Modern Vespa

I am 72...never ridden....considering MP3

QUESTION....Would MP3 be good choice. as a first ride
Also ...its heavy...is that going to be a problem maneuvering in the garage, etc.

No...
Can-Am is in your Future...

Keith,
Marietta, GA

Turns out I have both a Can Am Spyder and an MP3 500.
I'll say it depends, on several things.
First, if by saying you are 72 you FEEL 72 (stereotypically), and if you are looking at the MP3 as a three-wheeler that is more stable at all times than a typical motorcycle, then I'd say no. Don't do it. The MP3 is heavy, which makes low-speed maneuvers tricky, and the tilt-lock is ONLY functional when stopped. You can use the tilt-lock to move the scooter around on a FLAT surface, but if one of the front wheels falls into a hole you're done for. But as for just moving it around a garage or a paved parking area, yeah the tilt-lock is great. But for that purpose, so is a GTS 250 or 300 (depends if you buy new or used).

As to the Spyder, or even the new ride that Can Am came out with recently, that could be a good starter but it is WAY more expensive than a scooter. In this case the three wheels actually make the ride behave like a car. You'll never tip it over, but then it's wide like a car so can't fit or maneuver where a 2-wheeled vehicle can.

If you were my father and in good shape, I'd be pointing you toward a Vespa 150cc scooter, probably used, to start with. Very good shape with some remaining athleticism (strength and coordination), perhaps the somewhat heavier, more capable GTS 250/300.

Overall for any new rider though, I'd recommend to start small(ish).

I love my GTS/300... !
+ The Maintenance of the MP3...

Good Explanation.

Keith,
Marietta, GA

As a 70-year-old MP3 rider I'll echo Madison Sully. The MP3 is a heavy beast and not a trike. It's quite difficult to ride at slow speeds. If it drops, it's very difficult to get upright, and you can hurt yourself doing so.

curious ....with two wheels in front why is it hard to keep upright at
slow speeds ?[/list]

Because the wheels don't lock when you are moving. If they did you would fall over when you made a turn. As soon as you roll on some throttle you can go over.

Isn't this a duplicate of your post on the General Discussion forum?

MP3 500...as a First Ride

Usually considered poor form to double post a question. Just commenting for future reference. I realize you are a new member.

Bah, don't worry about it.
It has been rather quiet around here lately, and besides, posting in both places makes sense on this one.
First to MP3 riders, does this work well as a first ride at 72?
Second to everyone, what is a good first ride at 72?

Honda 50 is my suggestion.What could be better as a first bike to ride.

Lots of things? Honda 50 for a 50 isn't a bad little bike. However if considering the large MP3 you need to start bigger than that and have something that will at least be allowed on an interstate though maybe not recommended. So I'd say a 150 or maybe the small MP3 to start?

The CanAM came to mind for me as well. You get the freedom of the open air but not the full motorbike experience as there is no lean. However if leaning a bike around corners is not a big concern it is a great fit. I'm certainly open to the idea of a CanAM in my older years.

I have to add, I'm 55 and have a bum knee. I find the MP3 easy to move in and out of the garage because I lock it up right and maneuver it that way without throttle to a place where I've made it easy to back in and pull out of. I don't have to turn around in my garage though I have. Other than that, as Sully says, a Vespa GTS/GTV is an easier scoot to maneuver in every other way, especially off bike. It's also peppier. Surprisingly so compared to the MP3 500.

Something that will go up a hill and maintain speed. No reason at all to start on a 50cc, I would go with a cheap used 150 then get the MP3 once you get use to riding.

first choice is MSF class to learn HOW to ride in a controlled environment FIRST.

after a successful completion then come back and ask some more questions before buying ANYING.

This! And then go to a multi-brand dealer and ride several products.

I agree regarding a 150 as a first scooter. I would not recommend a 250 MP3, however, for the same reason I would not recommend a 400/500. All the MP3s including the 250 are quite heavy. The 250 weighs a hundred pounds more than a Piaggio BV500.

Cool

The Yourban is lighter than the MP3 and a somewhat smaller roller. The biggest motor is the 300. Perfect for a first old timer like Newbie 1946.

No Yourban in the US.

Sorry. My bad. Didn't know you don't have them.