Piaggio Mp3 500 Review

Used Buyer Review

The MP3 500 is genuinely brilliant in traffic — that third front wheel isn't a gimmick, it's transformative. You can filter through city gridlock with stupid confidence, and the leaning lock mechanism means you can plant both feet at red lights without toppling this 280kg beast over. Maintenance costs are where used buyers get burned, though. Those front suspension linkages need regular attention and specialist knowledge, and finding a dealer who actually understands the system is harder than it should be. Mechanically the 500cc single is bulletproof if serviced properly, but always check the front suspension pivot bearings — they're expensive and overlooked. Storage is genuinely useful, running position is comfortable for hour-plus commutes, and the brakes are excellent. Avoid anything without full service history on those front forks. Budget an extra $500-800 contingency for front-end work regardless.