Yamaha “Dark Side of Japan” Teases New Model Launching June 11 – Video

Yamaha has released a video teasing a new model it claims “is about to change the sport motorcycle world.” The video, called “The Dark Side Of Japan“, reveals little detail about the new model but promises all will be unveiled June 11.

The video includes images from Japan’s vibrant nightlife and lively sub-culture,with youths in costume and exotic hair and makeup dancing in clubs. The new model will reflect this side of Japan, with Yamaha calling it a “new kind of brutal animal”.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Yamaha FZ-09 Forums

There are few clues about the new model in the video. The new model is clearly a streetbike but the riding gear would suggests some off-road influences, so perhaps it’s a new supermoto. The video was released by Yamaha Motor Europe, and supermotos have traditionally more popular in Europe than they have been in the U.S.

Perhaps its a more street-oriented version of the WR450R (a WR450X?) Or a smaller version of the Super Ténéré? Another scenario is this could be the first model to use the new three-cylinder engine Yamaha is developing.

Let us know what you think.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

The description of the video reads:

While some onlookers may see Japan just as a traditional and respectful society where conformity is the norm, behind this stereotypical image lies a vibrant sub-culture where new fashions and ideas are constantly emerging.

From the spectacle of drift racing through to the insanity of Japanese speedway, the other side of Japanese society has been responsible for some wild and wonderful trends.

The same creative forces that drive the darker and unconventional side of Japan now have created a new kind of brutal animal, which is about to change the sport motorcycle world.

[Source: Yamaha (YouTube)]

By Dennis Chung