So, a few days ago I say there’s no need for hybrid motorcycles and Yamaha turns around and introduces the Gen-Ryu hybrid motorcycle concept to be displayed at the Tokyo show. I guess they weren’t listening. It has both a 600cc R6 engine and a high output electric motor, the combination of the two is said to give performance equivalent to a 1000cc motorcycle. It also has the fully enclosed look I wrote about that motorcycles could adopt to hide a wide variety of different powerplants.
From Yamaha:
This model is a proposal for a “High-performance Hybrid Motorcycle.” Based on Yamaha’s “Genesis” design ideal and the new “G.E.N.I.C.H.” ideal reflecting the latest electronic control technologies, this model combines the lightweight, compact YZF-R6 600cc engine and a high output, high efficiency electric motor. It is designed to offer both the joy of handling of a motorcycle and the comfort and carrying capacity of a scooter. Features like the lightweight aluminum CF die-cast body with optimized rigidity balance, large diameter wheels and long wheelbase give this model running performance and handling similar to a 1,000cc class machine.
Furthermore, as Yamaha H.M.I. (Human Machine Interface) systems, this model adopts ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) features aimed at preventative safety functions and smart functions for increasing rider comfort. The ASV functions include (1) a vehicle-vehicle distance warning system using the latest communications technologies, (2) a cornering light system that improves nighttime vision when turning at intersections and curves, The smart functions include (1) a noise canceling system that greatly reduces wind noise, (2) a short wave tandem intercom system, (3) voice navigation function, (4) music player and hand-free cell phone function and (5) rear view monitoring system using a CCD camera and LCD display.
On display at the Tokyo Motor Show
J. I. Logan says
Where, when, how much?