Modern Vespa

Almost forgot, the MP 3 comes in 400 cc version :

PIAGGIO MP3 400 i.e.

The Piaggio MP3, the three-wheel scooter that recently revolutionised personal transport by redefining the entire concept of ride stability, has grown to a 400cc displacement to offer unprecedented performance and safety. Fun, nimble and nervy, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. handles curvetaking with extraordinary safety and road holding that only the MP3 can manage, while providing all the power and distance range of a real touring scooter.

The Piaggio MP3 has upped its engine capacity to offer even zippier performance together with a safe, fun ride.
The new Master 400 engine (Multi-Valve Advanced Super Torque Engine Range) — a 4 stroke, 4 valve unit with liquid cooling and electronic injection, provides a 34 hp power output at 7,500 rpm and torque of 37 Nm at 5,000 rpm.

These performance figures translate into smooth, full power output at any engine speed, with response and acceleration at the top of the category. This makes it possible for the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. to handle all kinds of riding, from town traffic to city bypass roads and tougher out-of-town roads in total comfort and safety even when riding with a passenger and a full load. Extra power and full-bodied torque become available at low engine rpm and are in fact crucial at critical moments like overtaking, when the Master 400 i.e. engine’s acceleration and throttle response together with the exceptional stability of the two-wheel front suspension let the rider pull away fast and safely.

The Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. is truly an all-round scooter. On town riders, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. handles cobblestones, tram tracks and irregular roads with the greatest of ease and stays stable and safe on wet roads as well. The exceptionally large underseat storage bay (which holds two full-face helmets), the wraparound protection of the wide front shield and excellent cruising speed the new engine offers make this the ideal vehicle for long-distance as well as tougher rides.

The new 400cc engine also adds substantial advantages as regards the running gear: the use of the new engine and a 14� rear wheel with a 140/70 tyre on the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. has increased the wheelbase by a good 65 mm.

The result is impeccable stability when leaning into fast curves or when braking thanks to the longer rear end, increased rear wheel contact surface and outstanding road grip provided by the innovative parallelogram front suspension built to an original Piaggio design. Its tilt mechanism is composed of four cast aluminium arms, with four hinges fixed to the central tube and two guide tubes on either side of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via suspension pins and ball bearings.
Comfortable and innovative with exceptional performance, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. will seduce novice riders as well as seasoned motorcyclists, as it combines enjoyment and ease of use with unprecedented safety.


PIAGGIO MP3 - ACCESSORIES


Piaggio has lined up a set of innovative dedicated accessories to suit the extraordinary MP3 and let the rider personalise the vehicle to further enhance comfort.

Piaggio’s Winter Pack makes it possible to use the Piaggio MP3 all year round, with protection in all seasons including sub-zero winter temperatures. The Winter Pack includes:

Comfort Topscreen. A large, innovative, fully transparent screen. Its wraparound, exceptionally protective design provides for a comfortable ride even in the coldest weather.
The topscreen is equipped with hand protectors and extends above the rider’s head.
Made of high-density anti-scratch methacrylate, the best quality material available, the screen ensures optimal visibility despite a 4 mm thickness to guarantee strength and torsional rigidity.

Although it is considerably larger than other products on the market, the Comfort topscreen does not cause any problems when riding because of its highly aerodynamic shape and the excellent road grip of the PIAGGIO MP3’s two tilting front wheels.

Winter tyres. These grooved tyres are particularly suitable for riding on road surfaces that provide little grip. Recommended for use on slippery, dirty, slick or wet road surfaces and in cold weather temperatures.

Built-in, heated leg cover. The built-in leg cover for the Piaggio MP3 is a highly innovative product. The cover attaches to the scooter with a set of practical automatic snaps. A battery-powered pad inside the cover heats it up to create a snug feel. You recharge the battery with a transformer plugged into a power outlet. The cover provides about 5°C more heat than the other leg covers on the market.
There are two ways riders can adjust the cover to make it more comfortable to use:
- A band around the rider’s hips helps to prevent the cover flapping in the wind.
- Tall riders can open up the two expanding side zippers to create extra legroom.
The PIAGGIO MP3 leg cover is covered by a one-year warranty against theft.


