Not yet available in the U.S., the 2015 Yamaha->ke301 Tricity is all about innovation and engineering. In developing this three-wheel scooter, project leader Kazuhisa Takano -- who was part of the development team for race machines like the YZR500 and the YZR-M1 -- used not only computer simulations, but also mock-ups with chopsticks and paper models for his team to come up with the parallelogram-link mechanism. It's this intricate mechanism that gives the Tricity its agile cornering ability, unlike the bulky hulk of other three-wheel rides. Race technology also gave the Tricity its natural, linear movement, and the nearly 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear wheels makes this handle more like a motorcycle than a scooter.->ke2256

Continue reading for my review.

Design

Designed with the short-distance commuter in mind, the Tricity has sporty styling that will carry you through rush-hour traffic with ease. With enough storage space under the seat to stow a full-face helmet, this is could be your everyday ride. Tricity has the ease of handling to accommodate first-time riders, and with the engine coming at under 125 cc, you only need an A1 license to ride it. Instrumentation is simplistic, with an LCD display, including a fuel meter, clock and outside temperature meter.

Chassis

According to Giovanna Camisa, a member of the Tricity product planning group, riding enjoyment was a main goal in the project and they've hit the mark. The parallelogram-link mechanism makes this chassis work, allowing you to lean into the corners as you would with a two-wheeler. The weight distribution and narrow width gives you an easy and natural riding feel. With telescopic forks in the front and unit swing suspension in the rear, you get a comfortable ride. Drawing on feedback from first-time riders on scooters or motorcycles, the team created a scooter to set a new standard in personal transportation.

Drivetrain

The fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 124.8 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine combined with the V-belt automatic transmission delivers 8.1 kW at 9,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm at 5,500 rpm to give you a zippy ride through the powerband. The long-stroke, two-valve engine was designed for good acceleration from low speeds, and since this is meant to be a city ride, city speeds is where you'll spend most of your time on this economical commuter.

Pricing

The Tricity comes in at £3,399, and is available in Anodized Red, Mistral Grey, Competition White or Midnight Black. That is well within reach for a fun ride to work everyday.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, "This is an interesting-looking scooter. I wouldn't necessarily want to own one, but I would love to get my hands on one and see how the front steering suspension does what it does."

She Said

"With years of experience in the mechanical side of things, I really appreciate the parallelogram-link mechanism that allows you to lean into the corners and still keep both front wheels in firm contact with the road. You get the stability of a three-wheeler with the intuitive handling of a two-wheeler."

Specifications