OP
@lv2sct avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
 
Hooked
@lv2sct avatar
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
UTC quote
"Thats the one with the bad steering tubes.they stick when turning and left it up to the buyer to fix.Some parts are actually made in China.Thats sad beings they charge so much.Its was bad steering tubes that has killed a few in traffic in Europe.and they still haven't perfected it.Please note that when changing lanes in traffic when the deaths occurred steering stuck to the left putting them right in front or side swipes the car next to you.and get this its your fault,,, as your vehicle was faulty.most of time the triscoot is damaged they cannot tell if it was mechanical.leaving your family with the burdon of paying the other guys bills.SUICIDE Machine is what they are calling them.Whats sad is that Honda built the first three wheeler scoot with that design in a Honda Gyro 50 cc.Honda recognized the problem thats why they did not mass produce them.Very unsafe.and under powered big time."

When I bought my Piaggio mp3 500, I was also considering this guy's Honda Silverwing. Is this just sour grapes I'm getting from him, or does he know what he's talking about?
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
Re: Gulp! Any truth to this?
lv2sct wrote:
"Thats the one with the bad steering tubes.they stick when turning and left it up to the buyer to fix.Some parts are actually made in China.Thats sad beings they charge so much.Its was bad steering tubes that has killed a few in traffic in Europe.and they still haven't perfected it.Please note that when changing lanes in traffic when the deaths occurred steering stuck to the left putting them right in front or side swipes the car next to you.and get this its your fault,,, as your vehicle was faulty.most of time the triscoot is damaged they cannot tell if it was mechanical.leaving your family with the burdon of paying the other guys bills.SUICIDE Machine is what they are calling them.Whats sad is that Honda built the first three wheeler scoot with that design in a Honda Gyro 50 cc.Honda recognized the problem thats why they did not mass produce them.Very unsafe.and under powered big time."

When I bought my Piaggio mp3 500, I was also considering this guy's Honda Silverwing. Is this just sour grapes I'm getting from him, or does he know what he's talking about?
no truth. he's just talking out his rear. The gyro is a different design, it has 2 wheels in the back and the frame pivots so the front end can tilt/lean the rear end does not. The gyro is a good machine in its self. Don't know exactly why they stopped production, other than maybe sales numbers.
@rob_in_denver avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2320
Location: Denver Colorado
 
Ossessionato
@rob_in_denver avatar
Mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2320
Location: Denver Colorado
UTC quote
This guy seems very upset that you did not buy his Swing and is determined
to make you unhappy now--lose this guy. If this stuff was going on, we would know about it right here on MV.
A silverwing will outrun you on a straight run, but invite him to go ride in the twisties and rub his nose in it.
@dougl avatar
UTC

El Macho
0/0
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9052
Location: Porto 4050-570
 
El Macho
@dougl avatar
0/0
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9052
Location: Porto 4050-570
UTC quote
Actually the swing is known over here as handling like shit. And all that other stuff is just fantasy, so forget and move on.
@luthorhuss avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
R.I.P. ----K.I.T.T.500, Agent Orange (400)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2673
Location: Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
 
Ossessionato
@luthorhuss avatar
R.I.P. ----K.I.T.T.500, Agent Orange (400)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2673
Location: Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
UTC quote
Re: Gulp! Any truth to this?
lv2sct wrote:
"Thats the one with the bad steering tubes.they stick when turning and left it up to the buyer to fix.Some parts are actually made in China.Thats sad beings they charge so much.Its was bad steering tubes that has killed a few in traffic in Europe.and they still haven't perfected it.Please note that when changing lanes in traffic when the deaths occurred steering stuck to the left putting them right in front or side swipes the car next to you.and get this its your fault,,, as your vehicle was faulty.most of time the triscoot is damaged they cannot tell if it was mechanical.leaving your family with the burdon of paying the other guys bills.SUICIDE Machine is what they are calling them.Whats sad is that Honda built the first three wheeler scoot with that design in a Honda Gyro 50 cc.Honda recognized the problem thats why they did not mass produce them.Very unsafe.and under powered big time."

When I bought my Piaggio mp3 500, I was also considering this guy's Honda Silverwing. Is this just sour grapes I'm getting from him, or does he know what he's talking about?
There's your clue...it doesn't turn, it leans. By the way, two things you should ask this obvious con man...1. Where are the reports for these deaths in Europe? and 2. If "they" are calling it the SUICIDE machine, then what does this article mean?:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2008-piaggio-mp3-500-ie-review-84851.html

Tell him that motorcycle.com had these to say:

The Perfect Bike For...
Someone who doesn't want a bike but an eye-catching, oddball scooter capable of embarrassing many two-wheelers in the canyons, then stealing their girlfriends away with the MP3's charm.

and

'The MP3 in the 500cc variety is comfortable and capable on both the local road and the highways.'

and called it

If Darth Vader Had a Scooter.

