Vespa's very sporty three wheeled scooter

At the rear, the cycle parts feature a singlearm suspension with two dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers, a helicoidal spring and four-position preload.

Besides its exceptional stability, the PIAGGIO MP3 also provides brilliant braking thanks to three powerful linked brakes, 240 mm in diameter, and the parallelogram suspension. The result is record deceleration (about 8 m per second) with braking space reduced by over 20 per cent on normal road surfaces and as much as 24 per cent on slippery roads compared to a traditional two-wheel scooter.

Design

The PIAGGIO MP3 has innovative, eye-catching styling while maintaining a clear resemblance to the Piaggio GT (Gran Turismo) range. The new two-wheel front assembly doesn’t detract in the least from the PIAGGIO MP3’s sleek styling. Its size and proportions are those of a normal compact GT scooter, with an overall front-end width of only 420 mm.

As a result, the Piaggio MP3 can be type-approved as a standard two wheeled motorcycle.

CAD-designed down to the last detail, the PIAGGIO MP3 body offered excellent protection starting from the wind tunnel, where it was extensively tested. The front-end design is genuinely innovative in terms of technical features and concept, with car-style bodywork treatment. The headlamps and front fairing merge to form a single unit that enhances the vehicle’s dynamic look as well as providing extra rider protection.

Shock-resistant splashguards on either side of the front shield protect the rider and the vehicle. The rear loading section has been designed to offer maximum comfort and storage capacity: a boot lid painted the same colour as the bodywork provides access to the under seat storage. A substantial 65-litre storage capacity and dual access to the storage area, from the boot lid as well as by flipping up the seat, make the PIAGGIO MP3 extremely practical. The storage area comfortably holds two full-face helmets, a small bag and objects up to a metre in length. The under seat storage also has a courtesy light and a seat cover for use when parking in rainy weather.

The most advanced calculation programmes and three-dimensional measurements were carried out from the initial phase of the PIAGGIO MP3 project to enhance the vehicle’s ergonomics.

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