OP
UTC

Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
 
Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
UTC quote
I read old threads about using an ape as a camper and there were pictures of a concept, one man camper. Last year I decided to try to make a 2 man Piaggio Ape camper. I used the MP600 as the basis, because it is a two seater and has a 600kg payload, as well as a reasonably long truck bed. The project took 6 months including the restoration of the vehicle and the making of the removeable living pod. It has a small double sofa bed, 3 burner stove, tiny wood burner/water heater, solar panel, fridge, sink and hot and cold water systems. I took my vehicle to a vintage vehicle show a couple of weeks ago and was inundated with wonderful comments. If you would like to see it, I have a YouTube video of the project which you can find here
. Please feel free to share it with your friends.

If anyone wants to try something like this and needs any advice please feel free to message me.
The Tiny Two man Piaggio Ape camper
The Tiny Two man Piaggio Ape camper
⚠️ Last edited by dippyd on UTC; edited 1 time
@lozjm avatar
UTC

Hooked
2016 Sprint 50
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Posts: 267
Location: Ireland
 
Hooked
@lozjm avatar
2016 Sprint 50
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Posts: 267
Location: Ireland
UTC quote
Absolutely fantastic! I love it
@tor2ga avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Looking for the next one, probably electric
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Posts: 3686
Location: Babcock Ranch, Florida
 
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@tor2ga avatar
Looking for the next one, probably electric
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Location: Babcock Ranch, Florida
UTC quote
Very interesting and well executed. Nice workmanship.


Pedantry Alert

It's not ape as in Barbary,it's ah pay as in Italian for bee.

End Pedantry Zone. Carry on.
OP
UTC

Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
 
Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
UTC quote
Thanks for the pedantry note! It is rather a source of amusement. In the UK if I pronounce the word as the Italians would, only Ape owners would have a clue what I am talking about!

I have a really good Italian friend and he informs me that they actually call them little monkeys in Italy, so perhaps I should just call it monkey and be done with it! lol.

Thanks for your nice comment on the workmanship. Regards Steve
UTC

Molto Verboso
portofino green GTV 300
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Posts: 1410
Location: w.ma. Northampton
 
Molto Verboso
portofino green GTV 300
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Posts: 1410
Location: w.ma. Northampton
UTC quote
Nice camper, welcome to MV from New England.
@grahamlml avatar
UTC

Addicted
Vespa GTS 250 , Baotian 70cc rat scooter, Yamaha V50M 1979
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Location: Wales
 
Addicted
@grahamlml avatar
Vespa GTS 250 , Baotian 70cc rat scooter, Yamaha V50M 1979
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Location: Wales
UTC quote
Nice job and welcome from Ceredigion.
Hopefully spot it one day.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
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@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Love it.
@crazycarl avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
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Location: Springboro, OH
 
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@crazycarl avatar
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
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Posts: 3522
Location: Springboro, OH
UTC quote
That's really awesome! Congrats on a terrific result.

How fast is this with the living pod installed?
OP
UTC

Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
 
Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
UTC quote
The top speed is 40mph. The living pod is really only noticeable on hills. It is possible to fit a bigger piston and sleeve to make is 224cc. The standard engine is 11hp, but with the upgrade it is 15hp. These vehicles are designe dfor torque more than speed.
UTC

Hooked
Gts 300 notte
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Location: Toronto
 
Hooked
Gts 300 notte
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Location: Toronto
UTC quote
Wowww. This is amazing. Nice job!
@bobo avatar
UTC

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'70 Super 150, Medley 150S, '23 Ducati Monster SP
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Location: Sydney, Australia
 
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@bobo avatar
'70 Super 150, Medley 150S, '23 Ducati Monster SP
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Location: Sydney, Australia
UTC quote
Pretty cool but not really practical. The Ape is designed as a city delivery vehicle. You'd be taking your life into your hands every time you hit the open road.
@marret avatar
UTC

Hooked
2016 GTS300 ABS
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Location: FL and VA
 
Hooked
@marret avatar
2016 GTS300 ABS
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Posts: 304
Location: FL and VA
UTC quote
Very cool, well done.

Clap emoticon
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UTC

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GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
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Location: Lancaster, U.K.
 
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@touring300 avatar
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
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Location: Lancaster, U.K.
UTC quote
Bobo wrote:
Pretty cool but not really practical. The Ape is designed as a city delivery vehicle. You'd be taking your life into your hands every time you hit the open road.
I can't see it being any more dangerous than a bespoke motorhome. Providing the body is bolted down onto the chassis and you don't sit inside it while it is in motion, I don't see a problem?
OP
UTC

Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
 
Lurker
Ape MP600
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4
Location: Cornwall UK
UTC quote
Bobo wrote:
The Ape is designed as a city delivery vehicle. You'd be taking your life into your hands every time you hit the open road.
I live in Cornwall UK. It has no motorway (freeway). Many of our roads are narrow and winding, without any road markings. The Camper is very practical for that. I agree wholeheartedly with your point on "the open road". I have no intention of taking it on fast roads, but have 1000s of miles and hundreds of beaches to explore in the beautiful county where I live.
@ritchj avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
One of each
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Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
 
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@ritchj avatar
One of each
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3421
Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
UTC quote
If anyone feels inspired to build a camper, mobile coffee, cocktails, craft beer or prosecco, I know of several 2005 Bajaj three wheelers on the West Coast that need new homes Laughing emoticon

PM as to not distract from dippyd's thread
@giallo avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS 300 hpe
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Location: NYC
 
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@giallo avatar
GTS 300 hpe
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Posts: 816
Location: NYC
UTC quote
This is so beautifully done!

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