PRESS COVERAGE / PRESS CONTACT
San Francisco Chronicle March 2008
Both the MP3 400cc and 500cc models are as stylish as they are affordable and can handle short trips, heavy commuting or long, pleasurable rides equally well. Acceleration is more than adequate in both the 400cc and 500cc MP3s, and the large 240mm triple-steel disc brakes can bring the scooters to halt in 20 percent less distance than the best-in-class two-wheeled scooters.
All MP3s are freeway legal. There is no foot brake as with a motorcycle, but rather two hand-brake levers, one on each handlebar, the left taking the place of the non-existence clutch. The dual front wheels create a slightly different riding sensation. Stability is increased during lower speed maneuvering, but the higher speed turns yield a unique level of balance, unlike that experienced on more traditional two-wheeled riders. For the beginning rider, this should prove to be a non-issue, and may even prove to be easier.
Newsday April 2008
It takes a lot to get the driver of an 18-wheeler on the highway to do a double-take. But that’s exactly what happened, one by one, as I passed them on a recent ride. I was on the 2008 MP3 400, a new scooter from Piaggio that has two wheels in the front and one in the back.
The Piaggio MP3 400 is one model that defies a standard description. Piaggio, an Italian company known for the Vespa line scooters, has come up with a bike that offers comfort, storage, speed and performance that is compact user-friendly.
The four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-valve engine gets you going quickly and smoothly. The 85.8-mm-by 69-mm bore-and-stroke has compression ratio of 10.5-1 and runs on regular gas. It averages 55 miles per gallon.
Staring out is a turnkey operation with electronic ignition: just unlock the parking brake, turn the ignition key, start it up, turn the throttle and go. Keep it humming at around 6,000 rpm and you’ll have power in reserve for quick acceleration.
RoadBike May 2008
Hit the opera house in style aboard the MP3 400. This is a freeway-ready, larger version of the 250cc model – sleek, poised, and loaded with bells and whistles for maximum scootering comfort. As if descended from Italian royalty, this good-looking, long-distance luxury machine features flowing lines, a proud posture, and an array of creature comforts.
As a counterpoint to the grace of the 400, the MP3 500 is all about urban attitude – blacked-out wheels, dual headlights, and a stern countenance. While the 400 might be ideal for suburban commuters and tooling around Metropolis, the MP3 500 strives for a certain raw, animal style, and seems to be aimed squarely at the hipster demographic. Ideal for the campus or the rock club, the muscular (for a scooter) and aggressive MP3 500 is as high-tech as its little brothers, yet pared-down and organic in its appeal.
Rider June 2008
Its appearance would suit the Caped Crusader, rugged and futuristic-looking, the MP3 500’s ATV-like front end with rally-style headlight shields, a double steel-tube bumper and metal mesh inserts give the impression that it’s indestructible. Though it is rugged and aggressive looking – and let’s not forget funky with those two wheels up front – its surprising ease of use inspires lots of confidence.
Italian maker Piaggio’s successful introduction of its three-wheeled 250cc MP3 to the U.S. market last year inspired the company to build a 500cc version, ostensibly for riders interested in going longer distances in comfort with an increase in stability and safety. Piaggio is hoping that with the MP3 500’s claimed 54 mpg, it can even entice some car drivers to consider joining two-…uh, three-wheeled, commuting enthusiasts. Yes, you countersteer and lean it like a motorcycle, but at stops and when parking, the MP3’s electro-hydraulic suspension locking system secures the trike in the upright position with the push of a button – there isn’t a sidestand to be found.
The MP3’sliquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 492.7cc SOHC single has four valves and an automatic constant-velocity transmission. Just twist and go. With claimed 40 horsepower at 7,250 rpm, the MP3 will whisk you up to highway speeds in no time at all. It’s kind of sneaky as the power comes on smooth and stealthy; more than once I looked down to see that I was cruising through a residential area at 40 mph-plus.
It’s actually quite a hoot in the twisties. More stability and available traction for braking and cornering…more contact path than most motorcycles.
The MP3 500 is fast, furious and fun, and is most likely the sportiest hooligan in the MP3 line. It’s easy to ride and get on and off because of the step-through seating, has decent storage capacity and a comfortable seat. And if you’re traveling alone and want some company, there’s a good chance you’ll find it. It’s so unusual that it not only gets noticed, it draws a crowd. People at gas stops, grocery stores and restaurants usually surround this rare gem.
