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Piaggio MP3 400 3 Wheel Scooter

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Piaggio MP3 400

Piaggio had their new Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. on display at EICMA last week, giving the MP3 the engine many said was needed in the first place. The 400cc engine offers a top speed of 92 mph, capable of keeping up with traffic anywhere and most likely expanding the demand for this already appealing 3 wheeler.

Press release follows:

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 400 i.e.: Technical specifications

Engine: – 4-stroke, single cylinder 4-valve Piaggio MASTER with electronic injection, catalysed
Displacement: – 398.9 cc
Bore: – 85.8 mm
Stroke: – 69 mm
Fuel: – Unleaded
Compression ratio: – 10.5:1
Max power at crankshaft: – 34 hp (25 Kw) at 7,500 rpm
Max torque: – 37 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Cooling: – Liquid
Gearbox: – Twist-and-go automatic
Length/Width: – 2,190 mm/ 745 mm
Wheelbase: – 1,550 mm
Seat height: – 790 mm
Dry weight: – 238 kg
Fuel tank capacity: – 12 litres (includes 1.8 litres reserve)
Max speed: – 148 km/h – 92 mph

Related: Piaggio MP3 Scooter- part 2
Related: Piaggio 3 Wheel MP3 Scooter

Posted on Filed Under: Motorcycle Business, Three Wheel Vehicles

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Comments

  2. I wonder how long it will be until there’s a Piaggio MP3 “GS” (lots of suspension travel, semi-knobbed tires, etc.)?

    Hey it’d be the SUV of scooters!

  3. RE: “I wonder how it will hold up to sustained high speed riding if used as a tourer.”

    The 400 will be a capable highway bike but doesn’t have the hp/torque for 2-up long distance touring. Gilera gets the 500 version. Next step up for PiaggioCo engines is the 850.

  4. I don’t see why all the motorcycle and scooter manufacturers don’t just cut to the chase and install 5000cc motors. It seems they are slowly increasing capacities so that riders no longer think the smaller size is adequate. What happened to the day when a 400cc bike was fast and the average size was 250-350, a 200cc scooter was the biggest you could buy and it could tour around the world? I guess bikes were just more powerful back in the day.
    -todd

  5. I reviewed the MP3 in the upcoming issue of Scooter World magazine, the 250 was enough to propel me to an indicated 90mph on the freeway with only 22hp. On an Italian speedometer, you should probably subtract 10mph for an accurate figure. What most people don’t realize is that these motors are designed to be revved pretty much all the time. The way the CVTs are tuned, the engine gets to a sweet spot and the CVT keeps it on the power band as it changes ratios. I’ve ridden some of these automatic scooters at top speed for 6-12 hours a day with no problems.

    The 400 should be sufficiently potent to accelerate briskly and get you to a top speed well above that which will get you pulled over.

  7. The 250cc is coming to the USA this Spring/Summer (2007), but what about this 400cc model?? The big knock on buying the MP3 in the USA is our longer commutes/more highway need… so, if I can get a 400cc, I will definitely wait on it.

  9. Aside from power, the only real complaint I have heard about these new bikes are their comfort for larger folk, i.e. over 6′.
    The 400, which should reach our shores about a year from now ( I am guessing) appears to have a slightly longer wheelbase (+60mm) and seat height (+10mm). This might increase the comfort of the bike for larger folk, not to mention the tremendous value of the added power for American roadways.
    I, for one, will be saving my pennies for the 400, though I would like to try out the 250 to see if I like the whole idea. I think I will!
    My current Scoot, the super-comfortable Honda Helix, is now equipped with a backrest, which for me (approaching 60) is heaven for comfort. I would hope for a similar adaptation for the Piaggio to give riding nirvana for longer rides.
    M.

  10. Mike, the Helix needs a back rest because of the recumbant riding position. The MP3 looks like it will sit you more up-right with your feet less stretched out. The farther back your feet go, the less strain there will be on your lower back. You’ll probably like the added control and security this brings as well.
    -todd

  11. Toby,

    I think you are right about the Helix. It is a very laid-back sitting situation, and for me at least, requires some lumbar support, which then made it super-comfortable.

    They have the new MP3s about an hour from here, and I hope to get over and try one out, but will probably wait for the 400. I would like this to be my last Scoot, and the added power will give more flexibility in touring. The extra few inches of wheelbase might also help since I am a bit over 6′.

    Thanks for the tip!
    Mike

  12. Had my MP3 250 for about 3 weeks now and love it. I am retired and use it to travel from home to coffee and runing errands. Getting 60mpg. Will buy a 400 as soon as I can. Bigger will be better.

