The Gold Wing that tows cars

The Japanese have long had a fascination with robotics, and this curious 'Gold Wing Retriever' contraption probably wouldn't even raise an eyebrow on the busy Tohoku Expressway.

Looking as though it might transform into a giant defendo-bot, capable of repelling marauding aliens, the Swedish-designed device is mated to a Honda Gold Wing and is used for towing broken down cars short distances to free up traffic bottlenecks on busy expressways.

The Japanese highway patrol seen in these photos uses the Gold Wing Retrievers for such purposes (please, no dog jokes), as the bikes can weave through congested traffic with ease, unfolding the rear trailer upon arrival to move the stationary vehicle.

Originally launched about five years ago, the Gold Wing Retriever was invented by Swedish company Coming Through, and appears to be gaining traction in some markets as traffic congestion becomes a serious global issue.

Because the trailer has three wheels, the bike doesn't become overly unbalanced when towing, but according to its Scandinavian designers the Retriever can only tow at a speed of around 30km/h, based on the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing's 118hp and 163Nm.

Powered by an 1832cc six-cylinder engine, it's one of a handful of bikes that has the sufficient torque output to achieve such a feat. Impressively, the Gold Wing Retriever can tow a car weighing up to 2500kg.

Anyone who has towed a trailer before will be wondering what happens when a 2500kg mass is pushing a motorcycle downhill, but Coming Through reckons its patented trailer braking system "makes towing safe, even downhill". There's even a winch option that can be used to easily haul a car onto the recovery unit.

So if you're ever in Japan and are stuck in grueling peak hour traffic, pray to the Shinto gods that a transforming motorcycle snakes past and tows your worries away.