2015 Yamaha Tricity 125
As an engineer in Yamaha’s MotoGP racing division, Kazuhisa Takano used to develop bikes for Valentino Rossi. When he moved to take charge of creating a three-wheeled scooter, the Tricity, Takano gained a new development rider: his wife. “She had very little riding experience so was able to tell me what she found difficult,” says Takano, who combined his wife’s feedback with his racing knowledge to design a notably light, agile and rider-friendly scooter. The Tricity follows the example of Piaggio’s three-wheeled MP3, and is the first Japanese machine to adopt the format of twin front wheels.
The Tricity resembles the MP3 from some angles but its front wheels are closer together than the Italian scooter’s, and its suspension design is distinctly different. Each front wheel is connected to two slim telescopic fork legs, one behind the other. One leg on each side is a suspension unit with a spring and damping; the other is hollow; there essentially to prevent twisting.
One of the design principles Takano brought from his race team days was low weight. At just 152kg, the Tricity is 17kg lighter than Yamaha’s conventional 125cc scooter the X-Max. It’s compact, with a low seat, but roomy enough even for taller riders. It has a small screen, and fairly generous leg protection. Unlike the MP3, it doesn’t have a “tilt lock” to keep it upright at a standstill, but it’s so easy to balance that the device is not needed.
The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine contributes to the Tricity’s ease of use, if not to its sense of excitement. It’s a simple, softly tuned unit with a single overhead camshaft and two valves. Its maximum output is 11bhp, less than the 15bhp produced by the X-Max and Yamaha’s new MT-125 roadster.
It’s a refined powerplant, nevertheless, with crisp fuelling and an efficient automatic transmission system that makes pulling away as simple as twisting the throttle. The Tricity has enough acceleration to beat most traffic away from the lights, and to be fun in town.
Chassis performance is outstanding. Changing direction requires a slightly firmer press of the handlebar than with a conventional scooter of similar weight, but the steering is very neutral. And the Tricity is remarkably untroubled by road surface irregularities. Its biggest advantage will come on roads made slippery by rain or other hazards, where the extra grip and stability of its second front wheel will be invaluable.
Braking power is excellent, thanks to a system that links the discs on each of the three wheels. Squeezing the left handlebar lever operates the front and rear brakes, and can match most scooters’ stopping power on its own. The right lever adds more front brake, with the benefit of outstanding front tyre grip and skid resistance despite the lack of ABS.
The front suspension system copes very well with bumps and potholes. By contrast the twin-shock rear can feel slightly harsh, but the thick seat means the ride is still quite comfortable. The seat has plenty of room for a pillion, and hinges to reveal storage space for a full-face helmet, helping to make the Yamaha respectably if not outstandingly practical.
The Tricity is built in Thailand. When new, it costs little more than half as much as Piaggio’s MP3 Yourban 300, the cheapest rival three-wheeler.
As a 125cc machine, the Tricity can however be ridden by learner motorcyclists. It brings the stability benefits of three-wheeled scootering to a wider audience, and would make a good choice for an inexperienced rider. Mr and Mrs Takano can feel satisfied with a job well done.
2015 year of purchase
2014 model year
31200 kilometers mileage
YSS G-Plus rear suspension
Projector headlights with angel eyes
MTRT exhaust
Bubble windshield
Hand guards
Aftermarket brake levers
Chrome frame crash guards
Front slider
Exhaust slider
LED foglamps
Voltmeter
Excellent running condition
Complete documentation. Ready for transfer to the next owner
SOLD
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