Review of the new Piaggio MP3 LT 500 ABS-ASR

Eight years after having revolutionized the world of “ motorized two-wheelers ” with its first three-wheeled scooter MP3 125, Piaggio deeply overhauls its flagship model, the MP3 LT 500, to make it safer, more efficient, more comfortable and more practical. Contact !

The new MP3, ABS-ASR extra

"The original style of the front has been kept so as not to deteriorate the value of the vehicles currently in circulation.", argues Piaggio’s product marketing director. Tapered lights, simplified grille, sharp indicators, night light (with LED) and enhanced bubble: only connoisseurs will notice these alterations at a glance.

By dwelling on the body and comparing it carefully to that of the old model, everyone can see that the two scooters do not share any plastic parts! By slightly off-center or by rotating the handlebars, one discovers another change "of size"…

The MP3 LT 500 indeed adopts new rims: more sporty in appearance with their thin and split sticks, they are also higher since they go from 12 inches in 2013 to 13 inches in 2014, allowing the passage to mount discs larger brakes (258 mm instead of 240).

In parallel and "as a world first, we introduce ABS and ASR traction control on our three-wheeled scooter", reveal the Italians."Two years of work, in close collaboration with Continental, were necessary to equip our MP3 with this three-channel ABS", underlines the French marketing director.

The big MP3 is always offered in two finishes "Sport" and "Business" and this time, it is the purchasers of the sporty version who are privileged: the face and the wheels (with the black and polished finish) more sharp blend perfectly with its black bi-material saddle and its matt black, silver or blue colors !

The model for dynamic frames accommodated him a little better with the old domed rims and the chrome strip placed in the middle of the previous front grille. Its metallic paints (black or white) and its brown upholstery will however continue to appease the "businessmen"…

These same customers – "very demanding", underline all Piaggio managers! – will be happy to learn that their future MP3 has a Bluetooth connection making it possible, in particular, to use the latest version of the PMP via their personal smartphone (Piaggio Multi Platform, see the videos in the penultimate page).

"This application has been updated and further increases the level of interaction between the operator, his machine and his environment", rejoices the Italian manager. Having played with it, MNC can assure that the program continuously displays and records a phenomenal amount of information. !

Power and torque developed by the engine, degree of angle pick-up, force generated during acceleration and braking, consumption, speed, route (GPS), parking place and many other data provided by a myriad of sensors can be consulted by the user, during or after taxiing. However, this mine of information will prove to be more useful to RSV4 pilots than to MP3 drivers. !

On a daily basis, the "basic" instrumentation of the MP3 LT 500 is sufficient: it remains very close to that of the old MP3, consisting of two analog dials (speed and tachometer), a central LCD screen 4 inches (see the technical sheet on the last page) and two ramps of control lights.

This whole set is overlooked by the storage compartment which can now be closed, but not with a key! Thin but wide and deep, it incorporates a convenient USB socket to charge your mobile phone or any other electronic gadget of this format.

Completely overhauled, "the rear part of the new MP3 is more in line with the current Piaggio touch, more dynamic", describes Signor Mercanti. Inspired by the X10, the Italian brand’s high-end two-wheeled scooter, the rear shell of the new MP3 incorporates two sets of LED lights.

In addition to the aesthetic change – each, according to his tastes, will judge whether this development is beneficial or not -, the adoption of this new rear – and a new reinforced frame! – allows the MP3 to erase one of its main faults: the accessibility of the trunk…

On the old MP3 LT 500 – and this is still the case on the current MP3 LT 300 – the user has the choice between stowing his jet under the saddle, or sliding the entire jet into the trunk … The 2014 version the MP3 LT 500 fortunately simplifies the deal.

The long saddle, whose opening is controlled by a specific button placed under the handlebars and then actuated by a jack, gives access to a real "baggage compartment" of rectangular shape capable of accommodating two full-face helmets, lined with felt, illuminated and equipped with a 12 V socket !

The abandonment of the tailgate also allows the owner of the very last MP3 to take advantage of a small luggage rack, or even to graft more easily to his scooter a top case in the – unlikely – case where the 50 liters of the boot does not. would not be enough !

Finally, a "bag hook" ring is hidden in the front apron of the Piaggio scooter, but the absence of a flat floor somewhat limits the interest of this tool placed just above the handbrake, still accessible and practical. It is precisely time to loosen it … on the way !

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