Modern Vespa

the 400cc MP3 is coming this year they say...though the time frame is questioned:

http://2strokebuzz.com/index.php


i probably would wait...though i will test the 250 and get it if i feel it is enough for me...

g

Thanks for the heads up about the 400cc. I am very interested in the MP3. Probably would have bought the 250cc right away. But now this makes me want to wait. I just hope the 400cc does come and does not take forever to get here.

The MP3-250 uses the Vespa 250 Quasar engine but it's about 100-lbs heavier. Thus, speed and hill-climbing performance would be like riding a GTS with a passenger.

The MP3-400 uses the 400/500 Master engine. The 400 is the same engine as the 500 (used in the Beverly-500, X9-500, Atlantic-500) but with a shortened stroke. The 400 is only a few HP less than the 500 so there probably won't be a much of a noticable difference. Again, speed and hill-climbing performance would likely be like riding a BV500 or X9 with a passenger.

Will the dealers want to take a chance on the 400 if there are unsold 250's sitting on their showroom floors? Will Piaggio-USA want to import the 400 if 250 sales are dismal? I'm a little concerned. For the USA/Canada market, they might have been better off starting with the 400 and leaving the 250 for Europe.

My 2-cents.