Piaggio MP3

The Piaggio MP3 (an acronym of Moto Piaggio a 3 ruote, Italian for "Piaggio motorcycle with 3 wheels") is a tilting three-wheeled scooter from the Italian manufacturer Piaggio. It was first brought to market in 2006. It has two wheels in the front and one at the rear. In Europe, the 500 cc version is marketed under the sporty Gilera brand, called the Fuoco 500. In the United States, the 125 cc is not available, and the Fuoco is marketed as the Piaggio MP3 500. In June 2009, the MP3 LT 400 was launched in the UK.

This version has a slightly wider front track allowing it to be classified as a tricycle rather than as a motorcycle (as are the other versions). This allows the LT400 variant to be 'driven' on a standard UK car licence rather than the motorcycle licence required for the original versions. Because of its unique three-wheel mechanism, it can be brought to a stop and parked like a car, without using a traditional kickstand or centre stand.

The front suspension is similar to the single-sided trailing arm of Vespa-style suspensions, linked by an alloy parallelogram and a central steering arm. Care must be taken when the vehicle is stationary as the suspension rolllock is disengaged when the engine speed exceeds 2,500 rpm. When moving at slow speeds or stopped, the rider must maintain balance through forward motion or with feet on the ground. The front suspension locks or unlocks with the flick of a switch, located just below the throttle on the right handlebar.

The suspension lock can be activated only manually, and only at low speeds or at a stop. A parking brake is used in conjunction with the locking mechanism to park the bike. A traditional center stand also is provided, useful in situations where the suspension cannot be locked, such as with a dead battery. Well, I really want this motorcycle since I was studied in senior high school. One day if I have a lot of money, I will buy one of it and ride it everytime I want. Wish me luck! 


(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaggio_MP3)