Yamaha Motoroid2, at the boundaries of reality

There will undoubtedly be a before and an after Yamaha Motoroid 2, the first motorcycle capable of twisting to maintain its balance.

In 2017, Yamaha introduced its Motoroid, a motorcycle capable of keeping its balance on its own thanks to a swinging block integrated into the frame. A remarkable achievement that, six years later, gives rise to an incredible second generation.

Let’s immediately dismiss the question of whether such a motorcycle can be used in daily life. It is by no means a model intended for commercial sale. It’s not a styling exercise previewing a serial model either. It’s not even a motorcycle as defined in all the dictionaries of the world. The Yamaha Motoroid2 is a true technical laboratory on two wheels, a compilation of tomorrow’s technologies.

The Motoroid2 is built around a motor/battery assembly placed beneath the rider. It powers a rear wheel driven by a driveshaft, attached to a swinging arm capable not only of oscillating, obviously, but also of rotating! Or perhaps it’s the frame that rotates… No matter, the motorcycle is indeed articulated. This system is called Active Mass Center Control System (AMCES), meaning active control of the center of gravity.

At the front, it’s more traditional despite a very elaborate suspension kinematics, but it lacks a small useful thing—the handlebars. Instead, there are two fixed vertical levers with throttle and brake controls. To turn, the rider uses their body to guide the machine. Nothing surprising for experienced motorcyclists who know that a motorcycle pivots with the body, not with the hands, but it’s certainly a learning curve. We almost forgot, the Motoroid2 is also autonomous. It’s absolutely pointless, but it had to be mentioned.

Ultimately, this machine looks straight out of the craziest science fiction films, like the Light Cycle from Tron or Kaneda’s motorcycle in Akira. When a styling exercise is combined with technological prowess, why deny oneself the pleasure!

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