The most important part of the Caterham Project V
Yamaha Motor has announced that it will collaborate with British sports car manufacturer Caterham.
Caterham is currently working on a new EV (electric vehicle) sports coupe project called “Project V,” in which Yamaha will participate and collaborate as a partner.
Yamaha will supply the “e-axle.” The “e-axle” is a component that combines an electric motor with a control computer and gearbox in an integrated unit. It not only controls the performance of the EV, but also contributes to making the unit and vehicle smaller and lighter.
Yamaha will design this e-axle in-house. They are currently developing a prototype together with Tokyo R&D in Japan, with the aim of mass-producing it and commercializing it. They are aiming for completion around mid-2025.
Yamaha develops and supplies engines for Toyota Motor Corporation, and in the past it independently developed a four-wheeled sports car called the “OX99” and aimed to commercialize it, but this did not come to fruition.
Yamaha continues to demonstrate a proactive stance toward multi-wheeled vehicles, developing and selling three-wheeled motorcycles such as the Tricity and Niken.
Completing Project V is surely Yamaha’s long-cherished dream, and the technology cultivated through this project will surely be applied to motorcycles in the future.
“GPZ600R” on display
Kawasaki Motors Japan will hold the third special exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of Kawasaki’s motorcycle business. A display of past models will be held at Kawasaki World (2-2 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, inside the Kobe Maritime Museum). This time, the focus will be on the European market from the 1970s to the 1990s. Five models that were sold in Europe at the time will be on display: the Z650, GPZ650, 1000GTR, ZZ-R1100, and KV175 AGIBIKE. The exhibition will run from October 1st to March 30th, 2024.
New helmet in Nakagami’s colors
Arai Helmets has announced a new color, “NAKAGAMI GP3,” for its racing helmet “RX-7X,” and a new color, “COSMIC,” for its off-road helmet “Tour Cross V.” The “RX-7X NAKAGAMI” is scheduled to be released in late November for 79,200 yen (tax included), while the “Tour Cross V COSMIC” will be released in mid-November for 79,200 yen. The “NAKAGAMI” model is a reproduction of the popular special color worn by MotoGP racer Takaaki Nakagami from the 2023 Japan GP. The “COSMIC” comes in three colors featuring bold stripes: blue, red, and silver.
Kawasaki to hold off-road event
Kawasaki Motors Japan will be holding the off-road event “KAZE Let’s Ride Off-road.” The event will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024 (national holiday) at Rider Park Ikoma (1999 Tatsuma, Daito City, Osaka Prefecture). The entry period is from September 30 to October 27. There are three programs: “Trial Class,” “Mini Competition Class,” and “Off-road Entry Shop Off-road Model Test Ride.” Rental bikes and equipment will be provided for the trial class, so even beginners can participate. Participants must bring their own vehicle for the Mini Competition Class. Five off-road models, including the “KLX110R L,” will be available for the test ride.
Calling for checkpoints for the Aso Touring Rally event
GATR2025, a rally event that involves motorbikes circling Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, is scheduled to be held. It will not only involve circling Aso, but also provide 10 traversal spots. A preliminary survey will be conducted to find out about famous and lesser-known spots in Aso. The survey results will be used to conduct on-site surveys and determine the spots. The survey period will run until October 16, 2024.
Get 30,000 yen worth of Kawasaki apparel
Kawasaki Motors Japan is running the “Motorcycle Life Start-Up Campaign.” If you purchase a “Ninja ZX-25R,” “Ninja 400,” or “Z400” at Kawasaki Plaza, you will receive a “Plaza Apparel Purchase Support Coupon worth 30,000 yen.” The campaign runs until December 31, 2024.
Test ride a Triumph and win a shaker bottle
Triumph Motorcycles Japan will be holding the “Premium Experience Fair” until October 27, 2024. If you test ride a Triumph model during this period, you will receive a “shaker bottle with cup” as a gift. In addition, five test riders will be chosen by lottery to receive a “Hoshino Resorts accommodation gift certificate.”
