Thought this might interest Graeme, Brian, and any "closet bikers" we may have here.
(click the image above to read the original article)
Yamaha is dropping no less than 9 world premiere models on the 39th Tokyo Motor Show coming up later this month. Of special note to us is the Gen-Ryu hybrid motorcycle prototype (damn!) which combines the YZF-R6 600cc engine with a high output, high efficiency electric motor. Combine that with some fat wheels and that long wheelbase and you’ve got a machine said to perform and handle like a “1,000cc class machine.” Eco-power not workin’ it for ya? Ok, well consider it has a vehicle-to-vehicle distance warning system, a “cornering light system” for a little night time knee-scraping action, and a noise cancelation system which is said to allow for an intercom, voice navigation, hands-free cellphone calls, and music player — damn impressive if it really works! And just for kicks, how about an LCD so you can watch those cagers mouth “what the…” as you roll on by.Sounds neat... Will be interesting to see how the concept transitions to the retail circuit, if at all.
Lots more info out there by Googling for "yamaha gen-ryu".