Modern Vespa

On the German forum is a topic about an International Motorcycle Exhibition the IMOT. (site is in German)
They say that someone from Piaggio Germany says that piaggio is testing an 800 cc MP3.

I am sure that we will hear more about this very soon, if it is thru.

I thought I should share this with you

Sweet! I hope it will not be as big as a Honda Silverwing or a Suzuki Burgman. Something in the size of a 400/500 would be perfect.

I was thinking about this the other day.I was wondering to my self if Piaggio would be using the 800cc engine that's in the Gilera GP or the 850cc engine that's in the Aprilia Mana.The Piaggio superscooter(not the mp3) in the making now,is supposed to be using the 850cc engine that's now in the Mana. It ought to be interesting.Who knows maybe Piaggio is making both the Superscooter and the Mp3 side by side.

Tim

the mana engine would be a perfect fit. Eliminate the foot shifter, but keep the hand shifter and the automatic and I'm there in a heart beat. Anyone want to buy a 08 500 MP3? only 4,000 miles

I read an article on this the other day. The new MP3 is supposed to be shown next month (Nov) at a show in Europe. It IS using the 850cc Aprilia Mana engine according to the article.

please find, and provide link..Thanks

gah, i actually hope it takes a year or two to get here from europe...

would like to not want to trade up my 500 for a couple of years, but it would be too tempting....
g

I've been thinking about an MP3 for awhile now, but haven't chomped on the hook yet...balking at $9000 for a 500cc scooter...I like the technology, but the price is steep.

If there will be a new MP3 with an 850 engine which doesn't weigh 700 pounds and doesn't cost $15,000, I might be glad I waited....

Bob

JerryW,

My guess that show would be the EICMA 2008 show in Milan, Italy. It is the week of 04-09 November 2008. I went last year for work. We are not going this year.

http://tinyurl.com/eicma2008

Over 40 football fields full of motorcycle heaven. My Boss said we will be going in 2009. Can't wait.

Best,

TucsonRider

Don't the Gilera GP 800 and the Aprilia Mana use the same engine? The stats I can find show both have an 839 cc engine.

I wonder what the fuel consumption would be like? How many miles per gallon?

They do indeed.

Just the transmission is different - straight, fully variable auto in the GP800, the same plus 7 speed, fixed ratios on demand in the Mana. Choose one or the other, plus different ECU performance profiles.

Cheers

Trevor G

I sure hope they change the footprint of this more powerful machine. I find the 400 needs some design changes to make it a more comfortable and a safer ride.

1: Bigger wheels
2: longer wheel base
3: More travel & absorption in the suspension.
4: seat design and comfort.
5: Electronic gear shifting system.

I got my MP3 400 in the spring and have over 16000 km put on to date and still going for as long as the weather permits here in Montreal. I use it to work and play. I do like this machine but it needs improvement. If they do improve these shortcomings, I will be trading in this one.

My bad,I was referring to the differences in the engine/transmission set-ups. The Superscooter is supposed to be more evolved than the Gilera GP 800 set-up.Sorry,I didn't mean there is two different engines.(even though i did state that way)So as I was saying,I wonder which set-up Piaggio will go with for the MP3.The article at solo scooter about the superscooter,while not very long,is impressive.Will the Monster MP3 be as impressive?

http://tinyurl.com/3sfbb5