Piaggio MP3 400 HPE Sport added to the range | NEWS

Piaggio has added a new 400cc version of the MP3 to its 2021 range. The 35bhp scooter utilises the new 399cc HPE engine to replace the old 350cc lump. Styling is in line with the rest of the MP3 family (as you’d expect) and it carries all the familiar spec and features.

The new addition can (of course) be ridden on a car or full bike licence. It retails at £8300 and is available to order now. The main difference with this. model though is the new engine. More about that below…

HPE 400 Engine

This all-new version of the HPE engine produces 35.4bhp at 7,000 rpm and boasts 37.7 Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The single-cylinder four-valve engine has been substantially altered from the old 350 to make it quieter, have less vibration, increased efficiency and power is also up by 16%. The engineers have achieved this by using a longer weight-optimised conrod, a lightened, moulded alloy piston and a new innovative system patented by Piaggio – PCV – Positive Crankcase Ventilation. The system has two blades built into the crankcase to reduce pumping losses and increase power. There’s also a new specific intake line, optimised valve lifting and a new progressive chain tensioner. The combustion chamber has also been optimised using CFD calculations, as well as a new high-pressure injector and less viscous engine oil (5W-40). The transmission also has a new layout and larger fan, designed to improve belt cooling.