Modern Vespa

The safety factor and the riding experience (almost like gliding) make it appealing to me, but I feel this bike is also hopelessly compromised:

*looks (first and foremost): I just don't like it, especially from the rear. There's much better-looking scooters out there, for instance the Aprilia Scarabeo 500, the Yamaha XC300, Gilera Runner 500... The electric Vectrix posted on this site looks much better as well. Almost any redesign would be an improvement.

*comfort: I'm 6'1" and while it's not a dealbreaker by itself, the seat is a minus. What idiot at Piaggio designs these things (same issue with, for instance, the Vespa GTV)? Also, I have size 12 for shoes and can't put my feet flat in the allotted space (I have to curl my toes up or point my feet outward). Even if I were to spend more money (as if it's not expensive enough) to get the seat redone, I fear that then the handlebar may be too low for comfort.

*resale value: I'm an expat and will probably move to another country in 2-3 years. As with any high-tech product, you start with high price at the beginning of the product lifecycle, and gradually move down. So above normal depreciation, you lose the price premium you're now paying.

All in all I have to say though that my first point is the main thing holding me back. It just looks nerdy and unstylish, as if they've outsourced the design to China. I hope that Piaggio or another company (maybe the Japanese are working on this?) will come out with better-looking scooters with this technology. The Gilera Fuoco would be better already (although I'd prefer something more elegant), but that's not available where I live. Seems like I'll be riding my motorcycle for yet a while.

To each his own. It's funny though that you visit a forum full of mp3 users, most of us who love our mp3 and type such a long piece, when you'll apparently never own one. No matter what you say, it won't change the happy mp3 owners into unhappy ones.

A. When you're riding it, you're oblivious to what it looks like. You are feeling the ride, not looking at it.
B. I happen to think it looks less nerdy than a regular scooter, which can certainly make some grown men look very foolish riding one.
C. While I'm sure there are plenty of people who might not like the look, not only have most people who talk to me about it said they like the looks, but all of us who own one either love the look or don't care what it looks like because it's a blast to ride.
D.I'm 6 ft and I'm very comfortable. I don't see how one more inch in height can make that much of a difference in ride.

Have you actually ridden an mp3 for at least a few hours? If you had, I'll wager you would be singing a different tune right now.

I for one don't care if you're missing out on the fun and won't buy one. I'm quite content riding on mine. Every single time I ride it I think the same thing "God I love this machine"

No offense meant at all. I've been intrigued by the technology from the beginning and I've been on the fence a long time, so I've also been reading this forum. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm hanging in there until other scooters using this technology come around. I'm quite sure this is here to stay.

WELL SAID - Eastbayrider! I LOVE my MP3 (I call him "BRUNO"!)

Thanks for your post!

Jo Anne

+1

It's interesting that Eurotrash is riding a BMW R1200C, because most BMW riders would say the same things about his ride that he said about ours! I have ridden the R12C (I had one when my K1200LT was in for service as a loaner for 2 days). My experience with his chosen bike was that it vibrated my hands numb, and for sure, my MP3 is light years smoother then that.

In fact for some unexplainable reason, BMW built vibration into that bike, detuned it so it was slower then a regular R1150 series bike, placed the footpegs forward so you were sitting on your tailbone (quite uncomfortable) and gave the passenger one of the most uncomfortable perches short of a rigid tail Harley, BUT I wouldn't go to a BMW forum and say all of the above. Why would he come here and stir the pot?

No offense to Eurotrash but that my $.02

Whew! When I read the title, I thought "Oh oh, what did I miss when purchasing this machine?". But I was pleasantly relieved to find it was mostly cosmetic.

It is definately a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder for one. I agree that scooters in general are utlilitarian but not very "attractive" for the average man. The mp3 seems to eliminate the appearance problem, at least for me.

I can agree with the author that comfort, on longer trips at least, is an issue. I'm 5'9'' and have little problem but if you're unfortable, that's an issue. I could appreciate improvements here. There a few examples I've run into where European sizes, Italy in this case, do not match up well with U.S. sizes or fit. But you'd think....

Price is/was an issue for me. I am amazed reading this forum, how people are so willing and apparently able to chuck the 250 for a bigger more expensive model. I've been to the west coast and I know it's hilly so I can appreciate the need but after $7500 for the 250, now they want to spend thousands more (potentialy). There may or may not be some trade in value but it's still a lot of extra money. I feel as if we're being played by Piaggio.

Of course, having said that, I know I was first in line to by my mp3 when I read about it in a newspaper flyer. I bought it sight unseen and of course, untested. But the difference between me and others I guess, is that I'm happy with mine. Topography has a lot to do with that.
One last point here - going 90mph on 13" wheels doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

But back to the author: Yes, price comfort, and looks are issues.

I seem "comfortable" overall, so good for me.

The reality is this is cutting edge technology which ultimately will carry over into the motorcycle world. The reasons are quite obvious when you think about it.

After sitting on RenoBob's MP3, I went out and purchased an "AirHawk" medium cruiser cover. At 6'3", 260 lbs with a 34" inseam; it has made all the difference in the world. My knees are not bent as severly and my seat stays cooler and more comfortable. Thanks to that one change, I'm actually more comfortable then I was on my BMW K12LT. I no longer experience knee and hip discomfort after 1-2 hours of riding.

