Modern Vespa

Hello, I am new to riding, never driven a Motorcycle not even an ATV or dirt bike. I am thinking of purchasing an MP3 500 for comute to work and back. The ride will be 20 miles one way (highway most of the time). I have many questions but will try to keep this as short as possible.

1. How is the MP3 500 on Highways, especially with the CVT?
2. Im a big guy at 6'2" over 250 Lbs. Will I be comfortable on it?
3. Is it a good beginner bike? as far as saftey and reducing rider error?

I am planning on taking the MSF beginners course soon, and might go this sunday to a dealer to check them out?

Thanks

hi rubeng, welcome to the forum.

here is my 2 centavos.

1. Most here report the 500 is great on highways. My 250 isn't bad either.

2. For your relatively short commute probably, but I am 6'2" and 230 and i
find the mp3 a bit cramped...but you do get used to it. Seat is mediocre.

3. IMHO an MP3 period is not a beginner bike. They are heavy for one. That said there are a few here that started on an mp3 and will heartlily dissagree with me.

Glad you have MSF on your mind. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Let me add my welcome as well. As a potentially new rider I think you will find this forum remarkably helpful - I know I did. I am a relatively new owner of a 500 myself and I greatly value the insights I have gleaned from these threads..

My opinion on your questions:

1. I think the 500 is quite at home on highways but she needs to be driven; i.e., she demands attention at high speeds and you need to be cognizant of winds and buffeting (natural wind and large trucks, etc.). However, I find her to be quite stable and the throttle reasonably responsive. I have had no issue with the CVT except at very low speeds where it requires some dexterity to control. I generally avoid interstate driving if I can and stick to 2 and 4 lane roads, preferring those that follow the contour of the land.

2. Can't speak too much to that since I am 5'-10" and 155#... but I do find my legs feel a tad cramped at times and I draw my feet back more into a motorcycle crouch when needed. I strongly suggest you test drive to see what you think. Most owners in your size range report they are comfortable (from what I have read here).

3. I think it a very good starter bike - trike - if you want to start with a maxi scooter. Don't let the two forward wheels fool you, she handles like a bike, but she's very forgiving, handles extremely well, and I think absorbs some of the driver's errors - but again she needs to be driven and you need to pay attention to her. For me, the ease of parking her and the way she handles wet roads is a real plus.

(4) MSF - absolutely, positively. I would suggest taking the course and trying several scooters / bikes before committing to buying, but I don't think you would regret an Mp3.

Consider all the other things about riding too, as you decide - weather issues, gear required, mandatory maintenance... and the strong, feverish urge to add modifications (mods) to your Mp3 that never seems to end...

Best of luck with your choices and path forward. Let us know how it works out!

Thanks for the replies, I gues I wont know how comfortable or uncomfortable I will be untill I try it out.

Stickyfrog, would the MP3 250 be a better bike to start offon or should I just go for a 2-wheeler to learn and when ready get an MP3 500?

BravoTwoFour, I would need to get used to having my legs planted as if im sitting in a chair. That is the only drawback I see as far as seating position on these machines. I have a tendacy to move them back (Habbit when riding a jetskii). Do you find yourself using this position much or when do you use it?

Yep, its a scooter, not a motorcycle. Its a sort of like sitting in a chair but you can shift and move a lot. Like I said, I move my feet back onto the passenger's foot position when I feel the need and varying position is helpful to relieve discomfort. I have had 50+ mile rides with only putting my feet on the ground a couple times and it doesn't bother me too much at all; others freeway ride as far as fuel will let them. IMHO this scooter is easier on legs and feet than a bike because you do have some position options. Some folks install freeway pegs, which might even be better for a taller guy like you.

FWIW, if you are going to start with an Mp3, you might as well get a 500 so you don't feel a need to upgrade later...

