On the evening before EICMA opened to the press in Milan last week, we attended a glitzy Yamaha event where they showcased their new models to around 1000 invited guests.
The centrepiece was the brand-new Yamaha RW range of adventure scooters.
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The centrepiece was the brand-new Yamaha RW range of adventure scooters.
The lines have been blurring for a while when it comes to the definition of a scooter; once upon a time, they had to be a step-thru design. These days, a scooter is defined by the manufacturer’s interpretation. Or, in Yamaha’s words, “Redefining the standard.” Yamaha is certainly marketing the RW as an adventure scooter, so let’s hear all about it.
True adventure
Almost every manufacturer boasts an adventure-style scooter in their range; the key word here is ‘style.’ Yamaha hasn’t just built a rugged-looking machine here with crash bars, a bash plate and chunky tyres. They’ve built a full-on adventure scooter; it’s built to be ridden on road or dirt and has the technology to cope with both. It’s also the first scooter Yamaha has built with gears.
RW700 and RW700 Explore
RW700 Explore is the top-of-the-range model (see details below).
At the heart of the RW700 and Explore is Yamaha’s proven CP2 engine; it has served as the middleweight benchmark in Yamaha’s motorcycle range. The twin-cylinder 690cc CP2 engine is used in the MT-07 (amongst other things). It makes around 74bhp and 67 Nm of torque.
In the RW, it has a Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) with a redesigned handlebar-mounted see-saw switch for changing gear off-road. It also has Yamaha Ride Control with the following settings:
- Road modes: Street/Sport/Eco
- Gravel modes: Explore/Explore+
- Adjustable settings: PWR/TCS/SCS/BCS/BSR/ABS (rear ABS can only be turned off in Gravel mode)
RW Explore exclusive features
- Front suspension with 15mm preload adjustment and 11 rebound damping settings
- Rider heated seat with 10 adjustable settings
- Heated grips with 10 adjustable settings
- Robust centre stand
- Backlit switchgear
- Dedicated colours: Forest Green and Midnight Black
RW350 with Yamaha Dynamic Ride
Yamaha have developed an all-new 330cc engine for the RW350. It’s a single-cylinder engine fixed in the frame (rather than left to move with the scooter, like many big autos). This Yamaha Dynamic Ride setup reduces unsprung weight, gives greater rigidity and more freedom for rear suspension layout. It also features Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) which detects the rider’s throttle inputs and the ECU instantly calculates the ideal degree of throttle valve opening to match.
Yamaha Ride Control
It offers three preset modes: Street, Explore, and Eco. Each mode engages different Power (PWR) and Traction Control (TC) settings to give the rider greater control in differing terrain and conditions.
RW350 Technical highlights
- All-new 330cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine with Yamaha Dynamic Ride (rigid-mounted engine, pivoting CVT unit and four-axis balancer)
- YRC modes: Street/Explore/Eco
- 37mm inverted front fork (140mm travel)
- Rear suspension (105mm travel) with seven preload settings
- Cruise control
- Connectivity-ready five-inch full colour TFT display
- USB Type-C socket
- One-push engine starts
- Smart Key System
- Full-face helmet underseat storage*
- LED light package
- Auto-cancel LED indicators
- Emergency stop signal (ESS)
- Traction control system
- Folding footrests
- Footpegs with removable rubber inserts
- Skid plate
- Dunlop D615 block-pattern tyres
- Front and rear dish-shape wheels
- 13 L fuel tank
- Colour options: Sage Blue, Arashi Sand and Midnight Black
When and how much?
The RW may be unconventional, but it’s good to see something new and different from one of the main manufacturers, especially when it’s dual-purpose. We’ll look forward to trying these out as soon as they’re launched.
There are no UK prices set for the RW range yet, but we’ll find out more details at Motorcycle Live.
