Modern Vespa

Road test MP3 400 LT

I was given the opportunity to test the new 'trike' - the 400 LT. Other reviews may consider other aspects of this bike, but I was just concentrating on the differences while riding.

It's sad that in order to meet the regulations it has to have a footbrake, as this will be a complete show-stopper for those with longer legs or larger feet. My inside-leg measurement is 33", and foot size 11 (UK) - and there was only one position for my foot - as far back as possible on the footplate. This meant my knees were bent back more than 90 degrees, which on any long journey would be very uncomfortable.

Going along the road this felt no different to the normal MP3, though giving slight rapid countersteers gave slightly more quick lean. The wheels are made to be further out merely by making the hubs stick out slightly more - the whole suspension and steering geometry looked exactly the same. I did wonder if they'd changed the Ackerman geometry, but it appears not (unconfirmed). Although while swooping around reasonably fast bends felt just about the same, trying to do a tight U-turn seemed to require a bit more effort in steering input.

Yeah that foot brake is a deal killer for me too. And is the quicker lean on counter steer and more steering input related to the wheels being further apart?

Thanks for the report jim.

It could be. My mathematical days are behind me, so it's just an 'intuitive' conclusion.