  13. I have my MP3 for about 4 weeks now and have about 800 mi on it. I also love it , it is very stable at all times. Gas mpg is about 60 and as good as 70mpg. I have done a lot of freeway driving and this scoot seems to like to cruise in the 70 to 75 mph range with no problem. I have a Vespa GT 200 and at 70 it is to say the least it is twitchy. I feel in complete control at all times with my MP3. I will go out of my way to run errands. THIS SCOOT IS AWESOME.

  15. This is a revolution on wheels!

    I have tried the 250cc and it was fantastic. Stability like no other, comfort, and riding superb. You can brake like nothing before. You can ride on almost all surfaces and not to worry about the ground surface of where you are going!!! Yet, this is also great for touring and I want to try the 400cc.

    More power, longer wheelbase, bigger wheels, (maybe a bit taller?)… But I have seen the Gilera 500cc Fuoco: wow! it makes you feel like going on a motocross circuit. I want to try it.

    Bravi at Piaggio. I’m going to get either the Mp3 400cc 34hp, or the Gilera Fuoco 500cc = 40 hp!!!

  16. I bought the Piaggio MP3 250 ie last weekend. I’ve never driven a motorcycle or scooter before in my life. One time around the parking lot of the dealership and I was out into the streets for the most amazingly fun ride! I bought it right then and there, and have been riding it non-stop.

    You have to try it to believe it. I feel very safe and very much in control. Oh, and don’t be surprised when you have people at each stop light ask you 20 questions about your scooter!

  17. Hey guys, I’m in Canada, I got a chance to test a MP3 250 last weekend! Wow, i’ve put my Dual Sport 650cc Suzuki DR for sale, and can’t wait to buy an MP3. Even though the bikes are polar opposites, I love the MP3 even more! Only thing is I don’t think the 250 will cut it for me, since I like to go for day trips on the highway, and a 250 would not cut it. Anyone know the release date for the MP3 400 in Northamerica (or Europe for the fact)?

    Thanks
    Stefan

  18. Well, I spoke to motoretta, and also to Piaggio USA. They say there is nothing official yet, but they also do not deny a 400cc coming overseas to USA/Canada.
    Lets hope they realize the untapped market potential!
    If anyone has any updates please let me know, I have a dealer that will notify me the second he hears anything, as he knows I am ready to purchase yesterday!
    God Bless
    Stefan

  20. well the 400 is finally up at the Italy Piaggio site. so it is real and now for sale somewhere. hopefully we hear more soon about it coming across the pond.

    g

  21. I now have 1800 miles on my MP3 and love every second I have driven it . My longest trip has been about 250 miles. I went from Reno Nv. to Sacramento Ca. and back. I went over Donner Sumit at 7500ft. It pulled over the top of the pass at about 60mph, my speed was 60 to 80 depending on traffic. It was a very nice ride. I stoped once going and two times coming back, my gas milege was 60 mpg both ways. I will also buy a MP3 400 as soon as they come out. Can’t wait. I will probably keep my MP3 250. Always a smooooth ride.

  22. Thanks for the update on the 400. If its on the italian website, it could hit the US/Canada shores in the next 2-6 months!

    I can’t wait

  23. Hello Gavin, I checked on the Piaggio italy site, and I cant find any info on the mp3 400 like you said

    do you have a link to where you found that info?

    Thanks
    Stefan

  24. Never mind, i found it as you said, it is definatly on the piaggio italy website

    God Bless
    Stefan

  25. I hear that they tip very easily..does someone know if this is true?
    The reason I am interested in the purchase it’s cause I am old and my riding days are almost over. My balance is not as good as it used to be.
    Can someone tell me if they have had such an experience?
    Thanks so much
    God Bless
    Al

  26. Things to think about:

    mp3 250 (usa) – 78 mph, 480 lbs. wet

    mp3 400 (italy) – 88 mph, 570 lbs. wet

    Decisions, decisions,…

    Cheers,
    Adam
    Santa Cruz, CA

  28. Had my mp3 250 for 6 weeks or so and love the control, stability and look of the machine. I am definitely going to buy either the gilera 500c or mp3 400c. Only problem I have found with my mp3 is that when washing it, the black trim has seemed to wear! Only used soap and water but it looks like that black is becoming whitish in colour, anyone else had that?

