Piaggio has launched its much-anticipated leaning three-wheeler, called the MP3. Based on a concept originally developed by Italjet under the "Scooop" brand name, the machine is now in production. Italjet never showed a running example in public, but Piaggio did just that in Bologna last year.
The claim is that it enjoys far more front-end grip than a standard two-wheeler and offers far more stability over dodgy surfaces. We're yet to hear if or when it arrives in Australia, but it's sure to create a sensation in the rapidly-growing scooter market when it does.
Here is what the manufacturer claims: The two front wheels of the Piaggio MP3 re-define the very concept of ride stability to provide an unprecedented riding experience.
The front assembly, with two independent tilting wheels, is far more stable than any scooter. The Piaggio MP3 grips the road even when tailing other vehicles, providing top performance in total safety.
The full extent of this three-wheeler's stability can be tested on wet asphalt or tough riding conditions that would sorely challenge a traditional two-wheeler.
In town and city traffic the Piaggio MP3 has no equal in terms of safety. It takes on cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with the greatest of ease, remaining safe and stable all the while.
With its compact super-scooter size and exceptional manoeuvrability, the Piaggio MP3 is at home in town traffic. It's a cinch to park: an electro-hydraulic suspension locking system means there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand.
Thanks to an overall front-end width of only 420 mm, the Piaggio MP3 is type-approved as a standard two wheeled motorcycle.
The revolutionary Piaggio MP3 requires far less braking space than any scooter - the three-disk braking system and exceptional front-end road-holding reduce braking space by 20 per cent compared to the best scooters.
The Piaggio MP3 comes into its own when heading out of town. Its road grip, cornering safety and tilt angle of up to 40 per cent are unprecedented for a scooter, adding to the pleasure of riding different road surfaces at high speed.
The Piaggio MP3 is available in two engine displacements, 125 and 250 cc, both up-to-date 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled units in line with Euro3 emissions standards.
The 125cc engine offers an excellent power output of 15 bhp/11kW, the legal limit in some Euro countries when riding with a car licence. The 250cc, equipped with electronic injection, delivers a 22.5 bhp/16.9 kW power output, making the Piaggio MP3 capable of comfortably taking on long-distance rides.