And no, it does not look like the iconic Indian auto.
MP3: Ain’t about music only
Named MP3, the vehicle has two front wheels to provide stability - and it doesn't need a parking stand.
Piaggio claims a linked braking system - with three 240mm discs and better front-end road holding - reduces braking distance by 20 per cent over its competitors.
Ready to Trike
A 250CC model will go on sale in Italy in June for about €5,000. Export models will have a 125CC engine.
The company wants the trike to be a big hit on the streets of Europe as well as in Asia and the US as the price of oil soars to record levels.
Computer-aided Design
The front styling is shaped in a wind tunnel and owes more to car design than motorcycle practice; the headlights are a single, shock-resistant unit and splashguards protect the rider and the trike.
The 65-litre under-seat storage area can be accessed either via a body-colour lid, or by lifting the seat - each activated by a remote button on the ignition key.
Lock-up Parking
To park the MP3, the rider needs to press a switch on the handlebars to activate a system that locks the tilt mechanism with a central clamp and generates hydraulic pressure to lock the suspension dampers.
The system only operates if the scooter is travelling at less than 10km/hr or the engine rotating at less than 3000 RPM, closing the throttle below the cutoff.
Heart of Matter
The MP3 will be available with a choice of two engines, the 250CC fuel-injected Quasar engine and a 125CC Leader engine already used in several conventional Piaggio scooters.
The Quasar 250ie is quad-valve, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with closed-loop injection, Lambda sensor, three-way catalytic converter electronic ignition control system. Piaggio quotes 16.5kW at 8250 RPM and 21 at 6750 RPM, for a top speed of 125km/h.
Safety Saves
Each engine complies with Euro 3 emission standards and Piaggio quotes the same fuel consumption - four litres/100km - giving a theoretical range of 300km from the MP3's 12-litre fuel tank.
The 250cc MP3 will only be available in Italy; the rest of the world will have to make do with the 125cc.
