Piaggio MP3 250
Engine size 244cc
Power 22.5bhp
Top speed 80mph
The Piaggio MP3 is mind-bending – not because of its speed, but because of how much confidence an extra front wheel affords. It opens motorcycling up to a new, safety-conscious commuter audience who wouldn’t ride a motorcycle.
Engine: The Paggio MP3’s 250cc four-stroke motor is typical of scooters – the power is flat and unexciting due to the auto transmission, and the extra weight compared with a conventional scooter takes a toll on acceleration and top speed. But the MP3 is intended only as a means of transport rather than a leisure bike – so the frugal fuel economy is more important than providing thrills.
Ride And Handling: Adding a second wheel hasn’t given the Piaggio MP3 amazing corner speed, but the feeling of security is unparalleled. Even in the wet, the MP3 hangs in there without feeling like the wheels are skating, and the brakes can be used to their full – lockups are rare but easy to control. You can even lock the tilting front end below 5mph if the throttle is closed, so you can stop without putting your feet down. The only black mark is the crude suspension – it tends to clatter through potholes.
Equipment: A massive underseat storage compartment can swallow two open-faced helmets or one full-face and a significant amount of luggage. The dash provides fuel level, time, twin trip meters and ambient temperature information. A centre stand is fitted, but rarely needed due to the locking steering, and a handbrake stops it rolling down hills. The bodywork is protective too.
Quality And Reliability: Build quality isn’t great if you’re used to cars – they can’t be left unwashed and covered in salt and water, other wise the suspension and engine corrode horribly. Unless you’re a loving owner, it won’t take long for it to start looking shabby. No major reliability issues reported.
Value: It’s easy to call the Piaggio MP3 overpriced, but for commuters in big cities there’s few better options. The added safety over a normal scooter, the equipment level and the ease of filtering (at it’s widest point it’s around the same as any other luxury scooter) should make it a serious consideration for anyone looking to escape the horrors of public transport.
Model History: 2007-current
Unchanged since launch.
Other Versions: MP3 125ie – much the same, but with a 125cc engine that opens the MP3 up to learner riders.
MP3 400ie – Like the 250, but with a much puncher 400cc single. Capable of nearly 100mph with respectable acceleration, but the priciest in the range.
This article was taken from: Motorcycle News