Yamaha has gone back to its simple racing roots with this Y125 Moegi motorcycle. For now just a concept bike, this slick little 2 wheeler is destined to become a reality. Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, this little beauty has some super design developments and engineering solutions.
Not many will remember this, but in the Fifties the bike this concept is based on was launched. It was called the YA-1 and it was a super little 125cc 2-stroke delight. The company that launched it wasn’t by then called Yamaha, they were known as “Nippon Gakki”.
With their engineers being driven to succeed, this little 125 won a few big races and so began some strong sales. Here’s the original YA-1 in all its glory:
The Moegi is a bit of a hybrid to me, taking design influences from both older, now ‘classic’ motorcycles, and uber-slick scooter lines too. Yamaha have made the frame from super-lightweight cast aluminium which means it weighs in at just 80kg or 176 lbs. Impressive stuff.
The engine is an air-cooled, 4-stroke 125cc lump that integrates an aluminium die-cast cylinder which no other motorcycle has. Estimated top speed is around 50mph but fuel economy is said to be over 180mpg. I’d be surprised if that was the case but never say never….
Verdict:
I like this bike’s style and would love to see it on the streets. What do you think?