2015 Tokyo Motor Show wrap
Plenty of new production models and prototypes from the Japanese manufacturers, and here's a selection of themNEOWING CONCEPT MODEL
Although this motorcycle has two front wheels, the rider is able to lean into corners, just like they would on a standard bike — and the riding position is also orthodox. The NEOWING’s four-cylinder engine is shaft driven. Honda claims sporty handling, while remaining stable at low speeds. Many will debate whether to call the NEOWING a car or a motorcycle, but one thing is certain: the level of detail exceeds that of a typical prototype. I expect to see this on the market soon.
PROJECT 2&4
Motorcycle designer Martin Peterson is the man behind Project 2&4, which uses the same engine as the RC213V. Motorcycle designers teamed with car designers to produce this by hand — something a resourceful company like Honda can achieve with a minimum of fuss. Where this machine will be able go and what kind of speeds it will reach is still a mystery. As this is such a major selling point, many in the market will be holding their breath until they hear the news. The combination of the body and engine makes me feel confident that this machine will set strong lap times on whatever circuit it is tested on.
CONCEPT CB
The keywords for this motorcycle are tradition, progress and air-cooled. This motorcycle evolved from the concept model CB1100. LED headlights are the only new developments. Its selling points are its mixture of orthodox and retro design along with basic performance. This model will become the top seller in Japan.
CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN
Honda has revived and modernised its popular XRV750 Africa Twin from 1990, which we've already covered on Bikesales (here).
LIGHT WEIGHT SUPER SPORTS CONCEPT
When I saw this motorcycle I questioned whether it was really a new design. I thought I was looking at a CBR250 series motorcycle. This machine is a new prototype designed for street use and road sports. Quarter-litre motorcycles are the highest-selling in Japan. This is a small motorcycle which combines state-of-the-art racing technology and design. Honda’s plan is to equip this motorcycle with a twin-cylinder engine in the 250-300cc range.
RC213V-S
There has been a lot of talk about the RC213V-S, which will cost as much as a country house. Even if I could afford a RC213V-S I would not be able to behave like a motorcycle racer on the streets of Japan. The bike will be selling for $244,000 in Australia.
YAMAHA
MOTOBOT
Yamaha attracted the most attention at the show, and its most sensational creation was the Motobot. This humanoid robot has been developed to ride autonomously on track circuits. The engineering team’s ambitions for the Motobot are for this robot to ride unmodified motorcycles at speeds of over 200km/h. The engineers have already successfully programmed the Motobot to be able to ride and maintain a straight line at high speeds. However, it is currently unable to start its motorcycle without assistance from human hands. Though the Motobot is clearly still in the early developmental stages, its engineers foresee the Motobot challenging Valentino Rossi in the not too distant future — so no Spanish roots we presume… Motobot has a variety of potential future applications, such as test-riding, riding support and safety. The robot currently rides the YZF-R1M.
MWT-9 REFERENCE VEHICLE
Yamaha has been working very hard on developing three-wheel motorcycles. The result is the MWT-9. It's a prototype but it is very close to final completion and customers are already placing orders for it. With an 850cc three-cylinder engine, this motorcycle will be welcomed by those afraid of riding on two wheels.
DESIGN CONCEPT FOR A TWO-SEATER CAR
Yamaha has made some sports car prototypes in the past. In fact, the legendary Toyota 2000GT and the OX99 Formula 1 machine utilised technology developed by Yamaha. Yamaha wants to sell sports cars. However, it's currently forbidden from selling cars by the Japanese government which limits the number of companies allowed to manufacture them; Yamaha wants an exemption. The ambition behind this new prototype is to create a car that is as exciting to drive as a motorcycle is to ride. This car has the light-weight, yet highly rigid and strong frame of a Formula 1 race car. Yamaha is crossing its fingers and making preparations to release this car in the global marketplace.
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CONCEPT GSX
Over the coming years, the Concept GSX’s DNA will be found on its MotoGP machines, the Hayabusa and the GSX-Rs. The GSX started as an image in the designer’s head, and using layer upon layer of traditional Japanese paper he crafted the beautiful, streamlined body. The design will create additional down force, as well.
CONCEPT SC01
This machine took pride of place in the centre of Kawasaki’s booth. The message of the illustration is that Kawasaki has always been in pursuit of the highest levels of performance. This is exemplified by the Z1 from 1972 and last year’s release of the H2.
ZX-10R ABS KRT EDITION
Like the H2, the ZX-10R produces 200hp — but it doesn’t have a supercharger like the H2 and is 32kg lighter.
MERCEDES-AMG AND MV AGUSTA
AMG is part of the Mercedes-Benz group’s tuning and high performance divisions, and this machine represents the first fruits of the collaboration between AMG and MV Agusta. The colour design is in the style typical of AMG.
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