Yamaha gives 04Gen concept scooter wings
Unveiled at the first Vietnam Motorcycle Show in Ho Chi Minh City, the
fourth concept model of Yamaha's Gen series pursues an innovative
approach to scooter dynamics and body structure that is based on the
company's Refined Dynamism design philosophy. Instead of hiding the
frame behind exterior parts, the 04Gen concept wraps them in
semi-transparent parts that pivot up to give the scooter wings.
Yamaha established its latest design philosophy in 2013 in an attempt
to define a unique and clearly identifiable style. Under the Refined
Dynamism umbrella, Yamaha has introduced three design concepts, starting
in 2014 with the 01Gen tilting three-wheeler that had two wheels at the
front.
With the 02Gen concept, also unveiled in
2014, the company's design study ventured into a field somewhat removed
from the typical motorcycles and scooters, assuming the form of a
futuristic electric-powered wheelchair. In 2015 the third model of the Gen series was based on the Tricity
three-wheeler, offering two different options – the 03Gen-f, which took
the shape of a sporty roadster, and the 03Gen-x, which was designed to
appeal to the off-road enthusiast.
The latest 04Gen concept is essentially a
typical two-wheeled scooter, adorned with an elaborate flowing style.
Although Yamaha does not disclose any specs, it is obviously powered by
an internal combustion engine – as evidenced by the exhaust can on the
right side of the rear wheel.
There are some interesting features that help
differentiate the 04Gen from typical scooters. First of all there's the
frame design, with Yamaha employing a monocoque frame that resembles
the basic structure of a Vespa, where the steering column, the footboard
and the whole rear section are incorporated in a solid metal
construction.
At the rear, a single shock absorber on the
left side connects to the typical scooter transmission that doubles as a
single-sided swing arm, but it's at the front where things get
interesting. Here Yamaha opts for a setup that looks like an Earles
fork, with two shock absorbers and a triangular pivot joint that
includes the rear part of the fender – a design dating back to the
1950s, owing its fame to some iconic BMW models like the R50 and R60
that used it for several years.
Equally unusual is the braking system, with what appears to be typical disc brakes enclosed in hubs both at the front and rear.
Yamaha adds a finishing touch in the form of
semi-transparent resin bodywork, with pivoting rear side panels that can
be lifted to look like insect wings and provide access to the parts
that lie beneath them.
For the time being Yamaha makes absolutely no
mention of any actual production plans for the 04Gen or if any of its
features will make it onto other vehicles. However, it's worth
remembering that the Tricity 125 scooter sported essentially the same suspension that appeared previously on the 01Gen. The two 03Gen variants are also both based on the Tricity architecture.
In this sense, the 04Gen concept may well
prove to be the forebear of a new scooter family from Yamaha. or it may
just be a flight of fancy.
Source: Yamaha
