Piaggio MP3 250 - Jay Leno's Garage

[@michaelb.42112]

Hello from 2024. I'm now 55 years old and used to own a dozen sport bikes and rode the twisties like a madman. I quit riding for 25 years due to drug addiction, not having kids, and now I'm back. I own a Yamaha Stryker, a Vulcan 1500, and a Honda Elite 250 scooter - I ride the scooter 95% of the time, so I think I'm giving up on bikes and going all scooter. The Piaggio 500 seems perfect AND it has reverse !!!!

[@9988ScooterGirl]

Anyone who has ever been caught in a rain storm on a scooter can appreciate just how scary those little tires are on wet asphalt. Anyone who has ever been on two wheels at all can appreciate just how quickly the bike can go out from under you when you hit that sandy patch at the end of bottom of the road. I just bought an MP3 because I really want the stability that 3rd wheel brings. Plus they look odd and I like things that look odd.

[@psibiza]

I remember the tire story I told my parents when I was 16 and wanted a larger motorcycle rather than the scooter I already had. for safety reasons... on the road I never really felt the advantage of larger tires tbh. I can see the extra traction of the 2nd front tire and the easier stop-and-go, but tbh the only real purpose of the 3rd wheel is that in some EU countries (and apparently in CA) this *thing* can be driven with a car driving license. It's more of a 3-wheel-car than a scooter.

[@Lucas-ix5td]

If you want stability buy a car

[@H4I2I2EE]

@@Lucas-ix5td You can't split lanes in a car. In a car you are stuck in traffic just like everyone else. A scooter/motorcycle is a huge time saver.

[@michaelbrinks8089]

When it comes to motorcycle tires. There's a night & day difference in rain between better silica embedded dual compound tires & cheaper single compound no silica tires. With my Bridgestone silica dual compound MC tires. Moderate rain meant only a slight loss of grip. With my cheaper Kenda single compound no silica tires. You noticed a big difference & dread being caught in rain. With the Bridgestones it was like losing 15% grip. With the Kendas it was lile losing 55% grip.

[@rizla8602]

I love this man, calm, joyful, the grounded way he explains, everything is 10/10!

[@abrazilian]

I have this scooter and it's awesome - no downside --- very cool that Jay reviewed it - this is probably the best video around for the Piaggio MP3

[@snaLee1]

Do we need insurance and lic plate for this scooter ???

[@abrazilian]

@@snaLee1 yes both (at least here in CA)

[@GarthGoldberg]

This is a fantastic vehicle in Paris or Rome, where you can park it almost anywhere, and don't have to worry about a sidestand or centerstand. It's actually fairly common over there.

[@Hydrographer1]

Garth Goldberg yes love Europe,, my wife is from Hamburg, see Paris, France, Rome, scooters everywhere. love it!

[@filiperocha4025]

Honestly all European cities really.

[@frankcolistro6875]

I love my MP3! It has great wind protection, lots of storage space and a long, stable wheel base. I used to have a Vespa ET4 that I lost ion a wreck. I really misssed it until the Piaggio came along, so much more practical.

[@michaelbrinks8089]

I wanna build a 350cc vehicle like this Piaggio mp3 but slightly longer wheelbase and a lower seating position. Then add a lightweight aerodynamic removable weather enclosure. So you can ride in rain & cold, even light snow with proper tires. In nice weather you could quickly remove most of the enclosure. I'd add 3 removable storage cases/saddlebags. Large enough to carry 6 common size plastic bags of groceries. Use peltiers & fans for air conditioning & engine heat along with electric heated seat, heated grips. Small windshield wiper, raido,etc.. Now you have a cheap ($7000'-ish) 75 mpg year round commuter vehicle.

[@Quodlibet100]

@@michaelbrinks8089 Oh no, Michael. Das wird nicht funktionieren. Ich habe neben meinem MP3 noch einen BMW C1. Er hat ein Dach mit Überrollbügeln. Er hat doppelte Sitzgurte. Ohne dich anzuschnallen, fährt der C1 nicht. Er hat Kat und Einspritzung, 15 PS mit 125 ccm und 17 PS bei 180ccm. Dieser wird als 200er verkauft. Bzw. wurde verkauft, denn die C1 werden nicht mehr hergestellt. Du hast ein riesiges Topcase und AB'S. Und solange du fährst, wirst du auch nicht nass. Scheibenwischer hat er natürlich auch. Aber vergiss es, ihn bei Schnee fahren zu wollen. So schnell kannst du gar nicht reagieren, wie du damit auf die Nase fliegst.

