Piaggio’s MP3 models are without a doubt the most interesting scooters from the road. They attract instant attention thanks to their innovative three wheels design which not only gives them a unique appearance but also makes them safer and more stable than any regular two wheel scooter.
The Piaggio MP3 400 is powered by a 400 cc, liquid cooled four-stroke, four-valve engine with fuel injection. The motor puts out 34 hp at 7,500 rpm, while the maximum torque is rated at 38 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The stopping power is assured by front and rear disc brakes combined with twin piston calipers.
One of the unique functions offered by the Piaggio MP3 400 is a locking mechanism that allows you to lock the font suspension while parked or at a stop light. Needless to say, it’s also pretty comfortable thanks to its spacious seat, the ergonomic handlebar and the comfort-tuned suspensions.
Hit the jump for more information on the PIaggio MP3 400.
The Piaggio MP3 250 is the smallest scooter in the MP3 lineup. Like its bigger siblings the MP3 250 has a three wheels configuration with two wheels up front and one at the rear. The front wheels are combined with an electro-hydraulic tilt system which allows each of them to act independently based on how much the scooter leans, which result in higher levels of grip and a decreased braking distance.
The scooter is powered by a four-stroke, four-valve liquid-cooled engine from the Aprillia Scarabeo 250 i.e which meets the Euro3 emission standards. The company says that its four stroke engine delivers a fuel economy of approximately 4.3L per 100 km.
The MP3 250 sits on 12 inch front and 14 inch rear wheels which are combined with 240 mm stainless steel disc brakes.
Piaggio’s engineers have spent a lot of time to give the MP3 250 faultless ergonomics. Thereby, the saddle and handle bar were carefully designed to offer a comfortable riding position and you also get a pretty spacious under seat storage.
Hit the jump for more information on the Piaggio MP3 250.
The Piaggio MP3 500 is a pretty unique vehicle mostly due to its three wheel configuration. Apart from its innovative configuration, Piaggio MP3 500 has also the capability to swing or tilt in bends which makes it very stable and is equipped with a pretty capable 500 cc engine.
The MP3 500 is also offered with a rider sensor mounted in the saddle which beeps if you are not wearing the safety seatbelts.
This unique street bike uses an automobile-like double-wishbone aluminum suspension system supporting two independent steering columns. In addition, the suspension travel from the front electro-hydraulic suspension is 3.35 inches. The rear swingarm is sprung with two hydraulic shock absorbers that provide 4.3 inches of wheel travel.
The front wheels measure 12 inch, while the rear one is slightly bigger measuring 14 inch. All three wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport SC tires.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Piaggio MP3 500.
Piaggio has released a video explaining how the technology behind the MP3 Hybrid works. The revolutionary Italian scooter has a claimed 140mpg and it is the world’s first plug-in, lithium ion, hybrid leaning three-wheeler. So now you know why there is so much fuss about it.
Always considering environmental problems, Piaggio presented a inovative solution destinated to change for ever the way we comute in crowded cities.
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Piaggio launched the first Vespa model - and with it the scooter phenomenon - in the spring of 1946. The scooter revolutionised personal transport, giving Europeans a sense of utter freedom.
Sixty years on, Piaggio has come up with another revolutionary product: the PIAGGIO MP3, a totally innovative three-wheeler with two front wheels. The PIAGGIO MP3 provides safety, road grip and stability levels that no two-wheeler can match. Power, performance and ease of use make for a very (...) > Full story