Modern Vespa

Has anyone added this to their bike? Or seen it in person on any scooter? Research... opinions...?

But . . . for those of us in California . . . is it still a "motorcycle", or is it now an "automobile"?

Yeah I saw the pic on the facotry site was hoping to gain input if I should buy one or not...?

And for those asking stock Mp3 is a three wheeled cycle NOT requiring a M endorsement currently, just a valid class C license.

Yes, I've test ridden a mini trike kit on a Silverwing and loved it! It was great to buzz around slow turns and make slow tight turns without worrying about falling over.

There's an earlier thread about this very subject. I decided to add the trike kit because I'm not very strong, young or tall. I can ride the scooter just fine, but any time I have to do slow turns or if the scooter leans a bit too far when I'm stopped, I can't hold it up. I've dropped the scooter twice since I bought it in April, 2007, and did some minor damage to my scooter -- not fun.

I LOVE my scooter and love riding and want to keep doing so as safely as possible. When I saw the mini trike kit for the MP3 in the other thread -- believe the subject was something about FIVE wheels -- I felt this would be the answer to my problem.

At any rate, my mini trike kit will be delivered this coming Monday, August 4th. My husband will install it (asap I hope!). During the winter we'll have the 2 black fenders painted blue to match my scooter, and my husband is going to install some nifty brake lights in the fenders.

I'll have FIVE wheels on the ground and FOUR brake lights! Look out for me!!!! I plan on posting pics and comments after it's installed.

This old lady can hardly wait!!

Thanks to Jodeg for the very useful info. Please send pics and updates once yours is installed.

For those interested, earlier this afternoon I placed an order with a Tow Pac dealer for a minitrike kit for my bike. We'll see how it does in 2-3 weeks with me trying to install it myself.

i posted this one a month or so ago but my dad has one on his Suzuki Volusia and it's pretty sturdy. There is no leaning so you'll have to get use to it because if you turn too fast you'll tip it. I'd like to see how it works with the Piaggio MP3 with the 2 wheels up front and not leaning....

So would I.

I still don't get the point. Might as well get a conventional Trike, or even a cage.

jimc -

The point is that:

1. I already have a paid for MP3 and I love it.
2. A mini-trike Tow-Pac kit is a less expensive way to trike and doesn't change the scooter.
3. We already have a Goldwing/Hannigan trike and love it for trips - I'm the passenger.
4. I'm not as young, strong or tall as you are, and I want to keep riding my MP3 -- safely. This is a way for me to do it.
5. I have a car, I have a scooter -- why can't I have both and enjoy both? One doesn't compare to the other.
6. We all have to do what we think is best for each of us, whether you "get the point" or not. Different strokes for different folks.

I'm really not trying to start an argument here -- let's just agree to disagree, okay? Just be happy for this old lady!

smrf:

CONGRATS on your mini-trike kit order! I'll post on how the installation goes, and you be sure to let us know how you make out with yours! Don't forget pictures!

I'm happy for you!

It looks cool Jo Anne. I like the fact it is something you can remove if you want to go "comando". ;0)

I ride with a Goldwing trike group often. I would have even them out numbered wheel count wise if I had that kit.

Have fun and keep us posted. Hope you are dry! It's been a wet summer here in Missouri!

In your case I can see the point because of your point 1.

If you knew going in you were going to convert it; then I would think it would make more sense to convert a two wheeler. Which is I think what jimc was thinking; not that I'm trying to put words in his mouth.

Even if I had known I was going to convert a scooter into a trike with the Minitrike kit, I would of still considered the MP3 as it still has some very nice features over other 250cc two-wheeled scooters like the extra weight will make riding on highways smoother, you still benefit from double the braking power from having two front wheels, the anti theft features of the microchipped key and locking parking brake...you've got a lot more cargo space too under the seat...plus we still have the option of removing the minitrike kit anytime we want.

I will keep all posted once the kit comes...and gets installed...and I'm looking forward to seeing how Jodeg's installation and experience goes. I've got another 10-15 days before I get my kit.

PS. Jimc I just did a quick google search on trikes and OMG they are expensive as motorcycles...for half the cost of the average trike I've got a super cool awesome MP3 and a removal trike kit for under $11k vs $18K AND UP for a trike which is not convertible.

Smf and JoAnne: Can't wait to see your installed trike-kit pics! 8) Been thinkin' about trike idea too. I have a 600 Honda Shadow, so two wheels will still be in this household as well. Are you both doing the tow-pac conversion? I'm only 5'4" so maybe it would make me feel more secure? I can't flatfoot my MP3 now...would love a lower/slimmer seat instead of wearing higher heeled boots! JoAnne, FYI: I'm 57.....I hear ya! Do what makes you happy & safe while enjoying the ride! You two keep us posted, thanks.

