3-wheeler – Tricity Vs MP3 Yourban 300 LT: the Yamaha 3-wheeler challenges the Piaggio reference – A playful Tricity, a reassuring Yourban

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Tricity Vs MP3 Yourban 300 LT: the Yamaha 3-wheeler defies the Piaggio benchmark

3-wheeler - Tricity Vs MP3 Yourban 300 LT: the Yamaha 3-wheeler challenges the Piaggio reference - A playful Tricity, a reassuring Yourban

First Japanese manufacturer to tackle Piaggio’s hegemony in the three-wheel scooter segment, Yamaha tries a roundabout approach based on accessibility. Enough to divert the B licenses from their ” dear ” MP3 Yourban 300 LT? Duel.

A playful Tricity, a reassuring Yourban

Easy to handle thanks to its featherweight, for the same reason the Tricity requires much less energy to operate with the engine off. Excellent robber, it turns around in 4.42 m measured, 43 cm less than the MP3 Yourban 300 LT: two appreciable qualities in town.

Much heavier and cumbersome, the Piaggio is nevertheless quick to put at ease, even the user without experience of two or three-wheelers. His secret? The "Roll Lock", an electro-hydraulic system allowing the front axle to be blocked when stationary or at low speed from the right stalk and which is automatically deactivated on acceleration.

Thanks to the Roll Lock, a beginner can therefore discover the scooter without the apprehension of having to keep it in balance. Devoid of this type of device to contain weight and price, the Tricity requires additional know-how or a minimum of experience on two wheels. And like a two-wheeler, it must be parked, unlike the MP3 on which it is enough to activate this famous "Roll Lock".

In use, the Piaggio system is also appreciated during maneuvers (in particular, you can push or pull the MP3 without risking to lay it down) and especially at intersections, where balance is ensured without having to put your foot on the ground. Reassuring but also practical, especially in winter because the legs can stay warm behind an optional padded and waterproof apron !

Not to mention that the shoes therefore remain clean and dry, which will not always be the case with the Tricity on rainy days … The only drawbacks: if the MP3 is not perfectly level when the Roll Lock is activated , it will move towards the side where it heels on restart. Be careful to anticipate this reaction under penalty of getting embarked !

In addition, the activation and deactivation of the device generate a brief audible alert, as annoying for the user as for the surrounding pedestrians. In the absence of Roll Lock, the Tricity offers devilish maneuverability: its reactive front end allows lightning placements. No three wheeler had ever turned so quickly! In this, Yamaha is not exaggerating in claiming that the Tricity offers a "new form of mobility".

On both scooters, the front wheels are connected to a tilting parallelogram while the damping functions are handled independently on each side. Fairly close visually, the systems are however technically different. Among other things, the Tricity adopts two hydraulic forks mounted in tandem around each front wheel.

Very successful, the Yamaha mechanism allows dynamic driving, even playful, as revealed by a gymkhana improvised by MNC around a row of trees during which the reactivity of the Tricity and its precision hit the mark! The slightest pressure on the handlebars causes an immediate inclination proportional to the effort given, without this feeling of "hydraulic restraint" generated by the kinematics of the front axle of the MP3 Yourban 300 LT.

Penalized by its overweight and its less responsive direction because more "braked", the Yourban 300 LT releases an additional inertia at the origin of its more clumsy behavior in the same conditions. Suffice to say that once "well in hand", the Yamaha takes advantage of all its advantages to squeeze through mouse holes; well helped by its contained mass and width as well as its narrow wheels !

Ergonomic and dynamic: the Yamaha seduces and delights

Its dynamic capacities are appreciated all the more quickly as its ergonomics are very intelligently thought out. Despite a saddle height equal to that of the Piaggio (780 mm), the Yamaha is more accessible – even to the shortest on legs – because it is much narrower between the thighs. Conversely, the Yourban requires you to move forward on the front of your saddle to touch the ground well below 1.75m.

Thanks to its flat floor, the Yamaha reserves a generous welcome to the feet, legs (even long) and especially the knees, which do not hit the apron. Really impressive considering its dimensions and the space occupied by its "double" front axle! The seat comfort is also very correct, although marred by an annoying tendency to slide forward caused by the slight inclination of the saddle..

On the MP3 Yourban 300 LT, the position is generally identical (back straight, arms outstretched and knees bent at 90 °) but the ergonomics are not as pleasant: the arms are further apart by the wide handlebars and the feet enjoy less space because of the central tunnel and the brake pedal installed on the right running board, specific equipment for MP3 "LT" required by the "L5e" legislation.

