Yamaha confirms two new world debuts for 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

Yamaha has offered a first glimpse at a series of new concept models it is preparing to reveal at the upcoming 2019 Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, plus two more that will remain under wraps until the big day.

The annual showcase for Japanese manufacturers across both the automotive and motorcycle industry, Yamaha – together with Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki – are likely to use the event to reveal new models, future-teasing (or just wacky) concepts and outline plans for the years ahead, most likely policies about electrification.

For Yamaha, which is best-known for its motorcycles in Europe but offers a broader range of products across different industries in Asia, this means a spread of unveilings that include scooters, push bikes, autonomous vehicles and even a wheelchair.

Of the four world premiere concept vehicles it is confirmed will be on its stand when the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show begins on 23 October, the Yamaha E01 is its most intriguing offering. 

A new generation of electric scooter, the Yamaha E01 is said to have a power output the equivalent of a 125cc scooter engine but has been optimised to be fast-charge compatible and majors in providing ‘everyday use’. Moreover, the sleek and sporty design will be used as a reference for upcoming Yamaha scooter models.

Also on display will be the Yamaha E02, which is in a similar ethos to the E01 but offers the power equivalent of a 50cc scooter, and the Land Link Concept, a four-wheel autonomous vehicle that uses AI-based image recognition to plot its route and avoid obstacles.

What will Yamaha debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show?

Perhaps the most interesting part of this communication are two machines that are yet to be revealed.

Yamaha says it will premiere two more models at the Yamaha press briefing on October 23 but gives no more indication as to what they will be, much less whether they will even be motorcycles.

Even so, it would be reasonable to assume at least one of these will be a two-wheel machine. 

Of the current range, the Yamaha Super Tenere is certainly due for an update, not least with the new 2020 Honda CRF1100L on its way, while the recently introduced Yamaha Tenere 700 suggests a revised 1200 version will be on the way soon.

There’s also the upcoming new wave of ‘supernakeds’, such as the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the newly announced Kawasaki Z H2, which may get the Iwata marque thinking about a new Yamaha MT-10 too.

Failing that, there is always room for a mad – or sexy – concept motorcycle in Tokyo, where we couldn’t possibly predict what come from the mind of the people that gave us the Yamaha Niken…