Yamaha develops CVT dirt bike
US patent applied forYamaha is working on a new dirt bike featuring a scooter-style CVT - or constant velocity transmission.
Stepless transmissions are pretty much standard fitment in scooters these days and have, in recent years, seen service in some large and relatively powerful maxis, including Suzuki's 650-twin Burgman.
Yamaha's application for a US patent suggest the company is eyeing a segment of the dirt bike market which might value the ease of riding offered by such a transmission.
Reliability may be a question for some, though the recent experience with these set-ups on the road suggests they can be built to take heavy loads with no fuss.
If the project goes into production, it will be a first for the off-road classes.
Other makers have tried off-road automatics - most famously Husqvarna - but a full CVT will be a new twist on the plot.
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