Piaggio MP3 350 Sport

Overview

Piaggio steps up its backwards-leaning-trike game with brushed up looks and a brand new 350 cc engine. The larger engine replaces the 300 and promises greater performance to go with its urbanite looks and unique front-suspension system that delivers a safe and stable ride without sacrificing the feeling of flight that makes leaning into the corners so much fun. Electronic safety features bolster the inherent stability of the Delta-trike design to make the MP3 as safe as possible, and Piaggio seems to have accomplished that with a trifecta of features that work together to provide overlapping safety nets.

Overall, the MP3 strikes the same elegant, urban-professional tone as before, but with some automotive-industry influence this time ’round. A new grid leads the way and dominates the head-on visage from its central location in the front fairing. Spray from the front wheels is contained by individual front fenders, but the fairing opens up to double as a decorative cowl that keeps the machinations of the machinery hidden from casual view before flowing into the legguards to form an automotive-style wheelwell.

The headlights come split with individual brows that give the MP3 a face of sorts, and it is topped by a tall, smoked windshield that comes vented to reduce turbulence with a three-position adjuster that lets you dial it in for comfort. Short standoffs mount the new LED turn signals, and that gets matched by the rear blinkers for excellent visibility to the surrounding traffic.

Behind the “glass,” the instrument cluster gets a brow of its own to shield against glare, and a minimal handlebar fairing cleans up the bars quite nicely without going overboard with too much bulk, even with the built-in handguards. The steering column sports a helmet hook down before opening up to about a half-a-step-through that is sure to make mounting easier than on a proper motorcycle, but still manages to ruin the handy cargo space between the feet.

An all-new saddle cradles the rider’s butt with an updated cover, foam and stitching, plus a new passenger backrest to go with the new pillion dimensions for increased comfort all around. The flip-up seat covers a voluminous storage compartment that will carry two full-face helmets or a laptop, and a small compartment in the inner fairing comes with a USB port to charge your mobile devices, and that’s plenty of room for most commuter/grocery-getter missions.

A generous grab rail finishes out the passenger’s amenities with a molded-in taillight and mudguard/plateholder to complete the rear end. All-in-all, a very modern-looking ride, and a mature one as well; none of that entry-level/kiddie bait to be found in this family.

A proper tubular-steel underframe supports the structure, and of course, the front suspension is a technological marvel that articulates each of the front wheels independently of the other while keeping them parallel, if not on the same plane. The result is a supple suspension system that provides both stability and agility. It’s no wonder why the original MP3 was so well received in areas that still have cobblestone streets. The dual front wheels and sensitive suspension maintains its grip on the road, even under adverse conditions.

Yeah, it’s a huge boon for safety, and the factory doubles down on that angle with an ABS feature that provides another layer of traction protection. Each front wheel bears a wave-cut, 258 mm brake disc and integrated caliper that shares pressure with the other anchors for balanced brake effort and even more stability insurance. Cast rims mount the 110/70-13 front hoops and the 140/60-14 rear, and of course since it’s a scooter, the rear wheel bolts to a swing-mount drive unit that uses the engine and transmission as a stressed unit that replaces the swingarm. Coil-over shocks support both ends, but there’s nothing in the way of higher suspension tweaks to be found.

An all-new engine drives the MP3 350 this year, and the new mill runs a modern-and-clean, four-stroke, liquid-cooled configuration. It replaces the plant in the outgoing MP3 300 with a 78 mm bore and 69 mm stroke that gives it an actual displacement of 330 cc. Meh, callin’ it a “350” is close enough for government work.

A reed-valve in the crankcase uses the pumping action of the piston to evacuate the oil from the cases in a power-saving, dry-sump arrangement that also prevents sloshing and the foaming that inevitably follows. A single OHC actuates the four-valve head with roller-tappets to reduce wear and prolong engine life. All good stuff right? Well it gets better. A multi-plate, centrifugal clutch couples power to the CVT rather than the typical dry clutch — another wear-saving measure — and the gearbox uses the usual belt and variable-pulley system in lieu of actual gears for twist-and-go operation.

Power figures are still sketchy. All I have from the factory is a vague claim of “over 30 horsepower,” but what I do know is that the factory means for you to keep it all under control. In a move rarely seen at this displacement, Piaggio graced the MP3 with an Acceleration Slip Regulation feature. This traction control system provides the final layer of safety net for the rider, and really puts the MP3 over the top for its safety and stability.

Direct competitors are hard to pick for this sled. Yamaha has its Tricity in other markets, but haven’t been seen on our shores since, oh, about the time of the lawsuit. There are plenty of two-in-back trikes that arguably could qualify as a scooter, but they’re all small-displacement rides that are more like novelty items than serious commuters. The MP3 rates right up there in looks with the business-class rides from BMW such as the C 650 GT, and honestly, hits the same pertinent electronic high-notes with a comparable level of safety/stability; moreso even, given the inherently stable and grippy front end on the MP3. I expect the MP3 350 ABS to appeal to the same sort of crowd with some buyers that will be on-board simply because of the clever design and safety features.

Source Tip Speed