
Yamaha has pulled the covers off the 2022 Jupiter 135L in Malaysia. Motorcycles like the Jupiter, referred to as underbones, are extremely popular all across Asia, as they combine the best of both worlds from scooters and motorcycles. They provide the practicality of scooters—under-seat storage and ease of maneuverability, as well as the agility of motorcycles thanks to their manual-transmission or rotary gearboxes.
The Jupiter is exactly that: a sporty-style underbone that’s been designed primarily for commuting. For the 2022 model-year, Yamaha has accentuated the sporty side by updating its bodywork. It now looks more futuristic and Transformer-like, slightly borrowing some design cues from its bigger siblings in Yamaha’s MT naked bike range. It’s sharp bodywork and swooping lines can even be considered reminiscent of the previous generation YZF-R6. Similarly, it shares the same sporty aesthetic as the Yamaha Exciter 155 in other Asian markets—I know, Yamaha isn’t the best when it comes to naming bikes.