Yamaha’s Wacky 01 Gen

If you’re sci-fi and bike fan, the 01Gen could be a piece of you, its beak resembling that of the alien hunter, Predator. The rest is just as weird. A three-wheeler, with two at the front, and power going to the single rear wheel via a belt drive, it is designed both for off and on road work, with plenty of suspension travel. Hence, the crossover description given by Yamaha though on details they were sketchy. No motor certainty yet, though UK sources suggest the 530cc TMAX superscooter engine. No explanation of suspension workings either; it features doubled up forks up front and who knows what at the rear. Unlike some trikes, which have two wheels up front and steer but don’t lean, this corners like a conventional motorcycle, with wheel angle changing so should ride like one, only with more front end grip and stability. Pundits suggest this could be a concept for a proper MP3 competitor to Piaggio. Either that or something bigger to take on the likes of the CanAm Spyder.

Yamaha is also unveiling something mean and ornery at the EICMA show, its teaser video suggesting the ‘Development Z’ concept is the new track-oriented 230hp YZF-R1 prototype.