[@esaedvik]

Does someone actually care if they're being "taken seriously" on the roads as long as you have fun and fill your need for transportation?

[@YouMotorcycle]

It's like dating a fat chick, it's really fun until your ex sees you.

[@9988ScooterGirl]

@@YouMotorcycle Or an ugly guy.

[@Ramonatho]

​@@YouMotorcycle easy solution: don't have exes or move very far away from them

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@Ramonatho I would rather have LOTS of exes lol

[@roywalls5595]

Thanks Mr. Jay Leno`s watching video I buy used 2007 Piaggio mp3 250ie!

[@spinningbacksidekick]

Amazing. This is how the MP3 started, and now 10,000 of them fit in your iTunes.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Butchzzilla LoL , that's funny 👍

[@itBchrisP]

These are actually really cool and unique to drive.

[@emadabuhanna7716]

Great scooter, I have the 400ie 2009 model and it is simplely the greatest! I enjoy riding it. Great fun and great machine.

[@chiconian49]

I've seen one parked in front of my favorite coffee shop and was mildly curious, now I'm impressed. Fantastic suspension!

[@MaxPower-vf8kt]

Some riders laugh at things like this but those with disabilities, hip/knee problems, a spouse who doesn't want them on a bike, those who are older or even those not confident on a two-wheeled bike now have an option that otherwise, they wouldn't. I'm in a wheelchair and have been wanting a Spyder for a longtime now as it'd also be really easy to throw my chair on. One day.

[@sross148]

this isn't at all like the Spyder. It still tips over if you don't hold it up or master the steering lock at very low speeds. Not really safe for a person wheelchair bound. Instead this is a scooter that achieves the cornering and rough surface stabiliy of a motorcycle, but easier to manage day to day than a motorcycle, more comfy.

[@MaxPower-vf8kt]

True. Which is why I still have my eye on the Spyder ;P Although if it locks at low speeds, it'd work. I've ridden dirt bikes before and just aimed to stop next to a friend or a tree to lean on. Balance isn't an issue. Just putting my feet down is a problem, HA.

[@geebeedee3578]

Hi there Sross, 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 ? Thanks, Gee

[@apkn1955]

My wife is in a chair and has looked at two up riders and I can tell she has that dream even though she does not complain. I can see it in her face. The spider is a great option for some with mobility challenges. Just the stability when getting on is great. I hope a spider works out for you. The best of luck.

[@MultiNemesis101]

yep I second that...

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

it does .... it is the guy that arrived at work 2 hours before you did, while you where stuck in the traffic jam. Have a big bike for fun, have this one for work/practical reasons.

[@likearaptor]

I ride mine year round in Idaho. I don't ride it purposely if the roads are iced over, but if I am at work and get stuck in a storm while I'm there I'll still drive it home (4 1/2 miles). It is fun to lock up the suspension and hit the back brake. Reminds me of being in a pickup truck with no ABS. I'm extra careful in the slick conditions take off and stopping are areas I am very cautious and the same on turns.

[@oferikola]

I had this scooter, It is great ! will not slip on wet asphalt or on Oil stains ! and you dont get you feet wet in the winter while waiting for the green light.

[@likearaptor]

I've pushed my 250 full throttle all throughout town and easily get aorund 60 mpg. I have gotten up to 70 mpg on only in town driving and around 60-65 mpg going on long trips (speeds up to 75 mph/8000 rpm) no problem 12,000+ miles in 2 years

[@freeair7292]

Yes good scooter

[@jessecondit2211]

We own one of these scooter's and have had no troubles , I get anywhere from 65 to 75 mpg on a 60 mile commute each way. I've never owned anything like it!

[@lionelhowell4972]

mixing the oil with the gas is inconvenient, just like a snowblower.. need straight gas one only

[@9988ScooterGirl]

@@lionelhowell4972 What century are you living in? The MP3 is NOT a two stroke. It's a single cylinder 4 stroke.

