According to several sources, Yamaha has submitted patent data to the federal government indicating the company may be preparing to build its crazy, four-wheeled hybrid motorcycle concept named Tesseract.
Originally announced in late 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show — where the world’s automakers and powersports companies often unveil their craziest concepts — we haven’t heard much from Yamaha about its Tesseract until today’s gossip.
The latest news will undoubtedly unleash a flurry of speculation. While we would normally chalk up the advanced hybrid powertrain as an attention-getting device for the concept, it’s theoretically possible given the recent news that Can-Am is developing a hybrid drive system for its Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle.
Yamaha’s patent filing also suggests chain drive will be abandoned for direct shafts, and the V-twin will be dumped in favor of a parallel twin engine.
There’s one huge, potentially impossible roadblock standing between us Americans and the Tesseract: federal government regulations. Current rules would classify such a vehicle as an automobile requiring seatbelts, airbags and other safety features that would be prohibitive in terms of cost and design.
Will the Yamaha Tesseract rival the runaway success of the Can-Am Spyder and create its own, unique segment in the motorcycle market? Will it truly be powered by a hybrid drivetrain that combines a V-twin engine with an electric motor?
