It's almost time for the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, and even if you're nowhere near the island nation, most motorcycle fans might still want to pay attention. Why? Because this is when Japan's Big Four typically show off new concepts and random stuff you might not otherwise get to see. And although it may or may not eventually evolve into something you can actually ride, it's still helpful to see where each company's head is currently at.
Take Yamaha, for example. At the 2025 show, Yamaha has a plan to arrive with an entire slew of its products. Some are things it's already introduced in the past, like the latest evolution of the adorable Yamaha Fazzio scooter, or the Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT. Some are a little more special, like the YZF-R1 Suzuka 8 Hours Spec, or even the TY-E 3.0.
And then there are the planned world premiere concepts, of which there are five so far that Yamaha has announced. Let's take a look at each of them in turn.
Yamaha Proto BEV
First up, there's the Proto BEV. Although it is meant to be, as the name implies, a full battery-electric vehicle-type motorcycle, Yamaha stresses that this prototype "embodies the fun that only a large battery EV can offer." Is it, perhaps, meant to take on the Honda WN7?
At this point, it's impossible to say; since these will only be introduced as concepts and prototypes at JMS 2025, details and specs are thin on the ground. Instead, Yamaha says things like that it involves some type of human-machine interface (Yamaha loves this idea, and has been working on developing it for several years with its Motoroid concepts).
But wait, there's another interesting thing that Yamaha mentions about the Proto BEV, and it's that it includes some type of sound-generation device. Does that mean Yamaha's planning to bring this strange fake motor patent to market in some form? It's impossible to say at this point, but it's also hard not to wonder.
Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ
Speaking of Motoroid, the latest iteration from Yamaha is also headed to JMS 2025.
Moving on from Motoroid2, we're now up to MOTOROiD:Λ, which is apparently "a mobility device that learns and grows autonomously through AI technology," according to Yamaha. Quick, nobody tell Boston Dynamics. Yamaha is still doubling down on the idea of some extrapolation of the Motoroid project eventually "reshap[ing] the world of motorcycles."
While we can't offer any informed opinions at this point as to whether that's anywhere close to reality, what we can observe is that Yamaha has been working on this project for a very long time. So clearly, it's something the firm sees a future in. Will riders agree, though? That's unclear.
Yamaha H2 Buddy Porter Concept
And now, shortly after BMW showed off its Vision CE Concept, another world premiere concept that Yamaha is bringing to JMS 2025 looks like it could compete head-to-head with that little guy. It's called the H2 Buddy Porter concept, but before you get all excited, that H2 isn't the same H2 that you know and love from Kawasaki.
In Yamaha's hands, the H2 indicates that it's powered by hydrogen. This concept was developed in collaboration with Toyota, and utilizes a small, high-pressure hydrogen tank made with motorcycle use in mind. On a full tank, Yamaha says, this little delivery scoot can go a full 100 kilometers (about 62 miles). For deliveries in a small, defined urban area, that seems like it could be promising and useful. Crucially, it also meets Euro5 emissions standards, indicating that Yamaha sees a place for it in European markets, too.
Yamaha Y-00B Base and Bricolage Versions
Here's where I get a little pang of sadness in my heart, because Yamaha took its e-bike business and exited the US market stage right a couple of years ago. And truly, these look pretty freaking cool for those who may be able to ride them in the future. The Bricolage is specifically made to celebrate Yamaha Motor's 70th anniversary, and harks back to the original Yamaha YA-1 from 1955, thus pulling my history-loving heartstrings even more. Insert wistful sigh here.
Yamaha Tricera Proto
You probably remember the original Tricera concept from 2023, don't you? Well, two years have passed, and now Yamaha is back with its latest iteration. This one is meant to be driven, although it's not clear whether test drives will be available for attendees.
What Yamaha does say about it is that it features three-wheel manual steering (3WS), with both front- and rear-wheel drive on this EV prototype. It also makes use of Yamaha's sound engineering experience via a special "αlive AD" unit that apparently provides a driving soundtrack meant to enhance your experience in the cockpit. Does it just make combustion engine noises, or does it do something more? That's not clear, but between this and Yamaha's recent fake EV motor patent (also designed to make sounds), it is clear that this combination of effects is something that Yamaha thinks people want from their EVs.
What do you think of where Yamaha is headed? Are you intrigued by any of what you're seeing here? Do you wish you could attend the Japan Mobility Show 2025 and see them in person? If you'll be in Japan from October 30, 2025 through November 9, 2025, you might want to check out the event's official website for more information, in case you want to stop by.
