2009 Piaggio MP3 500

A Thrilling Ride

• But there’s more than design to the personality of the MP3 500. The latest product from the Piaggio brand boasts top engine performance, ideally backed up by revolutionary running gear to provide astonishing ride quality. The Piaggio MP3 500 streaks away from traffic lights and takes all kinds of terrain in its stride, handling twisty mountain roads and long rides in all safety whatever the weather condition thanks to its two front wheels commanded by an extraordinary parallelogram front suspension. This revolutionary technical set-up ensures impeccable road holding in all riding conditions, with stability and braking power that no conventional scooter can provide.

Additional Specifications:

• Exhaust: Closed loop system with Lambda sensor and 3-way catalytic converter in exhaust pipe
• Wheel Rim: Die-cast aluminum alloy
• Front: 3.00 x 12 in.
• Rear: 4.50 x 14 in.

Design

• The MP3 500’s innovative looks are striking. The front end of the MP3 500 has a decisive shape that expresses strength and character and hints at the incredible performance of the all-new 492-cubic-centimeter single cylinder engine. The front two wheels are marked by a steel tube bumper with metal mesh inserts that give the vehicle a rugged look. The front design protects the rider and the mechanicals while putting the unique front suspension technology on display. Other touches are the sleek ‘naked’ metal handlebar and black ten-spoke wheel rims. The five-lamp headlight unit is not only striking to look at but highly effective as well; the two biggest lamps are equipped with off-road-style shockproof covers. The front fairing and front shield fairing offer remarkable aerodynamic protection. There is a wide, comfortable footrest panel behind the front shield fairing.
• The tail design is stark and minimalist, a mix of plastics and tubes that picks up on styling of the front with a very useful rear rack, while the wide, comfortable seat ensures total comfort for both rider and passenger thanks to its ergonomic design and negligible height difference between the two parts of the seat.

Technology

• The steel tube frame conceals the powerful, reliable new Master 500 i.e. double ignition engine, a four-valve, four-stroke unit with electronic injection and liquid-cooling. The capacity of the new Master engine has been upped to 492-cubic-centimeter to obtain maximum power of 40-horsepower at 7,250 rpm and maximum torque of over 42 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The introduction of the twin spark system has also made it possible to optimize combustion inside the cylinder, with a reduction in noise and gas emissions. The result is a smooth, high-performance engine, very torquey at low and medium range rpm, that takes the Piaggio MP3 500 to a top speed of nearly 90-miles-per-hour while fully respecting U.S. emissions standards thanks to the advanced closed loop injection circuit with a Lambda sensor and three-way catalytic converter in the exhaust pipe.
• The engine’s power is skillfully managed by the sophisticated running gear. The innovative parallelogram front suspension’s tilt mechanism is composed of four cast aluminum 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. This means that the Piaggio MP3 500 is as easy to ride as a traditional scooter, while its incredible stability, especially when cornering and braking, comes from its two front wheels.
• Standard equipment includes an electro-hydraulic front suspension locking system that keeps the MP3 500 upright without a central stand. This makes it extremely easy to park anywhere. What’s more, there’s no need to put your feet on the ground to keep your balance when stopped at a traffic light.
• Optimal rear end stability is guaranteed by a 14-inch rear wheel with generous 140/70 tire, while three 240-millimeter disc brakes with dual-piston calipers ensure fast, efficient braking.
• With its strong personality, aggressive design and cutting-edge technology, this three-wheeler is ready to ride into uncharted territory.