Yamaha Going All-In With Electric Motorcycles? Tokyo Motor Show Display Says Yes.

October 31, 2015

Yamaha Resonator125 Concept

Yamaha announced its display “concept” models for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show (beginning October 29), and prominent among them are two electric models, including the PED2 and the PES2. This isn’t a surprise, as Yamaha previously indicated it would have electric models in production by 2016, but it is a further indication Yamaha might be the next major manufacturer to take on some of the smaller electric motorcycle companies, such as Zero.

Interestingly, in addition to a small, gasoline retro-style bike (the Resonator125 Concept), Yamaha is teasing both a 3-wheeler and an automobile for display next month (photos at the bottom of this article). Take a look at Yamaha’s full press release below.

IWATA, October 16, 2015 — Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) will participate in the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (Organizer: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.) to be held at the Tokyo Big Sight from October 29 (Thu.) to November 8 (Sun.) (Preview Day on Oct. 29; General Public Days from Oct. 30). The theme of the Yamaha Motor booth will be the “Yamaha Motor Product Orchestra,” and the booth will be located in the venue’s East Hall 3. A total of 20 models—of which six are world premiere models and one is a Japan premiere model—will be on display. These will include electrically power-assisted bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, Leaning Multi-Wheelers (LMW), a Recreational Off-road Vehicle (ROV) and an automobile. We will also unveil and display an autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot that combines motorcycle and robotics technologies. The booth will offer an experience of “the growing world of personal mobility” unique to Yamaha, a specialist in small vehicles for personal mobility.

Resonator125 (Reference vehicle / Experimental vehicle)
The Resonator125 is a concept model that proposes a lifestyle with an authentic sport bike for young people who have not yet discovered the joys of motorcycling. With a lightweight, slim and compact chassis and an instrument panel assembly using an innovative device, this model melds elements of the near future with the nostalgic for a new fusion of motorcycle eras. It also sports wood panels on the fuel tank and seat cowl with authentic wood grain material used in guitars and engravings on the muffler, fuel tank cap and more done with same intricate techniques used for brass wind instruments. The result is a motorcycle that seeks to inspire young people with concepts and qualities that only the Yamaha brand can deliver.

Engine type = Air-cooled, 4-stroke Cylinder arrangement = Single cylinder Displacement = 125 cm3 Fuel supply system = Fuel injection

Yamaha PED2 Concept

PES2 (Reference vehicle / Experimental vehicle)
PED2 (Reference vehicle / Experimental vehicle)
In addition to the characteristics unique to an electric motor, these two EV (electric vehicle) motorcycle concept models have an operational feel that will seem natural even to today’s motorcycle enthusiasts and they achieve a new kind of riding experience that will inspire the Passion in riders. The Street sport “PES2” and Dirt sport “PED2” share a new power unit (Yamaha Smart Power Module) with a monocoque structure that also functions as the frame.

Yamaha PES2 Concept

The PES2 on-road sport model has an additional electric motor built into the hub of the front wheel to make it a 2WD motorcycle, and it is designed to pioneer new boundaries of performance never experienced before. In contrast, the PED2 is a partner for hitting mountain trails designed to capitalize on the clean, quiet performance character of an EV to better enjoy riding through the natural world. Both models are equivalent in performance to Class II (50–125cc) mopeds and motorcycles.

[PES2] Length x Width x Height = 1,920 mm × 680 mm × 1,060 mm Motor type = DC brushless motor Battery type = Lithium-ion (detachable) Vehicle weight = under 130 kg

[PED2] Length x Width x Height = 2,045 mm × 775 mm ×1,205 mm Motor type = DC brushless motor Battery type = Lithium-ion (detachable) Vehicle weight = under 100 kg

Yamaha YPJ-MTB Concept

YPJ-MTB CONCEPT (Reference vehicle / Experimental vehicle)
This electrically power-assisted mountain bike mounts an electric motor on a high-performance bicycle and is designed for adults who want to enjoy the freedom of being able to ride on virtually any terrain. It lets you feel the presence of the power unit where it is most appreciated, like in starts, acceleration and hill-climbing, but with a design that minimizes the visual presence of that same power unit. For added assurance in riding longer distances on any type of terrain, the model is fitted with a large-capacity 400 Wh battery and a multi-function instrument panel. This YPJ project is about offering new value and new scenes for bicycle riding, and this mountain bike concept model redefines the positioning and functions of electrically power-assisted bicycles from a vehicle that makes riding easier to one that opens up a new realm of sporty recreational riding.

Motor type = DC brushless motor Rated output = 250 W Battery capacity = 400 Wh Battery type = Lithium-ion