Yamaha releases more concept motorcycles

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Yamaha has revealed more of the weird concept bikes it will show at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The new models include:

Yamaha Tesseract
This is a hybrid 4-wheeled vehicle powered by a combination of a liquid-cooled V-twin gasoline engine and an electric motor.

It is designed with “dual-scythe” suspension that lets it lean like a motorcycle despite the 4-wheel layout.

There is also a dual arm-lock system that keeps the machine upright when at rest without a stand.

Yamaha LUXAIR
This is a hybrid motorcycle with a petrol engine and an electric motor, with the electric motor kicking in during acceleration to assist the engine and switching over when cruising to perform a electricity generating function that re-charges the battery.

The engine-braking force created during deceleration is also used to generate electricity to charge the battery.

Yamaha’s YIPU (Yamaha Intelligent Power Unit) is built into the rear hub to provide the electric power during acceleration and when wheeling the vehicle by hand, and it also provides a reverse function.

Yamaha FC-Dii
This model is a further evolution of the “FC-me” fuel cell motorcycle using a methanol-water solution as fuel, unveiled in 2005.

This version is enhanced with new features including a Yamaha-exclusive compact cell stack that features the highest level of power density in the 1kW class, a detachable lithium-ion battery for easy recharging, modular design components, readily available parts and improved serviceability aimed at achieving practical use.

Yamaha BOBBY
This is an electric commuter vehicle with collapsible seat, fold-in rear wheel, handlebars and footrests for compact, convenient storage. The motorcycle is also equipped to access a variety of Internet services.

Yamaha C3+
This is a “minimum electric commuter” motorcycle with a light weight, compact body with a helmet storage space.

Yamaha FC-AQEL
This is a fuel cell motorcycle mounting the Yamaha Hydrogen Fuel Cell System fueled by compressed hydrogen gas.

By adopting a hybrid system mounting a secondary rechargeable battery and metal separators in the fuel cells, it has been possible to achieve a compact lightweight design.

The adoption of Yamaha’s super-thin YIPU (Yamaha Integrated Power Unit) also improves environmental performance and increases ease of use as a commuter motorcycle.

Ben Purvis

By Ben Purvis