[@lionelhowell4972]

@@9988ScooterGirl you need to learn to listen!!! he said in this model that you have to mix the oil with the gas. yes, it's a 4 stroke but listen to what the representative says about this unit...

[@1966johnnywayne]

@@lionelhowell4972 3:20 "It's a four stroke engine, so you DON'T have to mix oil and gas"

[@claycelblogthefarmerfamily]

I have a Yamaha tricity. Two wheels on front also. I love it.

[@txsphere]

Professor Leno explaining things so us not so gear heads can understand. Thanks.

[@esaedvik]

The hook is for bags or groceries etc :) Had an old 125cc Piaggio Skipper for 2 summers. Really nice ride and you were never a clog in traffic or anything. Really flies.

[@treborturnoff]

impressive execution by Piaggio, Makes more sense then the can am spyder as you can still get the rewarding sensation of banking into coners

[@abcerase87700]

Jay got off the scooter like he would when doing so from a motorcycle. Scooter riders would just slide one foot to the other side from the front and not over from the back.

[@GaryRittinger]

Great review and I am a huge Jay Leno dan... I have the mp3 500 with some mods... makes a great commuter bike. Gets about 55-60 mpg. Less if I drive agressively. It is a fun and very stable bike. Greatly enjoy it!

[@freeair7292]

Yes it is great

[@dvlarry]

Jay Leno-best automotive reviewer on the planet.

[@trefod]

True. It's less popular here in Denmark. We have the narrow streets for it, but eight months of the year it rains and snows and anybody on a scooter would be miserable.

[@dave_thomas]

Hey Jay Leno can you please do a review on the 2017 Quadro 4 Wheel Scooter. It's similar to this trike but with 4 wheels.

[@Danno382]

Do it!

[@dave_thomas]

@@Danno382 I know right. Sorry Jay Leno for coming off like I'm some sort of KZbin commander.🌿

[@stiggibombastic]

I have a 500 sport, 2018. Heavy, but super comfort, made for cold days in Norway. Wish it came in 600cc or bigger 🙂

[@Tyler3209]

But now yamaha made a real bike like this. So we have a badass dual front fork motorcycle with some actual balls in the engine. Check out the niken if you havent yet.

[@makjac46]

If I had money (remember that stuff?) I'd be on one now, making great sense to me.

[@GrandpaOnATunedScooter]

Seeing Jay Leno on the mp3 makes it look kinda 😎

[@thieuswinkels]

I have a mp3 500 sport with a giannelli exhaust. The power in this is spectacular

[@krisraps]

This 3 Wheeler is Just AMAZINg, I Mean, brilliant !!!

[@genegoodwin8925]

I think the real advantage of a MP4 is the tilt lock system. My wife walks with a walker and can climb on a three wheeled machine whereas a two wheeled machine would fall over. We have a $37,000 HD Tri Glide and it is fine , but it doesn't lean. With a MP3 which stays up right at a stop and leans in the curves you have the best of both worlds. There are a lot of disabled people who would benifit with the tilt lock system of a MP3. I would benifit because I could sabe $27,000.

[@slev-e7h]

And 500cc version with different styling is even more impressive!)

[@brucebyrnes5996]

They are fun to drive. I own 2009 mp3.

[@JohnPMiller]

These are very popular in Paris, because, until recently, you didn't need a special motorcycle license. The law changed in January, so sales may slow. The MP3 is one of the many vehicles that zooms by me while I'm stuck in traffic.

[@GladiusYTR]

extremely popular in Italy, you find these weaving all over traffic. Best thing about it is you don't have to worry about rain or slippery conditions when you're commuting.

[@greedygekko]

That's the coolest Thing on Earth

[@okm88]

NSW Ambulance service had them but got rid of them because they were breaking down so much and spent more time getting fixed then saving lives.

[@detroitbluesguy]

Thanks..always wanted to know about the 3 wheeler.

[@cuddles6938]

Unfortunately here in Washington, our license department is anal, you still have to take a motorcycle class for a 3wheel scooter.

[@matrixitalia7575]

this is the best scooter ever made! :) nice review m8 :)

[@JayDillon-mm6yv]

I like Piaggio based on my Typhoon 50cc with Continuously Variable Transmission, which I really like a lot.

