Modern Vespa

[quote=rod2625]It looks like at the Milan show in Nov. Gilera will be displaying a 500cc version of the MP3.



"A GILERA "CALIENTE" First of all the three wheels marchiato Gilera, with which family "MP3" it is increased in sport direction. Even if of he it is known still little or nothing and from the photos does not look at granché the name "Fire" is undoubtedly warlike and the three Gilera wheels it does not make null in order to hide all its aggressiveness, also in the technical card inasmuch as the motor is new a single cylinder one from 500 cc that must have remarkable performances. That it means divertimento insured also considered the ciclistiche dowries that the three Piaggio wheels (pardon, Gilera) has already demonstrated to possess."



http://www.motorbox.com:80/Moto/Magazine/default.html

WOW ! Great find Mike. Now when can we get it!

HERE is the translated version of the article.

And a pic that shows the 500cc Gilera Fire up close ... I want it! I think I like the styling better. It looks more like the naked prototype in the front.



Now look at this little treat on the right! Vespa S nostalgic version of the Vespa smallframe! Look at that Headlight ... horncast ... fendercrest.

Hey that little white Vespa is sexy.

I'm with Tikka here! I always thought the prottotype was cool, but was disappointed at the Pi'oGo vers. Thankfully they will have different vers for different taste buds. Tons of mods...can you say Light show on the those front bars!!!

X

Given the local insurance laws here in BC, I really wish the big-engined MP3 is a 400cc instead of a 500 (or is it the same 460cc in the X9/BV right now?). The 400cc rate group covers anything between 111cc - 400cc, but once you break that 400cc limit, you're in the next insurance rate group, and things get more expensive yet.

-Rick

Since Gilera is not sold in the US, you won't be seeing that here anytime soon.

True, but if the 460/500cc engine is grafted into the MP3, I'm pretty certainly it'll make the trans-Atlantic trip over to North America as a Piaggio MP3 500, so we'll still end up getting it.

-Rick

Well I will say with alot of confidence, if they come out with the 500 (460)cc it will definately be on my wishlist...I love my BV250 but a MP3 500 would definately get my mind into that upgrade train of thought.

Alt

How about this thing! An early P200 MP3

For the love of dog...

It also came in small frame format, a la Vespa PK.

Take off the headlight, and put a tractor seat on it, and it sort of looks like the lawnmower an old neighbour of mine once had.

Look at that a new colour GTV and with the dual seat, looks like the rumours are true and a GTV250 is coming out.
I want a GTV 500ie
Nice spotting Mike!!
Hey, how did the big trip go??!
Old Mod

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Maybe the MP3 will come with grass cutting and snow plowing attachments. Then I could scoot AND get chores done.

The Gilera Fuoco 500 uses the Euro3-spec 500-Master engine which gains a few horsepower over the Euro2-spec version. The 500-Master is used in the Beverly-500, Scarabeo-500, etc. I was told that there would be a 400 version of the Piaggio 3-wheeler but it would not be the 400-version of the 500-Master as that engine is too big to be used in the Piaggio 150/250 bodywork.

[quote="Tikka Masala"]



[quote]

They should call it the Mandrill. Don't get me wrong - I like it. When I see the picture, this is the fist thing that pops into my head.... :?

Like I said in the Vespa S thread, I think the MP3 is cool. I think this is way cooler.

You know, something has been bothering me about this Gilera version, and I haven't been able to put my finger on it. I think I just did, though -- it looks a lot like one of those hunting-oriented ATVs that you see in the "power sports" stores. From that perspective, ick.

Sweet, Dudel is here. Now we'll get all sorts of insider info.

Maybe you'll be able to get it with a winch and a gun rack?

Hmm, that might not be bad.

I'm dying to know more about the 'S'. How many cc's? fuel-injected? liquid-cooled? Is there a company website that specs the 'S'?

Well after winning a GTS250ie last Saturday and telling the wife that I would teach her (as well as have her take MC safety course) in the spring on scootering and give her the GTS (I really love my BV250 over the GTS) I also informed her of my upgrading intentions today!

If/When the Gilera: Fire 500 cc comes to Canada I told her I would most likely want to upgrade to it. She seemed fairly open to it (I figure we are looking at 2008 before it hits Canada) but I don't think she likes the frontend look of the "Fire" which I really like...Kinda makes it look Tankish...Heck I think police departments should be looking at these.

Anyways another dream as to whether Canada will be getting these innovations here.

Alt

WOW ... Congratulations! How did you win it?

Thanks!!

The local Vespa dealer had a promotion for Vespa's 60th aniversary where they were giving away the GTS250ie. You got a key and if the key you had worked, you got the GTS. Well now the rest is history, The wife will get the GTS, I have my BV250 AND a happy wifey

Alt

Alt, ALT!!!

You mean finally - the GTS that was the prize at the rally all those months ago was FINALLY won ??? And by you ! Wow, well done!!

I won a Bryan Adams album once *sigh*

So, I'm quite interested as to why you prefer your BV250 over the GTS?
Am interested in talking to someone who has ridden both and knows the pros and cons !
I was thinking about getting a BV250 as a second scoot - alternatively, an old Honda Elite to buzz around on to keep the km's down on the GTS.
For who knows what juicy rides are just round the corner eh - 2008 ?

Hope your wife takes to the GTS - it's awesome, well balanced and easy for a gal to ride !

Di in Vancouver

Yep that be the one...Just am waiting on VespaCalgary to get their new computer system fully up and get the paperwork done, then home it will come! Well one of the reasons is the larger wheels, when at higher speeds the stability of the 16" wheels on the BV can't be overstated. Aslo the BV comes standard with a windscreen, extra on the GTS. Comfort is another reason...I find the BV250 extremely comfortable to ride for extended periods. FI is a double edged sword, excellent for gas mileage and for not having issues at different elevations. However the potential higher cost for fuel system related repairs compared to carberated is a slight consideration. Dont get me wrong, if the BV250 had FI like it was supposed to I would have still bought it. Lastly is styling, I just like the BV250 style better, even better than the style of the BV500. I don't like the front look of the BV500. Will give you a comparision of the GTS/BV when I have the chance. I can't speak for the Elite, but must say that the BV250 if you can get a test ride on one will sell you on it.

I too hope that the wife takes to the GTS, I only worry about the infamous "frontend wobble" that has been mentioned on here...seems some people have it, others not. If she does not take to the GTS, I will sell it and put the money away for a future upgrade to most likely the MP3 500 which I hope makes it to our border by 2008.

Take care,

Alt