2009 Piaggio MP3 500
The three wheel revolution progresses even further with the MP3 500. With aggressive styling and performance, the Piaggio MP3 500 is the three-wheeler for people who want to stand out. ‘Safe fun’ is no longer an oxymoron. Riding has never been this easy, enjoyable and secure. Two front wheels and a revolutionary parallelogram front suspension together with the new double ignition Master 500ie engine give the MP3 500 very racy performance while remaining exceptionally safe. 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 492cc 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 the 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.
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 conditions 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.
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 492cc to obtain maximum power of 40 hp 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 mph 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” rear wheel with a generous 140/70 tire, while three 240mm disk 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.
Innovation goes extreme in this MP3, with it’s 500cc, electronic injection Master engine.
The MP3’s revolutionary parallelogram front suspension ensures impeccable road holding
in all riding conditions.
• Single cylinder, four-stroke Piaggio Master engine
• Innovative parallelogram front suspension technology
• Double steel tube bumper with metal mesh inserts
• Steel disk brakes requires 20% less braking distance
• Rear rack with handle
2009 Piaggio MP3 500 - USA Specifications
MSRP $8,899 USD
ENGINE TYPE Single-cylinder MASTER, four-stroke, four-valve, electronic injection catalysed
DISPLACEMENT 492.7cc
BORE x STROKE 94 mm / 71 mm
MAX POWER AT SHAFT 40 hp (29.4 kW) @ 7,250 rpm
MAX TORQUE 42.23 Nm at 5,550 rpm
MAX SPEED 89 mph (143 km/h)
FUEL / TANK CAPACITY Unleaded 3.2 gallons (12 litres)
GAS MILEAGE 55-57 mpg
DISTRIBUTION N/A
COOLING SYSTEM Liquid
LUBRICATION N/A
INGINTION Electronic inductive discharge and variable spark advance in electronic unit with electronic immobilizer
GEARS CVT 'Twist and go' automatic CVT with torque server
CLUTCH N/A
CHASSIS Double cradle trellis made of high strength steel tubes
FRONT SUSPENSION Parallelogram composed of four aluminum arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension - Travel: 85 mm. Electro-hydraulic suspension locking system.
REAR SUSPENSION Oscillating engine fixed to frame with swingarm and two dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers with four-position spring preload. Travel: 110 mm
FRONT BREAK Stainless steel double disk, 240 mm, two-piston caliper
REAR BREAK Stainless steel disk, 280 mm, floating two-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE Tubeless 120 / 70 - 12"
REAR TIRE Tubeless 140 / 70 - 14"
LENGTH 85" (2159 mm)
WIDTH 30.5" (775 mm)
WHEELBASE 61" (1550 mm)
SEAT HEIGHT 30.9" (785 mm)
DRY WEIGHT 538 lbs lbs (244 kg)
AVAILABLE COLORS Demon Black, Passion Red
2009 Piaggio MP3 500 - Canada Specifications
MSRP C$10,495 CDN
ENGINE TYPE Single-cylinder MASTER, four-stroke, four-valve, electronic injection catalysed
DISPLACEMENT 492.7cc
BORE x STROKE 94 mm / 71 mm
MAX POWER AT SHAFT 40 hp (29.4 kW) @ 7,250 rpm
MAX TORQUE 42.23 Nm at 5,550 rpm
MAX SPEED 89 mph (143 km/h)
FUEL / TANK CAPACITY Unleaded 3.2 gallons (12 litres)
GAS MILEAGE 55-57 mpg
DISTRIBUTION N/A
COOLING SYSTEM Liquid
LUBRICATION N/A
INGINTION Electronic inductive discharge and variable spark advance in electronic unit with electronic immobilizer
GEARS CVT 'Twist and go' automatic CVT with torque server
CLUTCH N/A
CHASSIS Double cradle trellis made of high strength steel tubes
FRONT SUSPENSION Parallelogram composed of four aluminum arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension - Travel: 85 mm. Electro-hydraulic suspension locking system.
REAR SUSPENSION Oscillating engine fixed to frame with swingarm and two dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers with four-position spring preload. Travel: 110 mm
FRONT BREAK Stainless steel double disk, 240 mm, two-piston caliper
REAR BREAK Stainless steel disk, 280 mm, floating two-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE Tubeless 120 / 70 - 12"
REAR TIRE Tubeless 140 / 70 - 14"
LENGTH 85" (2159 mm)
WIDTH 30.5" (775 mm)
WHEELBASE 61" (1550 mm)
SEAT HEIGHT 30.9" (785 mm)
DRY WEIGHT 538 lbs lbs (244 kg)
AVAILABLE COLORS Demon Black, Passion Red
2009 Piaggio MP3 500 - UK Specifications
MSRP £0
Model not available in the UK
