Yamaha has still more concepts for the Tokyo Motor Show, this is the Yamaha Luxair, a hybrid motorcycle that looks more scooter than motorcycle or perhaps you might call it a recumbent motorcycle. It certainly has the low seat height many of you have been asking for.
It has a gasoline engine and electric motor in parallel, the electric motor kicks in for help during acceleration switching over during cruise to recharge the battery. Regenerative braking also helps in the recharging duties.
Yamaha’s super-thin YIPU (Yamaha Intelligent Power Unit) is built into the rear hub to provide the electric power assist during acceleration and when wheeling the vehicle by hand, and it also provides a reverse function. In a collaboration with Yamaha Corp. (music) this model also mounts a special audio system.
Not a vehicle for the sport rider but it looks like it would appeal to a lot of new riders wanting a simple and efficient mode of transportation. Interesting.
skeeter says
Sounds like the same technology as the Yamaha Gen-RYU hybrid motorcycle [2005 concept model]. I liked the looks of the Gen-RYU better – the engine was exposed and it had built-in sidecases.
Ry says
cool! , where can you get the motor they put in the Killa Cycle?
PigIron says
What happened to the windshield?
ElectricMotorcycles says
Ry, you can get the motors from here:
http://www.hitorqueelectric.com/
Tell him I sent you.
coho says
Looks kinda like the Suzuki G Strider with a scoop of Morphous scooter on it. Stylistically not my bag, but I like the regenerative braking and in-hub motor.
Of course I also like the idea of a fully electric bike with an on-board gas or deisel generator (like a locomotive only smaller) but I’m not frequently consulted by designers or engineers.
Hey, Case, how’s that Renovatio Sport Tourer coming?
Jeff says
Make a stealthy Supersport 🙂 That would be fun !
Clive M Sanders says
Akira bike! akira bike! paint it red and put stickers all over it!
Tad Golian says
The Yamaha Luxair’s powertrain concept is the future of motorcycling as oil prices go through the roof – as night follows day. I’d prefer a diesel electric but petrol will do if that’s where the market wants to go. This type of powertrain can be transposed to most forms of motorcycling requirements if necessary.
However, regarding the Luxair’s styling, it’s too sci-fi cartoonsish (read childish) for my liking. After owning one or two bikes continuously for over 30 years I’m finding that my current usual ride is a commute of less than 20km. Therefore, for me and I may be typical of my generation that grew up on naked bikes of the 70’s, the styling should reflect a machine fit for purpose, form following function rather than idiosyncratic fashion eg the weather protection of a maxi-scooter for practicality, standard bike road wheels for handling, diesel electic powerplant for economy and torque, auto transmission or cvt for convenience in traffic and no radical decals for respectability. If they make one, I’ll trade my XJ900.
DOUGLAS says
whats the damage to the pockets in acquiring this one………????????