OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Hello from New Zealand,
I had an MP3 400 in 2008 and had done about 10,000 kms, before selling it as I had moved to Australia. I have pleasant memories and used to think if I would ever want to go back to a regular 2 wheeled motorbike. But I did.

Now, I am again convinced that I want to go back to MP3 and would like some opinions on a couple of questions :

1) I am looking at a 2008 and a 2013 models of MP3 400, both in excellent condition with low mileage. Wondering if there are really any significant changes between 2008 and 2013 models?

2) I also have a choice of 2016 MP3 yourban 300 in excellent condition. Now, I am intending to take longer trips too, like 500 to 1000 kms sometimes. With this objective, I feel the MP3 400 would be a better option due to better top end performance. Would you agree?

Any feedback will be welcome and will help me in deciding on the best choice.
Thanks
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
Since you are intent in doing longer treks a.k.a touring, you should be looking at a 500 and nothing else.

The 300 is a pure city commuter and can barely keep up with traffic on the open road.
@mpfrank avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2020 MP3 500 HPE Sport ABS/ASR
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4727
Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre el Río Porciúncula
 
Ossessionato
@mpfrank avatar
2020 MP3 500 HPE Sport ABS/ASR
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4727
Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre el Río Porciúncula
UTC quote
I rode a 2008 MP3 400 from 2008 to 2019. (I still it for sale if anyone's interested). I regularly rode it on Southern California freeways at speeds up to 80 mph. It is happiest at 60 - 65 mph. The longest trip was to San Diego and back - 150 miles each way.

IMHO, it has just enough power for high-speed commuting and touring.

My 2020 MP3 500 hpe is better, of course.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Thanks for your feedback. I agree the 500 would be the best option. However, New Zealand with it's small market, ends up with limited options. Initially the 250, 400 and the Gilera Fuoco 500 were made available. Currently, the MP3 350 is the only model available as a new option. Occasionally, some earlier models come up in the pre-owned, used market.

I am likely to buy the 400 shortly.
Just deliberating between the 2008 with 6000 kms and the 2013 model with 13000 kms. Anyone has any information if there are any significant updates between these two?
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
Given the choice between the 3, my vote goes for the 350.

It has a much newer engine, and has a wet clutch. It is everything the 300 should have been and can be considered the successor to the 400.

If it has to be a one of the 400s, then my preference goes for the 2013 as they had worked out most of the bugs by then and the fact it is at least 5 years younger.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Sure 350 would be the best, however it is way out of my budget. So it will have to be the 400.
I would presume the 2013 model would have improvements over the 2008 but have been unable to find any information. Would you have some information on the changes or a link for that?
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
I think the major difference between the 2 is the fact that the 2008 is a gen 1 RT (regular track) bike and thus requires a full up motorcycle license.

If I am not mistaken, the 2013 gen2 bikes were all LT (large track) models allowing them to be ridden on a regular car license.

Probably some improvements on the electricals as well over the years but it is a Italian beast so don't expect Japanese robustness. The gen2 bikes seem to be the most common and thus easiest to source parts for.

The gen1 bikes are known for going through brakes early, with brakes needing to be serviced way before the tires are worn. You were doing really well if you got 10k kms out of a set of pads.

I think the gen2 bikes may have gotten sintered brake pads allowing them to get much further.

I have a gen3 (current generation) MP3 500 and with 30K km on the clock the pads are only about half worn. Then gen3 bikes have larger brakes and tires as well

Also based on their age, the older models seem to be more sensitive with the tilt lock mechanism and related master cylinder going out.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Helpful information, thank you. The 2013 model is non LT, so requires motorcycle licence. I don't remember having any issues with my 2008 MP3 400, and had a great time touring the north island.
Still something to think over before I make my decision.
Thanks again
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
Whichever one of the 2 you choose, make sure it got that first initial service at 1K km. This includes the headstock bearings adjustment and lube.

This is probably the most important service the bike will need, especially to avoid the dreaded steering notch issue these bikes are plagued with.

I lube my headstock bearings every 5K km with every oil + filter change.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Thanks for the tip, appreciated 👍
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Update:

I have purchased the MP3 400 with 5900 kms. It's had a new rear tire and new belt and also the adjustable Givi touring screen. I have added the airhawk seat cushion and it makes the seat so much more comfortable. Done about 150 kms in last two days to bond with my new ride. I will be getting it properly serviced shortly for peace of mind as it was sitting practically unused for about a year.

It feels amazing to be back on the MP3. In my opinion the MP3 offers unparalleled level of safety without compromising on much on the fun factor and wonder why it's not 100 times more popular than it is.
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1229
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
A new rear tire and a belt service at less than 6K kms???

That thing must have been ridden "spiritedly". I got 20K kms out of the factory tires.

Thumbs up on the Airhawk cushion. It improves the ride tremendously. 2nd best improvement after the Bitubo shocks.
@madison_sully avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7630
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@madison_sully avatar
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7630
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
UTC quote
sbaert wrote:
A new rear tire and a belt service at less than 6K kms???

That thing must have been ridden "spiritedly". I got 20K kms out of the factory tires.

Thumbs up on the Airhawk cushion. It improves the ride tremendously. 2nd best improvement after the Bitubo shocks.
At 7+ years old, it seems to me prudent to replace the rear tire early.
Personally I'd change all three at that age, though OEM tire manufacturers typically say their tires are good for 10 years.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
I will keep a watch and change the front tires if it feels necessary. This MP3 has remained unused for extended periods and this may be the reason the previous owner replaced the rear tire and also the battery last month. The drive belt could have been replaced due to some indications that it was necessary, maybe.
UTC

Enthusiast
mp3 500 2018 (USA-version)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Belarus, Minsk
 
Enthusiast
mp3 500 2018 (USA-version)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Belarus, Minsk
UTC quote
Congratulations on your purchase. May it make you happy .... Front tires must be marked 2008. If the mileage is really 6000 km. If the tires are 2008, then I would replace them with new ones.
OP
@jaktaknz avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@jaktaknz avatar
2008 Gilera Fuoco 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Brisbane, Australia
UTC quote
Thanks, checked, front tires manufactured in 2007, will need to be replaced asap.
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13462
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13462
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
jaktaknz wrote:
Thanks, checked, front tires manufactured in 2007, will need to be replaced asap.
Yes, they will. The original tires are old enough that there is little doubt the rubber compound has significantly hardened.
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