JAPANESE auto giant Yamaha has revealed an AI-powered “motorcycle of the future” with stunning features, including wheels that glow in the dark.
The ground-breaking concept was born out of a collaboration with Netflix’s sci-fi anime series Tokyo Override.
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Netflix contacted Yamaha and asked to use some of their bikes in the series.
That led Yamaha to hand over 3D data, images, and sound recordings of their motorcycles.
To create the design, Yamaha merged the best features of their YZF-R1 superbike and VMAX muscle cruiser – with a futuristic twist.
Called the Y/AI, this bizarre-looking machine features spokeless, semi-transparent wheels that emit a vibrant blue glow when in motion.
Its engine is concealed within the bridge that connects the wheels – giving it a sleek, minimalist design.
The bike’s handlebars are uniquely placed on the sides of the front forks, connected by an arch – further giving it a futuristic look.
The series, set in Tokyo 100 years in the future, shows a world where AI integrates into daily life and automates all aspects – including the use of vehicles and bikes.
In the series, the superbike navigates the futuristic city but it was brought to life as a full-scale concept model at the Motor Expo 2024 in Bangkok.
The event took place from November 29 to December 10.
The in-person debut followed the Netflix series premiere of Tokyo Override, which was released on November 21.
In other motorcycle news, US brand Harley-Davidson has revealed it is expanding its collab with a two-wheeler company to bring out a brand-new release.
The motorcycle giant is doubling down on its partnership with Hero MotoCorp.
Elsewhere, a biker recently revealed how she waited over a year for a part for her Harley after she broke down on a road trip.
The frustrated rider searched across two continents without luck but discovered that she was being hamstrung by a bizarre tech issue.
Larissa Scheler from Hanover, Germany, was enjoying a summertime ride through the French island of Corsica when her 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster sputtered to a halt.
Mechanically handy herself, she quickly diagnosed that the fault was with the engine control module.
This vital central computer regulates just about every function of the engine.
Without it, the bike is essentially guessing when to pump fuel into the cylinders, when to spark it, and when to vent the exhaust.
That’s obviously not particularly safe or efficient, so Larissa went to order a new module as soon as she could.
Unfortunately, that was in the summer of 2023 and the experienced biker was still waiting for the part just last month.
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