2015 Tokyo Motor Show Archives

Yamaha PES2 and PED2 concept EVs

As part of the brand’s technological tour-de-force in the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the Yamaha PES2 and PED2 concept bikes stand as the Japanese brand’s vision of zero-emissions two-wheeling, with Yamaha further promising its arrival into its line up sometime in the future.

Yamaha PES2 concept
As an evolutionary successor of the PES1 concept from 2013, the Yamaha PES2 concept looks more production ready than the bike it replaces. Underneath, the electric bike is powered using the Yamaha Smart Power Module unit, which is a removable battery pack that doubles as a structural element of the motorcycle frame, thus granting the PES2 with a monocoque frame design.

Interestingly, the PES2 concept also features a hub motor in its front wheel, effectively making it s 2WD electric bike. With that, Yamaha states that the PES2 concept was designed to new performance boundaries and experience levels too. Another innovative feature is the PES2’s unique single-sided front fork-leg suspension setup.

Yamaha PED2 concept
Evolving from the PED1 concept, the PED2 concept stands as the Yamaha brand’s take of an electric-powered fun dirt machine for the future. Like the PES2, the PED2 concept looks more production ready than the PED1 ever was, with Yamaha envisioning it to have as much power as a regular petrol-fuelled 125cc- or 500cc-sized dirtbike.

Tipping the scales below 100kg, the featherweight concept utilises the same Yamaha Smart Power Module unit as the PES2, resulting in its adoption of a monocoque frame design yet again.

When exactly will we see production versions of either concept? Well, Yamaha has already planned to introduce an electric-powered model as early as 2016, so we could perhaps see either by then.

Sources: MCN and Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 )

Suzuki shows off turbocharged engine

Having shown us the Recursion concept during the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki’s intent at bringing forced induction into bikes is very clear indeed. Fuelling the flame further are rumours of said concept being finalised for production in the last few months, followed by the fact that the mighty S-brand’s move towards trademarking the ‘Recursion’ name and filing patents for designs surrounding the bike’s unique powerplant.

Well, at the on-going 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, it appears that Suzuki are indeed one step closer towards making the Recursion a production reality. At the heart of Suzuki’s stand was this, a compact and turbocharged two-cylinder engine called the EX7, presumably made for Recursion.

Other than the fact that it has twin camshafts (DOHC) and four valves, Suzuki did not say much about this turbocharged and intercooled parallel twin. It is presumed that the mill displaces about 588cc, which was the quoted engine size of the Recursion concept. The concept also envisioned the mill to generate just over 100hp and at least 101Nm of torque too – not bad for its size.

There is still no sight of the Recursion concept’s production version during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, which likely suggest that we will only see it next year or early in 2017. However, we are led to believe that Suzuki could surprise all with a reveal in this year’s edition of EICMA that will take place in just several weeks time in Milan, Italy.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

Yamaha MWT-9 concept: The Yamaha MT-09 trike

Meet the Yamaha LMW – MWT – 9 concept, or just the Yamaha MWT-9 concept in short. Unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the concept shows off how the successful Yamaha MT-09 naked would look like if it were to become a leaning-multi-wheel (LMW) or trike.

A closer inspection reveals that this is not just merely an oversized rendition of the Yamaha Tricity three-wheeled scooter revealed not too long ago. Underneath, the concept carries over much of the MT-09 naked’s mechanicals from the tank forwards, including the 847cc triple-cylinder engine.

Besides a radical new face, Yamaha has indeed taken the Tricity’s intricate front suspension, but the layout has been altered in the MWT-9 whereby the forks now stand on the outside of the wheels instead, presumably for greater stability and rigidity through turns. Crucially though, this setup varies drastically against that found in the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled maxi scooter.

It goes without saying that we are fully behind the idea of putting such a beastly-looking thing into production. Well, what are you waiting for Yamaha?

Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown and MCN

2016 Honda NC750X and Honda CB500X unveiled

The mighty red wing marque that is Honda has finally taken the wraps off its two updated-for-2016 adventure sport models. Meet the 2016 Honda NC750X and Honda CB500X twins. Both models were unveiled online ahead of their slated public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

Here are the details we’ve managed to garner as of now.

2016 Honda NC750X

Compared to its previous iteration, the 2016 model sees the NC750X gaining with a facelift. It now looks more rugged and adventurous than before, but we’ll agree if you think the facelift is rather ‘mild’.

Complementing the aesthetic revisions are other updates such as LED lights front and aft, followed by a taller windscreen for increased wind protection, a pair of new Showa ‘dual-bending valve’ forks, as well as increased helmet storage space.

Furthermore, variants primed with Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) have gained with additional riding modes for riders to select too.

2016 Honda CB500X

Unveiled alongside its revised big brother is the revised 2016 Honda CB500X. The second of the CB500 range to undergo an update after the CBR500R, exterior changes are once again mild in this mid-sized adventure-sport.

Underneath, revisions here include a 100mm-taller windscreen, LED lighting front and aft, a revised front suspension set with pre-load adjustability and new colour schemes too.