Piaggio releases the specs on the MP3-400 i.e.!

Fri, Nov 17, 2006

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Thanks to Dudel AKA “The Super Sleuth” for hunting down a bit-a-info that I’ve been anxious to hear and THAT’S the specs on the yet to be released MP3-400.

PIAGGIO MP3 400 i.e.: Technical specifications

Engine

4-stroke, single cylinder 4-valve Piaggio MASTER with electronic injection, catalysed

Displacement

398.9 cc

Bore

85.8 mm

Stroke

69 mm

Fuel

Unleaded

Compression ratio

10.5:1

Max power at crankshaft

34 hp (25 Kw) at 7,500 rpm

Max torque

37 Nm at 5,000 rpm

Cooling

Liquid

Gearbox

Twist-and-go automatic

Ignition

Electronic inductive discharge, integrated variable timing

Starter

Electric freewheel with torque limiter

Frame

Twin cradle made of high-strength steel tubes

Front suspension

Parallelogram composed of four aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension. Travel: 85 mm

Rear suspension

Two dual effect hydraulic shocks, four-position spring preload. Travel: 110 mm

Front brakes

Two Ø 240 mm stainless steel disks, floating caliper with two pistons, Ø 30 mm

Rear brake

Ø 240 mm stainless steel disk, large-piston floating caliper, Ø 30 mm

Front wheel rims

Die-cast aluminium alloy, 12″ x 3.00

Rear wheel rim

Die-cast aluminium alloy, 14″ x 4.50

Front tyres

Tubeless 120/70-12” 51S

Rear tyre

Tubeless 140/70-14” 68S

Length/Width

2,190 mm/ 745 mm

Wheelbase

1,550 mm

Seat height

790 mm

Dry weight

238 kg

Fuel tank capacity

12 litres (includes 1.8 litres reserve)

Max speed

148 km/h

Emissions

Euro3

And here’s a little press release to go along with it:

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.

I really liked the MP3-250. I wanna feel this MP3-400. It could be the holy grail of all purpose scootering, taking the inner city and the highway equally well.

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5 Responses to “Piaggio releases the specs on the MP3-400 i.e.!”

  1. pete Says:

    Even tho I liked the original MP3s – I would not have considered them as an actual purchasing choice because of their small engines. Even with this I have my reservations – though I think it’s a huge step toward “getting it right” for my gringo demographic. Hey – I have a 650 scooter – and it still isn’t powerful enough for my tastes. Now maybe if they hung another wheel off that 800 Gilera? ;-)

    Reply

  2. Anonymous Says:

    I just love this scooter. It feels best out of town. Short motorway trips aswell. Nice and stable.

    Reply

  3. ScooterScoop Says:

    I think at 400cc, the MP3 would be a lovely ride. I would still secretly like to see the Gilera Fuoco 500, but a MP3 400 is about as close as we’re gonna get over here.

    Oh and Anon…
    Was that the 250 you tested? I’d like to try one on the highway for a couple of hours. I only did the parking lot test. I was still giddy.

    Reply

  4. MP3 400 Wannabe Says:

    Anyone know when the 400 version may be available here?
    I have ridden the 250 but will wait for the extra power the 400 version will offer.

    Thanks

    Reply

  5. petesapetesa Says:

    when can I buy one in oregon. they seem to be in every state around me. pete petesapetesa@aol.com

    Reply

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