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Yamaha develops motorcycle exterior light emission technology+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)TOKYO, April 19_(Kyodo) _ Yamaha Motor Co. said Wednesday it has developed a motorcycle exterior decor technology involving a special surface film that stores energy from the sun's rays and emits it in the form of dim light after dusk. The technology also enables the exterior to give a more vividly stereoscopic impression of the three-dimensional shape of any surface treated with the film, according to the nation's second-ranked motorcycle maker. The company will use the technology for a special version of its EC-02 electric-power motorcycle that it will release on May 10. Orders for the special version will be accepted until June 30, the company said. The technology involves pasting a thin film on which graphic patterns are printed onto the exterior of a motorcycle's components in a vacuum chamber. The technological innovation has given the new film higher durability against rain, heat and scratches, making it appropriate for exterior decoration. Conventional film technologies have been used to decorate the interior of automobiles. If motorcycle users keep the new EC-02 outdoors during daytime, it will give off a dim light for about an hour after dusk as the film can store energy from the sun, the company said. The EC-02 will sell for 218,190 yen, including the cost an electricity charger for a battery to power its engine. A Yahama Motor official said, "If the product proves popular, we will consider applying the new technology to other new motorcycle models." |