THE second part of Yamaha’s double-header new model unveiling next week will be the firm’s three-wheeled ‘Tricity’ scooter.
Yamaha’s take on the Piaggio MP3 idea, the 125cc Tricity was shown as a concept last year and we can reveal that the production version is the unnamed scooter that appears alongside the forthcoming R25/R3 sportsbike in the firm’s ‘Revstation’ teaser video and website.
According to Yamaha it's 'lighter, slimmer and more agile' than other three wheelers and will be competitively priced when it goes on sale later this year.
Cunningly cropped shots in the video hide the bike’s three-wheeled layout, making it appear to be a more conventional scooter, but on closer inspection the headlight and indicators are identical to those on the Tricity concept.
As on the Piaggio MP3, the addition of a second front wheel adds more grip and virtually eliminates the prospect of the front end washing out under braking. As such, it will be hoped to tempt to car drivers who want the convenience of a bike but can’t overcome their fear of falling off.
Yamaha's website says of the Tricity: 'Unveiled at the EICMA Show in Milan and available in 2014, the innovative new Tricity is ready to open the door to non-scooter riders who are looking for an alternative to public transport.
'Featuring a light and compact 3-wheel design, and driven by a smooth and economical 125cc engine with fully-automatic transmission, the new Tricity LMW concept is designed to bring a commuting revolution to the streets of Europe.'
