VOL. 52 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 20, 2015 P39
YAMAHA'S PES2 TO MAKE
PUBLIC DEBUT IN TOKYO
Y
amaha will debut their first-ever concept elec-
tric motorcycle, the PES2, at the upcoming
Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 29.
The PES2 is an evolution of the PES1, of which
we saw sketches of back in 2013. However the
PES2 looks much more production-ready. Ya-
maha is claiming 282 curb pounds for the PES2,
which is powered by old-school DC brushless mo-
tors, but the batteries are removable and form an
integral part of the monocoque chassis. Yamaha
calls this technology their Yamaha Smart Power
Module, and plans to make the packs easily at-
tainable at places like gas stations. If you think of
it in terms of swapping a propane bottle for your
grill, now you get the idea.
Also of note is the PES2 will run an electric hub
motor, making it two-wheel drive. Yamaha has
famously experimented with 2WD in the past on
motocross and enduro models, yet this will be a
first for the company's road bike range. The front
also houses a single fork leg, rather than the twin
setup customarily used.
Yamaha also has the PED2 off-road concept in
the wings, but it is unlikely we'll see it at the Tokyo
Show. CN
Yamaha's long-awaited entry into the electric bike mar-
ket, the PES2, will make its debut in concept form at the
2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
HOPKINS SIGNS WITH…TOMMY HILL!
I
n a funny "swings and roundabout" type of arrangement, Tommy Hill has signed the man he defeated
on the line of the final race to claim the 2011 British Superbike Championship by just 0.006-second,
John Hopkins.
Hopkins has enjoyed a stellar return to form as stand-in for the injured Jakub Smrz in the second half
of the 2015 BSB season, and will ride for Hill's new team under the THM ePayMe Yamaha banner.
"I think this is possibly going to be one of the first times in my career bar none that I will have one of the
most competitive machines out in the field, and with that in mind I am going to do everything myself I pos-
sibly can, mentally and physically to come back and try
and win this championship," Hopkins said. "If someone
had said to me then (2011) that I would be riding for
Tommy Hill's team I would have said 'no way!' At that
moment in time I saw red! I was happy for him as he put
in a lot of work and he did win it fair and square.
"I am really happy and pleased with today's news
because at the end of the day it makes a really good
story—racers are a really tight knit community and I am
really happy for Tommy that he has got this opportunity
to run such a great team. I am going to be out there
trying to win that championship for us!" CN
John Hopkins
and his old rival
are teaming up
for the 2016
BSB title!
