Yamaha’s three-wheel Tricity – the first vehicle in the manufacturer’s New Mobility segment and “a new solution to the issue of personal transportation” – will hit dealerships by the summer.
Yamaha believes the landscape of personal mobility is set to change and is working to develop New Mobility solutions to encourage a fresh mindset among urban commuters.
“Despite the availability of a wide choice of scooters, a huge number of commuters continue to make their daily journey into the city using public transport or a car,” says Yamaha. “In addition to these non-riding members of the public, there are also those riders who currently commute on two-wheels – or may have done so in the past – and are attracted by the increased feeling of stability and riding confidence that are associated with a new three-wheel concept.”
“With a strong focus on riding enjoyment, ease of use and affordability, Yamaha’s Tricity is equipped to transform the daily lives of urban commuters throughout Europe.”
Powering the Tricity is a new 125cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine designed for good acceleration from low speeds, together with smooth higher-speed operation. The engine features a specially designed intake and exhaust system that enhances performance in typical urban stop/start situations, making the Tricity a strong performer in congested city streets, says Yamaha. It is equipped with an aluminium alloy, sleeveless cylinder, with the piston running directly on to the aluminium bore. This is said to improve heat distribution, which in turn contributes towards stable engine performance and improved lubricant life.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via an efficient CVT transmission for smooth and easy acceleration, making the Tricity an ideal means of transport for customers who have little or no scootering experience.
Weighing just 152 kg 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 the larger and heavier multi-wheel models available in the market.
Available from Yamaha European dealers in the summer, the new Tricity will be priced at less than £3355, “confirming its aim to create a new segment in the urban commuter market”.