Ask a dozen people what Yamaha makes and they'll tell you everything from motorcycles to pianos. They're right. Yamaha has its hands in dozens of industries, so why not combine a couple to see what you come up with? That's how you get to the Yamaha Root. Sorry, "√".
The Root (I'm sticking with that) was created as part of a design exhibition next month in France, and Yamaha's contribution is to take designers from each of its two holdings – Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. – and see how they'd interpret each other's wares.
The theme of the exhibit is "project AH A MAY" (get it?), and it includes a two-person marimba and drum set – the God of Thunder – designed by Yamaha's bike crew, and an e-bike and motorcycle crafted by the musical instrument company.
The Root is based on a stripped-down FZ-07, with solid aluminum wheels, an exposed frame propping up a tiny tank, and a leather-covered pad that acts as both seat and bodywork. Here's what Yamaha has to say:
By taking the meters on the instrument panel off the motorcycle rider's view, the idea of the design is to enable him or her to be a part of the passing scenery. The form was created to flow from the seat to the fuel tank and was inspired by a horse motif that aims to give a sense of unity among people, nature, and the vehicle.
Whatever. It looks awesome. And check out that drum kit.