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Yamaha Shows Breathtaking Insect-like 04GEN at the First Vietnam Motorcycle Show

There is something artsy about Yamaha, and if you still had doubts about this, prepare to meet the one two-wheeler that will change the way you look at Iwata's products. 04GEN is a new Yamaha concept introduced these very days at the first Vietnam Motorcycle Show, April 7-10.
Yamaha 04GEN 23 photos
Photo: Yamaha
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Yamaha comes forth with a new design philosophy that is based on the Refined Dynamism concept. Alongside this notion, House Iwata brings the RUN idea, which is an acronym for Revolutionary, Unique, Noble.

Yamaha says that the 04GEN evokes "the image of women with an air of dignified elegance and grace in mind and body." The design of this vehicle is, indeed, taking a stroll on the wild side, with form being preemptive to function, as is the case for any strong design statement.

It's not clear to what extent the 04GEN is a feminine presence, and this is most likely because of certain aggressive lines that are still easy to identify in the concept.

Even so, the idea of insect-like grace is impossible to shake off. The two semi-transparent panels that cover the sides of the rear section pivot upwards like the butterfly doors of sport cars. Even more, their tessellated nervures make them look like insect wings. However, there's nothing to make people who don't like insects shy away from the 04GEN.

Yamaha used the same texture for the apron of this scooter, and the skeletal headlight and entire upper area of the front end only enhance the insect looks. Much closer to a butterfly or dragonfly than to a cockroach, Yamaha 04GEN also brings some Vespa DNA into the mix.

Maybe it's the 946-ish genuine leather seat or the ample "booty" that makes us think about the Vespa. Anyway, it doesn't matter too much, because the 04GEN is a very strong presence per se.

Instead of providing answers, the front section of the Yamaha 04 GEN brings new questions. That dual shock-lever combination harks back to the BMW suspensions; is Yamaha planning something in this direction?

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