Background: The Emotional Riding Experience of Combustion Engines
The patent highlights that traditional motorcycles with combustion engines hold a special appeal for many riders. The typical sound and vibrations generated during acceleration create an emotional riding experience that, according to Yamaha, has not yet been matched by electric drivetrains.
The Patented Solution: A “Fake Engine” for Electric Motorcycles
In the patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization under reference number WO/2025/191637, Yamaha describes a unique construction. According to the filing, the electric motorcycle features a unit in addition to the electric motor that mimics the functions of a combustion engine. This engine replica does not run on fossil fuels and serves no propulsive purpose – its sole function is to generate noise and vibrations.
Specifically, the electric motor is used to drive a crankshaft, which in turn powers a replicated four-stroke engine. Pistons and other components are moved realistically, air is drawn in and expelled, creating characteristic noise and vibration patterns. The compression and decompression of air in the intake and exhaust tracts produces sound waves that are amplified by a resonator. This is intended to create typical intake and exhaust sounds of a combustion engine.
Sound and Vibration Dependent on Riding Behavior
The generated sounds and vibrations are designed to change depending on riding style, thus approximating the familiar experience of combustion engines. Visually, the unit is designed to resemble a classic motorcycle engine. Yamaha aims to make electric motorcycles come as close as possible to the classic combustion engine in terms of appearance, sound, and feel – without actually incorporating one.
Assessment and Outlook
Whether this concept will succeed in the market remains to be seen. The system is intended to replicate the authentic riding experience of a classic motorcycle and thereby increase acceptance of electric motorcycles. However, the decisive factor could be whether the riding feel is convincing under real-world conditions and whether aspects such as range and charging times are also improved.
→ This article is part of our comprehensive overview of patents and future technologies – find all developments in our Patents and Future Motorcycle Technology overview.
