Menus
- True False Yourban
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- On the highway
- On departmental
- Braking
- Comfort
- Convenient
- Consumption
- The video of the Piaggio MP3 300 HPE
- Conclusion
True False Yourban
180,000 MP3s sold worldwide! Almost all of which is sold in France! This is how to sum up the three-wheeled scooter. A success that made people envious and this is how we saw the Peugeot Metropolis then the Quadro 350 arrive, followed by the Tricity at Yamaha while Piaggio stopped the 125 version.. Why such a success ? Quite simply because with our specific legislation, it is enough to have the car license to drive such a displacement (with 7 hours of training moreover from now on), in other words something other than a 125. And then the three wheels gives the impression of more stability. With such success, Piaggio therefore did not stop at one model but quickly declined it in several displacements and versions. We saw the 250, 300, 350, 400 and 500 without forgetting an electric hybrid version to cover the entire market from 5,999 euros (Yourban, 4,999 euros on sale in June 2019) to 10,990 euros (MP3 500 HPE Sport Advanced) in going through the 300 HPE at 6,499 euros. But what is HPE anyway? These are the latest engines from Piaggio with the "High Performance Engine", to also differentiate them from previous vintages. So what is this "first price" version of the MP3 that succeeds the Yourban worth? Test
Piaggio HPE single cylinder, 4-stroke
Discovery
Nothing looks more like an MP3 than another MP3. It is hardly that the Yourban that stands out a bit. Who came out should we say, since the Yourban disappears from the catalog in favor of this MP3 in fact based on the chassis and the engine of the Yourban 300. But visually, apart from the logo indicating the displacement on the grille, it is MP3 white and White MP3. Only the passenger seat backrest will possibly tell you that it is a 350 or a 500. Above all, there is a massive front compared to a two-wheel scooter, in particular because of the mandatory minimum width of the front axle with the two large wheels 13-inch and recognizable articulated parallelogram front suspension system.
Aluminum alloy wheels, front 13 "x3.00, rear 14" x3.75
To this is generally added a system which makes it possible to block the front axle, self-stabilizing the scooter when stationary, including momentary stopping as at a red light, avoiding having to dismount (that’s good, the saddle is high in addition). In this game, the MP3 300 HPE is thinner than the MP3 350 both from the front and from the back.
LED headlight
If we look more closely, we recognize the inimitable tie at the front, now framed by LED daytime running lights. LED lights that can be found at the rear.
LED rear lights
And the MP3s are accompanied by the usual ABS here on three channels and signed Continental and at least traditional ASR, in other words a traction control system, which avoids slipping, especially when passing over the white stripes or slippery areas.
But what will distinguish the different models is mainly the engine, the 278 cm3 mono (exactly like the Yourban since it is an evolution of its engine) like that of the HPE now delivering 26.2 horsepower and 26 Nm of torque to 44.2 hp and 47.5 Nm of torque from the 500. Piaggio insists that this is a new engine with many improvements including a new cylinder head (completely redesigned internal components: increased diameter of the ducts and intake and exhaust valves), new piston, new overhead camshaft timing system (with roller tappet rocker arms instead of sliding shoes), adjusted valve springs, new multi-injector High pressure jets, a new intake line … We will especially remember the service intervals which go from 5,000 to 10,000 km! And that’s good. But it is more of a clarification of the maintenance book, which only indicated checks of 20 minutes every 5,000 km and a real service every 10,000 km. Problem, these "level" checks sometimes turned into a revision, without it really being necessary. Attention, the oil tank of an MP3 is one liter, so it still deserves to check the level so as not to be in the red.
2,000 mm long, 1,440 mm wheelbase for 800 mm width
In the end, the values remain reasonable, especially when you take into account the weight of 225 kilos to 275 kilos in running order for the 500 (compared to the 220 kilos of the Yourban). But the 300 HPE still delivers 4 more horsepower than a Yourban 300 and at least that is necessary to keep a roughly equivalent weight / power ratio..
The MP3 is fitted with Michelin Citygrip tires and this is good compared to some original mounts (we think in particular of those of the late X10 which slipped easily in the wet).
In the saddle
780 mm high. This is both a standard saddle height compared to a motorcycle, but the saddle is significantly wider here. Result the driver of 1.70m will put just the tip of the feet on the ground (and there is hardly more than 10 mm of height difference with the 500 even higher). The advantage of this height is that we have a good view almost above the traffic. The hands fall naturally on the handlebars and there is room for the feet; apart from the foot brake pedal on the right, but which is a little less annoying than in the past, after having been repositioned noticeably. And the driver can move back "far" behind to benefit from lumbar support. And even the older ones will be comfortable with all the necessary legroom.
In front of us, we have a complete dashboard with counter, rev counter and digital display in the center, the information of which can be changed via the mode button located on the right stalk, between instantaneous consumption, average consumption, remaining autonomy. There is also ambient temperature and frost indicator, average and maximum speed and travel time without forgetting the clock, total and partial mileage and battery voltage. What would have been super practical is the display of the speed on the digital part, especially in town, where the speedometer is not super readable. And we would have well to have the consumption in liters per hundred (as we usually do) rather than in kilometers per liter. Ah the habits…
Dashboard with glove box with USB socket inside
If the ABS is not disengageable, the ASR can on the other hand be disconnected. And you can also change the daytime lighting via a button on the apron.
Above all, we have a small storage compartment, with a USB socket above the meter, large enough to accommodate a large smartphone and recharge it..
The saddle opens with the switch placed at the front, just like the fuel flap, placed in the center of the floor.