If your comfort level is questionable, I'd recommend the AirHawk or BeadRider seat covers. For me, the AirHawk Medium Cruiser Pad fit perfectly on my MP3.

I don't understand. The MP3 is ideal for hiding used gum and concealing all those nude women magazines. Two very important issues living in Singapore.....LOL

Have fun with whatever you purchase....

My most recent bikes were an '01 R1200C, an '03 R1200CLC, an '04 Montauk and an '04 R1150RT. I had more fun the first 15 minutes on my MP-3 than the 10s of thousands of miles on the BMWs.

Ugly? Maybe, but it gets lots of stares and questions. Even Harley people ask me about it, although it's often something like, "when you learn to ride it, can you take the training wheels off?"

I have to add another note. When I buy something I like, the last thing I'm thinking of is the resale value. When I buy a TV, or a computer or a car, I plan on using it until it is unusable. I may change my mind later down the line, but I consider what I don't get back when I sell something as the cost of using it. If you can afford the nice things you want in life, you do so for the enjoyment, not how much money you'll get back when you're ready to sell.

Secondly, what I really like about the Mp3 is that while I feel like I'm riding a motorcycle, because it's bigger and more powerful than most scooters on the road today, what I like the most is the way it handles and part of the reason it handles well is because it weighs significantly less than most bikes, especially Harley's and BMW's. At first I thought it was a little heavy because I was used to half the weight on my other scooter, but after awhile, it doesn't seem all that heavy at all. You just have to know when to have your feet planted and when to give gas, if it's feeling heavy for any reason.

One of the most noticeable advantages of the Mp3, especially after you've ridden it for awhile, is the comfortable ride because of the excellent suspension. I can ride for hours without being sore from a bumpy road. I would have to say, from a smoothness of ride standpoint, it is the Cadillac or Rolls Royce of scooters. I personally think the seat is very comfortable and more comfortable than my last scooter, however I do concede that a one size fits all of anything is going to have to cater to the average 5'10 to 6 ft male, not those shorter or taller. If there are any changes I would enjoy in a future model, it would be slightly bigger tires and chrome rims.

I'm not interested in a faster top end scooter. I don't want to add any more weight or lose any cargo space. For me, the MP3 I have is perfect for me and I agree with Captain John in that I would never go to a BMW forum and tell them why I didn't buy a BMW. I may own an MP3 400 or the hybrid MP3 HYS one day in addition to the MP3 I have now, but the fact there are different types available in Europe still doesn't change the good fit I have with my current MP3.

I still think that if anyone is on the fence and were to try test driving an MP3, that would make all the difference in the world.

I've noticed that many people are enthusiastic about the MP3 even when they've only observed it parked. You can see the wheels turning as they imagine themselves riding such a futuristic technological marvel. Many people are drawn to it. The main thing that stops people is the expense, not how it looks or must ride. Either you're willing to spring for your toys or your not. Those of us who have and can are privileged, although I don't see myself as rich since I financed it. I was willing to take on the expense and have not regretted it since the day I picked it up.

How bad do you want it? How much can you justify the expense to yourself? Life is too short. I say, "If I can afford it and nobody is going hungry for it, why not buy some toys and enjoy life?!" Next year I might even buy a second MP3 so my lady friends can tag along.

Aw shucks guys he is just 'chuckin and windin" hoping to reel in a big one (or a bunch of little ones) 8)

I like the looks, I like the pep, I like the comfort. well Diane likes the comfort, she has about 4000 (s)miles on it already.)

We will probably get a Russel Day Long Saddle on it this winter. (unless she is Jonesing for the 400.) I want the 500, hehehe.

We paid too much. Whats the point, we do that in America.

I remember when starting college I bought a led TI calculator that only did addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for about $125 while making $1.10 per hr. And was happy to have done it.

Exactly my point! He may have been fishing, but I'm happy to list the reasons I love my MP3 anyway! Now I just need to find an Italian woman who makes a mean spaghetti to go with my Italian scooter! lol

Do I really have to respond to such a post !

Y'all know what I think of this marvellous three wheeler. It's innovation, style and unique soul.

Buyer's remorse = 0 % !!!!!!!

Critics will come and go (few and far between compared to the fans) but the MP3 is exemplary. It's no eurotrash ....

Oh how I love thee...little MP3 ..

I love this F...n little scooter !

mine has been down for two months getting fixed, and today I should get back the body panels..custom orange/yellow...

winter is coming in Southern Florida ...YIPPEE ! PERFECT WEATHER for the next 8 months !

Oh how I love thee Mp3, let me count the ways....

em

I'll keep this short - you sound like my Father in law everytime a new pickup comes out he hates it but in a few years he buys one. It's a new style, I like it because it is different.

I'm 6'2 and I have a 13 shoe and have no problem fitting my feet on the boards - sure beats sitting on a peg like other bikes.

On the flip side if I could have my wishes - I would like to see a 16" tire on the back of that pup it would make it look a heck of a lot better.

The seat while not the best is fine for 100 mile trips I don't think the intent was touring!

Last wish - Paiggio please make both headlights work - I'm tired of showing people it ain't burnt out!!