Modern Vespa

Hi folks looking for info on the current 3 wheeler bikes like the Piaggio mp3 Yamaha tricity. Looking for one for work, possibly travelling around the country touring. Any recommendations and what kind of mileage should I avoid when looking at 2nd hand models

If you plan to do anything resembling touring then you've got to get a 500 or better as a minimum.

3rd gen mp3 (2015-ish or newer) is the sweet spot

These things aren't really touring machines, but they make for good grocery getters

If long distance touring is your objective get a GoldWing

define your thoughts on touring, mileage, what type of roads and speeds, amount of gear you plan on carrying?

Also what type of riding experience do you have on other scooters motorcycles?

How are your mechanical wrenching skills? self service or dealer service?

It's primarily for work n popping into town, Touring is a possible afterthought and wondered if it would be possible on these type of bikes like the Piaggio, be nice to escape for a few nights, light basic camping stuff. Maybe 50-100 mile max between stops, slowly making my way round the country
Riding experience is minimal but quiet roads around me in SW Scotland

I'd advise getting a CBT first, even if you are eligible to ride an MP3 LT or Tricity on your B licence (obtained before 1997-01-01).

There are aspects of riding a PTW (powered two/three wheeler) that most car drivers are unaware of. As in - assume you're invisible, no front brake while turning etc.

what Jim said and when you pass your test, any of the MP3's will ft your needs.

If touring is not a primary duty then the mp3 might be a good fit as its best suited as a city runabout and short distance commuter.

Also, your touring range of 100 miles syncs with the mp3's need to refuel

Just wanted to note that I have a mp3 530. It's fine for touring. I live in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. No problem cruising at 70-75mph on the Interstates. Cruising range is fine, but fuel efficiency does drop quite a bit going that fast. It's quite fun on the back roads as long as they are paved.
It works quite well around town. We've street car tracks and, in fall, lots of wet leaves that the three wheels handle much better than two.
I've been riding motorcycles for over 50y and am finding my mp3 more comfortable than many bikes I've ridden. It's nowhere near as fast and I miss the shifting, but it keeps me riding at 73yo.
P.S. I'd always go for a Japanese bike/scooter if I have the option. Only they Piaggio and Kymco are available in the US and the Kymco is for people under under 6' or 182cm.

The main 3 things working against the mp3 are: size, weight, and lack of horsepower.

My Hondas with 4 times the cylinders and nearly triple the displacement have 3 times the power and still beat the mp3 on the mpg

If touring is your objective, then a single popper just doesn't cut it.

I do about 20K of touring each year, that alone would require 2 drive belt services and 4 oil changes on the mp3

I used to do lots of touring on my Fuoco - all around the UK and around Europe. I did have footpegs fitted though, without which I'd be stopping every 50 miles just to get my legs working again - the standard foot position isn't fun on long runs.

Exactly. Sitting on the MP3 is like sitting on the toilet ... a very cramped toilet, and neither is made for sitting on for any extended length of time.

I had the MP3 400ie (2009) and I enjoyed it, it is a good scooter but if you plan to do any touring, I would not recommend any of the 3 wheeler scooters. I would recommend going with a two wheeler scooter that has a bit of storage, or you can add to the storage, like side panniers in addition to the topbox. A scooter with a motor size of 300cc or more (preferably 400 cc and above), the 3 wheeler scooter would have specific mechanics, and when going places, you may not find a mechanic who knows them or the parts.

If touring is the main goal and it must be on a 3 wheeler then the Yamaha Niken is still the only game in town

The MP3 is fine for touring *IF* you have fitted footpegs for highway cruising comfort.

The Niken has no automatic gear change, and is chain driven - two no-nos for a lot of people who otherwise might go for it.

95% of motorcycles have manual transmissions and are chain driven.

Shifting gears is what makes riding motorcycles fun.

Rubber band CVTs are dull and unintelligent.

The maintenance of chain drive I can do without, hence why I only buy bikes with shaft drive.