News: The Future of Yamaha at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show

Electric Power Lineup Grows

The Tokyo Motor Show is about as close as you can get to time travel. The brightest minds in Japanese automotive design showcase models years, perhaps decades before they see a showroom floor. It’s an R&D department’s ball of sorts, where patent filings transform into the proofs of concept we can actually see in the flesh—or wood, clay and fiberglass.  

Yamaha has been slowly growing its electrically powered lineup for several years with agricultural drones, personal mobility devices, scooters and even a trials motorcycle. For the 46th annual event, the company unveiled four new models to the world, each representing a vision of the future of alternative fuel vehicles.

MW-Vision-A New Way to Ride

One of Yamaha’s core principals as a company, is to create “Kando”–a Japanese word for the simultaneous feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that people experience when they encounter something of exceptional value.

The MW-Vision concept is based on the Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) platform–Yamaha’s designation for three (or more)-wheeled vehicles that lean when turning. The spirit of this design is to bring a new sense of “Kando,” integrating user and machine, carving through turns like a motorcycle while in an enclosed canopy.  An interactive sensory experience is provided through light and sound with ViReal 3D audio technology.

Details on the power unit are limited, with Yamaha only stating it is a “series hybrid system.” Yamaha has hinted at various hybrid technologies in the past, such as its power assist system–a small combustion engine acting as a starter/generator, producing electricity to be stored and used provide smooth power from a stop, then allowing the engine to take over as the power source for cruising.

EO1 and EO2-Bringing Quiet to the City

Yamaha’s two new scooter concepts, hint at what the future of two-wheel urban commuting might look like. The EO1 fits into the 125cc class in terms of performance, ideal for light highway duty or longer trips with quick charge capability and longer range from its fixed, lithium-ion battery.

The E02 is more of an entry-level option, comparable to a 50cc, lighter in weight and maneuverable for the urban environment. Details on battery range and charge time have not been made available, however we do know its batteries are removable, perhaps allowing users to swap out a fresh one for the ride home.

YPJ-YZ-The eMTB Gets Serious

Yamaha created the first electric power-assisted bicycle (PAS) in 1989; 30 years later they continue to innovate eMTB design. The YPJ-YZ takes its engineering queues from the YZ-series motocross models, centralizing mass for improved handling. The downtube is split to accommodate the 500-watt-hour, lithium-ion battery while keeping it low in the frame.

The mid-drive, PW-X2 motor is Yamaha’s high-end sport powerplant, delivering 250 watts of power and 80 newton-meters of torque. Three riding modes-Eco, Standard and High provide users with the optimum level of power assist to suit any riding condition.

Inverted single crown forks and a Fox Float DPX2 rear shock could make it a hit with the enduro crowd, perhaps even suitable for a day on a downhill course. It’s gold fork stanchions and blue color scheme are a nice tip of the cap to the YZ motocross influence.   

Although the MV-Vision and the EO scooter models may not see U.S. roads in the near future, there is a realistic chance of the YPJ-YZ making its way to a trail near you in the coming years.

Visit your local Yamaha dealer, www.yamahabicycles.com or www.yamahamotorsports.com for more information.