Scriveners have surmised all kinds of reasoning for the recent increase in three-wheeled offerings. Maybe it's meeting global mobility needs or demand from older riders for open-air thrills with more stability, or even the motorcycle industry bumbling through its desperation to connect with millennials. Somewhere on that spectrum is Yamaha, having all but confirmed that it’s about to launch an oddball three-wheeler called the MWT-9. First shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, it combines the major elements of Yamaha’s Tricity scooter and its FZ-09 motorcycle. The final package is less like either, and more like a glitch in the matrix.

But there is some logic behind it. Currently, Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) offerings have been limited to scooter-ish mutts like the Honda Gyro, Piaggio MP3 and Tricity, and the canopied mash-up Toyota i-Road. The MWT-9 would be the first production LMW with proper motorcycle looks and power.