Video test: Piaggio MP3 LT 400 ie
By law, it is a cross. Although the Slovenes have been living in a large common European country for the past few years, all the advantages enjoyed by our more advanced “fellow citizens” have not yet reached us. Therefore, before the Milan Motor Show, I could only imagine with the help of mysticism that a maxi-scooter would one day be allowed to drive on our roads only with an examination for a Category B car. Make no mistake, it was not our timid members who made this possible for us, the reason is much simpler.
While researching European markets, Piaggio found that many people would like to have a scooter with a mask in their garage, but unfortunately they are not allowed to drive it without a proper driver's license. Those who have such a permit are unreasonably fewer, and only a small fraction of them buy goods from their offer. Therefore, they carefully studied most of the European rules and laws and quickly discovered that there is indeed a product in their offer that many people need, but it needs to be changed a little.
As a result, the front track was increased by five centimeters for the already gripped MP3 model, which therefore moved from the single-track class to the two-track class. They also increased the distance between the direction indicators and added a brake pedal that brakes all three wheels at the same time. In general, the B-category exam is enough to drive MP3 LT.
The MP3 is definitely an unusual scooter that overshadows even more prestigious and expensive cars with its looks. Everyone is looking at him, women, men, youth, pensioners, police officers, even the scurvy of a schnauzer from our area, who is sick and chases everything that rides on two wheels, at first he did not know whether to bark at him or run away in amazement. From the side and back, this scooter still does a little casual, but when viewed from the front, it works in a rather unusual way with slanted wheels and a wide front.
The tilt of the front wheels is due to the design of the front axle, which basically mimics a car a little, but, on the contrary, allows parallel tilt of the wheels and thus maintains the ride quality of a conventional scooter or motorcycle. Indeed, the MP3 rides exactly like a classic scooter, only thanks to the third wheel it provides the driver with better grip and therefore more safety.
The parallelogram-shaped front axle allows safe and very deep tilting when cornering. We do not claim that some classic scooters cannot do this, but we are sure that you will not ride with them so boldly and carefree. On the cold winter pavement, we easily scratched the floor with the MP3 center stand, and lowering the rear wheel was a real pleasure due to the exceptional grip of the front wheels. However, this exaggerated tricycle can also come as an unpleasant surprise. When the pressure on the center stand is too much, everything goes smoothly, so play with it carefully.
In terms of roadholding and a sense of safety, the MP3 is definitely an extra scooter, but still not perfect. In fast, long corners (above 110 km / h), the front end becomes restless and begins to dance, but at the same time remains stable and reliably follows the driver's commands.
The driver quickly becomes accustomed to this feeling, but also quickly realizes that it is advisable to avoid large potholes on the road in a large arc. Just 85 millimeters of front suspension travel is not enough to drive the MP3 safely through large potholes in the road.
With such a reliable and safe chassis design, it is very important that the driving pleasure is not spoiled by poor engine performance. Own unit with a volume of 400 cubic meters with 34 "horses" is ideal for very busy city driving and dynamic movement on open roads.
The single-cylinder engine, which is also widely used by the Piaggio group in other models, is the best in this model. The concern has an even more powerful half-liter engine, which is designed for the equally designed and slightly more prestigious Gilera Fuoco tricycle.
The most powerful MP3 is the perfect compromise between engine performance and fuel consumption, which ranged from 4 to 8 liters per 5 kilometers in our test. However, not only the engine makes this scooter jumping. The Variomatic transmission does a great job too. This transfers engine power and torque to the rear wheel in a smooth and responsive manner, so adding and removing throttle in corners is a safe thing to do.
Braking performance is also above average. Three brake discs are capable of delivering exceptional deceleration. The front and rear brakes work in principle separately from each other, and when using the foot brake, which also controls the operation of the brake levers on the steering wheel, the braking force is transmitted to all three wheels simultaneously.
A parking brake is also standard, but for safety reasons it cannot be released without touching the electric lock. The electric lock also controls the lift of the seat and rear boot lid, and the keys are only on the ignition key, which is a bit annoying as unlocking is impossible while the engine is running.
There is also enough space under the seat and in the trunk to store two helmets and other daily items. In terms of ergonomics, the only remark flies by is the lack of a convenient storage compartment in front of the driver.
Overall, the MP3 is a well-equipped scooter with effective wind protection, a central stand, a tachometer, a rain cover on the seat and other useful elements. At first we also liked the outside temperature sensor, but over time we found that it was a few degrees south because it showed a few degrees more.
In addition to the standard equipment, you can also purchase original accessories to make everyday use easier. The high windshield and heated knee pad keep the driver safe from the elements, and the accessory list also includes an alarm and navigation system.
Before the end, it remains only to answer the question of whether MP3 can really control someone. Basically yes, but basic knowledge of motorcycle riding techniques and some practice is required.
What about the price? Almost seven thousand is a lot of money, but certainly much less than the cost of small city cars for two. In any case, there is no need to argue about the price, because for now you cannot buy a similar product, except at Piaggio.
Face to face. ...
Matevj Hribar: The response from a motorcyclist friend who saw the test MP3 was: “Wow, that's ugly, but still expensive, it's not a motorcycle anyway. . You don't make me buy this creature! "I'm right: MP3's are really unusual (I'll leave it up to you to interpret this adjective positively or derogatoryly), it's true that it's expensive"
But be careful! Last summer I was in Paris, and there in an hour you can see at least as many of these tricycles as fingers. In elegant dresses, with open helmets, sunglasses and protective tarpaulins on their feet, Parisians drive to work, after chores, and because of the spacious trunk even after shopping. In a word, it's a good thing in one's own, that is, an urban environment.
I have never felt so relaxed in a city with temperatures close to zero, I got rid of fear, even when I had to turn onto a road covered with sand. It seems to me that it got real meaning only with the ability to drive MP3 category B, since this is an excellent (urban) replacement for a car. I would remove this brake pedal just because it wastes foot space.
Piaggio MP3 LT 400 IE
Test car price: 6.999 00 euro
engine: 398 cm?
Maximum power: 25 kW (34 km) at 7.500 rpm
Maximum torque: Price / min: 37 Nm price 5.000 / min
Energy transfer: Automatic transmission, variomat
Frame: steel tube frame
brakes: front spool 2 x 240mm, rear spool 240mm
Suspension: 85mm front parallelogram axle travel, 110mm rear double shock travel
Tires: front 120 / 70-12, rear 140 / 70-12
Seat height from ground: 790 mm
Fuel tank: 12 liters
Wheelbase: 1.550 mm
Weight: 238 kg
Representative: PVG, Vanganelska cesta 14, 6000 Koper, tel .: 05/629 01 50, www.pvg.si
We praise and reproach
+ location on the road
+ visibility
+ versatility
+ cumulative
+ workmanship
- there is no box for small things in front of the driver
– price
Matyazh Tomazic, photo: Grega Gulin
Basic data
Test model cost: € 6.999,00 XNUMX €
Technical information
Torque: Price / min: 37 Nm price 5.000 / min
Energy transfer: Automatic transmission, variomat
Frame: steel tube frame
brakes: front spool 2 x 240mm, rear spool 240mm
Suspension: 85mm front parallelogram axle travel, 110mm rear double shock travel
Fuel tank: 12 liters
Wheelbase: 1.550 mm
Weight: 238 kg
We praise and reproach
workmanship
cumulative
versatility
visibility
position on the road
price
there is no box for small things in front of the driver
