Piaggio MP3: the new range also includes a model with a 400 hpe engine [PHOTO]

Among the vehicles Piaggio MP3 there is a new 400 hpe model, also in Sport trim, alongside the 500 hpe Sport Advanced model and the more compact and urban model Piaggio MP3 300 hpe, recently described.

Design and colors

The appearance of the vehicles Piaggio MP3 400 hpe e MP3 500 hpe Sport Advanced reminiscent of the automotive landscape. Together with the connotative three-wheel layout, a grille defined by the front stands out Style Center of the Piaggio Group with directional indicators and lights DRL with technology LED . The handlebar-saddle-footpeg triangulation is functional, thinking about daily travel, tourism and keeping comfort in mind, ranging from the smoked windshield to the saddle with a welcoming foam and a large and comfortable portion of the saddle for the passenger, in addition to the backrest and associated handles. A setting that favors a decontracted and relaxed position, also recalling the adoption of extractable footrests.

The dashboard features two circular indicators and a multifunction digital panel that groups together other information. Also highlighted are eleven warning lights present just above the instruments and connected to various functions including immobilizer, ABS, ASR. The instrument panel is also associated with a battery voltage indicator, an odometer with two partials and a clock. Centrally, under the display, there are four other warning lights combined with the operation of the DRL lights, the roll lock engaged, the parking brake engaged and the operation of the connectivity system Piaggio MIA. While under the handlebar there are service buttons and among these the opening of the saddle and the deactivation of the ASR.

The back shield is characterized by two shockproof padded elements placed at the driver's knees and also houses a removable bag hook. A storage compartment is located above the instrumentation with a drawer and USB socket.
The saddle opening can also be operated from the remote control with Bike Finder and from the Piaggio MIA app. This is an electric opening assisted by a comfortable shock absorber that accompanies the opening and closing movement. The compartment below is equipped with a courtesy light and mat and can comfortably accommodate two full-face helmets or a computer bag, as indicated.
The new Piaggio MP3 400 hpe it is offered in Grigio Materia and Nero Lucido shades associated with a new black saddle and gray painted wheel rims. While for Piaggio MP3 400 hpe Sport, characterized by a black saddle and sporty wheels, four colors are available: Comet Silver, Moon White, Sapphire Blue and Meteor Black.

There are also four colors combined with Piaggio MP3 500 hpe Sport Advanced with black saddle and rims. The colors are all opaque: Comet Silver, Sapphire Blue, Earth Brown and Meteor Black.
The range of accessories is varied, including a 50-litre rear top box, a leg cover or a Comfort+ cover, i.e. a "hi-end" type for all seasons with an anti-flap system with stiffening plates. Also highlighted is a Comfort+ saddle characterized by a three-dimensional elastic material with optimization of seat volumes. We then highlight a line of dedicated helmets and Touch summer gloves from the Piaggio range.

Technology

Peculiar and exclusive is the Piaggio patented technology two independent and tilting front wheels with an articulated wishbone suspension. The rolling mechanism is made up of four arms cast in aluminium, arranged on as many hinges integral with the central post with two lateral posts connected to the aforementioned arms by means of pins and ball bearings. Considering a single-sided layout, the right and left steering tube rotate inside the side tubes.
There is also a front suspension locking device that allows you to maintain even static balance, without using the supplied stand. To resume travel, operate the throttle control or the release button.

The Piaggio MP3 models are equipped with an anti-lock braking system ABS supplemented by traction control ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), a disengageable system that prevents the rear wheel from slipping on slippery surfaces.
The three-channel ABS system is created in collaboration with Continental and the braking system includes discs on three wheels. The diameter of the front discs is 258 mm inside wheels from 13 inches.
On the MP3 400 hpe and MP3 500 hpe Sport Advanced there is also a Piaggio MIA connectivity system, which allows you to connect a smartphone to the vehicle's electronic system via Bluetooth.

The new Piaggio MP3 400 hpe

A new approved 3 hpe engine is introduced in the Piaggio MP400 range Euro 5. Not just a simple increase in cubic capacity compared to the 350 unit, but an engine with different functional aspects to refine its performance and reduce noise and vibrations.
A single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve heart, with liquid cooling and electronic injection fuelling, born on the basis of the previous 350 cc unit with interesting solutions such as an automatic multi-disc clutch in an oil bath.

Similar aspects such as lightness and compactness, already linked to the 350 model, remain, signaling the debut of a system patented by Piaggio called PCV - Positive Crankcase Ventilation with two slats integrated into the engine crankcase, with a reduction in pumping losses as a function of an increase of the thrust.
Also highlighted are a new intake line, refined valve lift laws and a new progressive chain tensioner. Work has also been done on the transmission, considering a new functional shape of the cover of the CVT automatic speed variator and the iridium spark plug and the Magneti Marelli MIUG4 control unit are also new.
The maximum power is 35,4 horses (26 kW) at 7.000 rpm with a torque peak of 37,7 Nm at 5.500 rpm.

Piaggio MP3 500 hpe Sport Advanced and its engine

This example is equipped with a 4-valve single-cylinder HPE (High Performance Engine), liquid-cooled and fueled by electronic injection. The most powerful engine in the category with a multi-map "Ride-by-Wire" electronic accelerator system and evolved according to the regulations Euro 5. The exhaust system then allows for a reduction in perceived noise by optimizing the sound.
The maximum power is 44,2 horses (32,5 kW) at 7.750 rpm with a peak torque of 47,5 Nm at 5.500 rpm.
The vehicle is equipped with reverse gear, a solution introduced for the first time on a three-wheeled scooter, which facilitates parking maneuvers with less effort. It is possible to enable reverse gear with a command, with the engine running and half stopped.

Photo: Piaggio – Piaggio Group