  29. The stock MP3 seat was uncomfortable for me (6 ft, 32″ inseam). The problem is not the wheelbase it’s that the rear of the seat is raised so that your butt is restricted to the front of the seat. It felt like my knees were above my hip bones when seated. So I took it to an auto upholstery shop and had the front section filled with foam making it into a flat bench type seat. It is now very comfortable. You can see photos here: http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic10831.html

  30. Being one of the first to buy a GTS250i when they came out in the uk was blown away by it, at a rally last weekend i got chance to have a good test ride for a hour with wife on the back around some awesome european roads…

    Verdict WOW what a scooter in 27 years of scootering this thing was awseome the handling 2 up was fantastic (even in the wet) so have got back this week and am looking to trade in and get one not sure of UK delivery of the 400 but am waiting to test ride the Gilera next cant wait….i will buy one

    steve

  31. I take a test ride on the 250 tomorrow 6/7/07 I am seriously hoping I like it. My present ‘bike is a 650 Honda Deauville 2003 so my main concern is, will it perform with two-up. Our combined weight is app. 23st. I’m 5st, SWMBO is 18st (ouch) I’m getting a bit long in the tooth now & figure we might enjoy a more sedate mode of 2 wheels or rather 3 wheels. But if I do decide the MP3 is for us, I might just wait until the 400 comes to the UK or get the 250 now & trade in for the 400 later in the year.

  32. “Come on, Pat, no more scooters. The last time I rode one, you made me dress up like a metrosexual for the photo shoot, my testosterone levels didn’t recover for a week and I couldn’t show my face at the boxing club for a month.

    “Besides, they scare me. Those tiny little wheels get caught in streetcar tracks and, at highway speeds, they have all the directional stability of a shopping cart with one bum wheel. There’s got to be something else I can test.

    “Hold up a minute, though. This could be interesting. A scooter with three wheels? Two of them up front? That’s sick. Or so says my baggypantsed son. Maybe I can ride downtown and hang out in front of the Vespa store and impress young, trendy scooter chicks.”

    Yes, indeedy, I was actually looking forward to riding a scooter. I just had to see if Piaggio, Italy’s largest scooter manufacturer, was on to something with this tandem duo of front wheels or whether it was just a typical look-atme Italian innovation.

    The first thing you notice about the MP3 is that it doesn’t need a sidestand. In normal operation, those two front wheels move independently to allow it to lean into corners. But there’s a special parking feature that locks them together so the MP3 can stand on its own at rest. Flick a little handlebar switch, lift the parking brake and then walk away. Start it up, rev it past 2,000 rpm and the parking system disengages. What could be simpler?

    It does take some getting used to, however. Though the distributor gave me plenty of warning about the system, the first few times I unlocked the wheel, I was surprised by how quickly the MP3 flops over. This is a good thing when trying to lean into corners. That’s the question, of course, that everyone asks upon spying the MP3, “Does it handle weirdly?” In a word, no.

    Ramp the little Piaggio into a corner and it responds just as any two-wheeler does, leaning over without any hesitation. Piaggio claims it’s good for 40 degrees of lean angles, which, if used to its full extent, would put you near the front row of a superbike race at Mosport.

    And doubling up on the front wheel does have a tangible benefit for the MP3 is much more stable than comparable scooters. Usually, a scooter’s tiny wheels generate some nervousness at highway speeds, even the slightest bump or wind requiring correction.

    The MP3, by contrast, feels as stable as a regular motorcycle. I don’t know the exact physics of it all, but the MP3 feels much more relaxed at 120 kilometres an hour than any scooter I’ve previously ridden.

    Those 120 klicks are its practical top speed, however. If you wait long enough and the wind is at your back AND you’re pointed generally downhill, 130 is attainable. But it’s not something you want to count on. The MP3’s 22-horsepower, fuel-injected, fourvalve single does, however, get it to 120 quickly enough.

    What this means, then, is that the MP3 is perfectly capable of booting down the 400 to Aurora, but it might be out of place fighting the terrors of the 401. Considering the abilities of its chassis, a 500-cubic-centimetre, twincylinder engine would not be out of place instead of the 244-cc single that powers the top-of-the-range MP3.

    Besides the weird front end, the MP3 has much to commend it, the most notable being a copious amount of cargo space. Underneath the lockable seat, there’s room for a small laptop and a helmet. Behind the passenger seat, there’s another lockable cubbyhole that’ll hold another helmet. The seat itself is comfy, the brakes are incredibly powerful and those thoughtful Italians even mounted a grocery bag hook just above the parking brake.

