Piaggio MP3 500 ABS - Anyone Know Anything About Them?

[cookiemech]

I'm not sure why, but I have become somewhat obsessed with these:

http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooter/mp3-500-sport-abs.html

There does not seem to be an active forum with members who own them, so I'm asking here, as there is at least SOME connection to them . . .

Anyone own one of the newer ones (I think a redesign was done around 2015/2016)? Tell me why I would hate it (that's what I'd rather hear, so I don't buy one). Are they suitable for a taller rider (6'1", 160 pounds)? Is it possible to obtain service information for them (service manual, either pdf or hardcopy)? I do all my own work and don't want to be at the mercy of a dealer . . . I'd just not buy at all.

I have plenty of motorcycles and just think these are interesting. Maybe they aren't, and maybe they're just different and strange.

The closest dealer that claims to have one is about 125 miles away. Price doesn't seem too bad, either.

[Zinfan]

Is the Modern Vespa MP3 board no longer current?  http://modernvespa.com/forum/forum13

[cookiemech]

Is the Modern Vespa MP3 board no longer current?  http://modernvespa.com/forum/forum13

Thank you. I hadn't found this forum!

[Sasquatch Jim]

 It weighs as much as the average cruiser, nearly 600 pounds.

[Murray]

It weighs as much as the average cruiser, nearly 600 pounds.

That you'll never need to pick up!

[old as dirt 2]

I own an 08  from brand new and still have it, its a great machine. I also service  quite a few of the for folks here in Tn as there is no dealers anymore in East Tn. closest ones are Marietta Georgia (3 hrs)that I would use, the dealer in Nashville (2 hrs) doesn't have a good rep.

Modern vespa is the place to be for the forum like Zinfan said.

[Sheepdog]

I have a 2005 Piaggio BV500. I know that it's not an MP3, but I wanted to speak to the general Piaggio experience: The voltage regulator had to be replaced (the newer one seems to be a big improvement) and there are some parasitic electrical loads that force you to keep a float charger on it between uses, but it has been a joy to own and ride. It took my father-in-law to Denver from here in South Louisiana...

[Arizona Wayne]

I have both a `07 250 & `09 400 MP3s, both of which are pretty much trouble free.  Unfortunately the 500 MP3s don't have the same record, no matter what year they were made.  Just being honest with you. 

[Tom]

They have less trunk space than the smaller ones.

[Arizona Wayne]

They have less trunk space than the smaller ones.

There's only a 5 mph difference between the 400 & 500 top speeds too.  90 vs. 95.

[cookiemech]

I have both a `07 250 & `09 400 MP3s, both of which are pretty much trouble free.  Unfortunately the 500 MP3s don't have the same record, no matter what year they were made.  Just being honest with you. 

Yeah, after spending an hour or so on the Modern Vespa forum, it was pretty clear that there are some widespread issues that don't seem to be getting resolved.

I think maybe I'm cured . . . 

[pete roper]

Get a Mana instead. Dirt cheap and very few mechanical issues.

[cookiemech]

Get a Mana instead. Dirt cheap and very few mechanical issues.

Thanks, but not looking for cheap. I assume you're talking about the Aprilia Mana, which appears to be a motorcycle/scooter crossover. I have plenty of two-wheel motorcycles; just was fascinated with the layout and features of the MP3 500. Since Piaggio writes the ad copy, it stands to reason that it all looks rosy . . . 

[old as dirt 2]

There's only a 5 mph difference between the 400 & 500 top speeds too.  90 vs. 95.

you have a slow 400. I can GPS my 500 at 105+ easily, I have another I service and he can do 103+ and is mad at me cause mine is a tad faster. they are set up exactly the same.

[old as dirt 2]

Yeah, after spending an hour or so on the Modern Vespa forum, it was pretty clear that there are some widespread issues that don't seem to be getting resolved.

I think maybe I'm cured . . . 

there is always going to be issues with any machine and the ones having issues always seem for front.  the ones not having issues you never hear about. Like I said I have had mine since new in 08 and I ride it fairly hard , no issues. I am a bit more anal about maintenance than most, like changing tires way before the wear bars, oil changes at 3000, fresh plugs at 6000, belts at 6000, stuff like that.

[Tom]

Who's heavier?  Riders tend to forget air pressure in their tires and their personal weight package.

[Ronkom]

I have an '09 MP3-500 bought as a NOS left-over in mid 'i3. Shares my somewhat limited riding time w/my '98EV & '74 Eldo Police, and so only has a little over 4K miles. No issues, a blast to ride, Can't take it out w/out at least one  person checking it out & asking questions, great fun.
ronkom

[Arizona Wayne]

The 500s for some reason get cracked pistons or have oil blow by.  My 2 smaller MP3s have none of that.  Do all 500s have issues?  Maybe not, but how do you know yours won't?  I believe the 500s weigh more than the 400s, which weigh more than the 250s.

A healthy MP3 is great to ride or easy to move around when not running.  When stopped it's locked upright and you don't even need a sidestand.  It's easy to put on/off it's centerstand even when loaded up.   Never had a MC I could say that about.  With a top case I can carry more on my MP3s than any MC.  My 400 MP3 weighs 900 #when fully loaded for camping + me and I can still go up 6% grades @ 65 mph getting 60-65 mpg.   Can cruise @ 75-80 mph if I want to.    They're good in corners & wet weather too.  No fear of the front wheel washing out since you have 2 like a car. 

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Just curious, what happens on an MP3 if one of the front tires goes flat while riding? Does it pull to one side or continue going straight in a controllable way?

[Arizona Wayne]

Just curious, what happens on an MP3 if one of the front tires goes flat while riding? Does it pull to one side or continue going straight in a controllable way?

Don't know, never had it happen.  Probably does just like a car, pull to flat tire side, but the front tires are indpendantly sprung and you have control with a handlebar.  If 1 of your front tires goes over an object you hardly feel it, if at all. 

[cwiseman]

I just had a customer trade on in on a new V7, it's an off creature but fun to ride!

[willowstreetguzziguy]

With a car pulling to the right on a flat, it's easy to just steer left. With a bike... hmmm? But I'm sure they figured. Hat out or they wouldn't sell it.

[old as dirt 2]

With a car pulling to the right on a flat, it's easy to just steer left. With a bike... hmmm? But I'm sure they figured. Hat out or they wouldn't sell it.

during one of our mp3 gatherings last year we had an individual who hit a large rock. it ripped a hole in the inside part of the right tire. he slowed down and then stopped to check it out. yup a flat. he then rode the next 2 miles to our lunch spot at a very slow pace of course. we could not do anything so he called his wife and she left the camp are and came got him with his trailer.

[Zinfan]

I had a flat on my 2007 MP3 250ie and it was a bit sluggish but handled fine until I got home. I should mention it was a slow leak not completely flat.

[pete roper]

Thanks, but not looking for cheap.I assume you're talking about the Aprilia Mana, which appears to be a motorcycle/scooter crossover. I have plenty of two-wheel motorcycles; just was fascinated with the layout and features of the MP3 500. Since Piaggio writes the ad copy, it stands to reason that it all looks rosy . . . 

I wasn't suggesting you were, simply saying that if you were looking for an auto it's a good option and they can be had for little money compared to a brand new MP3, thassall.