We all know Yamaha likes cooking up some exciting motorcycle technology. Earlier, we came across a few cool patents that hinted at a brand-new turbocharged Yamaha motorcycle. Now, the Japanese motorcycle maker appears to be interested in active aerodynamic technology for its flagship R1 sports bike. However, unlike the “superficial” adaptive aero tech found on the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello,
Yamaha appears to be developing a more detailed system that tweaks the drag force, utilizing active flaps along the front and sides of the radiator. Apart from improving aerodynamics, this layout will also affect engine cooling and fuel efficiency. Let’s delve in for a detailed look at this.
Yamaha R1 With Movable Body Parts Has Been Patented
That Have Aerodynamic Benefits
To help you understand better how the aero-enhancing flaps of the proposed R1 sports bike work, let’s look at radiator shutters in cars. This feature has been in use for quite some time and works to enhance cooling, reduce aerodynamic drag, and improve fuel efficiency. When the fins are closed (primarily at high speeds), air drag is reduced, resulting in improved aerodynamic performance and even better fuel efficiency. When the flaps are open, the radiator receives more fresh air to pass through, resulting in better cooling for the engine.
This feature is offered in a variety of consumer cars, like the Dodge Dart sedan, the Ram 1500 pickup, the BMW X5 SUV, and even ultra-luxury offerings from Rolls-Royce. In fact, movable radiator shutters have been around since the early 1900s. However, it has not trickled down to two-wheelers. However, that could finally change if these patent images (unearthed by our friends at Cycle World) are approved and make it onto a production Yamaha R1 and beyond.
How Does The Yamaha R1’s Active Radiator Vents Work?
The patent images show a modified side bodywork on the YZF-R1 that seals off more of the exposed radiator area but doesn’t block the entire radiator fascia, as seen on cars. The patents show two iterations of the design. One with a single, large variable-van air outlet on each side of the fairing. The other is more interesting, featuring a pair of outlets on each side, each with integrated variable vanes. The latter should offer more cooling and control over the airflow.
The new bodywork also features variable outlet ducts on the side fairings, allowing hot air to escape once it has passed through the radiator. When the rear outlets are closed, the air inside will be stagnant. Moreover, the air that would normally gush through the radiator will now be pushed around the sides of the fairing. This means that the amount of cool air flowing through the radiator is reduced.
However, Yamaha has considered this and employs a straightforward intervention system to monitor the coolant temperature and regulate the opening and closing of the ducts. With an increase in speed or a reduction in air temperature, Yamaha will gradually close the ducts to improve aerodynamics. However, as soon as the coolant temperature rises, the vents open to let in fresh cool air.
This might sound complex, but the entire system is fairly straightforward and doesn’t add significant weight to the overall motorcycle. Talking of the second design, the movable vents each have two small vanes inside (similar to the vertical and horizontal flaps on the vents of a car’s air-con system). This system uses a stepper motor connected to a belt-drive system and can be rotated to any position as dictated by the ECU, an additional monitoring system. The parameters that decide the movement of these flaps include engine temperature, ambient temperature, throttle position, speed, and catalytic converter temperature.
Will We See This Advanced Aero Tech On A Production Yamaha R1 Soon?
As exciting as it sounds, these patents are just ideas on paper right now, and the brand is most likely working on initial prototypes. So, nope. We won’t be seeing a Yamaha R1 with moving flaps anytime soon. But the idea sounds very promising. Yamaha has already discontinued the R1 as a street-legal bike in Europe due to stringent emission rules.
The active aero tech can help with this cause, as the integrated system in the patents shows that the catalytic converter temperature is being monitored and controlled. Theoretically, maintaining this temperature can help with lower emissions. Additionally, there’s the advantage of lower air drag, which helps reduce fuel usage. Therefore, we can actually have an R1 consuming its fuel at a much more sensible rate during high-speed runs. The possibilities are endless.
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