JoAnne has her conversion on and has ridden it now. Mine is on order and I'm sqiurming out of my pants waiting for it!!!

See her updated pic next to her name for the conversion!

Doesn't change the scooter. It changes the scooter completely. Why would anyone want to take away the leaning capability of the MP3. This is what motorcyclcing is all about.

I can only assume that the MP3 was an inappropriate purchase to begin with given the riders skill set.

88

Exactly my thoughts Bband. If it doesn't lean, it's a mini car. "You ride a motorcycle, you drive a car." But if she can't handle the MP3 and wants to keep it....?

A trike kit isn't for me and my MP3, but many things that seem to be wildly popular with other people aren't for me either (e.g., Smart cars, large SUVs, much popular music, cheap Chinese scooters, sport bikes, not wearing armored pants and gloves and jacket when riding a scooter, sugared cereal, etc., etc.). So what?

What makes this such a great time to be alive is that many of us fortunately have the freedom to choose what we buy and how we live our lives.

smrf and JoAnne, I'm curious: how much do these trike kits weigh and what is their cost? How does the trike kit change acceleration, speed and mpg?

The weight of the add on is about 150 pounds. Per Joanne's email to me, no more sh*tgun starts but easily held 55mph with it. She can comment more if she likes. The MSRP is $2599 plus S&H. A trike kit isn't for me and my MP3, but many things that seem to be wildly popular with other people aren't for me either (e.g., Smart cars, large SUVs, much popular music, cheap Chinese scooters, sport bikes, not wearing armored pants and gloves and jacket when riding a scooter, sugared cereal, etc., etc.). So what?

What makes this such a great time to be alive is that many of us fortunately have the freedom to choose what we buy and how we live our lives.

smrf and JoAnne, I'm curious: how much do these trike kits weigh and what is their cost? How does the trike kit change acceleration, speed and mpg?[/quote]

How long does it take to install and take off the trike kit? Is installation fairly straight forward (i.e., could a not-so-mechanically-inclined friend help her put one on)?

I'm asking for a friend who approached me asking if the MP3 was suitable for someone who had a physical handicap that keeps them from balancing a 2-wheeler. My suggestion was to consider a trike or a 2 wheel scooter, like the BV500, with a trike kit (or a convertible like the Volkswagen Eos, Audi TT, Honda S2000, or a Saturn Sky).

IMHO, that thing looks very dangerous and somewhat pointless, but hey as long as you're happy with it.

JoAnne, being you're from the "Show Me" state, I guess you, "showed us."

So many comments! Good and bad! Well here goes:

heinlein - No I didn't know I was going to convert it when I bought it in April of 2007. I got the idea from another posting on this forum.

SMRF - Thanks for your supportive post and YES a "real" trike conversion on a motorcycle is VERY expensive! We have a 2003 Goldwing with a 2005 Hannigan conversion, so I know! We love it and use it quite a bit, especially for trips. But's it's way too expensive for a casual day-tripper like me.

MySkyMizer - You really need to be able to "flat foot" your scooter. I got taller motorcycle boots and we took foam out of my scooter seat, which allowed me to get both feet flat on the ground. As I mentioned earlier, I can ride like the wind -- I'm just not strong enough to hold it up if it leans too far. Thanks for your support!

88 - No comment -- you and I don't usually see eye to eye anyway!

Chug - THANK YOU - my thoughts exactly!
SMRF answered your question about the weight and acceleration. I bought the kit with 12" wheels, so it was $3199 (believe it went up $100 on 8/1, so $3299 now). Plus tax and shipping, which is different for different areas -- my shipping was $179. Still WAY cheaper than a "real" trike conversion.

Chug - It took my husband about 1-1/2 days to install. He is very mechanically inclined and has lots of tools! He says there were some "glitches" along the way, but it was fairly simple to install. The instructions have pictures and tell you step-by-step to do things, like attach a bolt here (all the pieces are marked), but not HOW to do them. For example, you have to attach a bracket at the top of each shock absorber. What they don't say is that you have to compress the shock in some way in order to safely remove the old bolt, attach the bracket, and put in the new bolt. We tried 2 different shock absorber compressors, and both were too large, so he ended up using a heavy duty ratcheting tie-down, which worked great!

Spoonkiller - Well, in MY humble opinion, you're way off base! I'm MUCH safer this way! My husband would never want me to ride something "dangerous"! If you were in my position (not young, not strong, and not tall), you'd understand.

As I've said before, I love my MP3 and I wanted to keep riding -- this was a way for me to do just that. I think we're all entitled to make our own decisions and do what we think is best for us. Of course I understand that this isn't right for everyone, but it's right for me.

Well, guess that's enough from me! I'm going to go ride my MP3 TRIKE!!

All great answers~!! I wish I were riding the Smrfmobile right now. Actually, I'm going to see if I can put a Gorilla alarm in him...but more to the topic...

