Modern Vespa

The ECU on my MP3 250 is part # 640439. Is this part shared with the 400 model?
And another thing.
Of MP3s, I have ridden only my 250, keeping the revs around the 7000rpm in the interest of not thrashing the willing little beast. The lovely wee motor does creep up to the 8ks when I'm enjoying keeping up with 'big bikes'.
The thing is, apart from the speed thing, would a 400 feel as lithe and is the extra weight ( is it 30 kg?) much of a noticeable factor. I say 400 and not 500, 'cos the odd 400 comes up for sale here in NZ whereas 500s are in the hens teeth category.

Thanks as always.

I thrash my 400 all the time and can hit the rev limiter with ease. With 35hp versus your 23, you will for sure feel the difference on hilly roads and such. As for mine, Leo Vince GT muffler helps the motor breath a little better up top and reduces weight so good mod. Also dr pulley sliders and weights help. I have 17gram weights but you will get a lot of opinions on what you should use. Also have a Dr pulley hit clutch with the 20 gram springs in. I would recommend a 400 if the 500 is out of your price range. A lot of people seem to like the 250 based on its characteristics of quick revving and such so I would say take a 400 for a spin and see how you like it.

Speaking from my Experience, and owning a few MP3 bikes of different engine sizes. That 640439 is the latest part number for the Park Control Computer. There is an older part number found on the 2007/2008 model bikes, but this one can be used in place of it. My New 2016 MP3/500 ABS Sport, has this same part number installed. I checked this recently when I had all the body parts off.

I keep a few spares around, because when I have problems where I don't have access to a Piaggio PADS Diagnostic Computer, I just swap them out to see if my problem goes away. Then if I choose to keep the swapped unit or put the original back. It's good to have the ability to swap another part similar to see if the problem changes. These are difficult bikes to work on some times and have problems that are computer related.

Once I decide... I will bring my bike to my local Dealer and ask them to update the bike to the latest available Firmware. They plug in the PADS Computer to the port under the seat and your good to go. One thing I like about Piaggio/Vespa, as years go by and they come out with newer models, they don't do a lot of changes so many of the parts are interchangeable. They may look different, but the parts can fit when you have all the parts in place.

Example... My MP3/250 has the front grill of a MP3/400 RL from Europe, and the Headlights of a MP3/300 Hybrid.

Good luck with your problem...
Keith,
Marietta, GA

Yes, I too replaced the muffler with a nice Italian one. All the benefits plus a saving of 11kg over the original.

Thanks for your advice and observations.