3-wheeler – Test of the new Piaggio MP3 LT 500 ABS-ASR – Crossing Paris in three-wheelers

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Review of the new Piaggio MP3 LT 500 ABS-ASR

3-wheeler - Test of the new Piaggio MP3 LT 500 ABS-ASR - Crossing Paris in three-wheelers

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 !

Crossing Paris on three wheels

Before setting off on the main avenues of the capital, the Piaggio MP3 LT 500 waits on the one hand for its rider to put his buttocks on his saddle – otherwise the scooter remains camped on its front axle and does not respond to the demands of the right handle – and on the other, that the parking brake is released.

These two reminders, which may seem unnecessary to MP3 users, are much less so for bikers who are discovering Pontedera’s curious machine for the first time! It’s stupid, but it may prevent some from calling a convenience store on the pretext that the damn tricycle is not moving…

A little less stuck "in" this new MP3 LT 500 than he was at the controls of the old version, the driver is more free to move around and learns how to use the front axle all the more quickly. of the machine … not very complicated to grasp, because incredibly close to that of a two-wheeler !

Gas management is for its part obvious, because the electronic management of the throttle opening is transparent. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been refined and allows you to perform starts as soft as they are straightforward, depending on whether you are looking to cuddle your passenger or toast the scooter next door…

The technical sheet (on the last page) tells us that the maximum power of the MP3 LT 500 has not changed between 2013 and 2014: still 29.5 kW or 40.1 horsepower at 7250 rpm. The torque is up very slightly, going from 44 to 45.5 Nm, still at 5,250 rpm. But it’s only on paper that the difference is measurable.

The improvements in terms of braking are however much more sensitive to the handlebars. If the MP3 LT 500 still requires a grip at the levers – and some restraint at the pedal – it also shows a hint of more powerful.

But the master advantage that the new Piaggio 2014 has over its predecessor – and its competitors – is its ABS (optional) which prevents unwanted locking of the rear wheel in the dry in an emergency – and those of the front wheels on the wet !

When we first contacted us, the system proved its worth: MNC had a great time on the cobblestones and white strips, but never succeeded in defeating it. The scooter never starts drifting from behind and if the distances are sometimes lengthened, at least it stays until the end on its three wheels !

In short: "professional work" on the part of Piaggio and Continental! To avoid spoiling anything, the interventions of the ABS are discreet both in the levers and on the pedal … that Site has hardly touched, a matter of habit.

The handling – alleyway, especially – is still as sensational and the arrival of 13-inch rims only confirms this observation. Between agility and stability, the cursor always leans to the right (stability!) And the same goes for the comfort / rigor ratio of the suspensions.

Always a bit dry on the cobblestones and speed bumps of the capital, the front and rear axles of the MP3 LT 500 fit together better thanks to the 2014 chassis which does indeed seem more rigid. At least, this is what the Site could briefly feel when it opened wide to insert itself into the circular boulevard de la Defense….

The weight / power ratio may be slightly sealed in this new version, the arrival of the ASR is just as estimable. A little too present – especially in "Eco" driving mode – during our test carried out under a frank sun, the traction control could prove to be useful in a stormy downpour … provided you have not disconnected it !

MNC for its part would have preferred to deactivate the "beeps" of the front axle locking system, but "this is really not recommended because it is not a gadget", Laurent Videmont replies."It is really a security element made available to the driver to clearly indicate if the locking system is activated / deactivated".

Likewise, there is no point in hoping to have the right to remove the troublesome brake pedal: "removing the brake pedal is even more strongly advised against", warns us the marketing manager of Piaggio France, because"this is a component of the homologation of the vehicle and it also allows for coupled front / rear braking".

Finally, Site would have liked to be able to raise the bubble a few centimeters to isolate the bottom of his helmet and all of his broad and beautiful shoulders from the wind … Unfortunately, the operation requires the use of the toolbox … had to keep some improvements for the future generation ?!

The 2014 version of the MP3 LT 500 is already available where it is 100 euros more expensive than the old one, ie € 9,099 for the Business “class” and € 9,299 for the Sport version. The ABS-ASR option is offered at 400 euros, which is very reasonable … especially since Piaggio is for the moment the only manufacturer to offer it in the segment. !

According to a recent survey conducted by GN Researh for Piaggio with its French customers, "90% of owners would buy the same scooter". Safer, more comfortable, more practical and barely more expensive, could the brand new version win 100% of the votes ?! Business to follow: stay tuned !

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