OP
UTC

Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
 
Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
UTC quote
Hey group, I've always loved the way the early MP3 500 looked and not a huge fan of the current looks.

Aside from the aesthetics, how is the maintenance and handling of the current generation of MP3s compared to the early ones?

I've never rode either, though I have rode Vespas and motorcycles.

Thanks!
UTC

Addicted
2010 gts 300 super. 09 MP3 500 lite
Joined: UTC
Posts: 988
Location: tampa
 
Addicted
2010 gts 300 super. 09 MP3 500 lite
Joined: UTC
Posts: 988
Location: tampa
UTC quote
the bikes under the plastic are essentially the same. the later body style came with 13in rims instead of the original 12s. so front end handling is more stable. 13s can be added to front of early but I prefer the the more nimble handle of the 12s.

the engine is same. 2019 later got HPE engine that has a little more power. compression raised .5, free flow airbox, and cam change.

the early bike looks way better in my opinion as well. there is a great deal on one in florida right now. looks clean enough for site unseen purchase and shipping.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3007084669549683/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A90573e15-81cf-4364-8780-3fd288f00b64
OP
UTC

Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
 
Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
UTC quote
Thanks for the reply! I'm in NY right now, I'm not sure how I would manage to pick up or look at the one on FB marketplace. There is a similar one closer, at $3k, but also a few states away. I would probably have to take a short flight to get to it.

What is the current value of a stock '09 Sport model? I know there are many factors to consider, but let's say one in good shape with low mileage.
UTC

Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1261
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
2015 MP3 500 ie Business
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1261
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
Best advice I can give is to look at the service records since this can be done before making the trip.

The most important one is the first one at 1K km/625mi, so that the headstock bearings get adjusted and receive their first full dose of grease.

If the bike did not get this initial critical service, just walk away. The headstock bearings are the Achilles heel of the whole MP3 affair.
OP
UTC

Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
 
Member
ET2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21
Location: NY
UTC quote
Thanks sbaert! I'll make note to ask about records if I am able to find a nearby seller. Hopefully a Piaggio/Vespa shop can repair or place them if necessary.
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