Yamaha TY-E 2.0 Electric Trials Bike Preview

Having debuted at the 49th Tokyo Motorcycle Show, the TY-E 2.0 builds on Yamaha’s 2018 TY-E. As the name suggests, the Yamaha TY-E 2.0 trials off-road bike is the second (and newest) iteration of Yamaha’s electric trials bike. Presenting a unique challenge in terms of weight distribution and throttle response, it’s a fantastic crucible for electric motorcycle design.

After translating official Yamaha PR communications, we can safely report the TY-E 2.0 increases the battery weight by 20 percent while increasing the life and output by 2.5 times. Related, the battery is now mounted lower in the fancy composite laminate monocoque frame, for a significantly lower center of gravity compared to the previous model. Weight has probably gone up, since official materials will only say that it weighs in at more than 154 pounds—the FIM minimum for world trial competition. Just guessing.

As with all things trials bike, control and torque trump horsepower. Like the original TY-E, the TY-E 2.0 mates the electric mill to a traditional hydraulically actuated, wet, multiplate clutch. The official press release states, “traction has been improved by pairing mechanical parts such as the clutch and flywheel with carefully tuned electronic control.” So it’s unclear what, if anything, was actually improved. But make no mistake, it’s improved.

As with its predecessor, the TY-E 2.0 electric motorcycle will serve in the FIM Trial World Championship. Starting in June veteran rider Kenichi Kuroyama will serve as the Yamaha Factory Racing Team development rider. Will the bike be available for sale soon? Good question. A cursory look around the interwebs shows strong interest, judging by comment sections. Stay tuned, trials bike fans.