Gilera Fuoco 500

In America as the MP3-500 and MP3-400

Piaggio In America

The spectacularly finished Gilera Fuoco 500 is the latest and greatest example of the three-wheeled technology that seems to be sweeping the automotive industry these days.

This new three-wheeled scooter chassis broke onto the scene when it was launched on the Piaggio MP3 in October 2006. It was an immediate success, with over 10,000 sales in Europe in barely six months. Not surprising, considering the advances that this technology allows in terms of road holding and brake system. However, many bikers were eagerly waiting for someone to make it available on a powerful scooter. The Fuoco 500 is that dream come true.

Adopting the adventurer look, the Gilera Fuoco 500 is both sporty and sexy. Certain details- like round headlights protected by shockproof covers, an enormous front bumper to protect the radiator and passenger grab rail made of painted steel tubing- make this scooter more than just the average.

None can remain indifferent to the very strong personality that radiates from this new 500 cc three-wheeler. The finish is faultless and it comes in discreet black or grey, as well as red.

The two-wheeled front axle offers many advantages, but is detrimental at least in one respect - weight. This Fuoco 500 is no exception, with a dry weight of 538 pounds. At least the mass distribution is better balanced here than on a conventional scooter; 45 percent at the front and 55 percent at the rear (instead of 40/60), to the benefit of neutral handling.

The two-wheeled front axle does not require a firmer grip than that of a medium-capacity motorcycle. The Fuoco 500 rides exactly the same as any other scooter. It tilts in bends and you have to apply opposite lock in the same way to corner. However, it provides brand new sensations that are, all in all, invigorating and the chassis capabilities immediately appear enormous. This is the case with the MP3 125 and 250 cc, and it remains so here, with an output of 40 hp propelling the machine.

The engine adopted on the Fuoco 500 is the 4-valve single cylinder unit of the Piaggio X9 and Gilera Nexus 500, after undergoing a few modifications including an increase in capacity of 32 cc, and the addition of double ignition. Easily noticeable is the enhanced output as it fully casts off the weight of this three-wheeler. This can also be felt in the engine pick-up capacities, and particularly at top speed, but nothing to prevent a reasonable amount of safety.

With two ground contact points and a shock absorber on each wheel, the front axle of the Fuoco 500 swallows bumps with incredible efficiency. It undeniably represents a huge advantage compared to a conventional scooter, insofar as the risks of front skid when cornering are considerably reduced. Likewise, when braking, the two front wheels enable particularly powerful and perfectly safe deceleration. In the absence of ABS, it remains possible to simultaneously lock the two front wheels, resulting in a loss of balance, but this eventuality is much less to be feared than on a conventional scooter.

In terms of comfort, the Fuoco 500 also provides remarkable performance at the front, contrasting strongly with the firmness of the dual effect rear shock absorbers, without linkages. As on the Piaggio MP3 250, the “Roll Lock” front suspension locking system (so riders don’t have to put their foot down when at standstill or use the central stand to park the scooter) is supplied as standard. In concrete terms, as soon as the speed drops below 6 mph, with the throttle cut, a warning light and audio alert on the dashboard informs the rider that they can stabilize the Fuoco by activating a control on the right handlebar. This is clever and reassuring, because the steering is automatically released as soon as you open the throttle. There is also a handbrake for hill parking.

For the rest, the Gilera Fuoco 500 offers all the conveniences of a conventional scooter. It has the appropriate under-seat storage space, and it is possible to carry luggage on the floor panel, at the rider’s feet, while an optional 42-liter top box can sit on the small rear platform.

At around $8,500 the Gilera Fuoco 500 is unsurprisingly the most expensive scooter of this engine capacity; a financial outlay justified by the active safety provided by three-wheelers and its fantastic design.