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Interesting Theory Revealed Behind Yamaha’s New V4 Engine

Umito November 8, 2024

Yamaha has revealed that its switch to a V4 engine is not because it wants more power, but rather to make the bike smoother with Michelin tires.

Michelin is the tire manufacturer for MotoGP and, compared to the Bridgestone era, there has been a greater emphasis on extracting more performance from the rear of the bike.

Yamaha has enjoyed success with both tire compounds, however, most of its championship victories came before the switch to Michelin and, in recent seasons, Yamaha has seen a downward trend compared to its rivals. , all of which use a V4 engine which allows them to extract better performance. of the rear tire.

It is this, and not power, that is the main reason for the imminent switch to a V4 engine which could come into effect in mid-2025. Yamaha technical director Max Bartolini revealed to Crash.net: “With the V4, everyone thinks of the engine itself. But I think the biggest advantage comes from the configuration of the bike, more than the engine.

“In terms of pure power, honestly, listening to our engine department, it shouldn’t make a big difference. But there are some ways of dealing with the layout of the bike that will be a little easier with the V4. And also going more in the direction of the tires, because it’s always about making the tires work.

“Yamaha has been pretty good with Bridgestone. And of course they’ve had a lot of good races with Michelin as well. But Michelin uses the rear tires more than the front tires. That’s kind of where the engine setup (V4) can help.” build the bike around the engine in that direction (rear tire). So that’s the challenge.

“Honestly, making the (V4) engine is difficult, but I think it’s more (important) to make the bike around the engine.”