Piaggio MP3
 | |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio |
|---|---|
| Also called | Gilera Fuoco |
| Production | 2006–present |
| Assembly | Pontedera, Italy |
| Class | Three-wheeled scooter |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | V-Belt Automatic (CVT) |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Unit swing |
| Brakes | Front: single discs(x2), Rear: single disc |
| Weight | 152 kg (335 lb)-249 kg (549 lb) (wet) |
The Piaggio MP3 is a tilting three-wheeled scooter by Italian manufacturer Piaggio. First marketed in 2006, it is noted for its combination of two front wheels and a single rear wheel.
MP3 is an acronym of Moto Piaggio a 3 ruote, Italian for "Piaggio motorcycle with 3 wheels")
Suspension mechanism
.JPG)
Utilising its three-wheel mechanism, the MP3 can be stopped and parked, without using a traditional kickstand or centre stand, and can be parked on irregular or side-sloping ground.
The front suspension is similar to the single-sided trailing arm of Vespa-style suspensions, linked by an alloy parallelogram and a central steering arm. When moving at slow speeds or stopped, the rider maintains balance by maintaining forward motion or placing feet on the ground. The front suspension locks or unlocks using a switch, which is located just below the throttle on the right handlebar. The suspension lock can only be activated manually, at low speeds or at a stop; the lock is automatically disengaged when the engine speed exceeds 2,500 rpm.[1] A parking brake is used in conjunction with the locking mechanism to park the bike. A traditional center stand is also provided, useful in situations where the suspension cannot be locked, such as with a dead battery (though the suspension will remain locked if the battery fails or is removed while the scooter is parked).
History
First generation
Since introduction 125 cc, 250 cc, 300 (278) cc, 400 cc and 500 cc versions have been available.
In Europe, the 500 cc version is marketed under the sporty Gilera brand, called the Gilera Fuoco 500ie.[2] In the United States, the 125 cc is not available, and the Fuoco is marketed as the Piaggio MP3 500.
In June 2009, the MP3 LT 400 was launched in the UK. This version has a slightly wider front track allowing it to be classified as a tricycle rather than as a motorcycle (as are the other versions). This allows the LT400 variant to be driven on a standard UK car licence rather than the motorcycle licence required for the original versions.[3]
Second generation
On 16 May 2014 Roberto Colannino (president of the Piaggio Group) presents the totally new second generation of MP3 which brings to the debut the new 500 LT model with ABS anti-lock system and ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control as standard. The frame is new and new 13”front wheels are introduced. A few months after the debut of the 500, the 300 model was also introduced in July 2014. All models can be driven with a car license (B license in Italy). Yourban and Hybrid models remain in the price list.
In July 2017 all engines are Euro 4 homologated. At EICMA 2017 Piaggio presents the 2018 range which brings a slight front restyling to its debut with the introduction of a new full LED headlight and new engine range consisting of 350 HPE and 500 HPE engines. The engine range is completed at the end of 2018 with the introduction of the basic model powered by the new 300 HPE which joins the 350 and definitively replaces the old Yourban range which will be discontinued at the beginning of 2019.
In May 2021, the new 400 HPE engine that replaces the 350 debuts. This unit delivers 35.4 HP of power and 37.7 Nm of maximum torque and is Euro 5 homologated.
Variants
MP3 Hybrid (2009-2017)
In September 2009, a plug-in hybrid version of the MP3 was launched,[3] following trials in 2008 by the New York City Police Department. It has a 125 cm³ Leader engine and a battery-driven 2.6 kW (3.5 hp) electric motor, with a regenerative braking system. The vehicle has three user-selected variants of hybrid drive to create a vehicle capable of up to 141 mpg‑US (1.67 L/100 km; 169 mpg‑imp) and 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in about 5 seconds when both methods of propulsion are used.[4] In electric-only mode the MP3 can travel a distance of 11 miles (18 km) at a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).[3] When both power sources are used the MP3 can run for a maximum of 25 minutes, with performance equivalent to a 250 cc scooter.[3] When powered solely by the petrol engine the MP3 is slower than other 125 cm³ machines due to its weight: 249 kg (549 lb) compared with 208 kg (459 lb) for the petrol-only model.[5]
In June 2010 Piaggio launched the 300 plug-in Hybrid variant with the 278 cm³ Quasar Euro 3 engine.[6]
All MP3 Hybrid versions was discontinued in 2017.
See also
References
- ^ Piaggio Owners Manual, page 42[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Official Gilera Fuoco Website". Gilerafuoco.com. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
- ^ a b c d Ash, Kevin (19 September 2009). "Piaggio MP3 Hybrid review". Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 24 September 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2009.
- ^ "Piaggio debuts 141MPG plug-in "MP3 Hybrid" scooter". engadget.com. 2008-11-11. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
- ^ "MP3 125cc specifications" (PDF). Piaggio UK. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- ^ "Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300ie".
External links
Media related to Piaggio MP3 at Wikimedia Commons- UK Piaggio MP3 website
