The Tokyo Motor Show is right around the corner, and Japanese heavyweights Yamaha have released a few details about the concepts that they’ll have on display there. Judging by their cast at Tokyo, they’re taking a definitive step towards the electric vehicle scene – and how!

Of the three electric two-wheelers on display, the first two, and probably the most exciting ones of the lot are the PES1 and PED1, street and dirt siblings based on the same electric motor. The bikes are designed on a monocoque frame, and will both weigh under 100 Kg. They will be propelled by Yamaha’s Smart Power Module, and will run on conveniently interchangeable lithium-ion batteries. As Yamaha are going for the next gen Electric Vehicle (EV) motif, they will also feature smartphone integration of some form, and come pre-equipped with a switchable automatic and manual transmission system.

Next up is the EVino, an electric scooter based on Yamaha’s classically styled production version that goes by a similar moniker – The Vino. Built to function as a city commuter, Yamaha intend on keeping costs down so that this EV can challenge for the mantle of ultimate short-distance scooter. This too will feature a similar swappable battery power module as the PES1 and PED1, and Yamaha have paid special attention to the bike’s weight balance, with low-speed handling convenience in mind.

The last bike making its global début in Tokyo for Yamaha is the Bolt Café concept. Based on the Yamaha Bolt that came out some months ago, the Bolt Café concept showcases the bike’s versatility and massive potential for customisation. Built around the same frame and powered by the same 950 cc V-Twin, this concept features handlebars that point downwards, and upside down rear-view mirrors, along with a leather-wrapped single cowled seat. This concept is basically Yamaha’s way of putting their money where their mouth is, anyone can claim that a bike is customisation friendly, Yamaha however are actually acting upon this claim.

We’ll be at the Tokyo Motor Show, and will keep you updated with more in-depth details about all these bikes as soon as they’re announced there, so watch this space.

Story: Harket Suchde

 

Peugeot’s scooter division showed off its latest offering for 2014 at the recently concluded EICMA show. Titled the Django, this scooter will evoke a sense of nostalgia with its neoclassic design, and is a hat-tip from Peugeot’s design team to the French manufacturer’s flagship S55 and S57 of the 1950s era.

Peugeot will release the scooter with 3 engine options, a 2-stroke 50cc and a 4-stroke 125 and 150cc engines. While the Django may look, aesthetics-wise, like something you were most likely to find on the roads outside a live Elvis concert, under the old-timer visage you’ll find a backbone of cutting edge engineering.

The lights across the bike are all LEDs, safety is covered with the Synchro Braking Control technology, and sitting alongside the analogue speedometer in the old-school dash you’ll find a LCD display screen serving up the bike’s vitals, and the Django even sports a 12V power socket in its glove box.

Peugeot will also allow for prospective owners to add their own personal design touch to their bikes with the unique Django ID configuration programme. Through Django ID, buyers can mix and match in terms of the bike’s appearance, and can chose from a prospective 118,000 different outcomes. This apart from the preexsting option of 4 design “universes” already available.

Story: Harket Suchde

 

Japanese motoring mammoths Yamaha have stamped their mark on this year’s EICMA, or the Milan Motorcycle Show as it’s also called, as they showed off 3 new bikes to the rest of the world. Or at least two and a half new ones.

First off is the MT-09 Street Rally, this bike isn’t really brand new (hence the half), as it’s pretty much the same old MT-09 that launched in June this year, with a few visual upgrades bolted on. This motard avatar is the result of cosmetic additions such as fork boots, a couple of additional fairings and number plates running down the sides, a ‘beak’ located below the front headlamp, a protective guard running along the handle, and a cover spanning across the air intakes and flanking the fuel tank.

The bike also has a higher,flatter seat and a higher resting position for the feet, keeping in tune with the required posture for a rally bike. Here’s a video created by Yamaha of the bike in action, featuring Valentino Rossi, epic power-slides, and a pack of wolves for added measure.

Yamaha’s next bike feels a lot like Déjà vu. The forerunner in Yamaha’s new ‘sports classic’ sector, the SR400 is based on the original model of the same name which was first launched in 1978. With its old-school looks, 400cc fuel-injected engine, and steel tubed semi-double cradle frame, this bike combines the styling of a classic with the technology of the modern age.

In an interesting quirk that will immediately transport you back in time, Yamaha have designed this bike without an electric start, so using the kick start is only way to get it going, just like in the old days. Yamaha have also kept things simple in terms of the bike’s architecture so that it can be used as a platform for some tinkering by the customisation community out there.

Rounding up the launch is the MT-07, the baby brother to the previously mentioned MT-09. Driven by a 689cc parallel-twin mill, this naked racer produces 75 PS and 68 Nm of torque. The monorail chassis with asymmetrical swingarm are made of steel, giving the bike a frugal 179 kg weight. Everything about this bike, from its feral looks, to its attractive price of € 6000 (Rs.5,04,400 approx.), and futuristic styling and electronic display, make it an absolute eye-grabber.

Yamaha also commemorated the release of this bike with a video of its own. This one is an Anime inspired by the bike, and while it doesn’t actually feature the bike in physical form, the animated rendering looks just as accurate, and makes for a fun watch.

All three bikes will hit the showrooms across Europe within the first quarter of 2014, and Yamaha will hope that they go on to fulfill the promise they displayed at EICMA.

Story: Harket Suchde