Its small standard saddle backrest, on the other hand, allows you to settle down well, a not insignificant point when you chain the kilometers. In this case, its upper protection is appreciated at its fair value, the bust and lower face being protected from the elements..

On the Tricity, the air deflection offered by the short bubble is summary: the whole helmet is exposed, as well as the top of the bust of a 1.75m pilot. Rain gear required in case of showers! As for the legs, they are perfectly sheltered behind the imposing aprons of the two tripods..

Distanced in town, the Yourban reacts outside

Heckled in town by this lively and ambitious rival, the Yourban 300 LT actually concedes a few lengths in the most congested portions. Penalized by its more generous measurements, the MP3 manages to stay in contact with the Yamaha in most cases, however at the cost of extra effort and careful consideration of the situation..

In other words, when the Tricity allows a smooth and intuitive driving in all circumstances, the Piaggio requires an experienced "handlebar stroke" to extricate itself from the worst traps set by city traffic. Especially since the calibration of its injection is a less subtle suspicion than that – perfect – of its rival, while its variator "stalls" earlier and less gradually when the gas is cut off..

Disturbing for some because it forced to compensate via the brakes the sudden absence of mechanical resistance (engine braking), this phenomenon is on the contrary appreciated by others, who like to finalize their slowdowns "on the brake". In either case, nothing to cut the horses in four. Or rather in three !

What it concedes in the blocked streets, the Yourban 300 LT takes it back as soon as a clear avenue emerges thanks to its "big" engine. At start-up, these two monos with contained vibrations are on an equal footing: alert and punchy in view of its displacement and its proven technology (2 valves for the Yamaha block, 4 on the Piaggio), the Tricity engine makes the three take off with vigor. japanese wheels.

The responsive variator and transparent belt transmission highlight the beautiful vitality of this engine derived from the Nouvo, a scooter produced by Yamaha "in" and "for" Asia. However, as valiant as it is, the 124.8 cc single-cylinder cannot compete against its powerful competitor of almost 280 cc: barely has the 20 km / h mark been crossed when the MP3 Yourban 300 LT already takes the front.

The more the speed increases and the more the gap widens, testing times from 50 km / h turning into punishment for the Yamaha. Logical taking into account the enormous difference in torque (24 Nm against 10.4)! With an extremely relevant useful range, the Yourban 300 LT accelerates particularly well from 40 to 90 km / h, then extends the stride without zeal – but without weakening – up to 120 km / h.

Capable of reaching 130 km / h counter with momentum, it makes short work of the Tricity whose acceleration slows down from 80 km / h. Exceeding 95 km / h requires as much space as patience, while reaching its maximum speed, located around 105 km / h meter, requires plunging your head into the handlebars !

The limits of the Tricity appear logically as soon as it moves away from the city center: the first "false flat" approached with a headwind runs out of steam, making access to expressways and overtaking problematic. On the other hand, if its suspensions turn out to be flexible in springs, they suffer from too firm hydraulic adjustments, especially at the front..

The urban cobblestones and the jolts of the secondary network are absorbed dryly, this lack of progressiveness on irregularities can even alter at high speed the previously irreproachable stability of the front axle …

Offering a better damping compromise as well as greater directional rigor on bumpy terrain, the Pontedera tripod reinforces its increased versatility. Note, however, that both will appear firm enough for the lumbar of the motorist accustomed to the comfort "padded" of a sedan or a minivan. !

Disabling at very low speed, the hydraulic restraint felt on the MP3 appears to be an advantage in the faster portions, because it exudes a feeling of secure accompaniment during the incline. Beginners and B licenses will appreciate, "traditional" scooter riders and bikers will prefer the more instantaneous and sharp angle setting of the Tricity.

On the angle, the Yamaha is once again more playful because its front axle returns more information and readily allows course corrections. In dynamic driving, the Iwata three-wheeler drives home the point with its excellent ground clearance. Mechanically clamped at 40 ° inclination, the Yourban 300 LT sees the Tricity make it easily "inside", the more athletic having fun in passing by raising a few sparks with its central.

Trying to push back the limits of the MP3 Yourban 300 LT is useless, even risky: once its front axle "stops" on the angle, modulating the speed with the throttle is imperative to maintain the desired trajectory. Otherwise the Italian tripod inexorably widens the radius of the curve, forcing to lick the rear brake to rectify the shot.

In terms of braking precisely, the two rivals offer excellent slowing capacities thanks to their three points of support on the ground and their three good-sized discs (240 at the front and at the rear on the MP3, 220 at the front and 230 at the rear on the Tricity).

