Yamaha Teases Motoroid Electric Motorcycle AI for Tokyo

Yamaha first announced its intentions to launch an all-electric, 2-wheeled ecosystem for years– and it’s taken several steps to deliver on its promise. Its electric eVino scooter is already here, and the PES1 proved Yamaha is serious about developing a lightweight bike platform to compete in the 125-250cc ranges. Now, Yamaha is teasing the next step in its electric reinvention: the Motoroid.

Yamaha’s two-wheeled electric motorcycle concept bike will- according to the company- inspire a feeling of true connection between bike and rider, but the model is more “it’s a pony!” than “Robotech Cyclone”. Even so, people like their horses, so bike being able to interact with its human owner could, maybe, generate a genuine bond (on the human’s part, at least). And …

Well, that’s it, really. All Yamaha has given out, so far, is the pictures you see here- which feature a Bimota Tesi type suspension– and the following statement: In order to bring people new experiences of Kando,* this experimental machine employs artificial intelligence and explores the feasibility of concepts for creating new forms of personal mobility in which the rider resonates harmoniously with machine. MOTOROiD’s development concept was an “Unleashed Prototype,” and it is capable of recognizing its owner and interacting in other capacities like a living creature. By undertaking these kinds of development challenges, Yamaha is aiming to acquire technology for creating new value for our customers.

Make of that what you will, I guess. In the meantime, check out the pictures of this electric motorcycle cyberpet hybrid thingy, below, and check back again after the Tokyo Motor Show launch on October 27th.

Yamaha Metroid | 2017 Tokyo Auto Show

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Source | Images: Yamaha, via Asphalt and Rubber.

2015 Yamaha eVino Arrives in Taiwan - VIDEO

When Yamaha announced plans to offer a full, cradle-to-grave ecosystem of 100% electric motorcycles, many dismissed its plans as overly-ambitious green-washing. Here we are, barely a year later, however, and Yamaha has delivered on the first of its electrified promises. Meet the 2015 Yamaha eVino electric scooter.

Currently available for sale for the ultra-cheap price of just 58,500 New Taiwan Dollars (about $1850, USD), the 2015 Yamaha eVino features a large, practical cargo basket at the front along with a deep, under-seat storage space that- and I can speak from the sort of personal experience that comes with owning 3 of the things- will easily fit an XL 3/4 face helmet. Combined, the two storage spaces should make the little eVino an enormously competent grocery-getter and errand-runner.

Stylistically, the 2015 Yamaha eVino looks just like the standard Vino from the handlebars back. Up front, the large basket gives it a bit of a look, sure- but the star of the show for vintage scooter lovers is the fender-mounted headlight.

Fenderlight scooters are a thing, people. Trust me.

Beyond looking good and being immensely practical, capacity-wise, the new Yamaha eVino also features a clever removable battery pack, allowing apartment-dwellers or commuters to easily carry the battery pack into their homes or offices for all-day charging. Our more clever readers have already figured out that a small, removable battery pack could be placed at each location pre-charged, enabling all kinds of extended-range adventures for more interesting eVino riders.

The 2015 Yamaha eVino has a 20-25 MPH “moped” top speed, and a range of just over 15 miles on a single battery pack. With enough cargo capacity for a few dozen batteries, however, I can already think of some fun road test challenges for next year. Here’s hoping the little bike comes to the US, and that the super kick-ass Yamaha PES1 electric street fighter comes with it!