I have a 500. I'm shorter than you (5'6") and even my legs get cramped after a couple of hours. That said, this is my first bike, purchased in November of last year. I've been riding for 9 months, and only VERY limited riding in the winter (not just the weather, I broke my foot and was in a cast for several months). I am by nature a cautious, elementary schoolteacher type, and this bike is confidence inspiring. Do take the MSF, I did, and it gives you a lot of help. I never drove a 250, but I can't imagine how I would like having less power. I got on the interstate for the first time last week and I never had any problems passing or accelerating, even in the mountains. I don't know your situation or location, but I am having sooo much fun with mine that I cannot imagine that it will stay just for commuting. I bought mine just for fun, and have ended up commuting and riding EVERY time I don't have two teenagers with me. The best advice I got about looking for my first bike was to go to as many dealerships as possible and sit on the bikes. I knew that I wanted my 500 almost from the beginning.

See I told you there would be some that did not agree No,other than the fact that the 500 is fugly compared to a 400 or 250, (gonna catch hell for that ) there is not much diff in weight and the difference in power isn't really an issue in the case of the mp3's.

In fact, if you are gonna get a bike and you will be on freeways or in hilly country a 400 or 500 is probably a better choice. I commute 45 miles a day on two lanes (60 mph limits) and I cruise at 65 and never feel like I am holding people up on my 250. That said I would def want more power if I were frequently on interstates or as I said before, lived in the hills.

My biggest reason for not recommending an mp3 for a pure beginner is the weight. It is easier for a novice to learn slow speed manuevers and other handling characteristics on a lighter motorcycle or scooter. MP3's can go down hard and hurt you more at slow speeds as any heavy bike can. But as you see here,it depends on the individual and is not impossible. And you have he people here in this great forum to ask advice so you have that going for you. good luck.

In May 2008 I had never ridden a motorized bike of any kind. I bought a 250, took the MSF class and learned to ride. 13 months later with over 20,000 miles across 9 states on the 250 I upgraded to a 400 for more highway power. I now have a total of over 25,000 miles on the two MP3s.

Both handle the highway fine. The 250 is slow in acceleration above 50 mph so problamatic to pass on 2 lane roads.

I am 6'2 and 220#. Would like a bit more leg room at times, but my butt is the limiting factor in ride time. I have done many days ove 300 miles with most of them on twisting roads so not high average miles per hour (long days on MP3).

There are strong opinions here on an MP3 as a starter bike but many of us have done it. The key is to get good training (think MSF), practice the teachings and know your limitations. You need to have some miles under your belt with technques like countersteering automatic before taking on high speeds and / or heavy traffic. I did over 100 miles on my rural 2 mile street before getting further from home.

There are some deals on used bikes available including my 250 in the for sale forum. You can also find them on Craigs List and Ebay. I found my 400 in the for sale forum at a significant discount over new. The 250 can be a better ride in the city with the 400 and 500 having advantage of power at speed on the highway.

The MP3 is a blast to ride and beware it can become an addiction.

yes, rubeng, I think since you were drawn to the 500, go for it. I have a 250 and I long for the 500, (for its looks and power).

Thought i would quote what GeorgiaGirl wrote about power too.

If you can afford it, might as well go for the 500 now. After I bought my 250....awhile ago I was in the position to get a 500 but now financially I will have to wait some more. Something to think about regarding resale or trade in value in case you want to upgrade in the future.

I must say I like my agility on the 250 splitting lanes on the streets and the lesser weight at slow speeds. I'm quite happy with it, and it holds up for me on the freeway. rubeng with you being 6'2" I don't think you'll have any more of a problem handling the 500 vs. the 250 as a new rider. So I don't think you need to start out small.

stickyfrog you think the 500s are fugly? Shoot man, I think they are bad ass. Pretty funny.

Welcome rubeng,
I got the 500 for the same reason and this is my first bike too. Have had it a little over a year now and it has been flawless. I'm 6' /230 and would like a different seat, but I still ride 200-300 miles on the days I do ride without much discomfort. Set about $300.00-$500.00 aside for a windshield. Although it is not a high performance MC, it does excell on the freeway. You will have to plan to pass when you are already going 70mph.

Cheers,Mike

LOL, not really pam although when I first saw one I thought it looked like an unfinished japanese ATV. But the look has grown on me. I mostly just say that to razz the 500 riders here.... Of course I will be probably be one one day. Then I will start razzing the cute little 250 riders on their little underpowered puff scooters.

ha, nice.

