Modern Vespa

http://www.motoblog.it/galleria/piaggio-mp3-my-2009

Many more photos at the link, but here is a couple for you.

I see these idiots didn't do anything about having just one headlight. The rear tire looks larger, and that all the changes I can see.

I noticed some pics online are showing the MP3's with a front working light, just under the front grille.I can't figure out why some MP3's have the light and some do not.Unlike the brake pedal where it is a regulation paticular to a country,would a small little light be also?? I bet no light for the US.

I belive the light is for the LT version. This version is designed for France I believe. They have widened the front tires, and added a foot break. This will allow the French to opperate an MP3 with a regular car license.

Well, I'll help you out a bit with the changes.

New windshield.
New bigger passenger backrest.
New buttons on the dash for trunk and seat release.
New grill design (vertical lines are slimming)

I think the passenger hand rails have also been changed as well as changes to the seat (as has been requested on this forum numerous times).

These pictures also do not seem to show the foot pedal brake that was recently added for Germany and France (I believe, someone correct me if I'm wrong).

And as you point out, the 14 inch rear tire up from the 12 incher.

I am wondering if Piaggio is trying to do brand recognition with their grills because the grill on that bike looks very similar to the grill on my BV500 and the BV250 touring edition.

Think Cadillac, Acura, Buick etc... and how they all have similar looking grills across their model lines.

Sounds like France will have the best 09 MP3.What's the front light and widened front tires have to do with operating the MP3 with a car license? Curious is all...

By increasing the track to 4.5 cm, this MP3 scooter LT 400 cm3 (for Tread Large, wide stance) is no longer considered by the French legislation as a motorcycle but rather as a motor tricycle which will lead to a simple car license need for using it. French and maybe soon European drivers therefore won't have to pass the motorcycle license (as is required for any vehicle of more than 125 cm3 and a power greater than 15 hp).

source: http://www.citizenside.com/en/photos/cars/2008-09-26/9763/new-piaggio-mp3-scooter-400-lt.html

I like the changes a lot. I was looking at a used 250 but holding off because of rumored changes. Plus I need a little more time anyway. But that looks good to me.

Check out the little turn-signals on the Mp3 that has the light under the grill. I think I like the old way better.

I'm sorry, I don't see any difference. They look like what I have on my 500. Perhaps the 500's are different? I don't know.

I was thinking if the centre line is not widen, the grill looks similar to BMW's. Cheers!

I'm a bit surprised they left the brake calipers and disc for the rear wheel on the right side of the scoot. I believe the 400 and 500's have them on the left where they are out of the way during wheel changes. I had guessed that they would use the same wheel between all three models.

the front turn signals on the original 250/400 are in the "fenders" while the rear ones are in the brake/tail light clusters. the ones on the LT look the same as on the 500.

ok. that's why I don't see it. I haven't spent time on the 250.

David,
Good Eye on the front turn signals.I agree,the old way is better looking.The old were more integrated,where as these new ones stick out like some little boy's ears do.

oh, I though you were all talking about the turn-signal switch on the handle bar. Sorry, my bad. dumb me.

Look again at the pics I posted in comparison with the pic Scootover posted. It has the turn signals integrated in the fenders as is currently done and also does not have the fog light at the bottom of the grill.

You are in fact correct Glow.Hey how did the US MP3 get away with not having to change the front turn signals anyway? It seems like all the other scooters always have to have signals added or changed by US regulations.

I can se

Built-in back rest for the passanger.
Higher windscreen.
New light between the front weels.

And they have now a foot break.