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125cc, 250cc, 400cc and 500cc versions are available. Piaggio also produces a 500cc three-wheeled scooter under the sporty Gilera brand, called the Fuoco 500. In the United States, the 125cc 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. Example of the MP3 parallelogram suspension 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[citation needed] when increasing the throttle from a stop, since the front suspension locking device disengages after the engine is brought to 1,400 RPM above idle. 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. The unique feature of this three-wheel vehicle is that it has most of the riding traits and handling characteristics of a motorcycle with the added advantage of a third "footprint" that dramatically enhances stability and stopping distance. It is different from a standard three-wheel "trike," which is similar to a motorcycle only in looks and mechanics but not in handling. With a trike, the rigid triangular wheel geometry and consequential inability to lean vastly alters steering technique and reduces cornering ability. Conversely, the Piaggio MP3 advertises a 40-degree lean angle, greater than that of most bikes on the street today. Countersteering techniques used in normal motorcycle riding may be employed to fully utilize and control the MP3. Potholes, road debris, pavement cracks and even road edge "traps" are substantially reduced threats because the third wheel enhances safety through stability. Even problems with inappropriate braking techniques, often encountered with two-wheel motorcycles, are forgiven because of the weight distribution, low center of gravity and extra balance derived from a third wheel. Having a third wheel and a third disc brake gives the rider 50% more tire on the road for traction and 50% more braking. One noticeable difference is evident at low speeds. Because of the small diameter of the front wheels, they provide less gyroscopic stability and riders used to two-wheeled cycles with large wheels will find that they must reach somewhat higher speeds before handlebar movements can be used to stabilize the machine. When starting, therefore, one must accelerate fairly quickly at the beginning and keep feet ready to touch down if needed; likewise, when stopping one must brake the last few miles per hour fairly quickly. Creeping along at low speeds doesn't work as it does with a conventional cycle, especially given the MP3's 500-pound (230kg) weight. At a stop light, though, being able to press a button and lock the suspension so the machine won't lean (and to flip on a parking brake so one can take hands off the brake levers) is a huge convenience. In September 2009, a plug-in hybrid version of the MP3 was launched, following trials in 2008 by the New York Police. It has a 125cc engine and a battery-driven 2.6kW (3.5hp) electric motor, with a regenerative braking system. The vehicle has three user-selected variants of hybrid drive to create a vehicle capable of up to 141miles per US gallon (1.67L/100km; 169mpg-imp) and 060mph (097km/h) in 5seconds when both methods of propulsion are used. In electric-only mode the MP3 can travel a distance of 11miles (18km) at a maximum speed of 20mph (32km/h). When both power sources are used the MP3 can run for a maximum of 25minutes, with performance equivalent to a 250cc scooter. When powered solely by the petrol engine the MP3 is slower than other 125cc machines due to its weight 249kg (550lb) compared with 208kg (460lb) for the petrol-only model. Other hybrid electric scooter makers Official Gilera Fuoco Website a b c d Ash, Kevin (19 September 2009). "Piaggio MP3 Hybrid review". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 13 October 2009. "MP3 125cc specifications" (PDF). Piaggio UK. Retrieved 13 September 2009. Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Piaggio MP3 Piaggio MP3 website UK Piaggio USA scooters page; includes MP3 models The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as bangle bracelet watch , bracelet style watch Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit silver bracelet watches today!
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