Tokyo 2015: Yamaha to reveal 125cc cafe racer, electric concepts

Yamaha has announced that it will unveil six world premiere models at the 44^th Tokyo Motor Show, from October 29 – November 8, 2015.

These include a leaning three-wheeler concept, a new 125cc bike and electric off-road and sportbike concepts.

First up is the conventional introductory 125cc concept motorcycle named the Resonator125, designed as a beginner’s bike. The Resonator125 is a neo-retro concept which will be powered by an air-cooled 125cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection.

The seat and tail establish the café racer inspired design and the handlebar sports what looks like a mount for a smart phone. Yamaha says the Resonator125 targets ”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," a statement from Yamaha PR said.

Yamaha has also released a teaser shot of a leaning three wheeler concept, saying its “Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) technology is designed to create a new dimension of Kando.” Yamaha’s corporate philosophies states kando as “a product that surpasses customer expectations.”

There’s not much information on this product except a teaser shot which shows dual telescopic forks on each wheel, and braking system for each wheel. The twin fork front suspension system has been displayed in earlier 01 and 03Gen concepts from Yamaha. The front design, as evident from the teaser pic, does point to a sporty concept.

The two concept electric bikes – PES2 and PED2 are the evolution of the PES1 and PED1 electric bikes Yamaha introduced at the previous Tokyo Motor Show. As the names suggest, they will be indicative of their usage and purpose; the PES2 (Passion Electric Street) model will be designed for street use while the PED2 (Passion Electric Dirt) model will be for off-road use.

Yamaha has added a hub motor to the front wheel of the PES2 design, making the Yamaha PES2 concept a two-wheel drive electric bike.

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The PED2 though, is still rear wheel driven and designed for hitting mountain trails, though it’s supposed to make similar power to a 50cc-125cc moped or motorcycle. The PED2 is however, very light, with weight at under 100kg, making it suitable for off-road use.

Yamaha is not expected to introduce either the PES2 or the PED2 in 2016, so it’s not clear yet, if and when production will begin. From the looks of the concepts however, it looks like Yamaha is certainly getting closer to the real thing. Keep watching this space for more updates at the end of October, when Yamaha finally unveils its concepts at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.