereby contributing to a motorcycle’s stability, improving agility, reducing rider fatigue, and more.
In order to further expedite their R&D in a real-world scenario, the Yamaha Factory Racing Team will contest the All Japan Motocross Championship with two YZ450FMs and a YZ250F equipped with EPS. The company plans to use the wealth of data acquired through use in the harsh environment provided by top-level motocross competition to accelerate the system’s development and refinement. Yamaha aim to equip EPS on various motorcycles in order to provide a wide range of riders with greater motorcycling fun, safety, and comfort.
However, the electronic steering damper technology being developed by Yamaha is not entirely new as Honda have been using it since 2004 on their high-end motorcycles, but its damping rates are variable and adjusted by the ECU. Yamaha have taken the concept further by adding an actuator to assist with any steering input applied to the handlebar.
Story: Alshin Thomas
Image source: Yamaha
Also Read: Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Launched in India
Rumour is that Honda are developing two scrambler motorcycles based on their Rebel cruiser siblings to rival offerings from Royal Enfield and Yezdi.
Ducati’s updated Panigale V4 S for 2022 brings with it new aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics. Have Ducati managed to improve the already excellent Panigale?
After a brief absence, KTM are bringing back the original Scalpel, the 790 Duke, back to their line-up and into the global market.
The Yamaha NEO’s is the Japanese manufacturer’s first new-generation “50-cc equivalent” electric scooter to be launched in the European market, and has been developed to satisfy the requirements of a wide range of customers.
Introducing Yamaha’s R7, based on the hugely popular MT-07 for those wanting their kicks on the road and track. Here is our first impression following a first ride.
Able on the Track, Happy on the Road
Heavily based on the 1200 RS, this is Triumph’s take on a modern café racer and they promise it to be ‘the most exhilarating Speed Triple ever’
[Read more…]The India Bike Week – a grand culmination of motorcyclists from the country took place at Aamby Valley in Lonavla this year. The even saw thousands coming from various parts of the country to celebrate motorcycles. Hero Motocorp – the country’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer had debuted at the India Bike Week this year.
Disregard the attractive price tag for a moment, because Suzuki have uprated the 150-hp naked bike for 2021. The engine is now Euro 5-compliant, revs an extra 1,000 rpm, and, although quoted peak torque is down, Suzuki assure us the torque curve is smoother and fatter than earlier. There are new electronics, a new dash, an up-and-down quick-shifter as standard, and conventional traction control (TC) with greater refinement. There is a bold new look as well
This is more of a tweak than a complete overhaul and, remember, the roots of this engine date back to the GSX-R1000 K5 from 2005. Capacity, bore and stroke, and compression are the same as before, with new camshafts, camchain, and valve springs, along with a new slipper clutch among the most significant changes. There is also a completely new exhaust (to meet Euro 5 norms) along with smaller and lighter electronically controlled throttle bodies. The 40-millimetre throttle bodies (down from 44 mm) have been designed to give a smoother feeling upon opening.
The end result is an increase from 150 hp at 10,000 rpm to 152 hp at 11,000 — not a huge step. However, the increase in rpm is interesting. Peak torque is down from 108 Nm at 9,500 rpm to 106 Nm at 9,250 rpm, but the all-important torque curve is now smoother, with a noticeable increase in the mid-to-high rpm range.
The Suzuki sounds a little old school and makes a charismatic induction noise much like an older GSX-R1000. I do not mean this to be derogatory, far from it. I have always liked the sound of the in-line four-cylinder; it sounds meaty.
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