MP3 - can they hack it?

Like a lot of folk out there, we at Bikepoint have been more than a little fascinated with the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeler, something that several rides on three model variants has so far failed to dull. Being such a novelty, it inevitably raises the question of how i twill do in every day use, over the long term.

We've scored a 400 version to find out and, the day we collected it, we packed with luggage and sent  it on a 1000km round trip into the countryside. Here are some initial impressions

THE BIKE
The basis of the unit is the unique leaning two-wheeled front end from the MP3 250 (the first of the series) tied to a chassis that, like the Gilera Fuoco, runs a longer wheelbase and a one-inch bigger (14-inch) rear wheel.

The bodywork is largely from the Piaggio X8 series, with the distinctive combination of a tilt-up seat and a separate boot lid at the rear.

There are three disc brakes on board, with two-piston callipers on the front and a single piston unit on the blunt end.

Power comes from a 399cc version of the 'Master' engine series, which means it's injected, liquid-cooled and runs four valves on the single cylinder. Claimed power is 34 horses at 7500rpm and 37Nm of torque at 5000. That's punting a fairly hefty 244 kilo (dry) package. Top speed is a claimed 142km/h, which is entirely believable.

The transmission is the usual twist and go auto set-up, and there's a 12-litre fuel tank on board. We're getting 22km/lt at 110 on the freeway and closer to 20km/lt for mixed use with (mostly) a 60 kilo rider plus luggage on board.

GETTING ALONG
Initial take-off is perhaps a little too gentle but it picks up its proverbial skirts by 20km/h and will see off all but the most aggressive traffic. Like most 400s, it has just that bit extra oomph over a 250 to make it a safer and more interesting proposition out on the highway.

The handling is slower and a little heavier than the 250 version. It will thread through traffic quite well, while its open road cornering is reassuring, particularly if you  brake and get on the throttle early through turns.

Where it shines is in slippery conditions - that extra front wheel gives a real sense of security in the wet.

The suspension is forgiving and the damping reasonably well controlled. In reality, the average unpredictable city back street or country side road won't faze it.

At close to 190cm in height, I found the ride position okay but not great while anyone up to the old 6-foot in height will be pretty damn happy. There is a lot of weather protection, something you appreciate if you get caught out in a shower.

It has a suspension locking mechanism for the front end, which means you can park without the centrestand, but remember to use the handbrake. The lock disengages automatically if you ride off and forget it, while the handbrake flashes a warning and buttons off the power if it's forgotten.

There's also a technique to wheeling it around in locked mode, which is not to grip both bars like you might on a motorcycle. Instead, grab a pillion rail (which are huge) with one hand to provide forward motion and steer it with the other as you walk alongside. It might sound weird, but works.

Overall, it's a terrific toy that will cope admirably with city work and even a decent tour into the countryside. Ours was a 900km round trip, which it did with ease.

The extra security from the front end is a major bonus and has no real effect on how you ride. At $11,990 ($1000 more than the 250 version), it offers a fascinating and very useful package.

We'll let you know how it goes over the long term.

Price: $11,990 plus ORC