Yamaha Nouvo

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Yamaha Nouvo


aka = Yamaha Nouvo S in Malaysia
Yamaha Nouvo MX in Thailand
Yamaha Nouvo RC in Vietnam
Yamaha Nouvo Z in Indonesia and Philippines
Yamaha Neo in Brazil
manufacturer = Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
parent_company =
production = 2002-present
predecessor =
successor = Yamaha Nouvo Elegance
Yamaha Nouvo LX
Yamaha Nouvo LC
class = Moped CVT, Underbone
engine =
power =
torque =
transmission = Automatic
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
wheelbase =
length=
width=
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related = Yamaha Mio
similar = Honda Click
Modenas Passion

The Yamaha Nouvo is a small CVT underbone bodied motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha Motor. It was introduced in April 2002 for Southeast Asia markets and In 2004, Yamaha Motor make a major breakthrough for introduced this model to South America market, which is Brazil and rename it to Yamaha Neo .

Model history

2002

After several research and extensive studies in Asian region, the Nouvo was developed under the model code "AT115" and in April 2002, Yamaha Motor has successfully marketed Yamaha Nouvo in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other Asean countries [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/2002/04/24/nouvo.html Yamaha Global: News Releases April 2002] Release of the Yamaha Nouvo in the ASEAN markets] .

Yamaha engineers specially developed the frame with the same or higher level of rigidity as a moped bike in order to achieve a moped-like ride and good handling performance but also have the same level of comfort as a scooter. This vehicle is powered by 4-stroke, SOHC 2-valve single-cylinder engine which is characterized by its strong torque in the mid-to low-speed range.

2004

In 2004, the Nouvo has been given an aggressive fecelift by Yamaha team, this includes the headlight which is similar to Yamaha YZF-R1 sport bike. For safety concern, the taillight also has been design with the addition of a retroreflector device. In order to improve stability, front suspension is also has been set-up with new settings. Other cosmetic changes is the body cover and passenger's footrest [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/2004/09/17/nouvo.html Yamaha Global: News Releases September 2004] New Yamaha Nouvo debuts on the Thai market] .

After a huge success in the markets, Yamaha Motor Company in Vietnam has release a special edition model for their market in 2007, this model known as Yamaha Nouvo Limited [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/2007/07/30/ymvn.html Yamaha Global: News Releases July 2007] Flagship model in Vietnam] . It features newly design V-shape headlight and newly body stripes but the engine specification is still remain the same with all Nouvo series that available except for Nouvo Elegance. This model only comes with two colors design - White Wolf and Black Knight.

As 2008, Nouvo is still the best selling moped-like motorcycles in Southeast Asia region especially in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia because of its unique design style that attract many younger people to buy this motorcycles. Literally the word Nouvo or Nouveau in French word means new or fashionable.

2008

After the successor to the Nouvo, on February 2008 [http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php/The-Yamaha-Nouvo-Elegance-135cc Motorcycle Thailand: News Releases February 19 2008] New Yamaha Nouvo Elegance 135cc debuts on the Thai market] Yamaha Motor Company in Thailand and Vietnam has launch an all new Yamaha Nouvo Elegance (LX in Vietnam) for their markets under the model code "AT135", the major changes in this motorcycle are the engine, the engine power are now has increased from 115cc to 135cc (11 horsepower). In addition, the engine cylinder and forged piston are now made from DiASil (die-cast aluminum cylinder) which is more lightweight while giving it a theorically power-to-weight ratio, to eliminate engine overheating while long journey, liquid-cooled radiator are now installed at the right side of the engine, as a result it giving more performance and reliability to the engine. Cosmetic changes also has been made, this includes the body cover - more sharp edges were added with large seat for comfortable ride. The Nouvo Elegance was also launched in Malaysia on August 2008 with the name "Yamaha Nouvo LC" [cite web|url=http://www.yamaha-motor.com.my/pdf/NouvoLCLaunch.pdf|publisher=Hong Leong Yamaha|title=Yamaha's New Automatic Motorcycle|date=August 18, 2008|accessdate=2008-08-29] . The Nouvo Elegance model will be released in Brazil on 2009 according to Yamaha.

Main features

* An easy to use SOHC 115cc or 135cc engine with CVT - 4-Stroke engine with environmental friendly to surpass strict emission standards without even using the catalytic converters, these specs will ensure a comfortable ride and lively performance in stop-and-go urban traffic conditions.
* BS (Butterfly Slide) type carburettor by Mikuni - The Nouvo uses Mikuni BS25/1 type carburettor for AT115 model to ensure good response, performance and combustion efficiency of the engine. While BS26/1 is used for AT135 model combined with Throttle Position Sensor or TPS system to achieve better fuel economy and good starting performance.
* 16-inch wheels front and rear - To provide good running performance even on poor road surfaces, this fact is based on extensive studies of conditions of use in the Asean region by Yamaha R&D team.
* New-design frame with moped-level rigidity - These design will optimizing the balance of the caster, trail and fork offset so that it can give a great straight-line stability and nimble handling.
* Electroluminescence meter panel - The first moped-like motorcycle model (AT135 only) that equip with LCD odometer and LED backlight for more easy reading visibility at night. Its also completed with on-board diagnostics system.

pecifications

Some particular specifications and warranty may vary from other country to another. All specifications are manufacturer claimed.

SE - Special Edition
* Spoked wheel still available with the latest model in other country as an optional accessories.

Modifications

Although Nouvos are not designed to be performance motorcycles nor hold any legitimate racing victories, they have been used for racing ever since their introduction. In 2003, several privateer (also sponsored) motorcycles team in Malaysia entered the Nouvo to compete in Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. In Thailand, Nouvo also known for competing in underbone drag racing.

In recent years, the Nouvo has rapidly gaining its popularity as a platform for modification and customization "(e.g: airbrushing or audio system)" by an enthusiast community especially in Thailand and Malaysia. With a huge variety choice of aftermarket performance parts including racing engine block, racing carburettor and a fine tuning suspension kit to make the Nouvo quicker, its popularity in legal or illegal street racing scene has become a subculture phenomenon, particularly in Southeast Asia country.

External links

Official websites

* [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/ Yamaha Motor Co.,Ltd.] jp icon and en icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.th/ Yamaha Motor (Thailand) Website] th icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.com.my/ Yamaha Motor (Malaysia) Website] en icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.id/ Yamaha Motor (Indonesia) Website] id icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.com.ph/ Yamaha Motor (Philippines) Website] en icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.com.vn/ Yamaha Motor (Vietnam) Website] vi icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.com.br/Hotsites/neocvt2008/ Yamaha Neo CVT (Brazilian) Hotsite] pt icon
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.co.th/nv_elegance/ Yamaha Nouvo Elegance Special Site] th icon
* [http://www.yamahanouvolc.com/site/indexENG.html Yamaha Nouvo LC Special Site] en icon and ms icon

ee also

* [http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/ Yamaha Racing Homepage]
* [http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/replica/aerox-team/ Yamaha Aerox R Race Replica]
* Malaysian Cub Prix Championship
* Mopeds
* Underbones
* Scooters

References

;References;Notes
* AT115 Owner's Manual, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd 2nd edition, January 2005
* AT135 Owner's Manual, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd 1st edition, July 2008