Switching to a cross-plane crankshaft, the Yamaha YZF-R1 was one of the first liter-class superbikes to draw inspiration from MotoGP. . Since then, the competition has done the same and has zoomed past the R1 in terms of tech.
In order to counter this, Yamaha has now filed patents for a seamless gearbox with the leaked patent images pointing toward its use on the next-gen Yamaha YZF-R1.
Yamaha Files Patent For Seamless Gearbox
A seamless gearbox, once considered a luxury, is now common in MotoGP bikes. This type of gearbox allows rapid up-down gearshifts without any jerk, that not only makes going through the cogs faster but also makes it a lot smoother as well. Consequently, it results in marginally faster acceleration times and an overall easier riding experience, especially on the racetrack.
Even though seamless gearboxes are common in MotoGP, no mass-market sportbike features it yet, and this is exactly what Yamaha wants to exploit. The patent filing shows a special engagement mechanism on each gear which, via a split shaft, should be able to engage the next gear beforehand, thus ensuring timeless as well as smooth gearshifts.
The question, however, remains - what material Yamaha will use for this gearbox? This is because the gearbox of a MotoGP bike comprises of some pretty high-quality material, with barely any budget constraints, unlike for mass-market bikes. Additionally, there’s also the question of long-term reliability.
Nevertheless, we’re sure the Japanese giant will iron out details before introducing the product. Whenever it comes out, this addition should give the YZF-R1 a much-needed edge over its rivals such as Ducati's MotoGP-derived sportbike, the Panigale V4.
Interestingly, however, Ducati had also patented a seamless gearbox back in 2020, but it hasn’t made its way to any motorcycle yet. So if Yamaha speeds things up, it could very well be the first to do so, setting a new benchmark.
What Is The Advantage Of A Seamless Gearbox?
Patent Images: Moto.it
FAQ
Q: What Is A Seamless Gearbox?
A seamless gearbox is a special kind of gearbox that has a special mechanism to select two gears at once, allowing for smoother and faster gearshifts than conventional gearboxes. Even with two gears selected, only one gear transfers power to the rear wheel.
Q: What Is The Advantage Of A Seamless Gearbox?
Thanks to the smoother operation, by minimizing the jerk caused by a gearshift, seamless gearboxes offer a lot of stability while gearshifting in all kinds of conditions.