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<b>ON THE MOVE:</b> Meet the Yamaha Tricity. This scooter will make its European debut in the middle of 2014. <i>Image: Yamaha</i>
Yamaha has brought out the Tricity, its first model in its New Mobility segment. The bikemaker says it is a new solution to personal transportation. Unlike some other larger and heavier multi-wheel scooter-style vehicles, the Tricity has been developed to be light, sporty and agile.
GALLERY: Yamaha Tricity
The scoot has twin front wheels that automatically lean when cornering to deliver scooter-like agility, rider confidence and greater feeling of stability. "With a strong focus on riding enjoyment, ease of use and affordability." Yamaha says, "the Tricity is equipped to transform the daily lives of urban commuters."
VIDEO: Yamaha Tricity
The Tricity development team focused on creating a future-proof but attractive and realistic alternative for commuters. The key targets for the Tricity were:
• Simple, easy and enjoyable to ride
• Light and agile handling
• Increased stability
• Comfortable in different road conditions
• Functional and practical urban commuter
• Unique design with innovative technology
• Overall dimensions in line with 125 scooter
The Tricity's "leaning wheel" idea is not new - Gelira did it in 2008 but, Yamaha says, has a patented system designed to create a good feeling of stability combined with sporty and agile handling.
Hidden behind the light front cowl is a light parallelogram link that allows the rider to lean the Tricity in much the same way as a conventional two-wheel scooter. The parts are connected to the forks and the frame's steering head so when the Tricity enters a turn the twin front wheels lean in parallel. While leaning, the distance between the wheels is constant.
The front wheels are 14" aluminium fitted with 90/80 tyres. The rear wheel is a 12" cast alloy with a 110/90 tyre.
The scoot's brakes use twin 220mm diameter front discs and a 230mm rear disc. When only the left brake lever is pulled the braking force is applied to the rear and front wheels, giving balanced and effective stopping power.
AGILE AND SPORTY
The right lever applies the front brake the left and right levers at the same time distributes the braking force to the front and back brakes using input from both levers.
Powering the Tricity is a new 125cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine designed to produce good acceleration and smooth high-speed operation. The engine transmits power to the rear wheel through a constantly variable transmission.
Weighing only 152kg with fuel and oil, the defining characteristic of the new Tricity is its light, compact and agile handling that sets Yamaha's New Mobility engineering philosophy apart from larger and heavier multi-wheel models.
"With its confidence-inspiring three-wheel design, a fun-to-ride character and smart, modern image," Yamaha says, "this revolutionary model is ready to win the hearts and minds of non-riding commuters ready to make a change."
The Tricity's centre of gravity is below the front of the seat. With the low overall weight and 50:50 weight distribution, the rider will enjoy responsive handling.
The bodywork is functional and fashionable. The stepped dual seat is covered in a slip-resistant material and, Yamaha says, "its generous length and substantial cushioning ensure a comfortable journey for the rider and passenger".
ROOMY RIDING POSITION
The upswept leg shields and flat footboard give a roomy riding position and the light weight body work and sports screen help to protect the rider from wind and weather. There's plenty of storage space under the seat (it can accommodate a full-face helmet) and there's a convenience hook for supermarket bags or a handbag.
The instruments are stylish, functional and easy to read. An animated sequence greets the rider when the Tricity is turned on and the attractive full LCD instrument panel has a central digital speedometer flanked by a clock, air-temperature gauge and odometer.
The display also includes an array of indicator lights, dual front LED position lights, an LED tail light and LED licence plate light.
The scoot will be available in Europe mid-2014 for the equivalent of about R60 000. Yamaha SA would not confirm the machine for import but will be evaluating test units in the second half of 2014.
Would YOU buy a Yamaha Tricity? Tell us what you think by Email or use the Readers' Comments section below.
For full technical specifications of all models in the range go to: www.yamaha-motor.eu
GALLERY: Yamaha Tricity
The scoot has twin front wheels that automatically lean when cornering to deliver scooter-like agility, rider confidence and greater feeling of stability. "With a strong focus on riding enjoyment, ease of use and affordability." Yamaha says, "the Tricity is equipped to transform the daily lives of urban commuters."
VIDEO: Yamaha Tricity
The Tricity development team focused on creating a future-proof but attractive and realistic alternative for commuters. The key targets for the Tricity were:
• Simple, easy and enjoyable to ride
• Light and agile handling
• Increased stability
• Comfortable in different road conditions
• Functional and practical urban commuter
• Unique design with innovative technology
• Overall dimensions in line with 125 scooter
The Tricity's "leaning wheel" idea is not new - Gelira did it in 2008 but, Yamaha says, has a patented system designed to create a good feeling of stability combined with sporty and agile handling.
Hidden behind the light front cowl is a light parallelogram link that allows the rider to lean the Tricity in much the same way as a conventional two-wheel scooter. The parts are connected to the forks and the frame's steering head so when the Tricity enters a turn the twin front wheels lean in parallel. While leaning, the distance between the wheels is constant.
The front wheels are 14" aluminium fitted with 90/80 tyres. The rear wheel is a 12" cast alloy with a 110/90 tyre.
The scoot's brakes use twin 220mm diameter front discs and a 230mm rear disc. When only the left brake lever is pulled the braking force is applied to the rear and front wheels, giving balanced and effective stopping power.
AGILE AND SPORTY
The right lever applies the front brake the left and right levers at the same time distributes the braking force to the front and back brakes using input from both levers.
Powering the Tricity is a new 125cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine designed to produce good acceleration and smooth high-speed operation. The engine transmits power to the rear wheel through a constantly variable transmission.
Weighing only 152kg with fuel and oil, the defining characteristic of the new Tricity is its light, compact and agile handling that sets Yamaha's New Mobility engineering philosophy apart from larger and heavier multi-wheel models.
"With its confidence-inspiring three-wheel design, a fun-to-ride character and smart, modern image," Yamaha says, "this revolutionary model is ready to win the hearts and minds of non-riding commuters ready to make a change."
The Tricity's centre of gravity is below the front of the seat. With the low overall weight and 50:50 weight distribution, the rider will enjoy responsive handling.
The bodywork is functional and fashionable. The stepped dual seat is covered in a slip-resistant material and, Yamaha says, "its generous length and substantial cushioning ensure a comfortable journey for the rider and passenger".
ROOMY RIDING POSITION
The upswept leg shields and flat footboard give a roomy riding position and the light weight body work and sports screen help to protect the rider from wind and weather. There's plenty of storage space under the seat (it can accommodate a full-face helmet) and there's a convenience hook for supermarket bags or a handbag.
The instruments are stylish, functional and easy to read. An animated sequence greets the rider when the Tricity is turned on and the attractive full LCD instrument panel has a central digital speedometer flanked by a clock, air-temperature gauge and odometer.
The display also includes an array of indicator lights, dual front LED position lights, an LED tail light and LED licence plate light.
The scoot will be available in Europe mid-2014 for the equivalent of about R60 000. Yamaha SA would not confirm the machine for import but will be evaluating test units in the second half of 2014.
Would YOU buy a Yamaha Tricity? Tell us what you think by Email or use the Readers' Comments section below.
For full technical specifications of all models in the range go to: www.yamaha-motor.eu
