2008 Piaggio MP3 500 Scooter Review

2008 Piaggio MP3 500 Scooter Review
Read the full scooter review at Motorcycle.com. www.motorcycle....
This is not your grandma's scooter, to say the least. The three-wheeled MP3 goes around corners like a motorcycle thanks to some innovative engineering and looks like a cross between a grasshopper and a transformer. If Darth Vader had a scooter, this would be it.

[@tootsnpurple]

I have a balance disorder, so bought one of these, loved it to bits, I've owned the 250, 400, & 500 now, the 500 is def the one for me, enough power to make you smile :-). in fact I'm looking for another, the front wheel grip is amazing, wicked fun toys!

[@akjjb]

Hi, I'm living in Paris, MP3s are popular here for one reason : You don't need a motorcycle driver license to ride them (3 wheelers are like 4 wheelers overhere). If you want to ride a 2 wheeler 400cc you need a motorcycle licence (everything upper than 125cc actually).

[@trevorcox3669]

I have one. Love it BUT be careful the bike does not stand up by itself. When you come to a stop be ready with your feet on the ground . At very slow walking speed it has a tendency to want to fall over. It is balanced on a knife edge. It does have a override button to use but don't forget that It's a great fun bike with allot of power

[@abbaby555]

best review i've seen so far on this scooter.

[@pcofranc]

I tested a 2008 mp3 500 and 250 and they were both great. I have been riding a bmw k75s for 6 years. The clutch is incredibly refined on the 250 and 500.

[@Laborkei]

It's an awsome ride... Just purchased one.

[@gotglasses]

THis summer we toured France and the Piaggio were everywhere, perhaps the most popular new vehicle we saw!! The bigger engined ones sound great - big single banger and pretty quick off the lights. Great City bike / scooter since it is not tippy at the lights and can stand up without fear when parked. The front wheel geometry is fascinating to watch while following in another vehicle . It was also interesting to see how many Harleys were in Paris - it is not all about gas mileage anymore.

[@aquefer]

Grinding noise comes from the stand lever hitting the floor when leaning too much. I have a Piaggio 250 and I tried to do it but never been able to, then in my opinion this guy is trying to show the grip on the road the bike has on turns. Manufacturer say the 3rd wheel adds a 30% more grip. The max speed I've got so far is 85mh, 56mpg. Piaggio is my 4th maxscooter and I can tell with confidence, this is top quality and it is the best one I ever ride.

[@norfcalgreens]

yes0 at 4.:20 i heard the kickstand dragging - that extra 30% traction up front wont help if the back kicks out from under you .

[@alehax27]

I never thought I'd say this, but that's a cool scooter.

[@gemmastone285]

Duncan miller I had mine delivered today and I love it .. ..too early to tell how it stands up to every day use but its designed to be used as a commutor transport and although I shan't be using mine every day to commute I will be using it as general runabout so watch this space

[@KF1]

8 years later, how has your MP3 held up?

[@artysig]

i like this apart from 2 things, the price and also that scraping noise when cornering!

[@ChicanoPhotographer]

Maybe not cool enough for some, but a great three wheeler none the less. I would love to have one... maybe.

[@akjjb]

@throttlelever Here also, because the front thread (between the two frontwheels) is to short on the 500 (so it is not considered as a three wheeler but a two wheeler)

[@xgen1970]

They did. It was the kickstand dragging.

[@MOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]

I have a 2016 500ie. Compared to the 500 shown here, it has 3 wheeled ABS and traction control. It’s certainly front heavy but that makes it feel extremely stable going down the road. It’s a bit tall so if you’re under 5-8 you might have trouble reaching the ground.

[@erwinmotorbike]

Mines a 250 I love it In cold rainy weather nothing beats it

[@KF1]

Has it had any mechanical issues?