Other optional items designed to make the MP3 even more practical to use:

TOM TOM Rider mounting kit to clamp a Tom Tom Rider satellite navigator, currently the best selling product of this type on the market, on the centre of the handlebar. The unit can be recharged directly from the vehicle with a special cable made by Piaggio.

Rear top case with flip-down plate. This 48-litre top case takes the PIAGGIO MP3’s load capacity to a very substantial 110 litres.
The top case has a special flip-down plate to make it possible to access the MP3’s rear boot lid.

Style windscreen. Piaggio also has a conventional medium-sized protective windscreen available for the MP3.
This one is also made of transparent methacrylate, with a 4 mm thickness that provides the required torsional strength in all running conditions.

Electronic alarm. As usual, the Piaggio range of accessories includes a practical, car-style electronic alarm equipped with a remote control. It is quick and easy to install using the pre-installed cables on the vehicle.

Passenger backrest. The MP3 seat can incorporate this backrest to increase the passenger’s comfort.

Ok if we see the 400cc here, I may buy one, Beale.

Wow. I'm swooning. Talk about one sexy scoot. The red almost makes me want to lick chocolate strawberries from the fender. Unreal!

Italians may not be able to deliver parts worth a darn, but God can they deliver sexy designs. As the guys in Def Leppard once said, "Pure Sex, this one!"

Chris

That thing is growing on me. I don't think we're getting the 400cc in Canada this season though according to Motoretta.

So they have a Maxi MP3

I came across an MP3 250 around the corner from my place (apparently Piaggio have there offices nearby, so says another NYSC member), and my first impression is that it's fairly compact... much smaller than it appears in photos.

And the most interesting news here to my mind is a new engine. Or an engine that I haven't seen used in other Piaggio bikes, anyway.

I don't think this is the 460cc that's in the X9/BV500, which means that perhaps this plant could make it into other bikes... say, for example, a GTS.

And now with this bigger motor...... I really think I'm getting the MP3 bug.

Could be a contender if it comes stateside!

I think I just wet myself.

The even get a 400cc Beverly in Italy!! Bastardos!! Then there is the new Beverly S in Italy - and they get better colors!!!!

That's it, I'm moving to Italy.........someday.........

Every party has a pooper.

This time it's me. Who'd of thunk it.

I think it looks like a backwards tricycle, only one wheel away from an ATV.

I guess I like two wheelers because they have, well...two wheels.

Otherwise, nothing but love for ya.

The more I see of it the more I like it, but I just can't warm up to the way it looks from the front. It's got the face of an evil robot from a bad saturday morning cartoon!

Thats one step closer to a GTS400 in my book. Please Vespa Please! With 14inch front and rear wheels maybe?

I'm reasonably certain they won't make a GTS400, but this new engine does beg the question "Why not?".

However, I'm virtually certain that Piaggio will not make a GTS with 14" wheels. That's maxi-scoot territory, and the antithesis of the Vespa tradition. In any case, they already make the scooter you're asking for -- the BV500.

I don't know, that GTV in the picture with the Vespa S and the Gilera Fuoco 500 had the same CVT cover as the MP3 400.

You mean this one?


I made that in PhotoShop. It was a joke. The original picture had the regular transmission case.

I had a brief moment of panic this morning as I wondered whether the California vehicle code would recognize this as a motorcycle or something else, even though it's obviously closer to a motorcycle than a car. I was worried that perhaps this vehicle wouldn't be able to use the carpool lanes.

I did a search, though, and came up with this definition of a Motorcycle in California:It looks like the MP3 should easily meet these requirements.

Exactly that picture. You're a jerk for getting my hopes up.

By the way, this also qualifies as a motorcycle in California.

I've been seeing a lot more of those GoldWing and HD trikes, you know, for the accountants and lawyers with balance problems (or wives that don't think they're capable of balancing).... They qualify as motorcycles....

Anyone already aslking their dealer for the remains of the first wrecked MP3/400 and planning something great for the project pages?

Wow, I didn't think I actually fooled anyone. Nice!

You should be proud you pulled one over on me. Savor it. I'm on the alert now for your trickery. Yeah, but if you want one it would presently cost $80k because they haven't decided whether or not to actually go through with manufacturing them in any real production run. I'd love to drive one though, it would feel amazingly futuristic.

