(Thanks to Robie06 for snapping some great shots of the MP3 in the wild. Handbag not included.)
Well, it’s official… we WILL see the MP3 very soon. In what incarnation, I’m still trying to find out, but here’s what Newsweek had to say:
By Christopher Dickey
NewsweekSept. 18, 2006 issue – Don’t ever call this beast a tricycle. The new three-wheeled motor scooter from Piaggio, due to hit American shores early next year, is like nothing you’ve straddled before. On an extended test-drive in and around Rome, the MP3, as it’s called, ate up the cobblestones and maneuvered easily in traffic, cornered brilliantly on country roads, stayed stable even on slippery gravel, then cruised comfortably on the autostrada. At a standstill, with the press of a button it … stands still, upright, so no need to prop yourself up with a foot on the pavement. To park, you just put on the brake. No kickstand required.
…The MP3, already on sale in Europe, should be available in the United States by early next year, at a price of about $6,500.
…George Dern, general manager of Varsity Cycles in Palm Beach, Fla., hopes the otherworldly MP3 will help Americans attain what he calls the European “wisdom” of owning a scooter for urban transportation. With gas prices so high, that’s no longer such an alien concept.
A relatively flattering review is HERE.
I saw one quote that said:
“The vespa dealer in Columbus Ohio just told me the price would be around $6,100.00 with scooters arriving around January. As he put it. Budget for February.”
I suspect that price is for the 125cc personally. It roughly matches what the 125cc is going for over in Europe ($3,600 UK or $6,844 US)
Ahh! And thanks to RuckusChick for pointing out the Today Show video!
23. September 2006 at 11:28 pm
$6200 for a 125cc – ugh. It looks heavy and I’m wondering if you can get much past 40 with 125ccs on that puppy. If it comes out in a 250cc, I will definitely order one, if not, I’m staying with a two wheeler I think.
26. September 2006 at 3:38 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if that price was for the 250cc. European prices do not translate well into USD, for instance a Zoomer/Ruckus lists 2500 Euros in France which is close to $3000 USD. The UK Zoomer is even more expensive.
28. September 2006 at 9:53 pm
The MP3 125 is being quoted at 3600GBP with the 250 at 4000GBP, though it may work out different when it hits the US. Given that the MP3 is based on the X8 scooter which weighs around 175kg for the 125cc version and tops 65mph or so, I would imagine the MP3 would be heavier and a bit more sluggish. The top speed may be about the same, but I would guess the MP3 would be more sedate about accelerating and less tolerant of hills.
On the plus side, Piaggio claim that the extra front grip and suspension means that the braking distances would be 20-24% less than for an ABS equipped bike. Whether this is an accurate claim or a fair comparison I couldn’t say, but it certainly sounds good.