[@toyota420xp]

@SecularTechnology you are wrong my friend. piaggio is a brand that owns 7 names which are Aprilia - motorcycles, scooter and mopeds Derbi - motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and recreational ATVs (quads) Gilera - motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and recreational ATVs (quads) Ligier - 4-wheel micro automobiles Moto Guzzi - motorcycles Piaggio - scooters, mopeds, microcars, and small commercial vehicles Vespa - scooters and mopeds Laverda

[@opmike343]

@ZPGaming There are several hundred million people who have no trouble on 2 wheels. You'd be fine with practice assuming you don't have some medical issues in your inner ear or something affecting equilibrium. That said, this little MP3 looks like it would be an awesome little commuter.

[@matejlj]

You can drive it with car license in most countries

[@icebongontableunatte]

One thing about riding the MP3 is that it's better to think of it as a 3-wheeled car than a 3 wheel motorcycle. You just don't bother putting your feet down.

[@ladywithazoo]

this is a great bike to learn on before getting a real motorcycle.

[@terrymoore4208]

Can you do a stoppie on the mp3

[@motanelustelistu]

They do,they're higher.Also the exhauest can be changed or modified,either the final cut and welded more upright,toward the seats or the "neck" from the engine till the final exhaust :P Not a big deal,but even stock they can go lower the a cruiser.You'll never see a cruiser cornering that fast(who needs more lean) 4:20

[@Johnnysthunder]

I remember watching this video when it came out, I was 16 lol bought my first scoot (Zuma 125) a bit after that. had a couple bikes since, a Ducati, Honda, Harley and a genuine Stella 2t, now I’m trying to buy that new bmw c400gt scoot :). Once ya get that scooter bug it’s hard to kick lol!

[@akjjb]

Ok, interesting, my bad, mp3 500 doesn't exists overhere, we only have mp3 400. The bike shown on the video is called "Fuoco 500" in France...

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I wish they would have kept the styling of this on the new one.

[@noph6230]

They have

[@psychocycledad]

It seems like a good idea for the balance impaired. I'll stick with the 2 wheels for now, though.

[@sidneyhemphill4383]

Definitely trading my Honda Forza in for this!

[@deadthem]

this looks like a bike that Batman would ride

[@tr5iplex]

@CarMad2008 Wikipedia it and look that in europe 500cc version is Gilera fuco but anywhere else its called Piaggio MP3

[@macmovieman1]

Nice review, looks like fun!

[@MarcoPapa99]

Fabulous Maxine! I want it. The review was very helpful.

[@algesbrek5695]

yeah looks great does it counter steer like a regular motorcycle ?

[@H4I2I2EE]

Yes it does counter steer just like a regular motorcycle.

[@matheos91]

@CarMad2008 it's called piaggio mp3 500 in USA but the same

[@akjjb]

The point is safety because you can't fall off that thing. If it's rainy or slippery you just slip like in a car. If you've ever ridden a motorcycle you know the difference...

[@corentinoger]

@YourDopamine Yes, you can counter steer it like a normal scooter (as oppose to a trike)

[@Karlett555]

i noticed you got to shift the weight in corners

[@stiqman]

hmm they didn't address the scraping on the hard turns... is the exhause too low?

[@presa609]

No one talks about the bi-annual radiator flush requirement, and how much trouble that is; wonder why?

[@Blade70]

Really nice look at it. Thanks for the review.

[@apachewarrior45]

the side stand, that's what's scraping. if you haven't scrape your sidestand before you have not really ride

[@bydesighn]

hi ,are these bikes classed as trycycles ?

[@colinclarke4285]

nezza cass yes. .tricycle if the front wheels are wider apart than 46cm

[@mmackey881]

I hope to get one soon

[@lostlegend667]

This looks so cool...way better looking than the Spyder....and cheaper...those crazy mechanics of the front wheel...I hope they are not too delicate...like from pebbles or sand...just me being paranoid Is there a cooler looking one out or coming out soon?

[@mczaga]

can u ask a question mate ? the mp3 can better than other 2 wheelies ability of bend?

