Modern Vespa

Hi Guys,
I'm finding myself more and more drawn the the MP3, and just had a couple of questions about them that I've struggled to find answers for online, and there's no dealership within 50cc range for me to go and investigate!

My first is really which would you recommend for use on the motorway? The Vespa 250's all seem to be able to cope well enough but i guess the MP3 250 is heavier? Is it capable of long distance travel at high speeds or would the 400 be better?

Another I've been wondering but havn't been able to find a consistent answer for is how big is the underseat storage? Is it big enough to fit two helmets in is really what I want to know!

My final question is more a curiosity than an actual question, but theoretically would it be legal to ride one in the UK without a helmet with it having 3 wheels? Obviously it would be ill advised, but would it be illegal as well?

Any answers would be gratefully received!

Thanks,

Alex

I own the MP3 250 and am happy with the space under the seat and in the back box. Should be able to fit a helmet in the back but not under the seat. My 250 cruises nicely at 70mph but if your looking at climbing hills at that speed forget it and get the 400. 250 is better on gas and is lighter, pro. Con would be less torque and top speed. 77ish compared to 87ish. Either way both great scoots.

I am not in the UK, rather Australia.

However, I believe you will regret it if you do not get the 400. The 400 is good for high speed freeway travel and can hold its own with any sort of other traffic with a safety margin that the 250 would not have.

Body, frame etc is the same but I think the 400 has a bigger and better rear wheel, or it did.

400 has a 14in back wheel. Big plus. 250 is better for stop and go city traffic but freeway go for the 400. Have the extra cash the 500. Looks nice

Having owned the 250, 400 and 500, I think I can help.

I rode the 250 on the motorway quite a lot and it is fine. Doesn't quite keep up with the 250s if they are belting along at top speed, but doesn't get left for dead either.

Personally, I found it annoying after a while coz it can be a tad gutless trying to overtake up at 70mph - you have to plan your moves very well. I commute daily, so I didn't put up with it and tried the 400. The 400 was better, but compared to the 250 the engine is very grumpy and lumpy at slower speeds. The 500 is best - no insult to anyone enjoying the 400, but if you feel the 250 may not be enough, skip the 400 and go straight for the 500. Same weight, but enough power for the lumpiness to not be as much of an issue (it pulls out of it quicker/easier).

There *is* room for a helmet under the seat - just one - and some stuff around it. Get a Piaggio or Givi topbox and you can get another two in There's D-ring hooks under the seat too. There's slightly more room under the 250 seat and the 250 and 400 get that 'boot' for even more room.

Riding without a helmet is only on the LT versions that qualify as a trike (or you can modify the other models to qualify).

I upgrraded from a 250 to 400 for more power on hills and for passing (overtaking?). Can't speek to 500 other than I keep up reasonably well when riding with them. Biggest issue between 400 and 500 is which body style you prefer.

You can get two helmets under the seat of a 250, one in the 'boot', one under the seat. The fuoco has no 'Boot'
Fay

in Europe all mp3 from model 2009 and above have a 14"rear the model 2009 was introduced eid of 2008

and the 500 Fuoco isn't available as LT version

The 250 was discontinued in the UK over a year ago. If you haven't got a motorcycle licence, then your only option is the 400LT, unless you import a 300LT. And you can ride the LTs without a helmet, not that that would be a good idea. And room for two helmets in the 400. Just.

the helmet question depents on the sizes of the helmet in a 400 my Nitro F 340-f size 64/65 won't fit under the seat and boot/trunk, its to big my jethelm will fit in both places

Thanks for the extensive and thorough replies! I think based on what i've read the 250cc would be the best option as Motorway driving isn't going to be too frequent other than a 3 or 4 time a year journey from Newcastle to Kent for time off uni, and other than that it'll be in town and short hops on bigger roads.

Being discontinued shouldn't be too much of an issue as i was looking at second hand anyway, what sort of prices would be worth a look? I've seen a few for £3000?

Thanks again!