Modern Vespa

First off, for all you collectors out there, the Coby 256MB MP3 player has the Piaggio and MP# scooter logos on the packaging and player itself.

Headed down to Vespa Sherman Oaks this morning to do the test ride. I was told I was the first one in to take advantage of the promotion... Possibly ecause anyone who doesn't visit this site or the Piaggio site isn't going to find out about it. I was also told the they're selling out of MP3s across the country because Piaggio underestimated demand.

The ride: The MP3 is smaller than it looks in photos; it often appears maxi-sized but really isn't. The saddle and riding position was pretty comfortable. In fact, it was a lot easier to adjust to the MP3 after riding my LX 150 than I'd thought.

I took the scoot up some twisty hills in the residential area north of the dealer. While I wasn't able to take it very fast, I did get a good feel for how it handles and leans. It's dreamy and a hell of a lot of fun. It feels a little like skiing and carving into the turns. Though the MP3 is much heavier than my LX, the motions felt very smooth. Yes, you have to lean a little harder, but it's not laborious.

I even (unintentionally) fishtailed slightly while turning fairly slowly on some wet asphalt. I recovered easily; the scoot responded quite well.

My two criticisms: I was a little surprised that the 250ie didn't have a little more power. That may be heightened expectation after riding a 150, but may also be that the weight makes it a little pokey. Also, for touring I'd like to see a large windshield option.

So: I could definitely see myself using one for a daily commute and for touring, but think I'll wait to see if a larger CC version is released as rumored.

I did the same. It felt odd... Slow response - like riding through a thick liquid . It was interesting, but I think I'll be sticking to two wheels for a bit longer.

Dustin

I truly believe that motorcycle riders take easier to the MP3 then scooter riders! To me it feels more like a larger sport tourer or touring motorcycle then a conventional scooter.

What do you guys & gals think?

I rode one last week, and was impressed with the handling. I didn't find it lacking in power, and I believe I could be tempted.

I rode my Guzzi up Highway 9 to Skyline today. It's the first time I've ever done that route on the Guzzi, and the first time in quite a while that I've done anything except freeway riding on it.

I found myself leaning into the long sweepers on the Guzzi much like I've been doing on the MP3 -- really leaning it over, even when I wasn't going all that fast. Maybe it's the way Highway 9 is banked, but I was kind of surprised by my willingness to lean it over so much, given that (a) I've always been afraid to lean the Guzzi, (b) I'm chicken about lean to begin with, and (c) I *still* don't lean the GTS nearly that much.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that riding the Guzzi kind of reminded me of riding the MP3. Not exactly, and I still think the MP3 has some really amazing technology, but the similarity wasn't lost on me.

When I delivered my dead GTS to the dealer for resurrection I took a ride.
I've been sceptical of the value of the MP3 to me, and my overall opinion hasn't changed. I liked the ride, especially on potholes where it was quite amazingly comfortable. I was surprised by the brisk response and what seemed to me adequate power up to 80km/h ( that speedo has to go!). The scooter is heavy but nimble underway. I dislike the 'wells" to park one's feet in, the constricted seat and the cruiser-ish riding position. I enjoy the GTS's long seat and open footwell.
I found the locking feature awkward. It beeped ("ready to engage") when I seemed to be almost toppling at a standstill. Furthermore the streets had enough camber I'd often end up "scooting" away from a stop with a foot down to correct a misaligned stop.
These issues made the MP3 challenging enough I wanted to ride more until I did figure it out. I also think I am the first person to ride through a drive-through and get lunch "feet up." The staff at Wendys showed great aplomb in treating me as just another SUV.
Vespa Miami is selling as many of these as they can lay their hands on at $8200 OTD so they won't miss me, but I remain a fan of the classic good looks, lower maintenance requirements, and the traditional pleasures of a lighter, faster, more economical two-wheeled Vespa. I just wish they'd get mine back to me!

BTW, there is a large windscreen option, but is is an over-the-head look through option.

ive got my eye on the 400. depending on how much it is.

why cant they put the 500ie engine in it???

It's rumored that the 400 may actually be coming to the US as a 500ie. The US versions tend to have bigger engines than the Euro ones. (Don't know why... to compensate for emissions compromises, maybe?) The big trade off, then, is weight.

well i think the 400 engine is the same as the 500, but it is bored smaller to be a 400...so the weight of the 400 and 500 would be the same...now the weight of the 400 and 500 are about 100 more than the 250...which is already a heavy bike...so i highly recommend a test ride of both to see which fits you needs and comfort zone best..

why do some get a 400 and some a 500? possibly insurance reasons...it is much more expensive to register and insure a motorcycle that is 500 vs 400 in canada. probably similar laws in other areas.


g

Correct, the 400 and 500 are the same engine. The 400 simply has a shortened stroke & smaller bore. The 400 meets certain insurance levels and graduated licensing restrictions in various countries. The USA does not get the 400 versions of the Beverly, Scarabeo, etc. - if PiaggioCo is planning on producing a 500 version then that is what the USA would get. But this might mean we have a longer wait.

handles a lot like my old CBR600 f4i. Very fun to corner with..it really pushes you to corner looking far down the corner and leaning...and does it very well!!!

more power would be nice. i intend to work on that part of it moving forward:)