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REVOLUTION ON 3 WHEELS
21 December 2006 - Piaggio

Piaggio introduces a three-wheel scooter that reinvents the scooter concept

In the year that Piaggio celebrates 60 years since it first introduced the legendary Vespa, its reputation as the scooter market innovator is reconfirmed with a new revolutionary design, the three-wheel PIAGGIO MP3. With two front wheels and one at the rear, the PIAGGIO MP3 is sure to turn heads; its dynamic design redefines ride stability to provide an unprecedented riding experience.

With its compact maxi-scooter size and exceptional manoeuvrability, the PIAGGIO MP3 is at home in city streets or out of town traffic. The scooter is equipped with three 12” wheels, complete with large tyres and revolutionary front suspension. The tilt mechanism is composed of four cast-aluminium control arms with four hinges fixed to the central tube and can provide a tilt angle of up to 40 degrees. These factors ensure cornering safety and excellent road grip on any surface, taking on different road conditions including cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with ease.

The PIAGGIO MP3 uses innovative technical features and top-grade cycle components that re-invents the scooter concept. The PIAGGIO MP3 frame, which is made from high-tensile steel tubes, is the result of the best CAD technology and analysis, with the frame’s strength and weight precisely defined and tested from the initial phases. The scooter requires minimal braking time with braking space reduced by over 20 per cent on normal road surfaces, and as much as 24 per cent on slippery roads compared to a traditional two-wheel scooter.

The scooter’s evolutionary front-end design, reminiscent of the Piaggio X8, incorporates technical features with car-style bodywork treatment. The headlamps and front fairing merge to form a single unit that enhances the vehicle’s dynamic look as well as providing extra rider protection.

The front shield provides exceptional protection with a comfortable seat that can be adapted for riders of any size. In addition, generous padding and the shape of the built-in backrest provide perfect ergonomical seating. The optimal height difference between the front and the rear parts of the saddle and rear handgrips ensure further passenger comfort and protection.

To increase comfort, the 48 litre rear top case together with the large under seat storage area provides a capacity of over 110 litres. The under-seat area comfortably holds two full-face Piaggio helmets, a small bag and objects up to a metre in length and has a courtesy light and a seat cover for use when parking in wet weather.

With the PIAGGIO MP3‘s three-wheel stability, there is no need to locate a central stand to keep the scooter upright. Instead, the scooter is equipped with a revolutionary electro-hydraulic front suspension locking system that keeps the vehicle upright by a simple press of a switch on the handlebar and can be used when parked or still in traffic.

The dashboard provides comprehensive and clear at-a-glance information including a speedometer, fuel gauge, cooling liquid temperature indicator, clock and partial and total mileage. Other features include a fuel reserve indicator, oil pressure, turn signals, low and high beam, seat or boot lid open warning and an immobilizer LED.

The PIAGGIO MP3 is available in two engine displacements, a Piaggio Quasar 250cc and a Leader 125cc.The former engine size incorporates the new Piaggio 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine that already meets Euro 3 standards, offering low fuel consumption.

Accessories include Piaggio’s Winter Pack which allows for protection in all seasons including sub-zero winter temperatures. The Winter Pack consists of an extra-large winter windscreen, winter tyres, hand protectors, thermal heated leg cover and a heated waistcoat. Further optional high-tech accessories include TOM TOM Rider GPS navigator with wireless Bluetooth link and 3.5” LCD screen, Piaggio X-Jet Bluetooth Intercom helmet to enable rider and passenger to talk or use a mobile phone in complete safety, a disc lock anti-theft device with siren, a passenger back rest and a vehicle cover.

The PIAGGIO MP3 is available in four metallic colours, including Sky Blue, Cherry Red, Excalibur Grey and Graphite Black. The scooter retails at £3,999 (125cc) and £4,299 (250cc) on the road, inclusive of 2 years warranty and 1 year roadside assistance.

Getting onto two wheels couldn’t be easier as all you need is a valid driving licence (provisional or full) and to complete just one day''s Compulsory Basic Training if you passed your driving test before February 2001.

The PIAGGIO MP3 will be available from December 2006 from selected Piaggio dealers in and around Greater London and in selected Piaggio dealerships nationwide from early 2007. To find out further information or locate your nearest PIAGGIO MP3 dealer, please call 00800 818 29800 quoting reference FP245 or visit the Piaggio website www.uk.piaggio.com


www.uk.piaggio.com


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