[@bigbangAT]

what is scraping the ground as you take a sharp turn?

[@geebeedee3578]

Help please ! Can i press and hold the shock lock button into lock position before i come on a full stop rather than clicking it once after the light comes on ?

[@rogersmith5371]

If you haven't worked it out yet you need to be doing 5km/h (6mph) or less to activate the front wheel lock. My advice; stop the bike, make it is upright - no lean at all - then activate the steering lock.

[@Cyclonechuah]

4:19 there are parts brushing on the road surface that causing the sound. I think you still cannot ride the scooter like some sports bike.

[@Expectation247]

he can get 15 22 ounces of stone ergin bathrooms in there? wow i want one.

[@toyota420xp]

@akadread Piaggio owns Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia, Derbi,

[@madduckattacks]

You wouldn't get the feel and excitement of a motorcycle with a quad though. With this 3 wheele'd scooter you feel like you are cornering with a 2 wheeled scooter but you are more protected from falling over. Quad's are stuck on the ground. What's the fun in that?

[@roywalls5595]

I am research Piaggio mp3 250ie because getting one next month before getting it!

[@KF1]

How has it held up?

[@colinclarke4285]

My biggest complaint about these is the low fuel tank capacity...it should hold enough to do at least 200 miles....I feel that I am always stopping for fuel on a long journey

[@saidzueke4782]

Bring fuel with you. Much space

[@Webstar666]

Why would you brake like that? Like a 6 yo on a bmw bike.

[@Danmaybrick]

Nice review guys but this is not the mp3. This is the Gilera Fuoco and it is (in my opinion) definitely much more badass than the regular Piaggio mp3. Greets

[@micropope]

I wonder if it's the same company that did the Avanti (aircraft)

[@carmodifire]

They stole my idea.

[@stsbware]

@k4kal Hi there am I imaging things or is does this scooter have an automatic transmission as I dont see a shifter for the gears

[@rogersmith5371]

It has a CVT.

[@leonardomoses]

i love the double can can he does at the start! lol

[@troutdaletim]

Great machine. Railroad tracks and manhole covers are dangerous and three wheels would be a safety net I'd like to have. $180 Yr State Farm on a 250cc so that model would be fine.

[@DonnaEDesign]

It only has a center stand but that's what I thought it was when I heard it.

[@hjchen2005]

does it have reversing gear?

[@sadat417]

is it used for pizza delivery as well in uk? how effecient is it compare to other scooters?????????

[@colinclarke4285]

Hameed Sadat I've not seen it used as a pizza delivery vehicle. .A huge box on the back would make it counter productive..But for general city use its ideal

[@vicrodriguez4133]

Mpg???

[@murwaz]

I'm gonna buy one for sure when I can afford it and have a license to do so. Can drive it on car license here in Sweden... :)

[@ddogge1]

Where does Paiggio get all of these short drivers at?

[@colinclarke4285]

ddogge1 Italy. ..they're all midgets

[@Christianthephotographer]

It sounds great! :-)

[@jeanneadele]

@YourDopamine 4 a newbie, don't flame me please... what is "counter steer"? thanks

[@apachewarrior007]

the stand is scrapped. Awesome !

[@SecularTechnology]

Piaggio is like a brain teaser to start it up

[@metropolitan37]

Why do people demonstrating the MP3 have to keep swinging it around corners scraping the bottom on the floor, we know what it does what we really want is to know what its like to live with as daily transport, what the mpg is, whats it like for carrying stuff, how good the suspension is for soaking up bumps how good it is for covering mileage, touring etc.

[@ZedTee190]

+duncan miller I bought mine in June 2015 so it's quite a lot different to the one in this video, and have covered 1400 miles since.I'm averaging about 55mpg (thats Imperial gallons, not US gallons). Under the seat I carry my fullsize Laptop & peripherals in it's bag, a change of clothing for work, waterproofs, and a chain to chain it up when parked + a tin of tyre inflation gunk. The roads here in the UK are not the best in the world, the suspension smoothes all but the very worst bumps out very well. I don't know what the 0-60 times are, but when filtering through traffic, and leaving traffic lights, there's not a lot that can keep up.

