Modern Vespa

After lusting after the MP3 since 2008, traded in my 2008 Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive today--the Burger was wonderfully smooth, fast, responsive bike with plenty of storage, etc. But when I looked at the Passion Red MP3 500 my heart did HAND SPRINGS!

I ordered a Fabbri windscreen from PJ's Parts, & plan to visit an auto interior upholsterer to tweak the stock seat (which is HORRENDOUS)! Feels like ur slipping down off the front, I was spoiled by the comfy Burgman seat w/ the little adjustable backrest. I wrote to Corbin & mentioned all the wonder folks here @ MV, how there'd be plenty of orders if only they'd attack the 500 seat problem.

Experiencing how the MP3's front wheels smooth out all the bumps in our New Hampshire backroads--even rough cracks & uneven stuff--just amazing.

I owe you all a big "THANKS" for the great things I read here that helped push me in the MP3's direction. Looking forward to a long happy relationship w/ my 17th motorcycle.

I am really interested in your review of the differance from the burgman. Went to the dealer and sat there for two hours, debating on getting the burgman. Have a goldwing, and it is basicly the same length, just not big saddle bags, or trunk. Wanted something a little smaller for scoot in around, and found the mp3 by accident. Went to vespa dealer to look at scooters. so all this said, let us know the pros and con differances! And best of luck with the new scoot.

Welcome, Giddy - you sound positively giddy about your new scoot! Post a pic soon!

I too am interested in your sharing notes on Burgie-Mp3 comparison. The Exec is like the pinnacle for touring scooters, a bit different than the Mp3, eh?

Me too.. I saw a Burgman 650 in person for the first time last week and really liked it.. The shift feature was intriguing.. so am very interested in comparison..

Comparing these bikes is like appples & oranges--sorta alike, sorta not. U get choice of different transmission modes w/ Burgman. This was my first auto motorcycle & it's twist & go same as MP3. The Burgman seems more like a recliner on wheels, it's very comfy & plush. The seat's amazingly good w/ a short backrest that adjusts fore & aft--really nice with the extended foot space. I'm hoping I won't miss that too much.

I'm 5'7" bare-foot, & the Burger's low center of gravity & seat height made for easy riding, but in parking lots it didn't roll easily compared to MP3 w/ wheels unlocked. Burgman's very fast off the line w/ juice to spare for passing, & felt solid on hiways--the MP3 has similar zest when lights turn green but I haven't done hiway speeds yet to compare.

The Executive model's ABS brakes do a terrific job--the MP3 brakes seem on a par to me. There's more underseat storage on Burgman along w/ 2 glove pockets in dash, & a wide lockable one. The Burgman stock windshield was good, & height adjusts up or down w/ a button--a wonderful feature. The MP3 500 comes w/out windshield, but I have a Fabbri shield coming from PJ's Parts.

I felt the Burgman tranny slightly balky at low speeds, and strong engine braking took getting used to. U feel road bumps pretty well, despite trying different shock settings--but the MP3 smoothes any road bumps right out!

My 70 mile ride home from my dealer was great, but despite looking great that MP3 seat was awful. I had beaded seat cover I'll try today.

I already find MP3 front wheel lock so handy--what a wonderful idea!

Finally when it comes to looks the Burgman's no match for MP3. Riding it home was a hoot watching people's heads turn & jaws open. I had a Gold Wing trike a few years back that prompted interest everywhere I went. From what I've read here @ the forum, that's gonna happen again, eh? [/img]

The mp3 rides better the the burgman, never expected that reply! Maybe I did pick the better scooter.

Yeah that really was unexpected, but from a guy that's had a stable full of bikes I suppose he should know. Makes me wonder... The Burgie still sounds like the better choice for long distance and touring, but different strokes and all that. I really would like the chance to compare first hand someday!

Take a look at this for after market seats!

http://www.day-long.com/