[Detailed explanation] The 7th generation Cygnus X has undergone an extraordinary evolution. What is the newly developed DL8 frame?

The new DL8 frame and its hidden potential

“We haven’t been listening sincerely to the voices of our users,” “We’ve distanced ourselves from the media,” and “This is a new model announcement event to announce our improvements,” said Taiwan Yamaha President Ishimura, whose words sound genuine. What surprised our reporting team was that the new Cygnus X has undergone evolution and improvements that go beyond the usual evolutions such as a revamped exterior and an evolved powertrain.

　The first of these is the new main frame called the DL8. This frame, which has improved vertical rigidity by 19%, has additional reinforcing members, and the thickness of the right frame pipe alone has been increased from 2mm to 2.3mm. Although the wheelbase and caster angle are the same as those of the Griffus, the fact that such development costs were incurred and changes that are not immediately obvious is proof that they have sincerely listened to the market.

　Mr. Sasaki from KN Kikaku, who was also present at the presentation, also took note of the changes to the harness leading to the generator. Mr. Sasaki said he had never encountered this before, but there had been calls from the market for improvements in this area as well. When I asked the development staff at Yamaha Taiwan about this, they were surprised and said, “You know a lot about it!”, which I think is also proof that Yamaha Taiwan conducted thorough market research when creating this new model.

The extraordinary evolution is also proof of our seriousness

　There were also some other seemingly unusual improvements. The front wheel was narrowed from 2.75J to 2.5J, and the tire (Maxxis R1N) was narrowed from 120/70-12 to 110/70-12. The development staff explained that these improvements were made to ensure agile handling.

　In response to complaints that the air cleaner box was too large, it has been made smaller while maintaining its capacity. The front fork inner tube has been lengthened by 5 mm, and the rear shock spring rate has been made 11.7% softer. The passenger step has been moved 59 mm rearward, and by changing the brake lever ratio, a 37% labor saving has been achieved. The storage space under the seat has a capacity of 28 liters, which is said to be able to fit a SHOEI X-15.

Many points of normal evolution, and generous use of new technologies

　In addition to these improvements that appear to have been made in response to user feedback, there are also many other standard improvements that appear to have been made with great effort by Yamaha Taiwan’s development team. In terms of the powertrain, engine output has been increased from 12ps to 12.2ps, the weight roller has been lightened from 11g to 9g, which is thought to have changed the riding feel, and the front disc rotor has been enlarged from φ245mm to φ267mm, which suggests a significant increase in braking power. The throttle section has been made slightly higher, and the grip, which was apparently the result of thorough attention to detail, has a complex 3D shape that is said to reduce fatigue even during long rides.

　There are also many points to be proud of in the exterior. The front position lamps use 17 LEDs on one side, but they say they struggled to make them emit light in a surface area so that they don’t look like 17 dots, and the front side cowls and muffler feature special graphics that feel like fabric. The design is integrated from under the seat to the grab bar, giving the impression of a new design concept.

　Although we were not able to test drive it this time, and it has not yet been decided whether it will be introduced in Japan, we would like to keep an eye on the future sales trends of the 7th generation Cygnus X in Taiwan. Incidentally, the selling price in Taiwan is 94,500 Taiwanese dollars (463,000 yen) for the UBS specification and 103,800 Taiwanese dollars (508,600 yen) for the ABS specification.

*Conversion to Japanese yen is calculated at 1 Taiwan dollar = 4.9 Japanese yen.

2025 CYGNUS Gen 7

CYGNUS X UBS 94,500 Taiwanese dollars (463,050 yen)
CYGNUS X ABS 103,800 Taiwanese dollars (508,620 yen)

CYGNUS X／CYGNUS XR Specification

Four key points

A compact air cleaner box while maintaining capacity

Tail lamps are for 125cc only

Seamless design from the side cowl to the grab bar

The front and rear suspension and brake systems have also been improved.

Opening of the newly designed DL8

Highly rigid main frame

The biggest exhibit at this presentation was the newly designed frame called DL8. It has improved vertical rigidity by 19%, and added a rigidity enhancing member near the footpeg. Furthermore, the right side of the frame uses a 2.3mm thick pipe, which is 15% thicker. It will be very interesting to see how this affects the ride.