[@andrewc0128]

+duncan miller Yeah, it is hard to find a good review of it. "Every body looks at it." "This is something to be seen on." "Everywhere you go somebody is looking at it." "They want to know how much it costs". smh

[@rugs100]

duncan miller q

[@akjjb]

This is not Piaggio MP3 but Gilera Fuoco 500

[@keystonedaytrip238]

akjjb In the US , it's a Piaggio MP3

[@enjoiorange]

whats its MPG

[@Ne0c225]

really cool bike

[@bonsai108]

You were scraping that muffler, Ahay?

[@magic2506]

Didn't like it. You sit higher than a motorcycle and the scooter has a higher center of gravity. When you unlock the front wheels standing still, it just wants to tip right over. Sitting on a Gold Wing at twice the weight, it felt more secure being closer to the ground having your feet well planted on the pavement. I know others that said the same.

[@cesinha30]

***** Hi Steve I read in the KZbin that you had a Piaggio MP3 500 I am Brazilian and these scooters are coming here just now and I am very interested in buying one. You would have more tips for me? I am a tall guy too and and I appreciate any information. Best regards. Cesar

[@cesinha30]

***** Thank you very much Steve! I'm looking forward to riding my MP3!

[@Overmind23]

Hmm the 400er is labelled with 140kmh

[@murwaz]

This is an awsome bike for me, I cant hold on to a big bike, I'm not very strong, medical condition... anyway, with this I wouldnt have that issue at all. And as I've had scooters before its not much new to me. :) And it looks awsome!

[@jmckaskle]

This coming from someone who added an American Idol clip to his favorites.

[@kalfass]

very good machine

[@zstimmler]

Its a CVT transmission

[@SecularTechnology]

@toyota420xp Yeah your right. I was told the opposite my other people.

[@karazzu]

Interesting aproach quite annoying if seen from th biker world. but still innovative and can close people who weren`t close to that world and also low fuel consumption. GREAT in a allaround aproach. great vehicle.

[@DeviousZen]

Before I found out that he was talking about ale, I thought that at 0:39 he said "I can fit fifteen stoned and arrogant bastards in here!" :B

[@motanelustelistu]

Thats what you get for not bothering :P I got both.I can drive anything :P excepting Coaches,Busses and 18 Wheelers :)

[@pepsundar]

Why would they put a center stand on a three wheeler which would never tip over! 🤦‍♂️😂 Did you really scrape the asphalt while turning?

[@KF1]

It can tip over when the lock is disengaged. That feature is just to keep it upright for parking, stopping, etc.

[@budfans]

does it have reverse

[@rogersmith5371]

No

[@slyrader1]

@punchingbilly1 i-80 like california?

[@enjoiorange]

thats pretty good

[@HyperHorse]

Please disregard my previous comment, I was meaning to reply to someone(hongkongsucksballs) who had posted something rather idiotic. Does anyone know if you can get additional baggage space for these Piaggios? All scooters should have 2 wheels at the front.

[@SecularTechnology]

@toyota420xp Wrong. Vespa owns Piaggia. lol. No offense.

[@abe_ismain]

wow, that's a awesome little thing :)

[@onilsonrocha]

Essa Moto é Show!!!

[@santanagonsalves6461]

Looks like a Gilera to me

[@MsDolittle111]

DeviousZen, that's what I thought he said too! LOL

[@BrandnewdayXY]

it's the same thing of GIlera Fuoco

[@hendriknijs5809]

Thats a gilera fuocco not a piaggio

[@toyota420xp]

i want it so bad

[@tuatahi]

looks like the gilera fuoco 500

[@davidlatham3490]

I wanna like these bikes. YET I can't get beyond the look of some kinda handicapped creation.