    The MP3’s biggest drawback is that those two front wheels can catch you out when making tight turns in confined spaces. More than once, I’d be pulling a U-turn only to bump one of the front wheels against a curb because I had misjudged how wide apart the wheels were. It’s a small issue and one that wouldn’t stop me from recommending this newest Piaggio wholeheartedly.

    In fact, the highest compliment I can pay to the $8,995 MP3 is that I hope some mainstream motorcycle manufacturer implements the same technology to a full-fledged sport bike. I’d really like to try that.

  33. I too bought the Vespa GTS 250 ie when it first appeared in the UK. I had to downsize from a bigger bike (Piaggio X9 500 ) because of arthritic bits and pieces. The GTS has been tremendous for comfort, speed, acceleration, and distances. The MP3 250 has the same engine, which means that the extra weight of the MP3 makes it slower and a bit sluggish. But the road holding is awesome. The seat and luggage space are from the X8. Lots of room under your seat. Riding the MP3 is unlike anything I’ve ridden in over 40 years. The Gilera ‘Fugly’ (as it’s being nicknamed over here) costs a lot more than the MP3 400. It has the same top speed. It doesn’t have anywhere near as much luggage space. I’m in the process of deciding which one to go for and the MP3 400 is the one which meets my needs. The ‘Fugly’ might be what I want, but the MP3 400 is what I need. The top speed is reported at 92mph for both. It is a lot more to pay for three wheels when exchanging the GTS 250, but the safety factors and all-weather capability of the MP3 400, mean it will be used on those days when I wouldn’t even consider venturing out on the GTS in the Winter. Tramlines, overbanding, potholes etc., are not a problem for the MP3. I agree with the previous contributor about the almost certain arrival on the scene of a ‘big-bike’ three wheel option from one of the major manufacturers. The added bonus, for those of us who are a bit long in the tooth, is that the three wheeled bike is easy to push and pull in and out of the garage. There is no need to lean into the weight of the bike to keep it upright while manoeuvring it around.

  34. Hi. Just heard of this bike on TV and googled it. What I need to know is whether it, the 400, is available yet in the UK and at what price.
    I’m in my late 60’s now, been a biker most of my life but gave up as bikes and wobbly wrinklies don’t compute! I was on the brink of buying a Smart car but this bike is enough to tempt me back to fresh air travel again. The name of a UK dealer would be good – I live in Oxford City. Email me please.
    Best wishes
    Bob

  35. Out of curiosity, does this come under the ‘banner’ of a trike in the UK? Would be useful if it was. Cheers

  36. Piaggio market the 400cc at 33bhp, I think! As a new wrinkly rider, this means an A2 licence is sufficient. I’ve seen many sites and comments saying 34 bhp. I really want one but should I wait for Direct access licence?

  37. When I saw the Piaggio MP3 for the first time in my life, I thought by myself: “Time to get a motorcycle drivers license”.

    So I went to Motorcycle Safety Training and took the theoretical test and passed.

    So, now what? I got my MP3 a week later and was concerned to mount MY new scooter. I cranked the engine and it sounded very cool. My first ride around the block was fantastic and my adrenaline was pumping. I turned slowly left into another street and hit a load of gravel. OH NO! I exercised what I had learned at the safety class, “UNLOCK front wheels”, “Bring it up”, “Break”.
    Needless to say; it worked like a charme and I did not go down. The MP3 performed like out of the textbook.

    Since the MP3 is my first motorcycle ever and thus I can’t really compare it to other motorcycles or scooters, but I must say that I am deeply impressed by its riding stability and agility.

    It gets up to speed quickly, it’s nimble enough to get around unexpected things on Texas roads and it’s just downright fun to ride it.

    The only thing that I really regret is that I should have done twenty years ago. But now I am catching up quickly.

    I have my MP3 for about 5 weeks, 6 weeks tops and have already more than 1600 miles on it. 🙂

    Enjoy! and always Ride Safe!
    Cheers
    –Kai

  38. I’m like Kai … I’ve ridden a 250cc back when I was around 14 … but I’m retired now. Want to put some fun back in my Texas life. So I’m waiting for the 400cc.
    My question is … has anyone tried to attach some type a scooter trailer to the back of this?
    I mean, I camp a lot. Small tent, sleeping bag and I’m good.
    But wondered if anyone has tried to put a small trailer behind this and how does it respond?
    Cheers,
    ~~ Ed ~~

  39. in subcunces minds,it will allways feel like driving bachwards even with its increased break and turning capabilities.The 2 wheels should be in the back one meter wide would be better and if an enclosed model made than wach the sales go..