Duel Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300 HPE Sport: Yamaha challenges the Piaggio reference !
After 14 years of an undivided reign in 3-wheel scooters accessible to motorists (license B), the Piaggio MP3 finally sees a dangerous threat point with the attractive Yamaha Tricity 300… Can Iwata’s novelty compete with the tripod star? Answers in our MNC duel !
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300 Sport Page 1: a chair for three
After a timid – and yet relevant – attempt with the (5500 sales in France since 2014), Yamaha finally stepped up to challenge Piaggio on its own ground: medium-capacity three-wheeled scooters, accessible with a simple car license ( B) and a seven hour training course where applicable.
- MNC file:
- MNC file : Everything you need to know about the MP3 300
- MNC file : All our motorcycle and scooter duels
Like the MP3s, the Tricity 300 is effectively considered as an "L5e" tricycle thanks to its 470 mm track between its front wheels and some legal obligations (coupled rear brake pedal, in particular). This particular classification makes the happiness of motorists "commuters" attracted by the stability and the performances of these three-wheelers which, as a reminder, are not limited neither in displacement nor in power..
In other words: Yamaha could just as easily have launched a "Tricity 4500" of 4.5 l displacement and 250 hp without it being necessary to have anything other than the B license to drive it! This is exactly what happens with the, powered by a generous 3-cylinder 1330 cc 110 hp! Who says better ?!
Quite astonishing, whereas France generally passes for world champion of the administrative hassle: talk to the candidates about it, always more complex and expensive … In short, the approach of Yamaha with its Tricity 300 is the opposite of that followed with the based on and which is only accessible to bikers.
The new tripod derives for its part closely from the scooter, both in terms of design and from a technical point of view (identical engine and frame base). The elegant rear part of the Tricitiy 300 refers directly to its organ donor, while the high and massive front end – sinister but almost – is unique to the novelty.
The X-Max’s 292 cc 4-stroke single cylinder unsurprisingly receives some adjustments to the intake and transmission to cope with the additional weight to be towed: 179 kg fully loaded for the 2-wheeler against 239 kg for the 3-wheeler wheels. The cause of this 60 kg difference? Basically adding a second wheel up front, of course !
Yamaha again uses a double telescopic fork to steer and suspend the front inch wheels of the Tricity 300, as on the Tricity 125 and the Niken. But unlike the latter, a unique "Standing Assist" locking mechanism can freeze the front axle below 10 km / h to facilitate maneuvers with the engine off and avoid putting your foot on the ground when stationary.
The Iwata crest is inspired by the "Roll Lock" developed by Piaggio on its MP3, a device appreciated by urban users to keep shoes and pants (even pumps and socks) safe behind the apron! This trick contributes to the insolent success of Italian tripods, which sell for around 10,000 units each year in France (roughly half of the total in Europe).
Is this monopoly threatened by the arrival of the Tricity 300, which can count on the excellent brand image of Yamaha and its solid network to rally more followers than the and others? To find out, MNC opposes it to MP3 300 HPE: question-answer session !
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which is the easiest to learn ?
First comparison and first setback for the Tricity 300: despite Yamaha’s laudatory descriptions regarding its agility and lightness, the MP3 300 is tamed and moves more easily, both at a standstill and at low speed. Blame it on the generous size of the new Yam ‘scooter, much higher and wider than the Piaggio in terms of its front part and its bulky tunnel.
We quickly understand that the Yamaha 3-wheel scooter is trying a more comfortable approach with its large windshield, its thick saddle and its very user-friendly space on board (more relaxed position than on the MP3), when its Italian rival goes to the ‘essential from a purely urban perspective. The Tricity 300 plays in this on two tables: a "small" engine in a large format.
Result: the Tricity 300 is rather intimidating for small and medium-sized riders – a 1.75 m pilot only places his spikes on the ground – who will prefer the Tricity 125 … or the MP3 300 (here in "Sport" version. with red shock absorbers and aluminum covered steps). Both more compact and lighter (225 kg against 239 kg), the Piaggio scooter also benefits from its 13 inch rims (14 "on the Yam ‘) to offer superior handling.
Able to turn around in just 4.84 m (MNC measurements), the MP3 literally revolves around the Tricity 300 which requires a good additional meter (5.98 m): see our "gymkhana" in video. In addition, tilting the Piaggio requires less effort: the Yamaha exerts more restraint in the inscription on the angle, further accentuating this feeling of heaviness in front of the Italian.