[@Moleanimationchannel]

With the added weight up front this bike feels really stable at speed. I love it. But you only want the 500cc version with ABS/ATS

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

In the UK you can get a version with slightly larger track on the front wheels meaning...it's a three-wheeler, not a bike and you can therefore use a car licence. Pretty cool idea...

[@chrisnavin6668]

Jay needs to do a show on what’s his favorite car show

[@edqt]

Max. Speed: 77 mph Gas Mileage: 60-65 mpg Displacement: 244.3 cc Gas Tank: 3.2 gallons Seat Height: 30.7" MSRP: $7199

[@CarAddictGarage]

Cool...like the way it turns, but I'm disappointed....Jay didn't do the front brake wheelie!!! lol

[@JayDillon-mm6yv]

The gyroscopic balance of a motor scooter or motorcycle is half the fun of being on the road. I would miss it I think.

[@alexukfg]

Well said:cool things are made in Italy too!

[@505197]

It makes me want to roll the Honda Helix out and take it for a ride. I enjoy the heck out of that scooter, it's so handy for running around town. I have a couple of BMW bikes and reciently bought a nice GSX550ES for next to nothing. But the Helix is still a lot of fun, it'll hit 75 mph and get's 65 or so miles to the gallon at a steady 55mph.

[@thierryfrentz2427]

Man, that helmet can still not hide that famous chin of yours. Keep it up Mr. Leno. Greetings from Luxembourg;-)

[@johnhamel9222]

I want to see the front suspension fitted on the back of a harley or gold wing trike that would be neat to see a trike leaning into a curve.

[@clavo3352]

Very surprised Jay didn't criticize the liquid cooling maintenance headache.

[@masterofsaveloy]

Jay just vaults over that fool’s “congestion and parking problems” comment. He doesn’t even give it the oxygen of a reply. He, in effect, summarily executes the foolishness with a double tap and then just walks away. Cold.

[@bikerbeliever8169]

This is a neat vehicle. Technology is crazy.

[@klausnikski]

Does it beep every time you move away?

[@thomaslewis7883]

this type vehicle with tilting could be packaged in a fully enclosed body,using 3 or 4 wheeled tilting.The fuel gains with streamlining are incredible,almost double in most cases.Add a door to gain entry and exit,a small electric power ac compressor,sedan type seating,you would think your in your BMW,Its just a matter of time,a revolution will begin

[@TanmayvMukim]

Want to know more about rotation sensor & it's working in this bike..I'm searching on web but not getting the right information except designs related to it

[@TanmayvMukim]

Interested in Antirolling system used in this bike too....kindly make one video on it.

[@Ruxpinx]

should review a dual clutch/auto motorcycle... would be interesting

[@rizalinainfante7583]

Nice.Whennit will be available in the Philippines I like it for my transpo going to work

[@geebeedee3578]

Hi Jay, 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 ? Thanks, Gee

[@WillPG12]

It's the only motorcycle Jeremy Clarkson would be comfortable to drive. Great video Jay

[@666firehead]

Now they have the new quadro 4 piaggio, same concept bigger engine, they are not Harleys or super bikes but really fun to drive

[@OstrichWrestler]

It is the noise the suspension lock makes when locking or unlocking. Kinda silly if you ask me but perhaps it was never intended to be used at a street light.

[@simes205]

These have been in Europe for years, unfortunately they are crap for filtering through London traffic. However in the wet or hanging the back out on a roundabout they are excellent!

[@jhnbrwnnn]

I love how there is no commercials !

[@gemmastone285]

Mark Fullerton it depends on what country you are in..here in the UK my local dealer in are second to none. ..They deal with all types from the huge harley Davidson to the more humble 50 cc scooter

[@andrewhall2554]

Notice the "No Pets" warning sticking in the rear compartment (4:33)...

[@terraria103]

Excellent design. Someone did their thinking

[@keithhogg6195]

Are they being sold in the US? If so where?

[@fofalooza]

That would be such a strange sensation. Like going from a manual to an automatic but instead of hunting for a clutch pedal, your foot is hunting asphalt.

