"Feel the future in the wind". That's how Yamaha is promoting its stand at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. It sounds a bit dicey, really. Nevertheless, we decided to take a quick look around the exhibit.
With four all-new models, three Japanese premieres and a generous helping of updated and existing models, the Yamaha stage was well placed to entertain bike lovers of all ages and abilities.
A range of electrically-assisted bicycles, EV scooters and more traditional models shared this year's display, along side an array of personal watercraft and other Yamaha Motor products.
A retro-inspired 125cc model with the "look and feel of a bicycle", the Y125 is the first of four all-new bikes to be displayed at this year's show. It boasts a slim and lightweight frame, low-rolling resistance tyres and belt drive to give owners "an appealing personal vehicle for daily commuting or long jaunts on the weekend".
We're sure it makes a lot of sense, and we're even more sure that for what's essentially a hyper-mileing scooter, the Y125 is a real looker, breaking the traditional upright scooter mould.
The second concept model at this year's show, Yamaha EC-Miu is a diminutive three-wheeled scooter aimed squarely at women, Yamaha says. The all-electric model fits into the 50cc class and is said to be a "breeze to handle".
Next up, an electrically-assisted bicycle dubbed PAS WITH. This little bike folds for ease of storage or transport and is designed to complement car, train and bus travel. Complete with front and (leaf) rear suspension, the PAS WITH uses a small electric motor built into the front wheel hub to promote what its maker's say is a "comfortable and pleasant" ride.
The final concept model, and my personal favourite, is the rugged-looking XTW250. The SUV of the motorcycle world, XTW250 is designed with "heavy-duty utility" in mind and offers oversized tyres and an interchangeable parcel shelf-cum-rear seat. It also has a slimline fuel tank and removable LED foglamps.
The low centre of gravity of XTW250 and specialised offroad performance mean the bike is ideal for weekend trips away, or as Yamaha puts it, "unrestricted anywhere anytime mobility".
The Japanese debuts included a 50th Anniversary edition YZF-R1, export specification TMAX scooter and updated Majesty (scooter).
The limited edition R1 scores a cross plane crank and traction control, LED position lamps and reshaped reflectors to "sharpen the eyeline of the headlight assembly". The Japanese-spec model is finished in commemorative colouring exclusive to the local model.
In stark contrast to its flagship model, the TMAX scooter is upgraded to 530cc displacement for 2012 along with rejigged suspension and subtle styling changes. Depending on market, TMAX is offered with or without ABS.
Finally, the 250cc Majesty scooter receives a revised body shape which Yamaha says are designed to make the front look more imposing. New low and high beam projector-style headlamps, adjustable brake levers, a newly designed instrument panel and new positioning lights round out the changes to the MY12 "Maj".
Production models joining the new and improved set include the 2012 DragStar400, SEROW250, CYGNUS-X SR (50th Anniversary Special), BW's 50, Super Tenere Worldcrosser and Jorge's YZR-M1. Finished in Yamaha's traditional red and white bodywork, the M1 commemorates 50 years on World Championship Grand Prix racing for the Japanese manufacturer.