Yamaha files patents for turbodiesel motorcycle
While a few small boutique motorcycle manufacturers have dipped a toe or two into diesel engines for motorcycles, the established brands have barely ever offered even a hint of interest in oil-burners. At least, not until now. Yamaha has apparently filed patents for a new series of motorcycle-size turbodiesel engines in both inline-four and twin-cylinder configurations.
Naturally, there are packaging issues to consider when placing a diesel engine in a motorcycle chassis, not the least of which is the physical size of an engine that's designed to withstand the high pressures and torque inherent in a compression ignition engine. Yamaha's patents seek to establish an acceptable arrangement of components – particularly the intercooler, which is placed atop the engine under a "dummy tank" with the actual fuel tank moved below the bike's saddle. Click past the break to see the actual patent application.
[Source: Hell For Leather]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3PeaceSweet 5:52PM (7/13/2009)
Stick a hub motor on the front wheel for regen braking, acceleration and 2 wheel drive.
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bruce 6:08PM (7/13/2009)
That's not a half bad idea...
I have heard about a few attempts to do diesel bikes before, but mostly with military applications in mind - they're an obvious customer, since they would like to avoid carrying around multiple types of fuel, and run everything on JP4 or equivalent if possible.
PowerCell 6:37PM (7/13/2009)
Because there's nothing like have a big, heavy flywheel inside your front wheel to keep things "interesting" when you ride... sheeesh...
Jase 10:01PM (7/13/2009)
Cool, more tourque.
I'm buying shares in Bridgestone :-)
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VW JUNKY 8:53AM (7/14/2009)
Now if Yamaha can make it work on a outboard motor I would be in love!
DasBoese 5:00PM (7/14/2009)
All the diesel bikes so far have been rather unsatisfying due to a lack of suitable engines. The smart motors are just too large and heavy, the small ones from portable generators and such are underpowered and inefficient. They're alright for cruiser- or touring-style hobby conversions, not for a mass-market product.
A bike with a diesel developed specifically for motorcycles would definitely rock.
If it's well-designed you probably wouldn't end up much heavier than a gasoline one. Most modern motorcycles use the engine as a stressed member of the frame, the beefier block of a diesel would allow the rest of the frame to be lighter. Emission control could be a problem.
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Lad 6:56PM (7/14/2009)
I don't see the need unless it's to gen up a lot of noise and blow smoke into the air; you can do that with gasoline and still make good mileage. Want to do something with a cycle, build one that runs on a battery with a larger battery pull trailer for long distance running. You can run quietly when you want and play recordings of moto noise when you want to remember the good old days when you use to annoy other people with the noise and pollution.
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Bigohmen 3:27PM (8/04/2009)
Now you got my attention I have been watching a Company out in Hesperia,CA. That produces an off road Diesel motorcycle basically a KLR650 but in diesel form but only produces them for the Military I dont know if that is the case or Ca. Emissions issues as well but if Yamaha can make this happen I believe it would be a gold mine for them and make alot of Yamaha lovers like myself very happy can you imagine 100mpg and 4-6 gallon tank wow. cant wait too see that on Sport Rider or Motorcyclist mags .
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