2012Piaggio MP3 500

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The 2012 Piaggio MP3 500 is a three-wheeled scooter designed for practical urban commuting and everyday riding. Its 492cc single-cylinder engine delivers reliable performance with 40 horsepower, making it ideal for riders seeking stability and maneuverability in city traffic. The MP3 is best known for its innovative three-wheel design that provides superior handling and confidence, particularly appealing to those transitioning from cars or seeking enhanced safety.

Capacity: 492.7 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: Not on record
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Wet weight: 245.0 kg
Seat height: 785 mm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW) @ 7250 RPM

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Other years 2010 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering65%

City riding90%

Daily riding88%

Touring65%

Two-up70%

Track10%

Best for: Built primarily as a comfortable, stable urban and commuter machine that also copes well with longer paved rides.
Built for: A practical, confidence-inspiring machine that leans into corners like a motorcycle but grips like a car thanks to its patented tilting twin front wheel design.
Not ideal for: Not suited for off-road use, high-speed track riding, or anyone seeking a lightweight, sporty performance experience.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 785mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Piaggio MP3 500, with a moderate knee angle of around 110 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 492.7 ccm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Torque: 42.3 Nm (4.3 kgf-m) @ 5500 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1633 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 94.0 x 71.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Electronic inductive discharge
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Transmission type: Automatic
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal

Performance

Top speed: 143.2 km/h (89.0 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1549 mm
Overall length: 2160 mm
Overall width: 775 mm
Overall height: 1350 mm
Seat height: 785 mm
Wet weight: 245.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.10 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double cradle trellis made if high-strength steel tubes
Front suspension: Tilting parallelogram with 4 arms supporting 2 steering tubes.
Rear suspension: 2 double acting hydraulic shock absorbers, swing arm.
Front wheel travel: 110 mm
Rear wheel travel: 110 mm