Piaggio MP3 500 hpe: the top of the range increases in power and equipment [ROAD TEST]

Piaggio MP3 500 hpe – At the top of the range Piaggio MP3 the 500 is confirmed, which after the entry on the scene of the high-performance 350, regains the necessary distances thanks to the adoption of the hpe (high performance engine) engine, as well as enriching itself from the point of view of the standard equipment. In this setup there is even a TomTom Vio, but practically nothing is missing. This time, however, we want to make a premise, dedicated to all the skeptics and "hard and pure" motorcyclists (as perhaps we ourselves once were).

The world of two wheels is in fact divided into purists and non-purists. Our profession leads us to try the most disparate vehicles, from small electric two-wheelers to very high-performance super sports cars. The beauty lies precisely in this. And after the tests we try to convey our feelings to you in the clearest way possible, so that you can get a complete idea of ​​the vehicle in question and perhaps orient yourself for a next purchase, or simply read an opinion, ours, which aims to be the most objective possible. Sometimes, it happens that instead of two wheels, we have three in our hands, as in the case of Piaggio MP3 500 hpe subject of this test.

Some of you may already be turning up your nose, but if you are reading this test it means that you too have a bit of curiosity. Our invitation is to get to the bottom of the page because, prejudices aside, we can tell you that we have tested a truly valid, multifaceted scooter, with important performance and noteworthy technological equipment. Just become familiar with using the handbrake and the front suspension locking device and you're done. In short, this Piaggio MP3 500 hpe has given us great satisfaction (it is no coincidence that it is the best-selling three-wheeled scooter in the world). It can be an alternative for those who already drive a scooter, but have an eye on safety, but even better for those who are approaching two wheels (or rather 3) for the first time and are looking for a vehicle with load capacity high, versatile, but which does not give up practicality. Fundamental note: the presence of the penalty brake makes it usable even by those who only have a car license (B).

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Modern, essential and very elegant lines

Whoever chooses (or will choose) the MP3 will also do so for an aesthetic question and we must say that the Piaggio style center has indulged itself, making high-level finishes and a lot of attention to detail available to the customer. The grill of front shield has been completely changed, as are the direction indicators which are now LED. The smoked windshield not only does it have a very pleasant shape, but it is extremely functional, guaranteeing almost total protection from the air, both at the height of the torso and the head. In short, riding this MP3 is comfortable, also thanks to a saddle all new, large, with a comfortable seat and two backrests (one for the pilot and one for the passenger, who also has new and ergonomic handles available) which guarantee correct lumbar support and are very useful when traveling long distances , because this scooter is not only valid for city trips, but also for trips (not even very short ones) out of town. The great compartment under the saddle it is extremely roomy. Inside there is room for two full-face helmets or a large bag. The electric opening is assisted by a comfortable shock absorber and can also be operated via the remote control with Bike Finder (remote turning on of the direction indicators). The dashboard is complete and includes two large circular elements, between which the on-board computer is inserted (with the four warning lights: roll control system warning, engine stop engaged, roll lock engaged and parking brake engaged) and above a digital strip with further information. The 11 warning lights present just above the instrumentation indicate the operation of the high beams, direction indicators, reserve, oil pressure, warning (injection), immobilizer, ABS, ASR and four emergency indicators. Under the handlebars, however, the service buttons are inserted, including the saddle opening and the ASR deactivation button. On the sides there are other storage compartments, one of which also has a USB socket.

The Business version is characterized by more elegant finishes, such as the protection of the new exhaust terminal, the chrome profile of the grille on the front shield and the matt gray finishes of the wheel rims and central tunnel. The Sport version, however, stands out for the numerous details with a matt black finish, such as the protection of the exhaust terminal, the wheel rims, the profile of the grille on the front shield and the handles for the passenger, but above all for the pair of rear shock absorbers high-performance Kayaba gas engines in red, which guarantee more traction and more stability, but also a sportier look.

In this Business version, one is included in the price TomTom Vio, navigation system that we have had the opportunity to test in the past and which allows, in a simple but effective way, to communicate with your smartphone and have the route displayed on the pleasant round-shaped screen, which is fixed to the mirror rod. Compact and lightweight, the Vio can be removed in an instant, so you can take it with you, or store it under the saddle, when you get off the scooter. If you have a Bluetooth audio system combined with your helmet, you have the convenience of being able to also listen to voice instructions.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

