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Yamaha Tricity Review (2014)

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Yamaha Tricity 2015

If you're wanting to ride but are a bit unsure or scared of bikes then buy a Tricity. They are good bikes and when your confidence grows you can pass your test and move up or modify it.
- Rating: 8 / 10

What Is It?

The Yamaha Tricity 125 is a learner friendly three-wheeled scooter and is powered by a newly designed liquid cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder four stroke engine, producing 10.9 bhp at 9,000 rpm and maximum torque at 5,500 rpm.

Specs

  • Seat Height: Low (780 mm / 30.7 inches)
  • Weight: Average (152 kg / 335 lbs)
  • Economy: Very good (80 mpg / 3.5 l/100km / 28.3 km/l)
  • Range: Average (120 miles / 193 km)
  • Power to Weight: Low (0.072 bhp/kg / 0.054 kW/kg)
  • Top Speed: Average (65 mph / 105 km/h)

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Stable ride
  • Brakes

Cons

  • Can be slow with 11 bhp moving 152 kg
  • Rear suspension
  • No glove box

What Is It Like?

Yamaha Tricity

A Great Stable Bike

My 2015 Tricity has a red metallic matte paint finish and was bought second hand with just 250 miles on the clock. I've bought every accessory for it from heated grips to knuckle guards.

Yamaha Tricity

Any Issues?

The downsides to the bike are the uncomfortable rear shocks which need changing. I'm currently trying to buy some YSS gas shocks from Thailand as they are not available in the UK, other than the basic style shocks which are similar to ones fitted. The tall windscreen and comfort seat are expensive but that's just the usual dealer overpricing.

Yamaha Tricity

The Engine

The engine is first generation so it's not the blue core version with 1 bhp more. It produces around 11 bhp because it was designed as an early learner bike similar to a bike with stabilisers (extra wheel) but after riding it for a while it really needs the full 15 bhp allowable on the A1 licence. Weighing in at 152kg with a 90kg rider can be slow at times from standing start.

I've found putting 97 or 99 octane fuel, Esso Supreme or Tesco Momentum, rather than basic 95 octane unleaded fuel helps it feel less lethargic. If you are able to feel the bike through yours hands and bum it adds some bottom end shove.

Also try to put quality oil in it i.e. Yamalube or Castrol Power 1 10w 40 semi synthetic. I tried Silkoline but found it useless.

Yamaha Tricity

Handling

I use mine for touring even though it's a city bike as it's more than capable, ignoring those rear shocks for a second. If you run the bike for more than one hour it gets really warm.

It does liven up a bit and becomes quite fun with decent fuel and oil. I can get a good 50mph+ from it but 58mph seems to be the happy running speed and I can get 60mph on the flat when the wind is calm. On downhills it can push 70mph - a great flying feeling and still stable at that speed.

Yamaha Tricity

To Sum Up

If you're wanting to ride, but are a bit unsure or scared of bikes, buy a Tricity. They are good bikes and when the confidence grows move on or modify.

Once you have passed your test you can of course then ride a bigger bike but if want a fun 125, a modified Tricity is the way to go.

- Simon C, 2018

Deals, specs and pics

Price Guide

Year
Dealer
Private
Part Ex
Mileage
2016
£3,100
£2,450
£2,150
8,500
2015
£2,800
£2,250
£1,950
10,300
2014
£2,500
£2,000
£1,750
12,100

Gear & Accessories

Add Your Review

Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.

More Info

Check out this video review from CagerOnTwoWheels.