When I said something as a new rider about the 500 being heavy (something I think new riders think about more than experienced riders) my husband looked at me incredulously and said, "What, are you planning on CARRYING it somewhere." I've never had a lighter bike to know if I would like the nimbleness or not, but 9 months later I'm not afraid of the weight of a 1700cc cruiser. The power and price tag scare me, but not the weight.

as a new rider go sign up for the MSF course and take it then decide what to buy.

Mjm50cal brings up a really good point about the windscreen. If you are doing highway riding on a regular basis then my personal opinion is that the windscreen is essential. Not so much if you are doing city driving - the breeze on warm days is a relief. But absolutely you will want it. The wind to a newbie is daunting. There are some riders here though that stay with the stock screen and do well. But the windscreen also helps with the rain should you get caught.

So when you are thinking of purchasing your bike you have to keep in mind that there are some essential items that are needed to ride and they do tend to add up. You need gloves, jacket and helmet at the very minimum. Several others on this list would add pants and boots to this list as essential. There are many posts on these items as to others opinions. But I was like you having never had a motorized bike before and those little items added up quickly.

Also if you are already looking at a 500 then you get that one rather than less power. I have the 250 and now after a year I could go to a 500. But mine is paid for and I would have to suck it up again a year later and my husband would not be happy.

Not trying to scare you off because the MP3 regardless of engine size is the best thing around. Just want you to not get shocked with the other stuff you need to purchase.

Good luck on your purchase.

Dale

I'm a new rider and started on the MP3. I took the MSF course before I decided to put any money down on a scooter/motorcycle. The course was great and gave me the confidence that I could learn to ride proficiently.

The heavy scooter was something I wasn't expecting - I mean I knew it in my head, but until I rode it I didn't realize the difference in handling. That said, I took many opportunities to go to empty parking lots and practice the drills taught in the MSF course. That's the key, lots of riding and practicing. I ride about 1,000 miles a month and now feel very comfortable on the MP3.

Whatever you decide to ride, don't do it half way... Ride it like its your only mode of transportation.

++1 Make sure that your gear is in your budget first! Then decide what you can afford. The gear is the most important part of riding!

Good point.

Here in the UK if starting from new with a Fuoco (MP3 500) then expect to spend at least another GBP1000. Screen (esential, whatever sort), topbox, and riding gear (also essential, don't be a human crayon).

Plus the cost of servicing...

I'll throw my 2bits in, since I'm just ahead of where you are now.


1. How is the MP3 500 on Highways, especially with the CVT?

I have no idea on the 500, but the 400 which isn't much difffernt does great... I've had it up to 110-120kph (around 65-70mph) and was great, around 5500rpm approx (guessing) stable, etc.

2. Im a big guy at 6'2" over 250 Lbs. Will I be comfortable on it?

I've heard larger folks don't like it, I'm 6'0", and 175-180 and it works great, it does have less leg room that other maxi-scooters, but it's not cramped, to me... I have about 3 spots I'll put my feet, clear up front, flat on the boards, and like others on the passenger rests, gives me variation as I ride.


3. Is it a good beginner bike? as far as saftey and reducing rider error?

Well I'm a beginner, and I LOVE it, took the Team Oregon Basic Rider Training (same sort of thing as MSF) graduated, and bought my 400. The training is a no brainer, do it... you won't be sorry... When I bought the bike I was a little nervous about the 30+mi ride home, on corners, etc, but once I actually got on it, I found it SO easy to ride, I was thinking I should have just taken the freeway home instead of back roads... very stable, and condifence inspiring.

I too am 240 lbs and 5'6" and my first bike (in 30 years) was the 500 I am a teacher myself and have always lusted for a bike, but I do have to tell you that the 500 is heavy! I love the way it handles and feels, and my commute is 17 miles each way. I was hoping to drive it to work, but I want to get some miles on before I do so. I have fallen over (because it does get heavy), but I don't let things like that get in my way.

