Yamaha MT-Turbo Prototype
We know Yamaha’s R&D has been working on turbocharged motorcycle engines for some time now. In fact, we reported on a few rumours earlier this year. Well, the company has now filed a patent showing the details of the project alongside a photograph of the actual prototype.
The latest patent showcases the earlier rumours 847cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine in much more detail. The capacity and layout are very similar to the MT-09’s engine; however, the new engine isn’t simply an upgraded MT-09 engine. Comparing it with the previous-gen (2020) MT-09’s 847cc engine, the stroke and bore are entirely different. The turbo engine has a smaller bore size (73mm) and longer stroke (67.5mm). According to reports, Yamaha altered the dimensions of the engine to push more torque at the lower rev range together with the new turbocharging mechanism.
Aside from the turbocharger, the new engine also features variable valve timing and direct fuel injection as a way to further boost engine output and keep emissions under check.
The new turbocharged inline-3 powerplant pushes 180ps @ 8,500 rpm and 176.17 Nm of peak torque where 90% of the torque is already available at 3,000 rpm.
According to sources, the new turbocharged engine achieves 30% lower CO2 emissions and a vast reduction in carbon monoxide, NOx and hydrocarbon emissions. To put this into perspective, these results are well under half the levels of the latest Euro 5 emission standard!
Other than the engine, the prototype appears to share the same frame, suspension and braking components as the MT-10. With over 60% increase in torque and a 12.5% increase in peak power; the prototype promises to deliver more performance than the naturally aspirated 998cc, inline-4 engine on the Yamaha MT-10.
So the question is, how long would it take for Yamaha to utilise this technology in their production bikes? Well, it took Kawasaki around 4-5 years to bring the supercharged H2 to life after the first prototype was developed. So, as Yamaha is already busy fiddling around with prototype and testing it, we think it would take another 3-4 years for the first modern turbocharged Yamaha motorcycle to roll off the production line. And, will it be similar to the prototype? yes, more likely!