Yamaha has released images of its XT 500 H2O water-powered motorcycle concept. Work began on the futuristic motorcycle back in 2016 and it is expected to debut in the not so distant future: 2025. Named as XT 500 H2O, the suffix is there for a reason and you will understand it even if you have the knowledge of some basic chemistry nomenclatures.
source-image: Maxime Lefebvre
It runs using a closed-loop water pump that utilizes pressure to inject water into the rear wheel-mounted water engine that propels the bike forward. You can check out the sketches and actual images of the entire setup below:
source-image: Maxime Lefebvre
The XT 500 H2O concept has been created by industrial designer Maxime Lefebvre and the project has been commissioned by Yamaha itself. The motorcycle will have a closed loop H20 motor. The bike is futuristic not only with its engineering but also its styling. Lefebvre conceptualized the bike based on the 1975 Yamaha XT500 which he then combined with his vision of a go-anywhere ride.
source-image: Maxime Lefebvre
It has a water pump that cycles water and provides means of propulsion. What powers the pump is a secret Yamaha chooses not to reveal at this time. Such a drive system offers extraordinary flexibility in where you put your driven wheels, as the Azaris demonstrates. And since the fluid hub drives weigh somewhere around a third of what a comparable electric hub motor does, they might not make themselves too unwelcome on the end of a swingarm.
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After meetings with the YAMAHA design team, I choose to continue the INEXHAUSTIBLE concept direction.The development goal was to accentuate the idea of the inexhaustible motorcycle in symbiosis with the nature./Maxime Lefebvre.
source-image: Maxime Lefebvre
source-image: Maxime Lefebvre
The bike’s colorway is equally impressive, too. The black bike sits on blue wheels shod in snazzy white Bridgestone tires. More contrast is provided by the blue trims and metal components scattered all around. This bike is still a concept at the moment, perhaps we’ll receive updates from the motorcycle manufacturer in a few years.
