Piaggio MP3 reviews

If you want a bike to bring back the grins, this just might be it. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and I still go out to look in amazement in the garage. Over 15,000 miles of Texas cruisin'. This just might be the ultimate cruiser. The handling in wet weather is something to behold. It travels the freeways great. Incredibly smooth engine at all speeds. Has a great little ring hook on the front between your legs to put the groceries you don't want to crush, or for when you pick up dinner. Gas mileage is so sweet too. That needle hardly ever moves. Show less

I purchased this top grade machine in April 2008 and have logged 3600 miles in 8 months. I have used it in all kinds of weather (mid 30 degrees to high 90s) and have encountered no problems whatsoever. I have also ridden two-up for 150 miles at a time. As a past owner of 1300cc 120hp I have nothing but praise for my MP3. Take one for a ride. You'll be surprised how much fun 34hp can be. Show less

My wife just purchased this bike last week and we already have over 500 miles on it. Took it on a long ride in the country and it performed well in all conditions...open road 65+ mph, high speed twisties, rolling hills and even gravel roads! My wife rode a motorcycle for several years, but gave it up after a couple of low speed spills. She was always looking for something more stable and the MP3 is definitely the answer. This bike won't break any land speed records, but that's not what it was built to do. Its main attributes are the incredibly stable agility, powerful braking ability and smooth ride. I find the bike a bit tight (5ft 11in w/34in inseam), but I like to stretch out on my Burgman 650 or even my other Vespa GT200. The dealer even cut us a deal for being the first MP3 sale ... knocked off $. Make sure to contact your insurance company before buying, Progressive gave me all kinds of flack and almost wouldn't cover the bike. Enjoy the ride! Show less

I've had my motorcycle license for 2 years and rode a borrowed BMW Airhead the first summer. I was not able to ride last year due to health reasons. I thought my dreams of riding again were over until we saw the MP3!! I feel confident on this stable ride to keep up with the rest of my BMW riding in-laws! The design is very well thought out and they paid close attention to the details. I've almost been the cause of many near accidents as people turkey-neck and double-take as they admire the ride and ask, 'What is that?' 'I've never seen anything like that before!' They shake their head in amazement as I demonstrate how the front wheels can be locked to hold the bike and ride up. Then they stand there and wait for me to take off so they can watch how it corners! This has become my daily ride to work. First, because it's so much fun to ride. Second, because of gas prices. But mostly because it's so much fun. You can fit 4-6 bags of groceries in the back storage compartment - great for on the way home from work to pick up dinner. My husband opts to ride my MP3 over his 1990 BMW K75 because it's so much fun to ride. I love the curvy roads on this ride! Downside: I rode on the back one day while my husband drove - the seat is comfortable, the grips are in a great location and adequately sized - however, there's not much room for your feet! My heels can fit in the designated area, but the front half of my foot was getting in the way of the driver on take-offs and they were just hang'n out there in the air. Would love to see the 500 cc in the US! The 250cc has good speed for in-town driving and short interstate rides. Top speed is advertised as 80, but on a real windy spring day, you top out at 70. Show less

Everything you've heard about the MP3 is true. Extremely planted around bends, rock steady in the harshest weather. What I've enjoyed most in my first 1000 km is the little things - not putting my feet down once in my 20 km morning commute, not having to use a kickstand, parking on hills sideways because you can lock it in a compensating lean, etc. etc. And it leans in corners like I'm some squid on a racetrack, except with 10 times the security courtesy of the extra front traction. I've commuted on a Burgman 650, Aprilia Atlantic, BMW K-Bike etc. This is by far the most comfortable and secure feeling of them all, and frankly the most fun too. The front suspension lock takes some time to get used to but eventually became quite automatic. Enough power for the highway. Could use more, but then, what couldn't? So far has been perfectly reliable, which has been a relief considering all the electronic and electro-hydraulic wizardry. Gripes: No glovebox (inexcusable if you peek behind the plastic and see all the room there underseat storage is roomy but pretty shallow; heated grips should be standard, as should an underseat accessory socket; complicated suspension mechanisms make the front end difficult to properly clean. It seems strange to me that this thing's been out for almost a year in Europe and no one seems to be making power accessories for it. Wouldn't mind a better pipe and intake remap to wring even 2-5 more HP out of the little motor. Show less