Hybrid drivetrains are fairly common in automobiles these days, as manufacturers do everything they can to meet fleet average fuel economy goals. In the land of motorcycles and scooters, hybrids have not yet made significant headway into the market, but recent patent filings from Yamaha indicate that they are almost ready to release a hybrid version of their TMAX scooter. Can a hybrid Yamaha motorcycle be far behind?

The two patents from Yamaha reveal two different approaches to hybridizing the TMAX. The drawings show the silhouette of the current TMAX, possibly a clue that one or both of these systems may be close to production on the current platform.

One patent outlines a hybrid system whereby the electric motor connects directly to the crank of the TMAX engine. This allows the transmission to be kept intact, potentially reducing development and production costs, and the internal combustion engine and electric motor act as a single unit.

The second patent shows the electric motor integrated into the transmission system that is packaged as part of the swingarm of the rear suspension. This allows the engine to be left unmodified, but revisions to the transmission and swingarm would be necessary to incorporate the electric motor.

As for the batteries required for the hybrid system, the TMAX features considerable under-seat storage space which could be partially converted to house the necessary batteries. Consumers would have to trade a measure of practicality for the increased efficiency of the hybrid system.

Like many other manufacturers of internal combustion engines these days, Yamaha appears to be doing everything they can to extend the life of their ICE offerings, while attempting to maximize efficiency and minimize any impact on the environment. It is not difficult to imagine a Yamaha hybrid motorcycle utilizinghydrogen fuel, coupled with a hybrid electric motor system, to produce an extremely efficient, zero carbon emissions bike that still has the character that a fuel burner gives. Yamaha Super Ténéré eHybrid, anyone?

Sources: visordown.com, yamaha-motor.eu