If it is not as "sticky" as those of the Quadro, the double front axle of the Tricity 300 is not as transparent as those of the Niken and the Tricity 125, on which the addition of a second wheel. the front is barely noticeable. On the other hand, its double fork returns much more information than the MP3 and is significantly more reassuring on the angle..
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which is the most practical ?
The Tricity 300 offers several practical aspects, foremost among which is its clever keyless start, its reassuring traction control and above all its enormous trunk – illuminated, as on the MP3 – which easily accommodates two full-face helmets! Its generous volumes are particularly interesting here.
Ditto for its large windshield which houses the bust and a good part of the helmet and shoulders, as well as its exemplary saddle comfort. Tested and approved by MNC during a 2:45 hour trip done in one go without any pain in the buttocks and practically dry despite some rain showers. The 3-wheeler "GT" is the Tricity !
Too bad, however, that it does not include a storage compartment and a USB socket, two points not overlooked by the MP3 300: an ingenious space at the top of the cockpit – perfectly integrated behind a flap – allows a smartphone and recharge it via a USB socket. On the Yamaha it will be necessary to be satisfied with a 12V socket, a rather obsolete format.
The Italian tripod also has a retractable ring on the top of its apron to hang a bag or helmet on short journeys: a trick intended to compensate for its volume of transport limited to a full face helmet and a small bag. Largely sufficient on a daily basis, this space is very poor on the other hand for outings as a duo: "Hey honey, do you mind keeping your headphones on at the restaurant ?!"
The two rivals also receive well-designed passenger handles as standard, retractable rear footrests (not covered with rubber on the Yam ‘), a center stand and complete and readable instrumentation controlled from the handlebars. Finally, Yamaha adds a side stand that locks its victory in practice !
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: what about the build quality ?
In general, the finish of the MP3 300 is more rewarding than that of the Tricity 300: some plastics of the Yamaha scooter – assembled in Thailand – are not very flattering, while the rear brake cable cover was already discolored on our test model with only 330 km on the odometer.
MNC also regrets the rather austere appearance of the dashboard of the Tricity 300, monochrome type and rectangular format. A little color and a Bluetooth connection with the phone would have been appreciated on this new 2020 product displayed at a price of 7999 euros (2000 euros more than the X-max 300 from which it derives).
In comparison, the MP3 300 Sport at the price of "only" 6699 euros more readily forgives the absence of a "TFT" screen and a connection with a smartphone! Especially since the Piaggio’s cockpit enjoys a more elegant presentation with its dials surrounded by chrome plastic.
The pretty rims of the Tricity 300 don’t change that: the Pontedera three-wheeler is nicer to detail, despite its entry-level status in the MP3 family. Piaggio has not neglected the presentation, as evidenced for example by the red stitching of its saddle: "the Italian touch" !
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which is the most reassuring ?
If 3-wheel scooters are so popular in large cities, it is largely due to their self-stability qualities which reassure motorists. Yamaha marks an important point in this crucial area: the Tricity 300 is perhaps more "clumsy" but it gives off an undeniable feeling of security in all circumstances..
Its front axle perfectly follows the orders given to the handlebars: it suffices to override its slight restraint at registration – compared to the MP3 300 – to discover and appreciate its remarkable capabilities. Stable, precise and endowed with a generous ground clearance, the Tricity 300 negotiates roundabouts and curves with a serenity which is somewhat lacking in MP3.
The Piaggio pays the price here for its superior directional liveliness, certainly welcome for maneuvering at low speed but sometimes disconcerting: the MP3 300 is very sensitive to the state of the asphalt and therefore requires constant corrections to stay on course. Not dangerous, but less reassuring than the Yamaha.
The transalpine tripod also suffers from the cadaverous stiffness of its suspensions, which bounce more than they absorb imperfections: beware of bumpy bends where the MP3 300 "wriggles" dryly, where the Tricity 300 flexibly overcomes the difficulty. . Finally, the firm saddle of the Piaggio definitively confirms its defeat in terms of approval.
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which has the best front axle locking ?
Yamaha did not copy the principle of Piaggio’s front axle locking system, as Peugeot did for example with its Metropolis. As a reminder, the "Roll-Lock" of the MP3 totally freezes the steering and the front suspension from a button on the right stalk, when stationary or at low speed.
On the Tricity 300, a new mechanism in the form of a caliper blocks the parallelogram above the double forks: in this way, the insertion of the plunger tubes is not completely fixed even when this "Standing Assist" is activated from the trigger located on the front of the left stalk.
