Y amaha ’ s Tricity fooled me at first . It ’ s the name , you see . I had expected an electric scooter . In my book , Tricity = Electricity . Nup . Tri for three wheel , and city for , well .. you get the point . The Yamaha Tricity is a 300cc scooter , but it ’ s registered as a car although , frankly , it ’ s more of a limousine . It is big , wide and heavy . It boasts a 237kg kerb weight . That ’ s a hunk of material right there . Most of it seems to be taken up with the startling construction and geometry of the front end . That twin-wheeled front can make it appear like a meaty mobility scooter . Even though it ’ s not the first twin-wheeled front end on the market , it is probably one of the most effective ; it is confidenceinspiring and stable on the road . This is surely where it is aimed , at car owners looking to commute cheaply and safely , without the need for bus waits , or massive inner-city parking costs . As a car , registration fees are much reduced and it can be ridden by any licenced car driver - it ’ s twist and go , auto , and easy to helm . A helmet is , however , still compulsory .
STANDOUT STABILITY At a height of 795mm at the seat , and given its girth , care is needed round town when stopping . Yamaha utilises a system called ‘ standing assist ’, which can be switched on as one stops at the lights , or intersection . As long as the bike is fairly upright it will hold that position until take off , without the need for putting one ’ s feet down . It takes a while to get used to , and the width of the beast meant my feet were slow to the ground once or twice . And you will notice that weight if it starts to topple . Two flicks of the switch will turn off the assist , but it will automatically release as you take off or the bike passes 2000rpm .
KIWI RIDER 105