These vehicles always look to me like they belong in a Matrix film, but it appears that they’re actually very nifty for city and touring use.
In 2009 Piaggio MP3 will be presented with some updated technology that will improve the Piaggio offering in the GT segment.
The MP3 125cc version includes electronic ignition and Ride by Wire technology for acceleration control.
This is some dedicated attention from Piaggio for a vehicle of its kind.
After the jump are technical details from the press release and plenty of photos of the Piaggio MP3 2009.
Launched in 2006, the Piaggio MP3 took the world by storm with its two front independent tilting wheels.
Over 30 thousand MP3s sold all over the world made this absolutely innovative project a resounding success, a project that redefined the concept of dynamic stability.
For 2009 the Piaggio MP3 comes with a series of technical and aesthetic developments that reinforce its image, and its mission as the Piaggio flagship in the most prestigious GT segmentThe 125 cc version of the MP3 is fitted with electronic injection and the revolutionary Ride by Wire system for the electronic control of the accelerator – the first scooter on the market to be equipped with this system.
On the MP3 125 ie there is no mechanical connection between the accelerator and the throttle valve which, located in the intake manifold, varies the quantity of air to mix with the petrol.
The result of the electronic control of this fundamental phase for the engine is optimized carburation: the fuel/air mix injected into the combustion chamber is always perfectly calibrated to suit the driving conditions of the vehicle.
Improved fluidity on the road means greater driving comfort, the torque curve is flatter, power and maximum torque are delivered at lower revs (respectively 250 and 1,000 rpm lower than the carburettor version).
Fuel consumption is noticeably lower too (more than 20% less than the carburettor version) and emissions are also lower, way below the limits of the law.
The cooling system has also changed for the MP3 125 ie engine, which is now managed by an electronic system, to guarantee less energy absorption and better fuel economy.
The scheduled maintenance on the Piaggio MP3 125 ie engine is much more convenient, with interventions every 10,000 km, instead of every 6,000 km for the carburettor version.
The MP3 125 ie also has a new transmission casing, designed to reduce transmission noise.
Engine Piaggio QUASAR single cylinder 4 strokeDisplacement 244,3 cc.
Bore x stroke 72 mm/60 mmPower 22.
5 HP at 8,250 rpmTorque 21 Nm at 6,500 rpmValve gear Single overhead cam (SOHC), 4 valvesFuel system Electronic fuel injectionCooling Liquid cooledLubrication Wet sumpStarting ElectricGearbox Twist and go CVT transmission with torque assistanceClutch Automatic dry centrifugal clutchFrame High strength tubular steel double cradleFront suspension Tilting parallelogram with four aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes.
Cantilever stub axles on leading suspension linkages.
Wheel travel 85mmRear suspension Two double acting hydraulic shock absorbers – Wheel travel: 110mmFront brake Two 240 mm discsRear brake 240 mm discFront wheel Aluminium alloy – 12″ x 3.
00Rear wheel Aluminium alloy – 14″ x 3.
75Front tyre Tubeless 120/70-12″Rear tyre Tubeless 140/60-14″Length/Width 2,130 mm/745 mmWheelbase 1,490 mmSeat height 780 mmFuel tank capacity 12 litresHomologation EURO 3