A single, surprisingly simple modification to Piaggio's MP3 could yield significant benefits in terms of the three-wheeled vehicle's efficiency and aerodynamics, according to a new patent application filed by the company.
The document illustrates and describes a new version of the MP3 which takes the same inclined three-wheel chassis that has been part of the Piaggio range for 15 years, but modifies the bodywork of the front end so that it remains upright while the rest of the vehicle Bend over. This is a relatively easy design change to make, but can improve both appearance and aerodynamic performance, all with minimal additional cost in components or R&D work.
One of the problems that plagues MP3-style tilting tricycles, including rival models like Yamaha's Tricity and Niken, is that the front tends to be unusually high compared to conventional scooters, in order to provide unobstructed clearance. only the suspension movement of a front wheel, like a conventional vehicle, but also to take into account that when cornering, the inside front wheel must move up when the outside wheel goes down. In addition to being a problem for designers trying to create attractive bodies, it's a problem that hurts aerodynamic performance. The space between the two front wheels acts like a parachute, trapping air and working against performance and economy.
This problem has already been recognized by the White Motorcycle Concepts WMC300FR, which channels air passing between the wheels through the center of the vehicle and out the rear, but Piaggio's design to alleviate the problem requires smaller changes.
On the MP3, and most other leaning three-wheelers, the front suspension on each side is held by a parallelogram mechanism above the wheels. This is made up of two horizontal bars which pivot to remain parallel to the road while the rest of the vehicle tilts. Piaggio's patent application suggests mounting the front fairing on these bars rather than the main frame, so that it also remains horizontal.
As a result, the front end no longer needs to be high perched and can be installed above the front wheels when they are leaning. This means that much of the air that was previously trapped between the front wheels can instead be directed up and over the vehicle, or to the sides, allowing only enough air to pass into the lower part to power the radiator, like a classic two-wheeled scooter.
The solution also has other advantages. The headlights remain parallel to the ground, for example, their beam will be much more effective in illuminating a turn without resorting to adaptive lighting.
Piaggio's patent suggests that a high screen can still be fitted to the main body of the vehicle to protect the rider from wind and rain. He also points out that this front panel – now mounted further forward than before – can become a useful storage space. The patent shows a hood-like section that can be lifted to access a storage space above the headlights large enough to take a helmet, or even two of them side by side.
Although the existence of a patent application does not guarantee that an idea will move to production, this one makes a lot of sense and it is an idea that does not appear to involve extensive redesigns of existing components, so can -maybe it has a better chance than most of coming to fruition.
