This is freaky. It's so freaky that Warren D'sylva might just be willing to start riding to work once again

“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz? Actually, that may be pushing it a bit, so forget the Merc and get me a Piaggio MP3!” It’s freaking awesome. I haven’t ridden one nor have Iseen one in the flesh, but then again, the same goes for the Russian circus girls I see on television. I’ve prayed for those too, but all I’ve got so far is an obese Hema Malini lookalike waving at me at the Jumbo circus in Bandra. Somebody once said that good things come to those who wait. I think it was Robert De Niro. Whoever it was, I’m going to heed their advice and wait. But will something like the Piaggio MP3 ever come to India? My guess is not even in the fairly distant future. So for now, I will just read about such things. Ivan Magot has just been tempting me with a piece that he’s written about the Piaggio MP3 in L’Automobile.
First things first, the Piaggio MP3 is not some kind of pocket music player. It’s just a model number because the first Vespa was called the MP6 (internal code name in 1946) and 60 years later they’re using the same nomenclature. The revolution however, is that they’ve added a second wheel to the front of the scooter. It’s called the Piaggio GT. It took 3.5 yearsto develop this product. The idea was to put two independent wheels in the front to give a certain sense of direction and ability to corner. The solution was to provide a kind of deformable parallelogram which comprised of four aluminium arms in articulation hidden behind the nose of
the scooter. This ensemble consists of two oscillating independent arms, each connected to one wheel along with shock absorbers and a disc.
This principal called the quadrilatero is more efficient when mated to a mechanical hydraulic system than with an electronic system. The idea was to develop a vehicle that also attracted the enthusiast and at the same time keeping in mind non bike enthusiasts.
The front assembly is far more stable than any scooter. It grips the road even when tailing other vehicles, providing top performance in total safety. The full extent of this three-wheeler’s stability can be tested on wet asphalt or tough riding conditions that would sorely challenge a traditional two-wheeler.
With its compact super-scooter size and exceptional maneuverability, the Piaggio MP3 is at home in traffic. It’s a cinch to park: an electro-hydraulic suspension locking system means there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand.
It requires far less braking space than any scooter – the three-disk braking system and exceptional front-end road holding reduce braking space by 20 percent compared to the best scooters.
The MP3 is available in two engine displacements, a Piaggio Quasar 250 ie and a Leader 125. The Quasar 250 ie is the all-new Piaggio 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine that already meets Euro 3 standards. The advanced closed loop injection with a Lambda sensor, together with a three-way catalytic converter and electronic ignition control system, considerably reduces emissions as well as fuel consumption and provides immediate throttle response. As a result, the MP3 is fun to ride, quick off the mark in traffic and comfortable with short motorway trips as well as extended touring.
The Piaggio MP3 125cc version uses a latest-generation 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled Leader engine, also compatible with Euro 3 standards. The improved variator provides for an even smoother and more progressive power output, enhancing the easy-ride features of this engine category, perfectly suited to city commutes.
The Piaggio MP3has an exceptional range thanks to low fuel consumption by both engines (about 25kpl) and a sizeable 12-litre fuel tank. The riding style is a tad too upright. But it feels like a normal scooter. The steering is very precise and the ride comfort is excellent. This innovative vehicle marks the start of a new personal transport revolution from Piaggio. So again, Lord, won’t you buy me a Piaggio MP3? Please, pretty please?