Hook and opening of the trunk and fuel hatch from the apron
Contact
The single cylinder snorts gently, with an almost total absence of vibrations. The slight solicitation of the right handle unlocks the roll-lock of the front axle with a beep and we start slowly on a trickle of gas.
Parking and freestanding on three wheels thanks to the roll-lock
In the city
Those used to scooters will feel the weight of the front axle, naturally heavier than the train of a traditional two-wheeled scooter. This results in both less low-speed maneuverability between cars with a feeling of slight sway and both a scooter going smoothly over the angle when cornering. We thus take more angle, while having the assurance of a more important seat of the front axle with the feeling of being supported. The passage on the angle is smoother, slower and we also recover more slowly. The small mono is not a thunderbolt, even if it is 5 more horsepower than the Yourban, in particular because of the overall weight in addition. But it is very good for the city. And given the power of mono, we did not manage to start the ASR, despite the rain and the white bands. But it is at least reassuring to have it, especially since Piaggio has generalized ASR on the vast majority of its scooters for years..
26.2 hp (19.3 kW) at 7,750 rpm
On the highway
The MP3 HPE sets off on the highway dynamically up to 80 km / h, then nibbles the kilometer hours up to 100 km / h and finally 110 km / h, a speed at which it can stabilize on the flat, or even reach the 130 km / h downhill well launched and conversely going down to 100 km / h on false flat. We are talking about speedometer from which you have to subtract a good ten km / h to get the real speed (120 km / h chrono therefore but above all 110 km / h in actual average use). It’s a little better than the Yourban, but without excess and just below the 350. Even at maximum speed, including duet, the MP3 offers excellent stability, whether in a straight line with wind or in large curves. The wind is well deflected with the original bubble, not putting pressure on the upper body. Depending on the helmet, however, we are caught in noise. In the end, it’s enough to do a little peri-urban, but too tight to go a little further, especially for a weekend in the countryside where the 500 will be justified. The three-wheelers are significantly slower with identical displacement than their two-wheel counterparts, like the X-Max 300 which comes out in comparison with a 145 km / h counter which allows to consider further trips..
Torque of 26 Nm at 6,500 rpm
On departmental
The MP3 HPE allows you to walk quietly on small roads in duo, without excess. Its ideal speed range is around 90 km / h and it will struggle to resume quickly to overtake quickly but its stability and comfort make it possible to stop the kilometers..
225 kilos fully packed
Braking
Braking is powerful using the levers, up to the dynamic pretensions of the scooter, logically configured with a 258 mm disc per wheel at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear.
Double disc 258 mm in diameter, ABS
It is especially the foot brake which is impressive power. Certainly, we have less feeling at the foot than at the lever, but it brakes quickly and hard. For the rest, the levers offer a good feeling and what is needed for the city and the suburban.
Smaller, better positioned brake pedal
We will not forget the parking brake which is very easy to handle and which allows parking everywhere.
Comfort
The saddle is wide and comfortable for both rider and passenger. The driver has plenty of room to step back well to benefit from the backrest. Even the position of the arms is better when pulled back, less at 90 ° and more relaxed. On the other hand, we feel a lesser precision of the front axle in this case..
The double hydraulic shock absorber, adjustable in spring preload in 4 positions at the rear, does an excellent job and generally eliminates road defects very well, especially if we compare to certain two-wheel scooters like the aforementioned Xmax much drier. MP3 advantage for comfort therefore.
The passenger has room, is well seated and benefits from well-positioned removable footrests, as do the well-placed passenger handles.
Comfort seat with driver backrest
Convenient
There is always the hook at the front, very practical for hanging a bag. The small storage compartment at the front, especially with its USB plug for recharging, is well seen (but not lockable).
The MP3 houses a 37-liter trunk, smaller than the 500 … enough to put a jet and a half-jet, but not a full and a fortiori by a modular. We appreciate the small internal night light but the capacity could be greater. Suddenly, the 37-liter top-case (optional) is almost essential.
Safe accepting a full and a half jet
Consumption
Piaggio announces a consumption of 3.3 liters per hundred which turns out to be closer to 4 liters per hundred, which can drop to 3.7 liters per hundred, which allows a range of 270-300 kilometers with the 11-liter tank. Note that the gauge does not begin to descend until only 90 km, to then see the level drop regularly. Suddenly, at 130 km, the gauge is halfway.
4-liter consumption and 300 km of autonomy with 11-liter tank
The video of the Piaggio MP3 300 HPE
Conclusion
The MP3 HPE does not revolutionize the three-wheeler, despite its 24% more power and 15% more torque compared to the previous model. It is at the same time the cheapest of the MP3, but not the cheapest of the three wheels at Piaggio. In fact, for those who want the safety of a three-wheeler, you really have to look at the Yourban, lighter and more pleasant in the city and especially much cheaper at 4,999 euros, compared to the 1,500 euros more to put in the 300 HPE. Admittedly, this is a promotion, but I still prefer the Yourban as a daily pleasure in town. But beware the Yourban will disappear from the range and you must therefore take advantage of it as long as it remains. For the rest precisely, the HPE MP3 is in the line of the MP3 with an excellent finish and level of performance than the previous models, for a plush look that will not disappoint its owner, not to mention the multiple options from the helmet to the gloves with the logo in passing through the protective apron and heated grips will confirm its status as the perfect utility for the city.
Strong points
- finishing
- comfort
Weak points
- price
- performance
The technical sheet of the Piaggio MP3 HPE
Test conditions
- Itinerary: town + small varied roads + interurban highways
- Motorcycle mileage: 300 km
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