Another ‘green’ motorcycle initiative has been unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor show this week. Yamaha has revealed a working hybrid motorcycle prototype called the HV-X.
Unlike Piaggio’s MP3 Hybrid scooter—coming to Canada in 2010—which uses electric and gas powered motors in unison to enhance acceleration and can only be ridden in electric-only mode through manual selection, the HV-X operates as a true hybrid. Its liquid cooled 250-cc single shuts down automatically when the vehicle is stationary, with the 15 kW electric motor operating at low speeds and the gas engine engaging when additional torque and speed is required. As with the Piaggio hybrid, the HV-X’s electric power plant runs on a large lithium ion battery.
No information yet as to when, or if Yamaha intends to offer hybrid technology in a production bike, but you can check out their official test ride video of the HV-X below. Skip ahead to 1:35 to get to the good part.