[@roywalls5595]

I thinking buy use one because i can not afford new one! Mr. Jay

[@SgtStinger]

guess where the rockstar guys got their inspitration from? Piaggio is quite old, it was founded in 1884, and started making motorcycles 1946, when they started producing the famous Vespa.

[@colinclarke4285]

+dirk bowman as gemma says in the UK the laws are different. ..it the wheels are more than 46 cm apart then it counts as a tricycle. .In the EU driving licences are harmonised...Therefore are British licence is recognised in every other EU country. ..piaggio have engineered the mp3 500 around the legislation allowing holders of ordinary car driving licences to ride one without the need to take a motorcycle test

[@birddog3130]

This is Jay....when he was young.

[@Fatelvis2]

3:03 I was on a 3 wheeled electric scooter I hit the front brake and went end over end yet when I watch videos they say you stop with the front what did I do wrong ?

[@joshuakalaniparks9084]

Everything

[@fobudomh]

Would love to buy that but was that a one seater ?

[@MisterMooo]

It is a two seater but the pillion seat looks a bit impractical. I think this model is discontinued, so alternatives of this scooter include the Piaggio Yourban (lastest version), larger Gilera Fuoco and upcoming Yamaha TriCity.

[@ralajang]

Why only 480p? Same with the the recent Aprilla 850 video Got used to 720 and 1080....

[@H76Pro]

I really love Jay's reviews!

[@strait836]

Unless you're going round the block to get some shopping in your safari shorts or jeans, that you forgot to get going back home; try going in a suit on this to a meeting in +45 deg Celsius or in some of the summer deluge rains like in France....that's why people drag not just 4K lbs but up to 8k lbs of mobile luxury, sort of a continuum to the Board Meeting Room atmosphere.

[@MIGHTYcbu]

Beautiful and practical. Does is have a reverse? Btw CVT was invented by a Dutch carcompany called DAF.

[@apsracing5852]

Jay, as always, enjoy your videos. Is there a reverse or is it like any other bike where you have to push back with your legs.

[@iordeebeat]

the only motorcycle I know with reverse gear is the extra heavy Honda Gold Wing. That MP3 (that BTW I own) is a little heavier that the standard light scooter but the same weight as most medium motorcycles. Feet suffice to move it backwards.

[@petrindodona3352]

Jay can you pleaseeeeeee do a old Vespa? it was all different from others with engine in the back and aero type front suspension. Looking forward :)

[@infinati]

I love the suspension on this thing. Very sexy. Too bad Jay didn't give us a look under the plastics!

[@adrian17cy]

those beep beep came from the scooter? are those for warning?

[@thomaslewis7883]

great technology,a 4 wheeled version in a aerodynamic body is the future

[@StevenWillmy]

3:25 "electronic ignition so you gotta stop on it to get going" lmao wut

[@bf109e4trop]

I live in Sardinia, where the climate does not reach the extremes that have the Denmark.But it's true impossible to drive on a scooter in the snows!

[@laughingstalk1343]

Because the Can-Am Spyder doesn't lean into turns. And it's much bigger and harder to park. And you have to be careful not to "floor" the throttle when turning left, as you have to brace yourself against it, because it doesn't lean into turns. To a novice, it feels like it should be easier to maneuver than it actually is. Looks cool, though.

[@aydinvideo]

I wanted to see him taking it around corners :( Come on Jay, you got to do more through testing!!

[@BR549COL]

What's it like on snow ?

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

This is pretty cool. I'd like to test it out to its limits :)

[@moaski]

What was up with the high-pitched beeping whenever the scooter begins to move?

[@sandro14esandro14e]

moaski that’s for loud traffic areas to let you know when wheels are locked

[@Hydrographer1]

very informative, I have been riding since 1964, all kinds of bikes, I have a Piaggio 150 fly, good scooter. love the look of the 500cc Piaggio 3 wheeler,,, with gas at $4, scooters 150 cc or 250 very popular.

[@diwansingh8068]

Craig Wilson I

[@techmaven5900]

Jay, is this scooter a heavy??

[@roush26]

It looks fun to drive. Do I need a motorcycle license? How much does one cost? I read somewhere $360. Don't think that's true.

[@tarametalbabe]

lol no pets at 7: 15