I hope to be taking the beginners riding course next weekend, and hopefully that will give me some much needed skills. I basically grew up in England where the mini was king. I have always watched my mileage and my car gets me 35 mpg average (Yaris).

Granted the MP3 is an easy way to get cool points with your students, and you know that can make your job easier

Don't sit down and mope about it, go down to a dealer and ride one. Heck even look at rental places. In San Francisco you can rent one since we don't need a motorcycle license to drive one here.

Don't worry about it,mate. Your are 6'2" which mean you have longer legs and arms than me a 5'6". Sitting a bit more towards the back of the seat might solve the problem. Don't think the bike will fall over on a 6'2" guy. I mean there are lots of those like me who are 8" shorter than you. Divide evenly at the top and bottom, your are 4" longer at the legs. No problemo.

Thanks for all of your opinions and advice. I will try and make some time this weekend to check them out, not sure if I will test drive one seeing as I have no experiance (only on a bicycle) and dont want to set it down.

If I do get one I will not drive straight off on the highway, I would like to practice on streets just to get the manuverability down. As for gear, I have been checking some Helmets, Gloves and jackets. As for boots I am not to sure, which are recomended?

Not sure about the windscreen, I do like how it looks for touring but I think for a begginer I can do with out it, untill I get on the highway of course and I wouldnt drive in the rain. What does the scheduled maintenance run at? I know Labor differes from dealer but what can I expect?

The reason Im leaning toward the MP3 500 is because its automatic. I would be able to concentrate more on counter steering, leaning etc Eventually I would like a cruiser. Also the front of the 500 looks awsome, especially two wheels.

Anyone have a pic of an MP3 with freeway pegs?

Thanks

Welcome, Rubeng. A search should return threads on pegs.

rubeng, all MP3 scooters and other Piaggo and Vespa brand scooters being sold today in the US are automatic and do not require shifting or manual use of a clutch.

Yeah, Thats why I am looking in to the MP3 versus other 2 wheeled Motorcycles.

You might not be able to test drive the bike until you have your m license. It's that way in TX.

I'm 5'6" have had my 500 one year and love it. My "travels" are two trips of over 500 miles and one of 2,400 plus miles. It does all you want on the road. I have had mine up to 93 on the speedometer but that is only about 85 actual.

You will definitely want a windscreen and gear. Some spots have great closeouts -- try ironpony.com for name gear on sale, jafrum.com for jackets and pants. You will probably want to buy your helmet locally where you can fit it.

Take the rider's course and learn how to pick up a motorcycle by yourself (all technique). Get your license and ride the demos. If you are lucky, you will decide on the MP3. If you decide on something else, you will probably wish you had the MP3 later on. I don't think you will be sorry if you get the MP3.

first off, welcome to the forum!!! Happy to have you here whether you buy an MP3 or not...

I have a 250 and LOVE it.. It's my second scooter, however my first one over 80cc's... It's a BEAST -- weighs over 450# and will take some getting used to, so test one out first!!

I'm 6' 1" and 275 and do have a short commute... however whenever I have ridden longer than a few miles, it becomes a little tough and i find myself wit hthe tilt-lock on standing up to stretch!!

Good job taking the MSF course, I did as well and it taught me a lot about riding basics (looking where I want to go on the bike and NOT down, etc).. You will more than likely have a 250 motorcycle without many bells and whistles and it will start you off with a good foundation..

Congrats on your decision and keep in touch!!

Welcome to the club (we really need to come up with some sort of hazing/initiation thing ). Hopefully you have been taking notes so far.

You asked about boots. One thing you are going to really want is ankle protection. I will be happy to show you the hiking boots I was wearing on my former scooter when I went down at ~40mph. Looked like someone took an angle grinder to the top of them, shoelaces were gone except for little tuffs hiding underneath the eyelets. I have the Tourmaster Response that I wear daily. Though I have been looking to maybe get a pair with more ventilation, maybe like these.

In addition to the MSF course, I strongly encourage getting Proficent Motorcycling Read it through a couple of times. It is a bargain at that price and will get your head in the right place for riding. Read it before your MSF course and you will be teacher's pet.