Piaggio MP3 350, 500 HPE Sport or Business test: your choice !
Piaggio updates its MP3 range in 2018: the 500’s engine has changed slightly (HPE) and more clearly distinguishes its Sport and Business versions, while the 300 changes engine and displacement … Make way for the MP3 350 ! Site was able to test them very briefly. Contact.
Piaggio MP3 2018 test page 2: 350 or 500 ?
It took Piaggio seven years of thought before grafting its latest generation engine onto the three-wheeler. "Already very appreciated on the Piaggio Beverly 350", nevertheless assures the Italian brand, "it is considered as one of the most efficient engines in the segment for its performance comparable to those of a 400 cc, and the size and the limited weight of a 300 ".
The MP3 in turn benefits from a clear increase in its capacity (from 278 to 330 cc) and a phenomenal increase in power: "the figures are decently not comparable", even believes the president of Piaggio France, Jean -Charles de Saint Pastou.
On paper, the maximum power of the "three-and-a-half" reaches 30.6 horsepower and its torque 29 Nm (Vs 21 hp and 22.5 Nm for the "three-without"). On the handlebars, this results in much sharper acceleration or overtaking, which actively contributes to the safety of the driver and his potential passenger! In town and solo elsewhere, the 350 is generally on par with the 500 !
Another hidden asset in the sleeve under the casings of the MP3 350: "an automatic multi-plate clutch in oil bath of motorcyclist origin, guaranteeing a better and more constant output", describe the engineers of the Piaggio group (Aprilia, Guzzi, etc.).
Despite the few kilometers traveled on our test vehicles which have just been run in, MNC can confirm that the approval is slightly higher on the 350 and the 500 … But the difference will become more and more noticeable as the kilometers go: " unlike the 500 which tends to tire a little, the MP3 350 will be more enduring, its behavior will remain the same after 5000 kilometers ", certifies one of the members of the technical team..
Unless you want a 500 at all costs (count 10,199 euros for Business, 400 more for Sport), Site recommends that its scooter readers buy the 350, almost as efficient, more reliable and less expensive: 8,549 euros … only ?! The 2000 euros saved will be invested in insurance, equipment or gasoline !
Because in addition, the 350 and 500 are scrupulously identical, and besides do not evolve much, if at all compared to the preceding models. This is particularly the case of the cockpit, still equipped with an instrument panel with analog speedometer and tachometer, framing a digital screen..
The on-board computer provides access to all the necessary information: time, total and partial mileage, battery voltage, instantaneous and average consumption, maximum and average speed, range, journey time, ambient temperature and frost warning light (practical , but not in this hot season!).
The lines of the scooter have been preserved: we do not change a winning formula? Almost everything is preserved: according to Piaggio, the designers were content to redesign the grille and install LED indicators. "Basta cosi" !
The position on board remains very vertical: because of its two-wheeled front wheels, the MP3 does not integrate a "cool" mode, feet forward. Likewise, the backrest holds the back well but limits the pilot’s recoil. We are therefore more resting on a chair, than sprawling in an armchair.
The reception of the legs and knees is irreproachable … unlike the access to the ground which is not obvious: the saddle, suitably padded, is a little too high and especially too wide for the courts on legs. But the weight of the cattle requires solid support !
The "Roll Lock" is, in this, of a precious help: people not accustomed to maneuvering large two-wheelers will appreciate this system which makes it possible to block the angle-taking mechanism of the front axle and to move more easily scooter, engine off, on level ground.
However, be careful: if the user wishes to cross a boat or get off a curb, it is imperative that the front axle be released! Without this, the beautiful and big machine turns into a dangerous somersault: good luck to catch it.
Although of identical size, the 350 has a slight advantage in terms of weight: it displays 256 kilograms fully loaded on the manufacturer’s scale, against 275 kg (!) For the 500. Thus, the "little one" shows itself. a hint more manageable. A good point for those who mostly drive in town, in traffic jams.
Less light than that of a 125, the steering of the MP3 (350 a little more than 500 therefore) is still surprising for bikers, beginners as well as seasoned: setting the angle of the tricycle is easier and more progressive than suggests its imposing front axle.
For their part, motorists will be much more disconcerted by the use of the pedal uniting the front and rear brakes … This is much less obvious to use than in a car, because it requires too much work. flexion at the ankle. You can choose to lift the entire foot, but the dosage becomes difficult when lowering the leg.
In addition, the floor brake control further limits the mobility of the right foot. At MNC, we would gladly pass a saw through this useless pedal … At a minimum, we would dismantle it carefully. But that is impossible, it is obligatory !
Braking is also very satisfactory with good power control from the pair of 258mm discs at the front via the right lever, and from the single 240mm disc at the rear to the left one. We still regret the absence of adjustments in the spacing of the manual controls.
Similar observation for the new screen which would have deserved to be easily adjustable, electrically or via a small clamp or knob … This windshield appears too high on the Sport model to mimic the mini-bubbles of sports motorcycles, but its color tinted that will seduce.
The "Business" clientele will be satisfied: the new bubble studied in the wind tunnel offers good protection. On expressways, only the older ones feel the wind banging against the top of the helmet. The protection is also very good at the level of the gloves, and the pressure in the back is not excessive at high speed.
Piaggio claims to have paid "great attention to passenger comfort, who can now count on a more comfortable seating position and a redesigned backrest, as well as on two new, more ergonomic handles". Due to lack of time (the Parisian traffic jams have lengthened our photo sessions and we must not miss the press conference planned afterwards!), MNC leaves to the amateurs of trips in "coscooturage" the care of commenting on this point.
Finally, the safe, illuminated and lined with a fine carpet, is both voluminous and straight: no need to worry or turn over twenty times the two helmets (jets or full-face, but not modular) that you want to store once you arrive at your destination. Ditto for the big sports bag or the large briefcase full of underwear – we wish you! – which are easily broken.
The saddle lock can be operated via the key which also has a "Bike Finder" button: the turn signals come on to locate your MP3 among many others! To be completely up to date, however, the three-wheeler Piaggio should have adopted the contactless start. For the next version, without doubt or without fail ?!
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