Yamaha has just been awarded a patent that carries an indigenous piece of technology which can possibly change the way we perceive the motorcycling experience. Giving twice the amount of traction than ever before, the new technology will take us places we couldn't until now.

The Japanese brand is developing an all-wheel-drive motorcycle where power is given to both the wheels of the motorcycle, and according to the spy grabs, Yamaha will use two different energy sources to power the motorcycle.

You will be forgiven if you think that this is the company’s first attempt at such a sorcery. Yamaha was once among the select group of companies to have built a 2WD production bike. It was called the WR450F 2-Trac. Made in tiny numbers, the two-wheel-drive Yamaha used a hydraulic Ohlins-developed system to power the front wheel.

As ever with two-wheel drive, riders who questioned about the system were full of praise for its performance and the extra security it offered, particularly in wet and slippery conditions, but apart from the WR-F, there were no production spin-offs. And we failed to figure out why it wasn't developed further.

Then in 2015, Yamaha showcased their PES2 and PED2 concept models that basically made use of an electric powertrain to power both the wheels. They were said to be “an operational feel that will seem natural, even to today’s motorcycle enthusiasts.” An electric motor drove the rear via chain/belt and an electric motor was built into the hub of the front wheel.

Apart from Yamaha, other brands like Suzuki, BMW, Ural and KTM too have had their shot at getting an AWD motorcycle, of which, Christini is the only one currently that can give you a 2WD experience on their rally/dirt motorcycle swaps. They use a second chain that drives a transfer box placed above the engine which powers the front wheel via a pair of telescopic shafts.

But unlike these models, Yamaha is taking a slightly straightforward approach now. According to the patent grabs, the motorcycle will make use of a conventional IC engine to power the rear wheel while an electric motor will power the front wheel just like their concepts.

Besides this and a power routing to the front wheel hub, there is not much information that can be fished out of it. Meanwhile, keep checking this space for more updates on this technology.