The advantage of the Yamaha device is that the Tricity 300 retains a certain freedom of think bending over, even in the "locked" position: this allows you to correct your inclination by leaning the bust or a movement of the pelvis at an intersection. Practical to avoid "heeling" because of a slight slope, as happens with the MP3 !
In return, the Yamaha can surprise with this "roll" of suspensions which requires a few attempts to tame: first-time buyers and regulars to MP3s will first put their foot on the ground at the red light, before quickly getting down to familiarize yourself with this device which turns out to be more pleasant than that of the MP3.
However, only a few "critical" situations should be avoided with the Yamaha: in theory, the scooter can tip over if a very sturdy passenger is really moving when stationary, or if an awkward person hits it violently when parked. This is why Yamaha recommends placing it on the center stand to park it, while it is unnecessary on the MP3.
In practice, however, the Tricity 300 remains firmly planted on its 14-inch wheels thanks to its large wheelbase of 1595 mm (1450 mm for the MP3 300): MNC tried to tip it when stationary – at red lights as in parking lot – and you really have to put some ill will into it to knock it down !
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which one has the better engine ?
278 cc 4-stroke single cylinder on the MP3 versus 292 cc 4-stroke single cylinder on the Tricity: on paper, no big differences! And yet, the "small" Piaggio block is much more nervous at startup, despite its slight deficit of pure power (26.2 hp against 28 hp). Thank you for the 14 kg less to tow !
The two engines are then on equal footing from 50 to 90 km / h, then the Tricity 300 regains the advantage thanks to its better top speed: 141 km / h counter over a long flat area. Not bad at all for such a large machine! The MP3 300 is more in difficulty on the motorway: its speedometer climbs really very slowly beyond 130 km / h.
Both show average consumption measured by MNC at 3.99 l / 100 km for the Yamaha and 4.98 l / 100 km for the Piaggio. This important difference is due to the "player" character of the Italian block: the accelerations of the MP3 300 are clearly more lively than those of the Tricity 300, certainly full at all speeds but very linear..
Note that both ultimately consume as much or almost as a small city car gasoline: on the same route made up of expressways and crossings of towns, our tester noted 3.74 l / 100 km with the Tricity 300 … and 4.72 l / 100 km on its Kia Picanto powered by a 65 hp 3-cylinder! Could do better, no ?!
Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300: which is the best three-wheeled scooter ?
If you’re looking for a three-wheeled scooter that sneaks around town and doesn’t neglect the essentials for a reasonable price, the MP3 300 HPE Sport favorably ticks all the boxes against the Tricity 300. Bulkier , heavier and more expensive, the new Yamaha is not necessarily the best option from a strictly urban perspective.
On the other hand, the volumes of the Tricity 300 give it superior protection and comfort, as well as excellent roominess – especially for the feet which can be placed obliquely on its apron. The height of happiness: its well-integrated rear brake pedal does not interfere with the heel as on the MP3 !
In terms of braking, precisely, the Yamaha is also illustrated with its integral front-rear coupling which allows powerful braking and dosable from the pedal or the left lever. Top ! On the MP3, only the pedal drives the coupling: the refractory to this command typed "automobile" will have to press the two levers to obtain an acceptable braking..
The new Tricity 300 actually tries a roundabout approach which is aimed primarily at commuters likely to cover a certain distance between town and periphery every day: in this perspective, the Yamaha is clearly superior to the MP3 300, if only for in saddle comfort and suspension. Not to mention its cargo hold !
Still, it is much more expensive than the Italian scooter (between 1300 and 1500 euros more) and not necessarily accessible to all sizes, especially a female audience who may be intimidated by its volumes. In the end, the Tricity 300 is a bit of a frog that wanted to be as big as an ox !
"In reality, the Tricity 300 is more like the MP3 350", replies Laurent Sancier from the press service of Yamaha France, while MNC is surprised at its positioning. "The comparison is more to be made in terms of dimensions than of displacement". It is certainly no coincidence that the MP3 350 price has just been lowered from 600 euros to 7999 euros (valid until the end of July), like the Yamaha !
But is this bet relevant insofar as the best sales at Piaggio are ultimately provided by the "big" MP3 500, a real bestseller of three-wheeled scooters accessible to the B license? The Tricity 300, with its "small" engine but its large volumes, is suddenly placed between the accessible MP3 300 and the powerful MP3 500 of 44.2 hp !
At the end of this duel, MNC concludes that Yamaha should have gone to the end of its approach of frontal confrontation by launching a 3-wheel scooter based on its star maxi-scooter: the Tmax! Questioned by MNC on this hypothetical "Tri-max", the French subsidiary kicks in … To be continued !
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