Fuel economy was about average for a 250cc machine and quite good considering the increased weight and the fact that we rode the bike far harder than the average user will. I imagine you’ll see about a twenty percent improvement over our results with normal usage.

There were a few negatives aspects of the MP3 design. It is heavy (213kg); those locking front wheels sometimes cause you to forget it. Scooter manufactures are rather lazy with the design of their larger models with most nearing this weight. Considering a 1000cc 190 horsepower motorcycle weighs in at less than 180kg it seems rather ridiculous that a 250cc 22.5 horsepower scooter could weigh 213kg; three wheels or not. Because of this it really needs to be ridden like a motorbike and reversed into parking spaces that slope downhill in anyway; it’s rather difficult to haul it out if you forget. It could do with a little more power off the line as the clutch engagement is rather gentle. This I imagine will be solved by the new 400cc version which we’ll be testing shortly. Finally the MP3 like most new technologies is rather expensive. You’ll pay a high price to be an early adopter with this model.

Summing up; it looks like Piaggio have done something amazing with the MP3; they’ve invented an entirely new category of vehicle that actually works. I imagine it will be the first of many new three wheeled models from Piaggio and other manufactures as they scramble to imitate. In fact Piaggio Groups own sister brand Gilera has recently announced (26/12/07) the Fuoco 500ie; this looks like it was built for me personally. I’ll be the first one in line for a test ride.

0-50km/h	5.7 Seconds
0-100km/h	17.5 Seconds
50-80km/h	5.7 Seconds
Fuel Economy	4.2L/100kms - 56MPG
Speedo Accuracy	50kph displayed = 43kph actual - 100kph diplayed = 91 actual
Pros:	Very stable, fantastic confidence in the wet, comfortable, solid brakes, loads of storage space, remote unlocking of under seat storage, gets tons of attention, totally unique
Cons:	Heavy, bit slow of the line, gets tons of attention, expensive
Handling
Performance
Fuel Consumption
Value for money
Ease of use
Styling
Build quality
Overall Score	72%

Comments (3)

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written by Rebecca , August 21, 2008

I've had a Sky Blue for a month and love every minute on it. I live in Seattle & bought it in Bellingham (45 minutes from Canada). I took the back roads vs. the highway & couldn't believe the comfort and stability!!! My car hasn't had a driver since and I have to say, the winter looks bleak for me and my 250.

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written by vincel , July 19, 2008

No argument here.. it really is a damn nice bike.

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written by Randall , July 18, 2008

I have one and everything that was said is true. You failed to say what a pleasure it is to ride. It is quite, smooth, easy to handle, and fast enough for me. It easily runs 65 mph and you will probably get a ticket in the 35 mph streets because it coast at 40 mph. I have no regreats in buying it. For geting around town, going to the grocery store, and now that I am retired I go to college and what a perfect bike for that. I have the added space of the storage rack on back and can get 4-5 bags of groceries in that and under the seat.

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