A one-off concept bike was unveiled by Yamaha recently at motorbike show in Cologne, Germany - A leather-clad VMAX model that was the fruit of a collaborative effort with fashion house Hermès.

Hermès as we know, is not new to the world of motor powered vehicles, as they have already worked on helicopters and cars. The Bugatti Veyron FBG par Hermès is a case in point.

The 180-year old French company, with its origins in equestrian saddle making, has returned to its roots and covered the VMAX with some of its finest leather materials.

"Hermès craftsmen were let loose to combine ‘mechanics and leather, to fulfill the dreams of motorcycles’."

The idea was, according to Yamaha and Hermès, to "reinforce the sculptural lines of this unique object and underline its emotional power."

Everything non-mechanical on the bike is covered in a Skipper buffalo leather, from the tank, seat, mudguards, headlight cover to the exhaust silencers and grips. Finishing touches include brushed aluminium mirrors, meter case and exhaust.

The partnership between Yahama and Hermes project has indeed made quite an impression but it remains a concept vehicle at the moment, with no plans by the motorcycle manufacturer to include this version of its VMAX into its present or future range of bikes. 

The current VMAX retails for GBP20,000 (about $32,000). It features a compact 65-degree, four-valves-per-cylinder, 1679cc V4 engine with YCC-I intake technology and YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle. Other highlights include slipper clutch, wave-style brake discs, master cylinders, ABS, and complete suspension adjustability front and rear.

The instrument panel includes an analog, step-motor driven tachometer and digital speedometer with LED indicator lights.