Yamaha motorcycle power steering system will be incorporated into motocross bikes
The motorcycle electric power steering system developed by Yamaha is intended for use on a variety of bicycles
Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha has developed an electric power steering system which it has installed on its racing machines and which it may soon equip in the same way on its road bikes.
The Iwata-based company says its prototype electric power steering assist system for motorcycles was developed as a new riding aid that will help improve stability and agility.
The power steering system of Yamaha motorcycles, which uses different sensor technologies than those used in cars, consists of 2 main components: a magnetostrictive torque sensor and an actuator.
The system’s torque sensor functions as a steering damper while providing steering assistance to the rider. The steering damper counteracts external forces and operates primarily at high speeds, while the steering assist complements handlebar inputs at low speeds.
The actuator, according to Yamaha, is compact and lightweight and the systems operate in a way that “always feels natural to the rider”. The Japanese brand is looking to equip the power steering system on a variety of motorcycles.
Yamaha is not all talk and no show. The company will enter race bikes – YZ450FM and YZ250F – equipped with the system in the All Japan Motocross Championship this season. The brand hopes this will speed up the development of the technology.
