Yamaha has confirmed its line-up for the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show that will open on 23 October. Apart from the usual gang of whacky concepts, Yamaha has announced two electric scooters and two mystery models. Here is all that we know about Yamaha's line-up for the 46th Tokyo Motor Show:
Yamaha E01 (World Premiere)
The most promising of the lot is the Yamaha E01, an electric scooter which is said to be pitted in the 125 cc segment. Combining the years of scooter technology with electric vehicle technology, the Yamaha E01 will feel at home at any Yamaha showroom. It promises the practicality and the ride quality which surpasses conventional scooters on sale today.
The Yamaha E01 gets conventional telescopic fork up front and possibly a single spring in the rear assisted by a gas-charged chamber. The rear licence plate has been mounted on a sporty-looking mudguard. Brakes include discs at both ends, assisted by the safety net of ABS. Besides that, the headlight seems to be on the front apron which is possibly covered and opened depending on ignition. Our best guess is that the production variant will ditch this for an all-time running LED setup with a clear lens.
The weird choice of material for the seat has us left puzzled. The pseudo air intakes at the bottom of the front apron, though, is a delight to look at. The windscreen is also a nice touch. Also, we expect the production version of Yamaha E01 to get fast charging. However, we would love to see a more functional pair of rearview mirrors. Even the slick tyres from Bridgestone will be replaced for something more roadworthy!
Yamaha E02 (World Premiere)
Equivalent to a 50 cc scooter, the Yamaha E02 is an electric commuter for day to day usage. It is equipped with a removable battery. Thus, the requirement of fast charging has been removed. Powering the Yamaha E02 is a hub-mounted electric motor. Yamaha further claims that the E02 has a design which visualises the powertrain and gives an idea of the lightweight build of the scooter.
Suspension duties are overseen by a conventional telescopic fork at the front and possibly a single spring-based unit at the rear. The front wheel bears a disc brake. Besides that, the Yamaha E02's seat material is similar to that of the Yamaha E01. This model has a thin LED headlamp setup on the front apron.
Yamaha YZ450FX
Based on the production model YZ450F for motocross competition, the Yamaha YZ450FX is equipped with various features required for Enduro racing. Easy handling prowess mated to a powerful engine at high speeds makes the Yamaha YZ450FX a great fit. The Tokyo Motor Show will have Kenji Suzuki's machine participating in All Japan Motorcycle Cross Country Championship.
2020 Yamaha R1
The 2020 Yamaha R1 will be making its Japanese debut at Tokyo Motor Show. The flagship sports motorcycle now packs a better aerodynamic package and the latest R-Series design. Also, the in-line four-cylinder engine is now Euro 5 compliant. Besides that, the Yamaha R1 is now fitted with augmented electronic control features. This includes an all-new Accelerator Position Sensor with Grip (APSG) ride-by-wire system with Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T). Not only does this make the bike lighter, but also its throttle response smoother than ever.
Yamaha also claims that with the new body, the R1’s aerodynamic efficiency has increased by 5.3%. Braking department too gains a new front brake pad friction material. Interestingly, though, deliveries of the 2020 Yamaha R1 in Japan will begin only in fall-2020. That’s almost 12 months from now!
The 998 cc crossplane crank engine of the 2020 Yamaha R1 produces 197 PS of power. The top-end performance is claimed to have been improved. The LED headlamp is new, and the fuel tank is now made of aluminium. Also, the 2020 Yamaha R1 gets new Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tyres.
Other series production motorcycles
Marking its entry into the Japanese market will be the 2020 Yamaha Ténéré 700. This adventure tourer boasts a lightweight body with a 698 cc in-line with a 270-degree crank and high degree of freedom in riding, durability and maintainability. Besides that, the bike also promises easy mounting options for luggage. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 will be on sale in Japan only after summer 2020.
Yamaha will also be showcasing the Yamaha Niken GT. The LMW (Leaning Multi Wheel) technology-studded vehicle boasts high stability when cornering on various road surfaces.
Also Read: 5 niche two-wheelers we want to see in India
Race for electric
Adding grace to Yamaha’s stall at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show will be the YPJ-YZ electric mountain bike, which takes inspiration from the YZ motocross range. The cycle boasts a mass-centre concept with a unique layout that sandwiches the battery with two down tubes.
Yamaha will also showcase the TY-E, an early development model of an electric motorcycle. It gets a carbon fibre monocoque frame. It is powered by a high-speed, small yet high-power motor. Besides that, Yamaha TY-E claims of dollops of torque in the bottom end for fast acceleration. An electric version of the Yamaha Vino will also be on display.
Mystery models
Here comes the most interesting part. The Tokyo Motor Show is known to be the unveiling ground for wicked concept models by the Big Four Japanese motorcycle makers. So, what can the two mystery models be? Our best guess is the mysterious Lean Multi Wheel vehicle Yamaha promised in 2019-2021 plan. The Yamaha Niken, their present LMW, is a gem of a product has caught the attention of riders in all its markets. Wouldn’t you love to see a more accessible version of the Niken? Say with a powerplant originating from the MT-07 or even the MT-03?
The second new product could be an updated XT1200Z Super Ténéré. A new and updated Super Ténéré will give Yamaha the much-needed leverage to take on the updated 2020 Honda Africa Twin 1100. Besides that, with the growing love for super naked, can we expect a new range of super naked? Or how about a middleweight with forced induction?
Also Read: 5 Yamaha two-wheelers we want to see launched in India
