Parallelogram composed of four
aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes cantilevers.
Front Wheel Travel
85 mm / 3.35 in.
Rear Suspension
Two dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers and adjustable
spring pre-load,
Rear Wheel Travel
110 mm . 4.3 in.
Front Brakes
2 x 240mm discs, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre
2x 120/70 -12
Rear Tyre
130/70 -14
Wheelbase
1549 mm / 61.0 in
Seat Height
790 mm / 30.9
in
Dry Weight
244 kg / 537.9
lbs
Fuel Capacity
12 Litres /
3.2 gals
Way back in 2006, Piaggio invented a new category in
motorcycling: the three-wheeled leaning scooter. It turns out that they were
really on to something - the MP3 has been selling so well that Piaggio has
decided to introduce two new versions of the machine to the American market.
Joining the original 250cc MP3, Piaggio has officially announced their plans to
release both a 400cc version and a 500cc version.
With 34 horsepower, the 400
offers a useful increase in power to the original MP3, but we're more interested
in the 500. Boasting 40 horsepower, the MP3 500 is capable of about 90 miles per
hour. We also prefer the Mad Max ready-for-anything look of the 500 to the swoopy plastic look of the 250 and 400. A Ducati it's not, but if your Italian
cycling passion is a bit more rational, Piaggio may have exactly what you are
looking for.
New 2008 MP3 500 and MP3 400 Three-Wheel Scooters Continue
the Personal Transportation Revolution
NEW YORK, January 31, 2008 –
Italian manufacturer Piaggio launched a revolution in the personal
transportation category when it rewrote the rules with the three-wheel MP3 250
scooter. For 2008, the company again raises the bar with the introduction of two
all-new MP3 models, the MP3 500 and MP3 400 maxi scooters. Based on the
trademark technical innovations that transformed the MP3 250 into an immediate
best-seller, the higher-displacement MP3 500 and 400 offer riders the added
benefit of high-performance four-stroke engines, aggressive styling and a new
level of premium safety, comfort and convenience equipment. Designed to go the
distance, the newest MP3 models are uniquely suited to enjoying the diverse
terrain of America's highways and byways.
All MP3 models feature
Piaggio's innovative three-wheel configuration. Unique in the category, each MP3
delivers unparalleled stability, road grip and parking ease thanks to two
independent tilting, articulated front wheels and an electro-hydraulic
suspension locking system that allows the scooter to remain locked upright while
at a standstill. At the same time, the MP3 sacrifices nothing when it comes to
riding thrills – with a 40-degree lean angle, every MP3 delivers all the
maneuverability, agility and entertainment of a motorcycle. Dry or wet
conditions, smooth asphalt highway or pot-hole studded city streets, the MP3
models are resilient travel companions.
Whether effortlessly carving
through a set of twisties or confidently navigating pockmarked urban terrain,
the 2008 MP3 500 is the personal transportation choice most likely to get your
adrenaline into high-rev mode. Distinguished by top-of-the-line performance and
aggressive styling, the MP3 500 has the strongest appetite for aggressive riding
of the three available models.
Even standing still, the MP3
500 looks ready for action. A double steel tube bumper with metal mesh inserts
give the vehicle a rugged look, as do a sleek black metal handlebar and black
ten-spoke wheel rims. A five-lamp headlight unit is not only visually striking,
but highly functional – the two biggest head lamps are equipped with
off-road-style shockproof covers. But, despite its race-inspired design, the MP3
500 doesn't skimp on rider comfort. From an aerodynamically efficient front
fairing to a wide, comfortable footrest panel, generous seat and handy rear
rack, the MP3 500 offers total riding comfort to both the rider and passenger.
At the heart of the MP3 500's
performance is a liquid-cooled, electronically-injected 492.7cc four-stroke
powerplant with peak horsepower of 40 hp at 7,250 rpms. The MP3 500's torque
curve is ideal for strong, smooth acceleration with plenty of power available at
low and mid-range revs. A peak 31.12 ft.-lb. of torque is available at 5,550
rpm. With a top speed of 89 mph, this maxi scooter is ready to go – but it will
do so with minimum noise and reduced emissions, thanks to its twin spark system.
Strong performance potential
depends on an equally strong chassis and superior brakes and the MP3 meets all
the criteria. The MP3's innovative parallelogram front suspension technology
provides category-leading stability and impeccable road holding, while large 240
mm triple steel disk brakes ensure fast stopping power. The MP3 requires 20%
less braking distance than best-in-class two-wheel scooters.
The 2008 MP3 500 is available
for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $8,899. Color choices
include Passion Red and Demon Black. A full range of travel and security
accessories, including a Tom-Tom satellite navigation system, are available.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.