Kawasaki’s new J motorcycle appears to combine a rowing machine, a Tron Lightcycle and Yamaha’s Tesseract concept…
Looks like the engineers/designers at Kawasaki have been on a Transformers binge – judging by their new electric three-wheeled effort. The first ever J Concept was actually unveiled in 2013 during the Tokyo Motor Show, so this idea has been a sleeper. But now that Honda are offering self-balancing motorcycles and Yamaha are developing three-wheeled creations – Kawasaki thought we needed reminding.
Kawasaki’s new J motorcycle appears to combine a rowing machine, a Tron Lightcycle and Yamaha’s Tesseract concept. It’s not only electric, but transforms from a narrow-track three-wheeler into a wide-tracker with the front twin-wheel suspension fitting onto the existing frame.
With a massive set of rear wheels, and levers in place of handlebars, the J is able to morph from a low riding position (Sport Mode) that allows cornering at speed, to a higher stance (Comfort Mode) in which the front wheels are widened for relaxed urban cruising.
While electric bike manufacturers usually go for an automatic transmission, here gears will be used. Helping riders feel closer to their machine, it will also give them the added responsibility of controlling the throttle, as well as the gears as the same time.
At the heart of the J is Kawasaki’s Gigacell battery, capable of storing huge amounts of power as it’s a high-capacity nickel-metal hybrid, not a lithium-ion. Any electronic aids onboard will come in the form of Rideology, an artificial intelligence system capable of communicating to the rider as well as showing vital information in a head-up display.
Until Kawasaki chooses a cooler letter or a full name, the J won’t ever make production. Until then Kawasaki is likely to use the concept to showcase its Gigacell battery technology – and explain the ski pole steering setup.
By Bill Varetimidis
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