Modern Vespa

Preamble: After several weeks of research, I'm in the process of selling my car and converting to an MP3 as my year-round vehicle. *glee/fear* I've never ridden a motorcycle or a scooter before, though I'm a veteran bicyclist, and I'm already enrolled in the MSF rider courses. Last Friday I got my learner's permit and put down a $100 deposit on a sky-blue 250! This weekend may involve a road trip for safety clothing.

For those of you who ride in winter, what modifications have you made to your MP3 to prepare it for sub-zero weather and the occasional snowfall? Special tires, windscreen? How do the stock tires handle on wet/snowy pavement? (I've looked in vain for anyone this side of the pond that sells the Piaggio Winter Pack. *sigh* Looks like a good kit; too bad Piaggio won't sell it here.)

Any other advice you'd give to a scooter-newb on buying and outfitting an MP3 or himself, lay it on.

Living most of the year in Florida I don't have the same issues a yankee would have but I did look up some info because i do have land in Maine (i am really a yankee ) and may bring my scoot up there this fall.

Check this out http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/11/20/piaggio-mp3-winter-accessories/

And this http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/11/14/piaggio-mp3-roof-and-trailer/

Muffs and heated grips are my best friend in the winter. I can still wear summer gloves when it's minus 5C.

Wear lots of layers when it is cold - you can always take some off if it gets too warm. Make sure your normal winter outer garments are rain and wind-proof.

Don't get the 'winter screen' - if it does snow you won't be able to see. Do not ride on icy untreated roads - stick to the main roads instead even if they are clogged with cages. Always carry some choccy biccies and some water in case you get held up, and make sure you have usefully operational breakdown insurance.

Sounds like you have alot of experience with winter riding jimc, but what are choccy biccies?

Chocolate biscuits.

I knew it must have been some kind of food...thanks for the answer.

Thanks for the research, stickyfrog, but I already know about the accessories you point out on the Kneeslider page. That's the Winter Pack that no US dealer can get, AFAIK - my dealer here in MN told me that he can't after checking with the Mothership, and if you look at the comments at KS they echo my dealer's statement. That's why I'm trying to "cobble together" one of my own.

If you find a stateside dealer who actually carries the Winter Pack, I'd love to hear about it.

I sure will and please do the same if you hear....especially about winter tires.

Well, the only winter tires I've found advertised in the US are from Schwalbe. I "hear" one can special-order them via a local dealer, but the website reads them as being out-of-stock.

I was looking at the Scooter Trap website this afternoon, but the only tire they offer is the Michelin Pilot City, and they say little about *ahem* ugly weather for that tire. "All-weather" my a$$ - which I intend to safeguard as diligently as possible.

here are some tires that work in the winter

Which further translates into american as cookies.

http://www.tucanourbano.it

Winter is a bad word, winter will not arrive again, it will continue to stay warm......

I think I can, I think I can.....

Wow, with denial that strong from an Alaskan, someone should turn you into an alternative energy source. How many MP3s you think you could fuel on that?

Another winter tire site is www.heidenauusa.com

That's good info, Maynard. Have you used Heidenau tires, or do you know anyone who has? Product information is good; personal experience is also good.

I have driven with the special rubber compond used to soften in colder weather with good results. However never drive for long on non-snowpack roads or your thread will dissapear fast. Riken Rubber made this type of rubber in the mid 70's.

wow imagine what you could do if you send these to http://frpoffroad.com/
(Jeff Fredette ) and have him install some of his ice studs on them