Modern Vespa

I'd assume the 3 means the number of wheels. But i've been trawling the net and i still couldn't find the reason why piaggio named it MP3.

Anybody any clues?

Moto Piaggio 3

The president of Piaggio USA was on Fox News and I think he said it stood for:

Moto Projectila 3 (motorized bullet 3)

I like that .

I understood it to be Moto Projecto 3, which I think translates to motorcycle project 3. I think someone said that the original Vespa was called the MP1. I don't know what the MP2 was.

I do know what the MP5 was:

Hmmm. I thought it was Moto Pontedera. Pontedera being the location of the Piaggio Headquarters in Italy.

It realy is Moto Piaggio.
The MP1 is the first Motor Type built by Piaggio

Btw, the picture of the MP5 was taken in the Vespa Museum in Pontedera.
I was there this summer

Yeah, it really is Moto Projecta
(at least based on the words of the President...Timoni whatshisface)

But I like my version better

Thats-a Paolo. He's-a the President-a!

Oh! Dear! I have been telling my sons and daughters and others that it is 'Motor Piaggio 3 wheelers'!

I say it is "my personal 3"

Spot on! The other day a friend asked if he could take mine out for a test ride and I said 'NO'. Giving him a silly reason like 'Oh! You might not get used to the two tires up front' and other kinds of bulls. But deep down I was just afraid that he might drop it. Guess it is indead 'MY Personal 3'!

I'll let anyone ride it .......

but first I'll hold on to their 10k cash......

there would be a few exceptions like maybe another MP3 owner or my brothers or sisters, but not much more.

Hello! chillicrab! Lim here, ever ridden your MP3 to Genting Highlands? Can be fun as I have done on a couple of occations before. Glad to hear from a member which is a neighbour! Welcome! Cheers!

Have a read of the article in the following link:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10052643-48.html

"A short conversation with Piaggio/Vespa brand manager Kevin Andrews cleared up some questions I had. The MP3 name comes from "moto projecto 3", which translates to something like "moto project with 3 wheels," and has nothing to do with music players."

Interestingly enough an NZ dealer said exactly the same thing when asked about 12 months ago
Cheerz...

If anyone asks me what my bike is I tend to say MP 400 and forget about the three as it only causes confusion 8) .

I always thought it was Moto Piaggio but I am happy to be corrected

Hi Lim, chillicrab,

I'm riding up to Genting tomorrow if you guys are interested.

BTW, while the MP3 500/ Fuoco is a damn fine machine, its a bit of a slug in motorcycle terms to be called a 'moto projectile'.

Moto Piaggio 3 on the other hand sounds cool and makes more sense.

Howdy neighbour. I'd love to ride up to Malaysia one day, but no plans at the moment. On the one hand I'm still running in the engine and on the other hand, I've never ridden up the NS Highway before.

Come to think about it, I've not set foot in M'sia in at least 15 years! So chances are I may end up getting lost...
But I do have a friend who rides up once in a while so I might just tag along with him one day. And I will definitely inform you!


chan

So back to the MP3 name topic, thanks to gh the mystery is solved!

Well done EdInBTR. Luthor got it almost right but he got the last letter wrong.

It really is:
Mighty Pricy 3 wheels

i'd say: Monster Piaggio with 3-wheels

Hi, roofscoot, how was your trip up the highlands? So far any other MP3'ers joined you yet? It is a shame that MP3s here can be counted by the fingers and toes here. Maybe someone should set up an MP3 club or something. Would be fun if all of us get together and have a short trip.cheers!

just to add to the conflicting information:

http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-throttle14feb14,0,2788496,full.story

For me and 50cal, this will always me the mp5