Piaggio MP3 Yourban 300 (2011-current): Safety for the masses?
Engine: The single cylinder Quasar 278 c.c. engine delivers 22.4 bhp/7500 rpm and 2.3 Kgm/ 6500 rpm, claimed values.Actually acceleration is smooth and linear up to the top speed of 130 Km/h.
On minor uphill roads top speed drops to 120 Km/h while on the opposite direction, minor downhill roads, top speed is increased to 140 Km/h.
The Quasar engine has been used in every 300 c.c. Piaggio Group scooter and even more than that. The task for this engine here is to move the heavy Yourban, which has an impact on acceleration. On town rides engine is very good indeed, on the highway though, travelling speed is somewhat decreased compared with the Piaggio Group scooters. Consequently performance is inferior to the 300 c.c. scooters, still satisfactory though.
Riding position: The seat height is relatively low at 780 mm, the width is great though. Hence, only normal height riders or even higher than that, will be satisfied. YourbanĒs dimensions are increased, the top of the legshield is wide and tall.
The weight of the scooter is also considerable, 206 Kgs nominal kerb which is the equivalent of a 650 c.c. street motorcycle. However Yourban is lighter than the mp3, which can be felt by the rider. Rider is placed in and over the scooter, riding position is neutral.
On the road: Stationary, the front suspension is hard, almost uncompressed. The two shock absorbers at the rear are relatively firm.
Factory fitted tyres are Michelin City grip, with dimensions 110/70-13 at the front and 140/60-14 at the rear. They are considered to be an excellent choice for the scooter.
At the right handlebar there is a switch for the electric-hydraulic suspension block system. If the switch is turned to the left, suspension is blocked, the scooter cannot get be leaned to either side. If the switch is moved to the right, the scooter suspension is unblocked, the Yourban may be normally ridden. This feature is useful in case of parking, on brief stops, at traffic lights if rider wishes to, etc..
On cases like these, rider may not step a foot on the ground. Applying the throttle, this system is automatically unblocked. Rider will need some time to adapt, as the scooter has to be stopped vertically. If it is stopped and blocked leaning on one side, at the off it will immediately start cornering, which is confusing for the rider.
A handbrake is also available at the legshield, which operates like a carĒs handbrake. It is activated when pulled upwards. Its useful if the Yourban has to be parked uphill or downhill.
In case that both the handbrake and the electric-hydraulic suspension block system are applied, opening the throttle, the suspension blocking system is released, while the handbrake is still applied.
On town rides Yourban is a safe, neutral, user friendly and agile scooter. Of course the third wheel addition at the front increases active safety to a great extent, compared with ordinary scooters. Its like on the normal mp3, rider will feel very safe indeed when commuting. In case of riding at the fast pace, rider will get a motorcycle level of confidence.
Apparently, the two front wheels may not be at the same level e.g. in case that rider wishes to climb on a pavement. A front end slide is really a rare case on an mp3, which is the main reason for the increased safety provided.
On congested traffic, the Yourban will not puzzle the rider. However on conditions like these, rider could wish gradually for a 150 c.c. scooter or even smaller than that.
Filtering is good, especially compared to what it could be expected. The heights of the scooterĒs handlebar and mirrors are the same with those of carsĒ and SUVsĒ mirrors respectively. Due to the small width of the scooter there will not be any problem for the rider though.
Steering lock is great, its an advantage, provided the urban nature of the scooter.
Damping of urban roads imperfections is quite good, better than the average 13-14 inch scooters. Riding comfort will not be lost on poor road surfaces.
On B-roads riding confidence is increased, equivalent to that of a motorcycle. That is normal for an mp3, extraordinary for any other scooter of the market. Yourban is a satisfying scooter on any road. Its stable and neutral at the same time, agility is inferior to these elements.
For riders seeking any detail, agility is not like that of any scooter of the market. While cornering, rider feels the front end to be heavy, somewhat different from normal, deriving from the triple clamp.
At the fast pace, riding confidence is still great, although feedback to the rider is relatively good. Riding pace will be really fast, however a motorcycle would be a more integrated bike for such a use.
Traction will be lost only at a racing fast pace, which is virtually never for an average scooter rider. However, the Laws of Physics will not be negotiated by the Yourban… Conclusively on everyday rides itĒs a very safe scooter, even on slippery roads.
On the highway, travelling speed will be up to 110 Km/h. Due to the tall legshield, air resistance will be felt at riderĒs helmet and upper torso.
Braking is really powerful, providing relatively good feedback front and rear. 240mm disc brakes, two piston calipers, steel brake lines are equipped on all three wheels. On high and average friction factor roads, brakes are superb.
On low friction factor roads, braking is slightly more powerful than ideal. On emergency braking the front or the rear of the scooter may slide out, since the two front wheels or single rear wheel could be locked.
Despite the increased safety felt by the rider, there is no pleasure in sliding on conditions like these. In such an occasion, rider would wish for an ABS, which would make braking ideal, once more.
Comments: A full face helmet at its side will be easily accommodated under the seat, there will be still a lot of free space around it. Alternatively, two jet helmets will be stored.
The bulk of the scooter is decreased compared with the plain mp3, YourbanĒs design is smarter and sportier. Riding is also easier, more agile, providing smaller storage space though. The weight is 15 Kgs nominal less. Price is lower also.
The scoops, the white stitching of the smart saddle, the front fenders and the instruments contribute to the modern design. Quality build is good. The mp3s are not provided with a kick stand.
A 125 c.c. version is also available, delivering 15 bhp/ 9750 rpm and 12 Nm/ 7250 rpm. Because the weight of the 125 c.c. version is equal to that of the 300 c.c. scooter, that is 206 Kg, the 125 c.c. engine is considered to be weak.
An LT version is also available, featuring a larger wheelbase between the front wheels. It can be ridden with a car driving license, only. Á foot pedal is provided, combining the front and rear brakes.
Dear Santa Claus, a Yourban and a go cart track please! Make it soon, also!!
(This is definitely not a www.moto-choice.com video)
Price: 5590 Ī , Yourban 300 LT: 5990 Ī
+ Active road safety
+ Handling
+Creates sportive expectations in scooter category
- Still heavy
- Highway use
More, specifications (IT)
Laurence Pratt