2010 Piaggio MP3 0.3L Petrol · GX60 SLU

The most recent MOT on 28 November 2025 was passed with no recorded defects, but the advisory concerning a tight and notchy steering head bearing persists. Over the eight‑year MOT record the vehicle has shown a consistent pattern of minor advisories – chiefly the steering head bearing, occasional brake‑pad wear and tyre tread approaching the legal limit – without any major failures. This indicates a generally stable maintenance picture, yet the recurring steering bearing note suggests an issue that has neither progressed to a failure nor been fully resolved, so it remains a point of attention for the buyer. At 17 649 miles recorded in September 2026 the scooter averages just over 1 100 miles per year, far below the typical utilisation for a 2010 model. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of storage or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber, seals and metal components age regardless of distance. Age‑related degradation may be present in the tyre sidewalls, battery plates, rubber bushings and engine oil, even though the wear on moving parts such as brakes and suspension appears modest. When you inspect the bike, give the steering head bearing particular scrutiny. With the bearing described as “tight and notchy” you should feel for any grinding, binding or a lack of smoothness when turning the handlebars at low speed and when the scooter is stationary. A noticeable increase in steering effort, intermittent clunking or a vibration through the handlebars can indicate bearing wear that will soon require replacement. The rear brake pads were flagged as worn in the 2024 advisory; examine the pad thickness and the condition of the discs for glazing or scoring, and listen for any squeal or shudder when applying the brakes, especially under moderate load. Front brake pads were close to the minimum limit in 2018, so confirm that they have been replaced and that the calipers move freely without sticking. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also check tyre tread depth and sidewall integrity – look for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that may have developed while the scooter was idle. Inspect all suspension bushings, ball joints and engine mount links for any looseness, creaking or excessive play, as previous advisories noted wear in these areas. Verify the 12‑volt battery’s charge holding capability and electrolyte condition, and ask for evidence of recent fluid changes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid) because time‑based degradation can occur even without high mileage. Finally, a visual survey for corrosion on the frame, exhaust and mounting points will reveal whether prolonged storage has allowed rust to set in, which could affect structural integrity and long‑term reliability.