Yamaha reveals new electric bikes
PES2 and PED2 concepts show progress towards production models
LAST year Yamaha’s Annual Report suggested it would have versions its PES1 and PED1 electric bike concepts in production by 2016 - and while the schedule might have slipped a bit since then it does have two new electric concept models to unveil at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show.
The PES2 and PED2 are very much along the same lines as the original concept machines, but with new motors, frames and styling as the project edges towards production. Interestingly, the road-oriented PES2 gains two-wheel-drive and a weird single-sided fork arrangement.
Here’s what the firm has to say about the new concepts: 'In addition to the characteristics unique to an electric motor, these two EV (electric vehicle) motorcycle concept models have an operational feel that will seem natural even to today’s motorcycle enthusiasts and they achieve a new kind of riding experience that will inspire the Passion in riders. The Street sport “PES2” and Dirt sport “PED2” share a new power unit (Yamaha Smart Power Module) with a monocoque structure that also functions as the frame.
The PES2 on-road sport model has an additional electric motor built into the hub of the front wheel to make it a 2WD motorcycle, and it is designed to pioneer new boundaries of performance never experienced before. In contrast, the PED2 is a partner for hitting mountain trails designed to capitalize on the clean, quiet performance character of an EV to better enjoy riding through the natural world. Both models are equivalent in performance to Class II (50–125cc) mopeds and motorcycles.
[PES2] Length x Width x Height = 1,920 mm × 680 mm × 1,060 mm Motor type = DC brushless motor Battery type = Lithium-ion (detachable) Vehicle weight = under 130 kg [PED2] Length x Width x Height = 2,045 mm × 775 mm ×1,205 mm Motor type = DC brushless motor Battery type = Lithium-ion (detachable) Vehicle weight = under 100 kg.'
