EICMA 2013: Yamaha Tricity three-wheeler
Yamaha is weighing into the leaning three-wheeler market, with the Piaggio MP3 family firmly in its sights. It's a concept but production will begin soonYamaha has thrown its lot into the leaning three-wheeler market with a concept called Tricity – but one that will definitely go on sale in 2014.
The LMW – Leaning Multi Wheel – vehicle has a traditional 125cc engine with the standard twist-and-go transmission, but it’s almost inevitable that an electric motor is also on the cards – as well as more powerful internal-combustion engines if demand is there.
Weight is around the 150kg mark, which is well below the comparable Piaggio MP3. Piaggio’s MP3 family has been around since the mid noughties, but has struggled to make a strong dent into the Australian market despite its technology and user-friendliness.
Price has probably been a major reason, so Yamaha well be acutely aware that the Tricity has to be competitively positioned against its two-wheel brethren.
Speaking of technology, Yamaha gives very little away about how the Tricity’s front end works, or if it has features like the MP3’s lock function which allows the rider to remain feet-up when stationary. I’ll guess we’ll be finding out a lot more in coming months.
We do know it will go on sale in Australia, but the timing is unknown.
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