I guess the MP3 is a love it or hate thing. As for me, well...I don't love it.

I'm a traditionalist, I guess.

Kevin

gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme
etc

I'd much rather have the 400 than a 250, so hope they bring that out here (not holding my breath tho)
Got $2000 saved up already!
I love my Helix, the ride is sweet, but the handling is crap, so the handling of the MP3 is the attraction for me.

I of course would have to paint it/art it

My thoughts exactly!

db

I love your costume. You should paint an MP3 like a PBR can.

For a trike with some bulk, the MP3 does pretty well with a 250.

Me too, can't wait until the MP3 comes out. I have already filled out a appointment for a test ride with my dealer when they become available. I just don't know if I will trade in the LX150 though, but will surely trade the Vette in.

It may not come now, but is it coming in a year or two though?

The last thing I wanna do is to upgrade to an MP3 250ie, only to find that the 400ie is in the pipeline.

But OMG~!!! I am sooooo getting the 400 instead of the 250. Same insurance class. Significantly more performance. What is there not to like?

-Rick

It looks great but... where does the milk crate go?

db

You don't need the milk crate anymore when the pet carrier is extra large and has a pass-through tunnel for the little critter, you know?

-Rick

Isn't that exactly what Canada wants - a 400 cc for the decent insurance rates! I think you'll get what you want Rick !

And for all the "boys" who think bigger is better - I'll buy your MP3 250 when you trade it in for the more pricey big brother.

"Gimme Gimme" - a partly used MP3

Di

an accountant with balance problems? now that's scary!

jacqui

I would get an MP3 only if it came out with something more than a 250 cc.

I like my Vespa, and would love to see a 500cc Vespa, and will only get the MP3 if it is a more powerful engine.

One question comes to mind: How is the agility and nimbleness of the MP3 250ie in the first place? Is it at least on par with the GT/GTS? Since the MP3 400ie has a bigger rear wheel and a longer wheel base, I would imagine that a little more agility is sacrificed for the sake of stability? Perhaps it would totally feel like one of bigger maxi-scooters (Majesty or god-forbid, the Burgman)?

-Rick

Look what i found

Video 360 view of the MP3 400...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L68XNwDUtpQ

LOOK AT THE WINDSCREEN! its the one in the description below.
Comfort Topscreen. A large, innovative, fully transparent screen. Its wraparound, exceptionally protective design provides for a comfortable ride even in the coldest weather.
The topscreen is equipped with hand protectors and extends above the rider’s head.
Made of high-density anti-scratch methacrylate, the best quality material available, the screen ensures optimal visibility despite a 4 mm thickness to guarantee strength and torsional rigidity.

I dont like the blue but I do like the mp3

Vectrix has made an electric three wheeler akin to the MP3. I imagine it will have about the same performance as the two wheeler, so the same top speed and range issues would apply. It will also be pricey, if the two wheeled model is any indicator. A curious query for the Europeans on the board: do some European countries offer tax incentives on electric vehicles that make them a bit more cost competitive to consumers?

Looking at the pictures makes me wonder about those of us with longer legs...it seems as though it might be a bit constraining, yes? Of course there's only one way to tell.
Bill

thanks for the video link Andrew!

Droooooool, me wanna!
Love the big windscreen. Only way this bike could be anymore perfect for what I want is if it were painted purple instead of blue.

Sweet....!

A couple more photos.

disgusting, squat travesty! Designed for snub-nosed dwarves. What were they thinking?????

That's why it carries the Piaggio label, and not the Vespa one.

Oh, but seriously, I like it. It's got a face only a mother could love, but it's new and unique and different. In a 400cc version, it could very well be the touring scooter I've been hoping for.

forget the 400..i just filled a container with 500cc Gileras! just kidding
the Milan show was unreal, with too much new stuff. all pics of the Vespa S don't do it justice. if they were for sale here now i'd be shipping one home. production on those starts in Jan for the Italian market. no word on the US yet. also just loaded and shipped a container of 19 scoots and a few vintage MV Agustas..tomorrow of to a swap in Novegro(milan) and looking for more vintage stuff.. see ya all when i return. i'll post some pics when we get back as Brian has the camera and is staying one more week!