Modern Vespa

Purchased used, low-mileage 2009 M3 250 beginning of 2013. Extreme fun as daily short-commuter on country roads, small "villages" and sparse-traffic highways. Terrific scooter, zero problems after 1600 miles - except the stock seat becomes unbearable after 1 hour in the saddle.

Also I now have 5 windshields! It came with 3 (short stock, medium and tall comfort). Then bought a Cee Baileys 27" light gray; it's perfect for me. Baileys sent me another, due to the first one having a small crack, which I epoxied to make serviceable. The shorty is okay for warm weather riding, but I plan to sell the medium and tall.

I've perused the MP3 forum for months, and appreciate all the helpful tips, advice, stories, photos... Thanks so much!

Re-entered the motorcycle world after a 40 year hiatus, now commuting with a grin. The 3 wheels get *noticed*, with friendly discussions at fuel-ups and store parking lots.

All the gear, all the time, hi-viz yellow full face helmet

You will love your new ride Yes, the stock seat does leave a lot to be desired! But with both the 250 and 400 you have lots of aftermarket seat choices. Our 500 is limited to only expensive custom seats, which btw are rather nice, but expensive.

Try to find other MP3er's in your area for rides and even to help you with maintenance. You have a unique ride, plan on extra time since people will stop you and ask about your ride.

Welcome to modern vespa!
You will love your 250!

You will enjoy this type of three will experience.

Welcome! Glad you finally decided to introduce yourself

The stock seat, as I'm sure you've seen, is one of the biggest complaints on the MP3. Having a 250, you do have a couple of bolt-on aftermarket options. You can get one from Shad. You also have a couple choices of Piaggio "Comfort" seats that you should be able to get from any dealer. I can only think of 1 time I've heard that someone didn't like the Shad seat and many that absolutely loved it.

If you're more interested in a custom seat, there are quite a few threads on here about them. In particular, you should check out LarryLarry75's experiences on getting his seat for his 500 redone up there in the Pacific Northwest.

Good luck choosing, and happy scooting!

Mark

I want to thank those that are buying up these MP3 250's .... wondered how long they would remain in the warehouses around the USA before someone started to buy them.

thx

Thanks for the feedback and advice on seats. Shad bolt-on seat looks like a nice option.

Riding the MP3 since Feb. 2013 - have not seen even one other MP3 on the road. Nearest next-of-kin were a couple of CanAms.

67.5 mpg avg on 15 fuel-ups

Hi Flying_M

Welcome to the wonderful world to mp3, there is no border for the ride. it's just passion for all .

Check out Bill Mayer Saddles. Many of us have solved the problem with his seat makeover!!