Test Ride] The first "LMW" Tricity 125 has a new style!　Linked to the navigation app for added convenience!

Yamaha calls the "Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW)" mobility system, in which the wheels and body lean and turn, the first "LMW" model was the "Tricity 125," which was introduced in 2014. The Tricity 125 has undergone a model change with new styling and features such as a 4.2-inch TFT display with smartphone integration. Text: Hiroyasu Ogawa Photo: Yuko Koizumi

New styling with "SUV" flavor

In addition to motorcycle users, the "Tricity 125" was first introduced in 2014 as a highly stable "LMW" model for "people who are not interested in motorcycles." In 2018, the model was fully remodeled with Yamaha's unique "BLUE CORE engine," which combines good fuel economy and driving fun, mounted on a new instrument frame. For 2023, the BLUE CORE engine will be compliant with the latest emission regulations, and the equipment has been enhanced with the "SMG (Smart Motor Generator)" for quiet and quick engine startup and " Y-Connect " compatibility for smartphone integration. The frame and front and rear suspension have also been revised, and the wheelbase has been extended by 60 mm to improve maneuverability and ground feel. In September 2025, the styling will be changed. Newly shaped tandem grips that resemble roof rails and a rear carrier that can accommodate a factory-installed top case without drilling are based on the four-wheel "SUV" design motif, while the front face features the "Y motif" inherited from the "Tricity 300". The styling of the new model embodies a "crossover commuter" that is not only a function-oriented city commuter, but also a sporty commuter with a fun-to-drive feel. A new 4.2-inch TFT display that is linked to the Y-Connect system has been adopted. In addition to incoming call notifications and maintenance status management, a "Turn by Turn" display is now available, showing the direction of travel with arrow icons and distance. A USB Type-C charging socket is standard equipment, and LED lighting has been installed in the under-seat storage area. The Tricity 125 is not equipped with traction control, which is new to the Tricity 155, or emergency stop signals, which flash the front and rear turn signals in the event of emergency braking.

Check out the Tricity 125's footprint.

Light acceleration makes it easy to handle as a city commuter.

Due in part to its front two-wheel structure, the Tricity 125 weighs 173 kg, which is heavy for a commuter in the original two-wheel class. The front end of the bike feels heavier when pushing and pulling, and the minimum turning radius is a bit larger than usual. Thanks to the "Smart Motor Generator," which integrates the engine starter motor and generator, engine startup is quiet and smooth, and idling is stable at around 1600 rpm. The centrifugal clutch meets at around 3400 rpm, and practical torque starts at 5500 rpm. Although the torque in the very low to low-medium rpm range is smaller than that of the Tricity 155, with which it shares the same chassis, the acceleration is exactly the same, reaching 60 km/h at 6,000 rpm. However, this is the case when the throttle is opened slowly to check the engine characteristics, and the throttle opening naturally increases when starting off with the actual flow of traffic. In such a normal start, the engine rises smoothly from idle to 6000 rpm, and shows stress-free acceleration to lead the flow of traffic without the heaviness felt when pushing and pulling. The variable valve system "VVA" provides practical driving performance even without revving the engine to the high rpm range where it is activated, making it easy to handle in city driving. The most noticeable difference between the Tricity 155 and the Tricity 155 was in re-acceleration. When the car in front of me was accelerating, I opened the throttle again to catch up with the car in front, and the clutch seemed to meet after a brief moment. The Tricity 155's practical torque starts up at 4000 rpm, while the Tricity 125's torque starts up at 5500 rpm, so the driver may have felt a time lag between the start of the torque at those rpms. However, the time lag between the two was only a fraction of a second, and acceleration was sufficient. The brake is equipped with a "unified brake system" in which the front wheel (right side lever) is also linked to the left side lever (rear wheel). Braking force does not start up with a thump at the beginning of lever operation, but becomes stronger the more the lever is held in. This makes it easy to control the braking force and provides a sense of security.

Outstanding stability that can only be achieved with LMW!　Sporty driving can also be enjoyed!

Although I felt the weight of the bike when pushing and pulling, the ride felt light and nimble when the body moves forward, even if only a little. The handling is not peculiar, making it easy to bring the vehicle down, and yet there is no sense of loss of grip on the front two wheels, so it is easy to corner in the line you are aiming for. The high grip of the front two wheels is also a feature of LMW, and it also provides outstanding straight-line stability when the vehicle is upright. In the case of ordinary motorcycles, there is often a trade-off between straightness and turning ability, but the LMW combines these two characteristics, providing a high level of stability in a variety of situations. In addition, the LMW is equipped with independent left and right front suspension, which absorbs the impact on each of the left and right wheels to reduce handlebar wobbling and stabilize the machine's behavior on paved roads with heavy traffic, stepped crossings, slippery cobblestones, dirt roads, etc. In addition, the front and rear suspension has little stroke but good shock absorption, and the seat is well cushioned for a smooth ride. The high level of drivability and ride comfort on rough roads and in the rain should also be reassuring to motorcycle beginners. Conventional motorcycle users will appreciate the Tricity 125's ability to both drive straight and turn, as well as its good machine controllability. The ease of tipping the vehicle over and the grip of the front two wheels are more than that of a normal motorcycle, and the stability of the vehicle while cornering is clearly felt. The ability to turn the bike from side to side is also very light, allowing the rider to fully enjoy the fun of cornering. The new model features enhanced smartphone connectivity, and the Turn by Turn display can now also be used for navigation functions. With a small luggage compartment, convenience hooks, under-seat storage with LED lighting, and a rear carrier, it offers storage and loading capacity, good footing, and considerable convenience as a commuter. It also has sufficient acceleration and high stability in the normal range, and has the machine controllability to enjoy cornering. The Tricity 125 is a well-balanced combination of a highly stable city commuter that motorcycle beginners can ride without anxiety and a sports scooter that motorcycle users can enjoy. Personally, I was impressed by the Tricity's unique ride quality, which combines the stability of a four-wheeled vehicle with the nimbleness of a two-wheeled vehicle, and it is a strong candidate for my next favorite vehicle.

2025 Yamaha Tricity 125

Overall Length x Width x Height: 1995 x 750 x 1215 mm - Wheelbase: 1410 mm - Weight: 173 kg - Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder 124 cc - Maximum output: 12 PS/8000 rpm - Maximum torque: 1.1 kgf/m/6000 rpm - Fuel tank: 7.2 L ・Transmission: V-belt continuously variable/automatic ・Tires: F=90/80-14, R=130/70-13 ・Price: 572,000 yen [images] The first "LMW" model, Tricity 125, has a new style!　 (23)