It was easy to write off Yamaha’s MWT-9 leaning three wheeler concept as nothing more than a piece of show stand eye-candy but it turns out that the firm is serious about manufacturing it.
The firm has already made several moves hinting that the bike is heading for showrooms. Most significantly it’s filed trademark applications for the ‘MWT’ name. There would be no need to do this if there wasn’t an intention to sell a bike carrying that badge.
It’s also received a design patent that covers the MWT-9’s styling, preventing rivals from copying its looks, and technical patents surrounding its leaning front suspension.
All indications are that the bike will reach showrooms virtually unchanged from the concept. Yamaha did exactly the same thing with the smaller Tricity, which was first shown as a concept before an identical production model was revealed.
The MWT-9, when it reaches production, will be a milestone for Yamaha and motorcycling in general as it will be the first of the new generation of leaning three wheelers to really be aimed at motorcyclists rather than scooter riders. While Piaggio has made fairly large MP3s – up to 500cc – they were still scooters rather than ‘real’ bikes. With the MWT-9 Yamaha will create a machine that shares the MT-09’s 115hp three-cylinder engine, offering sports bike levels of performance. Add to that the massive front end grip offered by two front wheels, and traction control to keep the back end under control, and the result should be an incredibly confidence-inspiring machine.
Will others follow suit? Well, Honda has already shown a concept bike along the same lines – last year’s Neo Wing. Depending on details including the distance between the front wheels, it’s even possible that car drivers in Europe will be allowed to ride such leaning trikes without gaining a bike licence. That would create a huge potential customer base.
Watch this space for more details on the production bike when it’s officially shown.