On the End of Summer ride, I mentioned that we have a dealer of Vespas and Paglios (spelling?) here in the Huntsville, Alabama area. I was asked if they had the new three wheeled MP3. I was there yesterday, Saturday 9-22, and the answer is Yes. They do have one in the showroom. 250cc for just under $7000.00 US. Just thought I'd pass on the word.
HO-DO
They haven't driven me off yet!Scootermikie said:
$7k is steep for a 250cc scoot... but they are really cool. I want to try to get my wife on one of those in the next couple years...
Forum topic
Yes this is the Burman forum, but if you were lucky enough to have ridden this past weekend on the BURGMAN (mostly) End of Summer ride referenced to in my post, you would know that it was most likely a Burgman rider who asked me the question. I ride a 650 myself.
And, by the way, there is even a section on this forum for people who ride other scooters.
Yes this is the Burman forum, but if you were lucky enough to have ridden this past weekend on the BURGMAN (mostly) End of Summer ride referenced to in my post, you would know that it was most likely a Burgman rider who asked me the question. I ride a 650 myself.
And, by the way, there is even a section on this forum for people who ride other scooters.
What's interesting about these bikes(scooters), like the MP3 and the CanAm Spyder, is that the companies are designing them for people who they feel are new to riding and would have difficulty balancing and riding on 2 wheels. The MP3 at least has a half decent write up for cornering but the CanAm Spydr I read a little while ago indicated that there was no way this bike(?) would ever make a sharp turn. In other words, the companies are trying to increase the number of new riders by building bikes(scooters) that have an inherent weakness built into them. Just a thought.
Its a Burgman forum, but it does not stop us being interested in other bikes and things.
Test drove a 125cc MP3 on Saturday, the 250 not being available. Its a hoot, but not for me. Too small for my frame, running 7000 to 9000 revs most of the time, topped at 100 kilometres per hour. BUT, its turns, its zippy, the brakes haul you up quickly, it filters, it zings. With money, as a fun bike, maybe the 250. Tried it, did not get a T shirt, sticking with the 650 B/Man. You still have to balance the thing, sort of, and I did not get used to locking the front wheel assembly as you come to a stop, so that you did not have to put your feet down. Too instinctive, maybe, this foot down thing.
There is a 500 available, not by Piaggio. Would I got for it. Doubtful, but I sure would like to test drive one.
Test drove a 125cc MP3 on Saturday, the 250 not being available. Its a hoot, but not for me. Too small for my frame, running 7000 to 9000 revs most of the time, topped at 100 kilometres per hour. BUT, its turns, its zippy, the brakes haul you up quickly, it filters, it zings. With money, as a fun bike, maybe the 250. Tried it, did not get a T shirt, sticking with the 650 B/Man. You still have to balance the thing, sort of, and I did not get used to locking the front wheel assembly as you come to a stop, so that you did not have to put your feet down. Too instinctive, maybe, this foot down thing.
There is a 500 available, not by Piaggio. Would I got for it. Doubtful, but I sure would like to test drive one.
Piaggio
I took a brief ride on the 250 MP3 and it felt much like any other scoot.
I think the main advantage is the extra wheel makes for better traction.
However, it has very limited leg room...no space to stretch out the legs at all...so to me, its just a town scoot, and not suitable for long rides at all. I suspect the 500, if it ever reaches the US, will be much the same as far as the leg room is concerned.
I took a brief ride on the 250 MP3 and it felt much like any other scoot.
I think the main advantage is the extra wheel makes for better traction.
However, it has very limited leg room...no space to stretch out the legs at all...so to me, its just a town scoot, and not suitable for long rides at all. I suspect the 500, if it ever reaches the US, will be much the same as far as the leg room is concerned.
Inherent Weakness
I've been riding an MP3 and I can find no inherent weakness. I was able to do the MSF type circle and figure 8's in a parking lot, and the stopping distance is substantially reduced. Cornering is a breeze cause the front wheels are on a rectangular frame that is jointed, so both front wheels turn and lean at the same time. You get three "contact patch" areas rather than two, and their in front so the braking capability is enhanced. Legroom is somewhat limited, but in truth, I felt the same on the Burgie. It's a pretty cool little bike if you want to pay the price, it is expensive.
I've been riding an MP3 and I can find no inherent weakness. I was able to do the MSF type circle and figure 8's in a parking lot, and the stopping distance is substantially reduced. Cornering is a breeze cause the front wheels are on a rectangular frame that is jointed, so both front wheels turn and lean at the same time. You get three "contact patch" areas rather than two, and their in front so the braking capability is enhanced. Legroom is somewhat limited, but in truth, I felt the same on the Burgie. It's a pretty cool little bike if you want to pay the price, it is expensive.
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