Yamaha Tricity

Yamaha Tricity (MW 125)
Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation
Production 2014 –
Class Three-wheeled scooter
Engine 125 cc 4-stroke
Power 8.1 kW @ 9,000 rpm
Torque 10 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission V-Belt Automatic (CVT)
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Unit swing
Brakes Front: single discs(x2), Rear: single disc
Tires Front: 90/80-14, Rear: 110/90-12
Wheelbase 1,310 mm (52 in)
Dimensions L: 1,905 mm (75 in)
W: 735 mm (29 in)
H: 1,215 mm (48 in)
Weight 152 kg (335 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity 6.6 L (1.5 imp gal; 1.7 US gal)

The Yamaha Tricity is a tilting three-wheeled motor scooter made by Yamaha Motor Company. It was introduced to the Thai market in April, 2014.[1] After its launch in the Japanese market in September 2014,[2] the vehicle was also made available in other Asian countries as well as Australia and New Zealand. The scooter reached the European market in 2015. It has not yet been released in Africa or America. The 2018 model is called Tricity 155 and is now available in Europe and other markets.[3]

Development

The Tricity was developed by the Yamaha development team in cooperation with race engineer Kazuhisa Takano. The goal was a novice-friendly machine to attract everyday commuters who are presently traveling by car, but considering a switch to a motorcycle. The Tricity is Yamaha's first three-wheeler, and was developed because of the success of the Piaggio MP3.

Due to patent rights, Yamaha was not able to use the MP3's car-like suspension, opting for a simpler double fork system. This brought the two front wheels too close together for the Tricity to be registered as a three-wheeler. This allowed drivers to drive on a car license under general EU regulation. This also meant, however, that the Tricity missed out on the important market of car license drivers looking for a motorcycle riding experience in all countries except those that allow a 125cc bike to be ridden on a car license.

Nevertheless, Yamaha proceeded with this vehicle's design and has produced several models being sold to different markets around the world. The first model was released with UBS brakes, and in 2015 it was upgraded with optional ABS braking. The 2016 model is identical to the previous one, but a 155cc version was displayed at the 2016 Osaka motorcycle show. In terms of the law, a 155cc model will require a motorcycle license in all EU countries, but will also be allowed to drive on all European roads.

Reception

Online reviews of the Tricity are generally positive. The model is credited for its stability, ability to stay untroubled by poor road surfaces, and its brakes, which are considered unusually good for a 125cc bike. Some reviewers have given negative feedback for the engine, which they consider to be underpowered and a bit noisy with too frequent service intervals.

Market reception

So far, the Tricity has not met the success Yamaha was hoping for. It failed in the Thai market and was not very successful in Japan. It sold better in the Philippines, where 125cc or less bikes have a larger part of the motorcycle market. Sources differ when it comes to Europe: some describe it as a failure, others as a success. Yamaha dealers in Europe have reported the model as failing to attract novice riders, but instead garnering interest among older riders stepping down.

See also

References

  1. ↑ LMW（リーニング・マルチ・ホイール）第1弾　「TRICITY」タイ市場で新発売(in Japanese) - Yamaha Motor Company.
  2. ↑ 広がるモビリティの世界 LMW（リーニング・マルチ・ホイール）の第1弾　「TRICITY MW125」日本仕様を新発売(in Japanese) - Yamaha Motor Company
  3. ↑ "Tricity 155". Yamaha. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
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