Modern Vespa

I have had my baby for about 2 months now and I love it. There are some things though that I never thought about before I purchased her. Here are a few.

1. You cannot stop anywhere without someone wanting to ask you questions.

2. There will be some near accidents from idiots trying to take pictures with their cell phones while you are riding (and they are next to you).

3. People will follow you home to ask you about your MP3

4. You will have the script memorized about your MP3... "Piaggio makes it.. it gets 55-65 mpg...no the two wheels are independent... yes it is fun to ride... it will go over 100 mph (not that I have tried it)... no it is not like driving an ATV.

Any more things you guys didn't know?

All of the above apply to all mp3's! Believe me, I've been through all the attention. They are fantastic.

ps Top speed of the 500 is around 90 mph

I didn't know that the temperature gage flashed when it gets down to 36 degrees, warning you of possible ice on roadway.

P.S. The top speed of YOUR 500 might be 90, I've had my baby at 95(GPS, not speedo), and it still had a tiny bit of throttle left and of course, if you add hills to the equation...(I was on flat).

Next time I'm out, I'll try and figure out a way to take a photo of my bike/gps/and speedo all while doing that or close to that without killing myself

Hi Reggie1906.

You may want to affix this sign to the driver side of your MP3

Okay, I didn't know the temp gauge flashed at all. It rarely gets that cold here in Texas but it is good to know.

trekguy I don't want this to turn into a pissing contest but I am positive I topped out at 100. Yes it was downhill with the wind at my back, and I lost about 20 pounds, but I know I did.

Nonetheless, it was dangerous and I plan on riding this machine for a very long time.

I also didn't know how expensive safety gear was...

Safety gear is CHEAP!!!!! Skin grafts, hospital stays, surgeons and funerals are expensive!!!!!

Good one!!!!! I never thought of it that way.

That is funny. I think I will have to stick that one all over my MP3

You can create your own ones on this site if you like:

http://www.warninglabelgenerator.com/

Use the drop-down box at the bottom of the page to select other types of signs as well.

Lots of fun

Safety gear is also WAY more fun than those items listed about too!

If you got up to 100 then you got an exceptionally good performer. Or your speedometer is off further than most. Or maybe you're are just more aerodynamic than me.

Aren't the speedos generally regarded as being about 10mph fast?

Cheers

Trevor G

They are on the 500 - but they're non-linear. Max indicated (as far as I can tell between the vibration and keeping my eyes on the road) is over 165 kph (~103 mph) - but the true max is 96 for mine. The speedos will all read the same for the same input from the speedo sensors as they are digitally driven, any variables will be in the effective tyre diameter and engine/transmission components, as well as size and weight of the rider.

Luthorhuss... I believe you! Don't ride dangerously just to make your point.

Also, this weeks Autoweek magazine added an mp3 500 to its long-term testing fleet, which surprised me since it is a car magazine. They keep the thing for 1 year and ride it several thousands of miles, and perform instrumented testing along the way. Autoweek.com. 888-288-6954

Don't worry, I drive dangerous for no reason at all:). I don't need a point to do that, lol. Seriously though, the only times I've had it that fast were in extreme situations that allowed it. For instance, I was coming a back highway from Helen to Atlanta on a Saturday morning. there was 8 lanes and absolutely no traffic for miles of flat pavement. I was in the middle lane, with Toreador Pants in effect. I thought, "Time to let the beast run!". I laid into her and she ate it up and I soon looked down at my speedo....just over 107mph and my GPS read 95! It was a blast that lasted about 10 mins before I eased back as I began to hit civilization.

Thanks for the Autoweek heads up, too.

My awkward follow home moment.

I pull up with F150 behind me.
Him: First time I've ever seen one with two wheels in front before.
Me: Yeah. It's a fun one.
<awkward>
Him: I run my own lawn service. Want me to do an estimate on your yard?
Me: No thanks I mow it myself.
<awkward>
Him: Must get better mileage than this thing (indicates truck)
Me: Yeah it's pretty consistently around 55MPG. Haven't driven my car since I got it.
<without>

Next time...
Him: I run my own lawn service. Want me to do an estimate on your yard?
Me: No thanks, this IS my lawnmower. It has a blade attachment that I don't use on the highway.

Possible underlying thoughts for him>

Wow, that is nice and interesting. Wonder if I can get it in the back of the truck. Maybe he will give me his address if I tell him I mow lawns.

I may be paranoid. But just a reminder to stay safe, even when your not on the bike,

Edit: Re-read the post and saw the "he followed me home part". Creepy.

I feel, the need, for SPEED!!!

no thanks for the offer on your lawn service as mine does fantastic. It has already paid for this new scooter Would you like one of my business cards?

just change it to what ever the guy is trying to sell you

+1 on No. 3. It was kinda creepy, ...and it still is a little.

Here's the proof. 154km/h (95.5mph) on the GPS. 165km/h indicated.


I think you guys in the cooler climates can go faster as this was done at 2000 ft altitude in 32 c degree heat.

Sure, you can do an estimate on my lawn...normally I charge $20, but i'll let you do it for $15.