Scooter News Piaggio MP3 400 Piaggio is launching the MP3 400 alongside the much anticipated MP3 250. These two scooters will form a formidable pair offering something new for the novice and the experienced.
Allen Drysdale PIAGGIO MP3 400 i.e.
The Piaggio MP3, the three-wheel scooter that recently revolutionised personal transport by redefining the entire concept of ride stability, has grown to a 400cc displacement to offer unprecedented performance and safety. Fun, nimble and nervy, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. handles curvetaking with extraordinary safety and road holding that only the MP3 can manage, while providing all the power and distance range of a real touring scooter.
The Piaggio MP3 has upped its engine capacity to offer even zippier performance together with a safe, fun ride.
The new Master 400 engine (Multi-Valve Advanced Super Torque Engine Range) — a 4 stroke, 4 valve unit with liquid cooling and electronic injection, provides a 34 hp power output at 7,500 rpm and torque of 37 Nm at 5,000 rpm.
These performance figures translate into smooth, full power output at any engine speed, with response and acceleration at the top of the category. This makes it possible for the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. to handle all kinds of riding, from town traffic to city bypass roads and tougher out-of-town roads in total comfort and safety even when riding with a passenger and a full load. Extra power and full-bodied torque become available at low engine rpm and are in fact crucial at critical moments like overtaking, when the Master 400 i.e. engine’s acceleration and throttle response together with the exceptional stability of the two-wheel front suspension let the rider pull away fast and safely.
The Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. is truly an all-round scooter. On town riders, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. handles cobblestones, tram tracks and irregular roads with the greatest of ease and stays stable and safe on wet roads as well. The exceptionally large underseat storage bay (which holds two full-face helmets), the wraparound protection of the wide front shield and excellent cruising speed the new engine offers make this the ideal vehicle for long-distance as well as tougher rides.
The new 400cc engine also adds substantial advantages as regards the running gear: the use of the new engine and a 14” rear wheel with a 140/70 tyre on the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. has increased the wheelbase by a good 65 mm.
The result is impeccable stability when leaning into fast curves or when braking thanks to the longer rear end, increased rear wheel contact surface and outstanding road grip provided by the innovative parallelogram front suspension built to an original Piaggio design. Its tilt mechanism is composed of four cast aluminium 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.
Comfortable and innovative with exceptional performance, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. will seduce novice riders as well as seasoned motorcyclists, as it combines enjoyment and ease of use with unprecedented safety.
The Piaggio MP3 250 and 400 are expected half way through 2007.
PIAGGIO MP3 400 i.e.: Technical specifications
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Engine
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4-stroke, single cylinder 4-valve Piaggio MASTER with electronic injection, catalysed
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Displacement
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398.9 cc
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Bore
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85.8 mm
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Stroke
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69 mm
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Fuel
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Unleaded
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Compression ratio
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10.5:1
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Max power at crankshaft
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34 hp (25 Kw) at 7,500 rpm
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Max torque
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37 Nm at 5,000 rpm
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Cooling
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Liquid
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Gearbox
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Twist-and-go automatic
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Ignition
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Electronic inductive discharge, integrated variable timing
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Starter
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Electric freewheel with torque limiter
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Frame
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Twin cradle made of high-strength steel tubes
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Front suspension
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Parallelogram composed of four aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension. Travel: 85 mm
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Rear suspension
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Two dual effect hydraulic shocks, four-position spring preload. Travel: 110 mm
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Front brakes
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Two Ø 240 mm stainless steel disks, floating caliper with two pistons, Ø 30 mm
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Rear brake
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Ø 240 mm stainless steel disk, large-piston floating caliper, Ø 30 mm
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Front wheel rims
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Die-cast aluminium alloy, 12" x 3.00
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Rear wheel rim
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Die-cast aluminium alloy, 14" x 4.50
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Front tyres
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Tubeless 120/70-12” 51S
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Rear tyre
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Tubeless 140/70-14” 68S
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Length/Width
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2,190 mm/ 745 mm
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Wheelbase
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1,550 mm
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Seat height
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790 mm
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Dry weight
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238 kg
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Fuel tank capacity
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12 litres (includes 1.8 litres reserve)
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Max speed
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148 km/h
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Emissions
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Euro3
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published 5/01/2007 |