Thanks for semi-correcting me...the price I quoted was for the standard 8" wheel kit.

***For those in perfect health, perfect height...you may not understand what it is to live in a world where it is set for the 'standard'. The world doesn't change for you and you don't need it to, so we the un-standard must make changes ourselves. Admire those who can adapt and continue, not chastise us for wanting to live life to the fullest!

I'm off my very TALL soap box now....

I'm a 58 year old female with a neck injury. I can manage the 250, but I know there will come a day when I will need alittle more help with it. I have already looked at the trike kit. I think it's terrific.
I'll keep it in mind for later. I will probably get it in a couple or so years.

Please keep us posted on your experiences with it. I am very interested in your opinions and insights. I am so glad you got it. I looks like it will be even more fun.
Isn't it great we can all find a way to ride.
Cheers............jacq

I was looking online to see if any others manufacture trike kits for scooters.I did find two others. Just as with anything else your going to purchase,it's always a good idea to shop around before deciding.

http://www.mtcvoyager.com/

http://www.dansontrikes.com/index.htm

Trike It Baby! Tim....

The MP3 is already a trike. So You'll need to come up with a name for something with more wheels on it than a car I suppose! MP5??
I figure you can do whatever you need and/or want to do with your MP3, as it is yours after all. But don't be surprised at the derision that will likely come along with the changes you make. You already have to have a somewhat thick skin just riding an Mp3 ( Scooter with training wheels?? Can't balance a regular bike??)-so its hard to imagine explaining 5 (!) wheels on the ground.
But if you are tough enough to take the abuse, hey, go for it if thats what you really want!
Personally, I would just give up riding before I went to 5 wheels.

Scootover:
The Voyager kit costs about $1000 more than the Tow-Pac, and don't believe they have a kit for the MP3. Also, it doesn't look like DanonTrikes has a kit for the MP3.

RobinDevner:
Personally, I would just give up riding before I went to 5 wheels.
Of course, you're entitled to your opinion, just like I am but.... you must not want to ride as much as I do!
No offense, but when you're a 63 year old female, 5'4" tall (almost), with no upper body strength, weigh in at about 112 lbs., and love to ride, you might feel differently. I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I know I'll have to give it up some day and sit on the porch and watch you ride by, but I'm not there yet, and this allows me to keep on keepin' on!

By the way, NO ONE (in my real life) who has seen me ride, 3 wheels and 5 wheels, has given me any abuse. Just encouragement and thumbs up! Why a big old burly guy driving a cement truck gave me a big smile and and wave and took a picture of me and my 5-wheeler with his cell phone!

What fun!!

There you go! All the explanation you need in my opinion. Enjoy the ride X5.

+1

Ride it like you stole it

Congrats on your new and "improved for you" bike! Many of us have made adjustments to the bikes to personalize them to our liking. In your case, it makes you feel more comfortable and safer to ride knowing you will not drop the thing. Kudos!

I am all for a woman "of a certain age" out there living her life on her own terms. The trike kit for you may be just the ticket that adds dimension and quality to your life just for the pure joy of getting out there in the fresh air and living your life! YOU GO GIRL!

Just please continue to be safe. (That is the mother earth in me... )

Hey JoAnne! I think you are one cool short women who wants to ride the way she feels comfy doing! You go girlfriend! A friend of mine (who has passed on) always said to me........"WHAT EVER BLOWS YOUR SKIRT UP!"
(huh, I said?.....kinda like the ol' saying, whatever turns you on) both sayings work for you lady! Keep smiling and ride that 5 wheeler safely for...............................ever!
Add on for Serindipidy: you are one cool lady too...ride on mama! I am!

Jo-ann, I am obviously not as tough as you! You go! Though I think the guys would give me a rougher going over if I had five wheels, whereas they might cut you some slack.
In fact, I just got heckled a bit yesterday from two HUGE guys in a truck, luckily the light changed before they could really get going on me. I did a demo for them on how the bike could turn and move as I zipped away.

I used to get the "are those training wheels?" comment when I rode on 3 wheels, so 5 wheels should stupify them!

I do love it though! I guess it's a little sissy looking, but gee, I'd miss out on a lot of fun stuff if I worried about "how it looks"!

My husband and I laughingly call ourselves "The Hells Angels of Arnold"! WE BAD! 8)

THANKS for your support everybody!

JoAnne,

It appears another advantage of the trike is you can now pull a trailer by just putting on a hitch ball mount.Yes? A trailer such as the lightweight Monogo at54 lbs would be ideal.Just thinking.....

Tim

Heh, when I'm a 63 year old female, 5'4" tall, and weigh 112 lbs, my wife and kids are going to be really surprised! Especially since I'm a 40 year old male, 6'1" and 185!

First thing I thought when I saw your pic was "That would look great with a convertable top!"

-nub