Image: Supplied.

Yamaha Motor has uncovered an electric-powered ‘YE-01 Racing Concept’, being developed in preparation for an upcoming entry in the MXEP category to be held at select rounds of the Motocross World Championship in the future.

In collaboration with strategic partner Electric Motion (EM), the YE-01 is heavily based upon the current generation 2026 model YZ450F.

The YE-01 Racing Concept is an ongoing project, merging advanced technologies from both Yamaha and EM. It has a YZ450F chassis, including a KYB fully-adjustable speed-sensitive front fork and rear shock to bring the ride experience as close to the existing Yamaha production bikes as possible.

Meanwhile, taking further design cues from the latest YZ450F, the compact, slim and smooth body and flat seat allow the rider to move freely and comfortably on the bike.

Developed specifically for motocross, the YE-01 Racing Concept features a liquid-cooled electric powertrain, capable to offer MXGP levels of power, according to Yamaha. It has a hydraulic clutch, while the battery location ensures an optimised centre of gravity, much like the reverse-head engine layout in the YZ450F does.

Again, following the example of Yamaha’s production bikes, further enhancements to the ride are available through power modes and rider aids, such as traction control, to enable an ideal set-up for any racing conditions.

As part of its company-wide environmental goals, Yamaha Motor is committed to achieving carbon neutrality across the entire product lifecycle – including manufacturing and business operations – by 2050. The objective of racing the YE-01 Racing Concept in MXEP is to strengthen Yamaha’s technical expertise, knowledge and understanding for the future.