Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban

Piaggio MP3 City, BV 300 Typhoon to U.S.

Piaggio  unveiled a slew of scooters at the EICMA Milan Bike Show, three of which will make their way to the U.S. next year. The trio includes a new expansion of the three-wheeled MP3 line, as well as the BV 300 scooter and the return of the Typhoon model.

The Piaggio MP3 City 300 debuted at the EICMA Milan Show and is headed for U.S. shores sometime late next year.

Piaggio MP3 City 300

The latest version of the MP3 is dubbed the MP3 Yourban. Piaggio claims sales of more than 80,000 MP3 worldwide, and will add two new versions with the Yourban 125 and 300. America will receive the 300 bearing the MP3 City moniker.

A fuel-injected 278cc four-stroke Single powers the new three-wheeler from Piaggio, with its four-valve head is actuated by a single overhead cam. Power claims are 22.4 horsepower and 16.37 lb-ft of torque.

The City differentiates itself from the existing MP3 line (250, 400 and 500 available in the U.S.) by its trimmer looks and dimensions. The City appears more slender with its fairing terminating at the upper steering assembly. The headlights have also moved up into the upper section, along with the integrated turn signals.

Wheelbase pinches down to 56.9 inches (MP3 250 wheelbase is 58.6 inches, the larger versions even longer), with Piaggio claiming the new dimensions make the City a more nimble urban commuter. The overall length of the scoot drops as well, four inches shorter than the existing 250.

The distinctive MP3 two-wheeled front end returns, though the City will source 13-inch wheels (the remaining line makes use of 12-inch hoops up front). Dual 240mm disc brakes with dual-piston calipers tuck away on the interior of the front wheels, while a 220mm rear rotor is clamped by a two-piston floating caliper.


The MP3 City 300 claims a 451-pound curb weight and will be available in the U.S. at the end of 2011. MSRP is to be determined, with the current MP3 250 $7199 and the MP3 400 $8699.

The Piaggio BV 300 joins the U.S. line with improved storage capacity, new wheels, brakes and updated styling.

Piaggio BV 300

Similar to the City model, the BV 300 debuted at Milan in a 125 and 300 version (where it’s called the Beverly). The architecture of the fuel-injected four-stroke Single is also identical to the new MP3 City 300 – a 278cc displacement and 75mm bore by 63mm stroke.

The BV now sports distinctive 20-spoke wheels, the front 16-inch dimensions unchanged. A larger 300mm rotor adorns the single disc front braking package, with floating two-piston calipers. A single 240mm disc also makes use of two-piston caliper in the rear.

Suspension units are a 35mm fork and dual rear shock, with the rear offering four-position preload adjustment.

Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban

The front end styling is swoopier than before. The dimensions are stretched as well, with the wheelbase 2.5 inches longer than the 250 version at 60.4. Piaggio touts a fully-redesigned underseat storage space, which now includes a courtesy light, document compartment and a claimed 50% more capacity.

A wide array of accessories will be available, with the new BV expected in the same timeframe as the MP3 city. MSRP is to be determined with the current BV 250 retailing for $4899.

Piaggio Typhoon 125

The Piaggio Typhoon returns to the U.S. scooter lineup with its four-stroke 124cc Single.

Piaggio released two versions of its small-displacement Typhoon at EICMA. The 50cc two-stroke won’t make its way to U.S. shores, but the four-stroke 125 version will makes its return to the American lineup after a long hiatus.

A two-valve 124cc four-stroke powers the Typhoon. The carb-fed Single claims 9.6 horsepower, with Piaggio PR promising the little engine “can even take extra-urban dual carriageways safely in its stride” i.e. everything but the freeway.

The Typhoon sports a front fork and four-position preload-adjustable single rear shock, the chassis rolling on 12-inch wheels. A single 220mm two-piston brake stops the front with a drum rear.

The Typhoon is expected sometime next summer. Like the rest, U.S. MSRP is unlisted.

Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
Piaggio MP3 125 Yourban
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