Fully combined, the Yamaha device shines for its simplicity and efficiency since it suffices to actuate one of the two levers to act on the three wheels. The only downside noted by MNC on a wet pavement cluttered with dead leaves: the forward distribution is too great when the only left lever is firmly pressed, causing the front wheels to lock in these conditions..

Duo à trois: Tricity advantage, but…

Surprisingly, it is the Yamaha Tricity which reserves the best welcome to a guest: its low saddle and its narrower rear shell require a much less pronounced "leg lift" than the Yourban 300 LT, on which it is also frequent to ” hook up the indicators with the outer leg. The calves also come unpleasantly in contact with the protruding curves of the rear part of the Piaggio, while the saddle space allocated to the passenger is restricted by its pilot backrest. Less comfortable in the saddle but better suspended (a quality just as appreciable for the passenger, even more on long journeys), the MP3 wins the favors of the guest thanks to the Roll Lock, which allows it to get on and off without the driver does not have to ensure balance. Its grab handles are also better designed while its superior mechanical performance greatly facilitates movement – and especially "overtaking"! – in duo.

The lower-quality pneumatic mounting of the Tricity (Maxxis versus Michelin City Grip) obviously does not have an advantage in this exercise, nor does it promote its traction on slippery surfaces. Completely independent, the levers of the Yourban 300 LT act on the left only on the rear, on the right only on the front.

The bite of its three calipers is not excessive, but the power remains sufficient. However, it is strongly recommended to avoid operating the rear brake only, as the latter easily blocks the wheel, causing – with insistence – drifts incompatible with effective braking..

By pressing the pedal on the right running board, the braking force can be automatically distributed between the front and the rear, as required by specific legislation from which the "LT" range benefits. Too bad the said pedal is so tedious to use: too high, it requires lifting the heel to actuate it and makes the dosage difficult.

Not very useful and devouring space on board: in use, you quickly want to cut out this damn pedal! Note that these two models are standard without ABS, but that it has recently been offered by Piaggio on its new range, in addition to anti-slip.

Verdict: Yamaha breaches MP3 citadel

For a first try, the Tricity is a master stroke and does not usurp this status of "lightest, compact and flexible three-wheeler in its class"Self-awarded by Yamaha. Extremely attractive economically, this new three-wheeler will shake up the domination exercised by Piaggio, by filling a niche left vacant by the heavy and expensive MP3.

Tricity, Yourban 300 LT: what about maintenance ?

Asked by MNC about their maintenance recommendations, Yamaha and Piaggio indicate a periodicity set at – only! – 4000 km on the Tricity and 10,000 km on the Yourban 300 LT (see the program in our Technical Sheets). MP3 advantage, then? Not really, because a general check (levels, wear, etc.) is imposed on the Italian every 5000 km! "This operation takes between 15 and 20 minutes", explains Piaggio France.

This compulsory examination to maintain its guarantee would be justified by the profile of the users: "many are motorists with potentially little or no concern for even routine maintenance issues. This approach therefore aims to compensate for possible negligence". And to ensure at the same time the activity in concessions? It remains that checking the coolant level of the MP3 yourself is not easy because it requires the dismantling of part of the casing The Tricity takes the advantage on this point, with its expansion tank easily visible from the rear left. Checking the engine oil level is also easier, because its dipstick – located behind the exhaust – is more accessible than that of the Piaggio. Yet installed in the same area, the Yourban’s oil pull tab is a bit too low and close to the engine to be handled without getting your hands dirty.

From there to dislodge the Pontedera firm from the throne on which it has been perched for almost ten years, however, it’s a different pair of sleeves! Because what the most accessible of MP3 concedes to the Tricity in terms of price and dynamics, it compensates by its practical advantages, its almost universal accessibility – thanks to the ingenious "Roll Lock" locking system, among others – and its scope. superior action.

Limited by its engine to short trips – and therefore to users living and working in the city center -, the "little" Yamaha does not actually offer the versatility of the "big" Piaggio, able to overcome as easily urban congestion as journeys on expressways, including duo (see box above).

And this versatility is of considerable, if not decisive, importance, as the results of a market study carried out by Yamaha before the release of the Tricity clearly underline: "when asked about the use for which they intended it, the majority (80%) mentioned commuting, but 50% cited leisure and 33% thought they would use it for their shopping".

This inevitably implies mobility needs that the Tricity will “mechanically” come up against, for lack of sufficient power … Unless you live close to your favorite stores, your usual gym and your office !

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