Yamaha puts in patent for... a fake engine!

[Mooseman]

This has to be the stupidest idea I've seen, all in the name of making people like electric vehicles!

Yamaha’s solution to riders' dislike of electric motorcycles: a fake engine

Yamaha has patented a unique means of overcoming motorcyclists’ resistance to electric vehicles.

www.visordown.com

 

[northcreek]

That is dumb, what's next a Toyota Prius with a big block ?

 

[Matt]

It's almost the same as GM, Ford, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and Porsche playing simulated engine noises through the speakers of the car.

 

[Mooseman]

I know the hybrids I take care of have noise makers when on electric only, which makes them sound like spaceships, especially loud when in reverse. Electrics also have this continuously when in "gear". The Cadillac Lyric is especially funny sounding, kinda like music (hence the name Lyric ). It's just a safety thing for pedestrians around them.

I don't think they still have those "fake engine" noises anymore, or it's selectable, as one of the attractions of electrics for some people is the silence.

The thing with the Yamaha fake engine is that it will use up some of the battery capacity to spin it, which would be counter-productive. DUMB!

 

[Zaab]

I once imagined about this kind idea, but instead of using a motor to turn a crank and fake everything, I use an imaginary block with cylinders that server as acceleration coil for pistons and put power down to crank like a real ice. It is a good laugh.