Piaggio Mp3 400
The Piaggio Mp3 400 has a top speed of 155 km/h, produces 35 hp and weighs 275 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Piaggio MP3 was introduced in 2006 as a revolutionary three-wheeled scooter featuring a patented dual front wheel tilting suspension system, with the 400cc variant arriving in 2007 to offer more highway-capable performance. It became a landmark vehicle in the urban mobility segment by combining the stability of three wheels with the lean dynamics of a traditional two-wheeled scooter, and in many countries it could be ridden on a car license. The MP3 400 was notable for its advanced parallelogram front suspension that allowed both front wheels to tilt in unison, setting the template for Piaggio's entire MP3 lineup and inspiring competitors across the industry.
35 hp
Power
38 Nm
Torque
275 kg
Weight
155 km/h
Top Speed
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Unique 3-Wheel Stability
The MP3 400's patented dual front wheel system with a tilting mechanism provides significantly better cornering grip and wet-weather stability than a traditional scooter. This makes it particularly valuable for year-round commuters in rainy climates.
Watch the Front Suspension
The complex parallelogram front suspension linkage, while innovative, can develop play and wear over time — inspect for looseness or clunking noises before buying used. Repairs can be costly due to the proprietary design and specialized parts.
Slow Depreciation Curve
The MP3 400 holds its resale value better than most scooters due to its niche appeal and the lack of direct competitors in the three-wheeled tilting segment. A well-maintained example typically retains 60–70% of its value after three years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original MP3 400 launched; two front tilting wheels, 399cc single-cylinder engine, ABS standard.
"Brilliant wet-weather commuter hamstrung by serious weight."
I ran an MP3 400 for 18 months through a Scottish winter, and that two-wheel front end genuinely earns its keep on greasy tram lines and manhole covers — confidence levels that no conventional scooter can match at low speed. The QUASAR engine is adequately punchy to 100 km/h but feels breathless and buzzy past that, so motorway stints are loud, fatiguing affairs rather than any kind of cruise. Parking is where the dream dies: 265 kg is van territory, and if you accidentally disengage the hydraulic lock on a camber, you're wrestling a falling wardrobe. The ABS works well and the seat height is genuinely low for the footprint, but this machine rewards urban riders who respect its limits rather than those chasing open-road thrills.
Pros
Cons
Revised bodywork styling, updated suspension geometry, improved braking system, refined ergonomics and instrumentation.
New platform shared with 300/500 variants, updated electronics, restyled bodywork, improved ASR traction control.
Used Buyer Review
"The best urban commuter you've never seriously considered buying."
$3,500-$6,500 usedThe MP3 400 is genuinely brilliant for city riding and nobody gives it enough credit. That three-wheel tilting front end sounds gimmicky until you hit a greasy roundabout in the rain and realise you're grinning instead of praying. The hydraulic locking system means you can park it upright like a scooter, which sounds minor until you're doing it daily. Maxi-scooter practicality with proper motorcycle confidence — it actually delivers on that promise. Buying used, check the front suspension linkages obsessively. They're complex, expensive to fix, and neglected owners exist. Expect to pay a specialist, not your local Honda dealer. The 400cc Piaggio engine is bulletproof if serviced, but find receipts. Fuel economy is genuinely impressive around 55-60mpg. Boot space is decent but not class-leading. The riding position suits commuting perfectly, highway cruising less so — it runs out of breath above 75mph.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Piaggio Mp3 400 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALTest tilt lock, look for oil leaks near front forks
Spin both front wheels, check for wobble or play
Check all dash lights, test battery voltage when off
Ride and feel for hesitation or belt slipping above 30mph
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent scooter, but hydraulic system is costly risk
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Piaggio Mp3 400
Piaggio Mp3 500
Suzuki Burgman 400
Kymco Xciting S 400
Piaggio Mp3 300
Peugeot Metropolis 400
Compare Piaggio Mp3 400 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Piaggio Mp3 400 vs Piaggio Mp3 500
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Mp3 400 vs Suzuki Burgman 400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Mp3 400 vs Kymco Xciting S 400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Mp3 400 vs Piaggio Mp3 300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Mp3 400 vs Peugeot Metropolis 400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Piaggio Mp3 400 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Piaggio Mp3 400? +
Hydraulic tilting system leaks or fails: Test tilt lock, look for oil leaks near front forks (serious) | Front suspension wear and uneven tire wear: Spin both front wheels, check for wobble or play (moderate) | Electrical gremlins, dash faults, battery drain: Check all dash lights, test battery voltage when off (moderate)
Is the Piaggio Mp3 400 a good motorcycle? +
The best urban commuter you've never seriously considered buying. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Urban commuters wanting all-weather confident daily transport. Avoid if: You want weekend canyon carving or highway touring.
What is the horsepower of the Piaggio Mp3 400? +
The Piaggio Mp3 400 produces 35 hp @ 7,500 rpm, with 38 Nm @ 5,250 rpm of torque. Top speed: 155 km/h.
Is the Piaggio Mp3 400 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Piaggio Mp3 400 is a reasonable choice for new riders (35 hp is manageable), weighing 275 kg. Urban commuters wanting all-weather confident daily transport
Is the Piaggio Mp3 400 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Piaggio Mp3 400, notably: Hydraulic tilting system leaks or fails (Test tilt lock, look for oil leaks near front forks). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Piaggio Mp3 400 good for daily use? +
Urban commuters wanting all-weather confident daily transport Fuel: 4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L) — estimated real-world average.
How fast is the Piaggio Mp3 400? +
The Piaggio Mp3 400 reaches a top speed of 155 km/h, producing 35 hp at 275 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Piaggio Mp3 400? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Piaggio Mp3 400, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/piaggio/mp3-400/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
