Does Kawasaki's new electric cycle have two, three wheels or four? Well, it depends. According to the conceptual sketches and a terse explanatory panel, the "J vehicle" concept EV can switch between a lie-down two-wheel Akira / Tron-baiting cycle and a three-wheel drive mode, with the latter designated as "comfort" mode. The model, revealed at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, is apparently powered by Kawasaki's biggest onboard battery pack, the Gigacell, although (any other) details aren't forthcoming. That's probably because it's from the future and is tearing the space-time continuum apart.
The Kawasaki J is a new three-wheeled electric hog just unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. With a low, swooping stance, the J initially strikes all the right notes that we expect from a futuristic bike concept. On closer inspection, however, this strange little vehicle's design is anything but traditional.
Entirely lacking handlebars, the J instead has a pair of arms affixed to its twin front wheels, which riders are meant to grip. The design is reminiscent of something between that of a Star Wars speeder bike and the glowing light cycles seen in TRON: Legacy. Riders will be able to swing the arms low for a speedy "Sport Mode" stance, or raise them up for a more ergonomically-pleasing "Comfort Mode." These modes will also affect the width of the gap between the front wheels, allowing for better handling no matter what speed the rider is travelling at.
The J will be powered by a bank of high-capacity nickel-metal hydride batteries, but there's no word yet on what range or top speed they might afford. As for production units hitting the streets, we'll have to wait and see what potential buyers think of this strange beast before Kawasaki makes a final decision on whether or not to give it the green light.
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