Yamaha’s electric motocross bike takes to the track

Yamaha announced at the end of September that the prototype would make its first public demonstration runs during MXoN 2026. According to organiser MXGP, the demo runs were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 12.45 pm, in front of the season’s biggest crowd and alongside Honda’s electric CR Electric Proto.

Developed together with Electric Motion

The YE-01 has been developed in collaboration with French electric motorcycle manufacturer Electric Motion, best known for its electric trials bikes. The frame is newly developed but draws on technology from Yamaha’s YZ450F, while the powertrain has been jointly developed by Yamaha and Electric Motion.

One of the most distinctive features is the clutch. Most electric motorcycles do without one, but the YE-01 is fitted with a hydraulic, wet multi-plate clutch. This allows the rider to control the power delivered to the rear wheel using the same technique as on a combustion-engined motocross bike. The motor is a liquid-cooled AC synchronous unit, while the battery is lithium-ion.

Yamaha has not released figures for power, torque, battery capacity, weight or riding time.

Aiming for the electric motocross world championship

The project is part of Yamaha’s preparations for MXEP, a planned electric motocross class under FIM and MXGP. It was originally intended to launch in 2026, but no confirmed start date has yet been announced.

Yamaha describes electric motocross as “a new option to broaden the future of motocross”. The aim is to retain the core character and excitement of the sport while taking advantage of the characteristics of electric power. The project also forms part of Yamaha’s environmental strategy, which targets carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050.

Townley and Potisek in the saddle

Yamaha selected two experienced riders for the demonstration runs: New Zealander Ben Townley, the 2004 MX2 World Champion, and Frenchman Milko Potisek, a three-time winner of the Enduropale du Touquet. Honda’s CR Electric Proto was ridden by Trey Canard and Justin Brayton. Honda’s prototype won the men’s category of the 2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup with Team HRC.

MXGP described the decision to run the two projects side by side as symbolic, reflecting the collaborative effort between Honda and Yamaha.

No production model yet

The YE-01 remains a concept model. Yamaha has not announced any plans for series production or commercial sale.