 | CAD-designed down to the last detail, the PIAGGIO MP3 body offered excellent protection starting from the wind tunnel, where it was extensively tested. The front-end design is genuinely innovative in terms of technical features and concept, with car-style bodywork treatment. The headlamps and front fairing merge to form a single unit that enhances the vehicle’s dynamic look as well as providing extra rider protection. Shock-resistant splashguards on either side of the front shield protect the rider and the vehicle. The rear loading section has been designed to offer maximum comfort and storage capacity: a boot lid painted the same color as the bodywork provides access to the under seat storage. A substantial 65-litre (approx 15 gallons) storage capacity and dual access to the storage area, from the boot lid as well as by flipping up the seat, make the PIAGGIO MP3 extremely practical. The storage area comfortably holds two full-face helmets, a small bag and objects up to about three feet in length. The under seat storage also has a courtesy light and a seat cover for use when parking in rainy weather. A handy remote control button on the ignition key opens the seat lock and the rear boot lid. The rider can also open the fuel cap and rear boot lid with a single twist of the key in the ignition unit. |
 | The most advanced calculation programs and three-dimensional measurements were carried out from the initial phase of the PIAGGIO MP3 project to enhance the vehicle’s ergonomics. The result is a vehicle that offers top-of-the-line comfort, safety and ease of use. The front shield provides exceptional protection. An extremely comfortable seat adapted to riders of any size has been made to measure for the PIAGGIO MP3. Generous padding and the shape of the built-in backrest provides perfect ergonomical seating, while the saddle height of a mere 30.7” from the ground makes the vehicle easy to manoeuvre in any circumstances. The optimal height difference between the front and the rear parts of the saddle, in addition to the ideally located rear handgrips, ensure passenger comfort and protection. Once the rider has pressed the handlebar switch, the control unit only activates the electro-actuator if the vehicle is travelling at a speed in the range of 5–15 mph. The exact speed at which this takes place depends on the level of deceleration: the greater the deceleration, the higher the speed at which the tilt mechanism locks. Additionally, the mechanism will not lock unless the butterfly valve is closed and the engine is running at below 3000 rpm. To ensure rider safety, the tilt mechanism not only shuts off by pressing the handlebar switch, but is also automatically deactivated if vehicle speed exceeds 9 mph, if the butterfly valve is not fully closed or if engine rpm is higher than 3000. A lever on the inside of the front shield actions the parking brake, making it safe to park without using the stand even on sloping ground and making it possible to park the two front wheels where there is a height difference of up to 8 inches. The PIAGGIO MP3 dashboard provides comprehensive, at-a-glance trip information. It includes a speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature indicator, clock, trip and mileage odometer. Other features are a fuel reserve indicator, oil pressure, turn signals, low and high beam, seat or boot lid open warning and an Immobilizer LED. |
