Piaggio MP3 reviews

If you're not at least 5' 8" tall, you will drop the MP3 530. The phone software does not work. The navigation software, there's an extra charge. If you want to move the trike slowly for a short distance you must first shut off the front wheel lock first, otherwise the small movement of the throttle will make the trike lurch to the right, making the trike fall over. The brake levers have a design to snap off at the mid point, which does happen when the trike falls over. Show less

Well, here goes - I have the MP3 500 LT Sport here in the UK. Unlike reviews above, this model has the footbrake that when used, it equally applied the brakes to the front and rear. It works in conjunction with the levers so all can be used together. Mostly that's how I do it as this trike likes all wheels unbiased to be used at the same time. It's speed for me is perfect at 100 mph. It accelerates faster than 99% of the cars on the road. It has 38 ft. lb. of torque and does a 0-60 in under eight seconds, which can be improved upon. It handles great with or without a passenger and has plenty of storage. It's hard not to love this maxi. Piaggio pulled out all the stops. My only issue, I say issue and not problem as the issue is being fixed as we speak, is for a taller rider. There's no real place to put your feet. The brake is on the right side and hampers foot placement but even on the leg side there still is not enough room for 5'11' heighted riders and over. But I'm having a friend of mine cut my brackets of steel for me so I can screw it to the floor board on the MP3 and these come outside and drop so once the footpegs are put on, the seating feet will be perfect. An added extra, which is a must if you like pure comfort, is a driver's backrest. Ideally, the Kuryakyn adjustable rest, can be used for pillion or driver for only around 2oo bucks for you Americans. But that's it - the pegs and rest and the bike's perfect. It's great on fast highways here. Our legal limit is 75 mph. and is easily achieved and if you want to overtake it, it still has punch left in it to fly past. It handles good in slower moving traffic but you have to keep in mind, on the front end it's weighted different than a 2-wheeler. But once you've got the hang of it, it's a sheer joy. My advice is to relax on this bike. Let it do all the driving. you're just on top enjoying the view and the wind in your face. Stay safe MP3 riders and all drivers alike. Show less

I bought the "Scooter" last October, 2009. I now have about 700 miles and with my new GIVI Air Flow windscreen, the ride is really enjoyable. The ride is much better than my GTS 250, and I really like the ability to lock the front wheels when stopped. Since I am a senior, with fair balance standing up, this machine gives me a lot more confidence. I just wish it rode a little more smoothly, but it is not disturbing. Show less

When I first went in, it was to look at a 150 cc scooter but as soon as I set my eyes on that MP3, I fell in love. I love driving it, great suspension, stability & I feel safe riding it. My husband loves it as much as me and I'll be happy when he decides to get his own. Show less

I purchased my 250 in April of 2009. I have ridden it to and from work since then. I absolutely love the handling and breaking system. They are very efficient and give what the specs say. The 2 wheels up front with the independent suspension is fantastic. You have to ride one to believe the extra security you feel with the two front wheels and independent suspension. You can lean it into a turn at pretty close to the 40 degrees stated. I would have no problem about purchaing the 500 CC unit and giving my wife the 250. Gas mileage is great. Show less

If you want a bike to bring back the grins, this just might be it. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and I still go out to look in amazement in the garage. Over 15,000 miles of Texas cruisin'. This just might be the ultimate cruiser. The handling in wet weather is something to behold. It travels the freeways great. Incredibly smooth engine at all speeds. Has a great little ring hook on the front between your legs to put the groceries you don't want to crush, or for when you pick up dinner. Gas mileage is so sweet too. That needle hardly ever moves. Show less

I purchased this top grade machine in April 2008 and have logged 3600 miles in 8 months. I have used it in all kinds of weather (mid 30 degrees to high 90s) and have encountered no problems whatsoever. I have also ridden two-up for 150 miles at a time. As a past owner of 1300cc 120hp I have nothing but praise for my MP3. Take one for a ride. You'll be surprised how much fun 34hp can be. Show less

My wife just purchased this bike last week and we already have over 500 miles on it. Took it on a long ride in the country and it performed well in all conditions...open road 65+ mph, high speed twisties, rolling hills and even gravel roads! My wife rode a motorcycle for several years, but gave it up after a couple of low speed spills. She was always looking for something more stable and the MP3 is definitely the answer. This bike won't break any land speed records, but that's not what it was built to do. Its main attributes are the incredibly stable agility, powerful braking ability and smooth ride. I find the bike a bit tight (5ft 11in w/34in inseam), but I like to stretch out on my Burgman 650 or even my other Vespa GT200. The dealer even cut us a deal for being the first MP3 sale ... knocked off $. Make sure to contact your insurance company before buying, Progressive gave me all kinds of flack and almost wouldn't cover the bike. Enjoy the ride! Show less

I've had my motorcycle license for 2 years and rode a borrowed BMW Airhead the first summer. I was not able to ride last year due to health reasons. I thought my dreams of riding again were over until we saw the MP3!! I feel confident on this stable ride to keep up with the rest of my BMW riding in-laws! The design is very well thought out and they paid close attention to the details. I've almost been the cause of many near accidents as people turkey-neck and double-take as they admire the ride and ask, 'What is that?' 'I've never seen anything like that before!' They shake their head in amazement as I demonstrate how the front wheels can be locked to hold the bike and ride up. Then they stand there and wait for me to take off so they can watch how it corners! This has become my daily ride to work. First, because it's so much fun to ride. Second, because of gas prices. But mostly because it's so much fun. You can fit 4-6 bags of groceries in the back storage compartment - great for on the way home from work to pick up dinner. My husband opts to ride my MP3 over his 1990 BMW K75 because it's so much fun to ride. I love the curvy roads on this ride! Downside: I rode on the back one day while my husband drove - the seat is comfortable, the grips are in a great location and adequately sized - however, there's not much room for your feet! My heels can fit in the designated area, but the front half of my foot was getting in the way of the driver on take-offs and they were just hang'n out there in the air. Would love to see the 500 cc in the US! The 250cc has good speed for in-town driving and short interstate rides. Top speed is advertised as 80, but on a real windy spring day, you top out at 70. Show less

Everything you've heard about the MP3 is true. Extremely planted around bends, rock steady in the harshest weather. What I've enjoyed most in my first 1000 km is the little things - not putting my feet down once in my 20 km morning commute, not having to use a kickstand, parking on hills sideways because you can lock it in a compensating lean, etc. etc. And it leans in corners like I'm some squid on a racetrack, except with 10 times the security courtesy of the extra front traction. I've commuted on a Burgman 650, Aprilia Atlantic, BMW K-Bike etc. This is by far the most comfortable and secure feeling of them all, and frankly the most fun too. The front suspension lock takes some time to get used to but eventually became quite automatic. Enough power for the highway. Could use more, but then, what couldn't? So far has been perfectly reliable, which has been a relief considering all the electronic and electro-hydraulic wizardry. Gripes: No glovebox (inexcusable if you peek behind the plastic and see all the room there underseat storage is roomy but pretty shallow; heated grips should be standard, as should an underseat accessory socket; complicated suspension mechanisms make the front end difficult to properly clean. It seems strange to me that this thing's been out for almost a year in Europe and no one seems to be making power accessories for it. Wouldn't mind a better pipe and intake remap to wring even 2-5 more HP out of the little motor. Show less