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Knowing a little about hybrids, this is intriguing to me. A hybrid that performs like a one-liter bike, yet has a 600cc R6 based engine. This actually makes sense since in the automotive world, the hybrid counterparts to the petro vehicles make more peak horsepower (e.g. Lexus RX330 HEV makes about 80 more Hp than the base engine model).

My concern would be in the overall handling due to the added mass of the electric motor and batteries. Yamaha seemed to address this by making the bike scooter-like versus anything sporty. I am curious as to why they did not project a fuel economy figure.

Anyway, here’s the scoop:

This model is a proposal for a “High-performance Hybrid Motorcycle.” Based on Yamaha’s “Genesis” design ideal and the new “G.E.N.I.C.H.” ideal reflecting the latest electronic control technologies, this model combines the lightweight, compact YZF-R6 600cc engine and a high output, high efficiency electric motor. It is designed to offer both the joy of handling of a motorcycle and the comfort and carrying capacity of a scooter. Features like the lightweight aluminum CF die-cast body with optimized rigidity balance, large diameter wheels and long wheelbase give this model running performance and handling similar to a 1,000cc class machine.
Furthermore, as Yamaha H.M.I. (Human Machine Interface) systems, this model adopts ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) features aimed at preventative safety functions and smart functions for increasing rider comfort. The ASV functions include (1) a vehicle-vehicle distance warning system using the latest communications technologies, (2) a cornering light system that improves nighttime vision when turning at intersections and curves, The smart functions include (1) a noise canceling system that greatly reduces wind noise, (2) a short wave tandem intercom system, (3) voice navigation function, (4) music player and hand-free cell phone function and (5) rear view monitoring system using a CCD camera and LCD display.

…and the rest of the fuel efficient display models:

Taking full advantage of the greater chassis design freedom afforded by an in-wheel motor, this is Yamaha’s proposal of a completely new type of two-wheel-drive (2WD) EV (electric vehicle) with “Stretch & Shrink” functions in the vertical and horizontal directions that brings a very Yamaha joy of riding. In addition to the great drivability of the 2WD it is possible to adjust not only the riding position but also the silhouette of the chassis to fit the rider’s body size, riding environment, road surface conditions and personal preference. This is Yamaha’s proposal of a bike of the future that offers the kind of personal fit only possible with an electric vehicle.

This is a parallel hybrid scooter mounting an electric motor and gasoline engine. Despite the large body that gives a feeling of spacious comfort to the ride, this model has torque-y power development in the low rpm range that delivers the acceleration feeling of a bike one class above, as well as good fuel economy, environmental friendliness and performance that brings a real joy of riding. At the same time it has convenient functions that only hybrid bike offer, such as a “quiet mode” (running only on the electric motor) and a “push mode” that makes pushing the bike in places like parking lots (super low-power drive when off the bike).

Fuel cell systems using hydrogen gas as their fuel are most common but it is difficult to make a compact system of this type. The “Yamaha Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) System” uses a liquid methanol-water solution as its fuel, which eliminates the need for a converter and a pressurized (fuel) tank and thus makes it possible to create a lightweight system for a small vehicle requiring power in the 1 kW range without compromising on power output characteristics.
Based on survey data gathered from licensed public-road use of our “FC06 PROTO,” a prototype mounting the Yamaha DMFC system, the advanced fuel cell motorcycle model “FC-me” has now been created with improved performance in areas like reliability and running distance. By optimizing the control parameters for the fuel cell system, Yamaha’s engineers have achieved an energy conversion rate for the FC-me that 1.5 times that of the FC06 PROTO, while re-evaluation of the body components has made possible a light machine weight of just 69 kg. A contract has been signed with Shizuoka Prefecture to put this model in practical use on a lease basis as of September 16 of this year.

Developing on the base of the popular urban tandem cruiser “MAXAM,” this is Yamaha’s proposal for a new type of big cruiser with the design concept of a “weekend leisure cruiser.” Building on the MAXAM’s “low & long” body design, this model boasts a completely new “pick-up” styling that includes focus on important things like storage space in its under-seat compartment. In addition to the big added stretch of overhang front and rear, touches like abundant use of chrome parts and a genuine leather seat bring a sense of true quality such as never seen before in a big scooter. (The 3000 in the model name is for its 3,000mm length)