City or Austrian makes no difference

The Piaggio MP3 500 hpe that we had the opportunity to try is the version with a larger displacement, having a engine 493cc single-cylinder, 4-valve liquid-cooled engine, fueled by electronic injection. If the 500 seems too many to you, Piaggio can help you with a slightly smaller version, the 350 we recently tested, identical in terms of finishes, performing thanks to the engine already seen on the Beverly 350 and from which the 500 has distanced itself thanks to important updates. The latest version of the half-liter engine has in fact superior performance compared to the previous ones and boasts a power at the shaft of 44,2 HP (14% compared to the previous version) which makes the MP3 the most powerful in its category. The system of electronic accelerator “Ride-by-Wire”, with multimap, improves both the delivery and fluidity of the engine, thus guaranteeing good responses even at low revs. Among the innovations made by the company are the transmission cover and the finishes of the external engine casings, now more refined. The exhaust system from the new Piaggio MP3 500 hpe silencer allows for a reduction in perceived noise and an optimization of the sound.

Once started the feeling with the accelerator is immediate. The throttle knob is ready, responsive and perfectly satisfies the rider's needs. Both in small sprints to extricate oneself from traffic, and in decisive sprints on provincial roads or motorways, the MP3 500 always responds. Especially when you're racing, it only takes a few seconds to reach the speed limits. At 130 km/h it travels really well and the engine is not at all tired, on the contrary, there is still plenty of power and it is there ready to be used. When to use it? Always! You can use it for small urban trips and a few errands, to take a weekend out in style and comfort, regardless of the season because the protection from the air is excellent and even in case of rain the front shield protects really well... and then the double front wheel is a unique guarantee.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Rails there time

The new Piaggio MP3 adopts an anti-lock braking system ABS, complemented by traction control ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), easily disengageable, but very valuable because it protects you from rear wheel slippage on slippery surfaces or wet asphalt. The three-channel ABS system, developed in collaboration with Continental , it's the best there is out there. Piaggio MP3 adopts a full disc braking system on three wheels, with a diameter of the front discs of 258 mm. The focal point are the two independent and tilting front wheels, controlled by the particular articulated quadrilateral suspension, which guarantees maximum driving pleasure in conditions of maximum safety. The mechanism is composed of four arms cast in aluminium, articulated on as many hinges integral with the central post and two lateral posts connected to the arms by means of pins and ball bearings. The front suspension locking device, which has always distinguished the Italian three-wheeler, allows the balance of the Piaggio MP3 to be transformed from dynamic to static. By operating it, the vehicle remains balanced on the three wheels. To resume travel, just give a push of the gas or use the release button.

Le front wheels 13 inch wheels guarantee the right compromise between stability and maneuverability. Precisely this aspect is what impressed us most positively. The dimensions of the scooter are small, if we consider the presence of two front wheels, the lot of space in the saddle and for loading, but in an absolute sense it is not - obviously - a tiny scooter. But once you leave, the possible encumbrances disappear. In traffic it runs like a decidedly smaller two-wheeler, when changing direction it's quick, also thanks to the engine pick-up and it takes very little to become familiar with the extra space on the sides. We could nicely call it a "fake skinny" scooter. The reality is that in the city it will surprise you. It also deserves a mention Piaggio Multimedia Platform, which allows you to connect your smartphone to the operating system, transforming the dashboard into a real stock computer capable of displaying a lot of information, from the speedometer to the rev counter, but also power, degree of inclination reached when leaning, instantaneous consumption and wear and tear tire inflation.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Not very thirsty and priced starting from 10.299 euros

The house declares a best before date of four liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the WMTC mixed cycle. During our test we did not stray far from this value, settling at around 22-23 km/l. Consumption levels rise only by running the engine at high rpm for a long time, but nothing to worry about. The price it is 10.299 euros for the Business version and 10.699 euros for the Sport version, VAT included. The newborn MP3 350 costs 8.599 euros. The growth, especially in terms of power, but not only, of the 350 and 500, has effectively created space for the birth of a third model, the new 300 hpe, which we previewed at Eicma. This is the third MP3, also different in terms of aesthetics compared to its two older brothers, but also more powerful than the "old" 300, on the price list until a few months ago, thanks to the new engine with almost 25 horsepower. Also at the Milan show, the reverse gear made its debut, and will be available on the 500 in the coming months.

As usual, the already excellent standard equipment can be further enriched by choosing from the extensive list of optional accessories available. They range from taller windshields to top cases, without forgetting all the options dedicated to winter, such as mittens that can be combined with heated grips, a cover that can also be equipped with a thermal coil system and much more.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Driving position, load capacity, hpe engine performance, safety.
We do not like it:
Binding price.

Piaggio MP3 500 hpe: the Motorionline report card

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Matteo Pozzi collaborated

Tester clothing:
Tucano Urbano Winter Penna gloves
Tucano Urbano Blazer College Lan jacket
Scorpion Exo-220 helmet