Don't fret over this guy...he was only talking you into a Silverwing...the facts and relevance didn't matter to him...
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44533
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44533
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Whoever made those remarks is a complete wanker - and if you know him, tell him so.

What an arse - to get his head so far up it!
OP
@lv2sct avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
 
Hooked
@lv2sct avatar
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
UTC quote
I feel very much assured that I made the right purchase...thanks for your reassuring (and in Jim's case, scathing--LOL) comments. You guys--and this forum--are the best.
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
Now, do you have a real estate agent B.S. story we can sink our teeth into for you?
OP
@lv2sct avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
 
Hooked
@lv2sct avatar
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
Now, do you have a real estate agent B.S. story we can sink our teeth into for you?
lol

I'll see what I can dig up, DF! Laughing emoticon
@mikeo avatar
UTC

Addicted
NIU Electric Moped
Joined: UTC
Posts: 900
Location: Seaham UK
 
Addicted
@mikeo avatar
NIU Electric Moped
Joined: UTC
Posts: 900
Location: Seaham UK
UTC quote
"Actually the swing is known over here as handling like shit"



Mine doesn't and it's on standard tyres and suspension.
Don't believe everything you hear.
@bubbajon avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@bubbajon avatar
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
UTC quote
MikeO wrote:
"Actually the swing is known over here as handling like shit"



Mine doesn't and it's on standard tyres and suspension.
Don't believe everything you hear.
Everybody has opinions and they will usually voice them. If you like it then ride on bro!
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
The only time I have heard "death machine" to describe an mp3 was an occasion when the person did not fully understand how the bike works. Once I unlocked it and leaned it over he said "Ohhhh, I see!"
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
I think the poor Silverwing got caught in an MP3 defence counter attack, and became an innocent casualty.
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
stickyfrog wrote:
when the person did not fully understand how the bike works.
User error...
hate that it reminded me of the complaints of the airbox screws again, and people saying it's a terrible design.

Actually a lot of factors go into a design, and for one so tried and tested, people complain more readily than looking in the mirror and wondering about user error.

I guess it always comes back to me knowing that I'm most likely the cause of a problem. If you're not experienced or qualified to do mechanical service and repairs... why would you not expect to have to learn or have trouble due to lack of experience or skill or tools? Instead it's easier (though not problem solving) to cast blame to someone else.

At least that reminds me of my favourite problem solving flow chart (similar type attached).
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@chetwynder avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Baart-less
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4499
Location: 56°58'34.49"N x 111°29'38.40"W
 
Ossessionato
@chetwynder avatar
Baart-less
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4499
Location: 56°58'34.49"N x 111°29'38.40"W
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
I think the poor Silverwing got caught in an MP3 defence counter attack, and became an innocent casualty.
I agree.


Dave
OP
@lv2sct avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
 
Hooked
@lv2sct avatar
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
UTC quote
lmao ROFL emoticon Laughing emoticon

DF, too funny!!
@bubbajon avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@bubbajon avatar
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
I think the poor Silverwing got caught in an MP3 defence counter attack, and became an innocent casualty.
We do have an efficient AMP3 defense system.
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
BubbaJon wrote:
deepfraught wrote:
I think the poor Silverwing got caught in an MP3 defence counter attack, and became an innocent casualty.
We do have an efficient AMP3 defense system.
Photographic evidence:

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
@mjm50cal avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
 
Ossessionato
@mjm50cal avatar
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
UTC quote
Hilarious!
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
That's a great pic, there's a higher resolution version somewhere in another post?

Seeing it again, I noticed it could be the top-box zombies, I feel stripped down and naked if that's representative of how many people use top boxes.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
i don't qualify for the top box zombies Crying or Very sad emoticon
@heinlein avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
MP3 500, Ducati ST4s, Honda Silver Wing
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2649
Location: Roseburg, OR
 
Ossessionato
@heinlein avatar
MP3 500, Ducati ST4s, Honda Silver Wing
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2649
Location: Roseburg, OR
UTC quote
As far as the Gyro goes I think it is still in production in a few different versions. Here's a link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Gyro

It's hard to imagine anybody so ignorant on the subject that he thinks a Gyro and an MP3 are the same design is so willing to talk out his arse and make a fool of himself. Two quotes come to mind.
Better to remain silent and thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until they open their mouths.
@edinbtr avatar
UTC

Addicted
Piaggio MP3-500, Aprilia Mana 850, Aprilia SR 50 Factory
Joined: UTC
Posts: 543
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
 
Addicted
@edinbtr avatar
Piaggio MP3-500, Aprilia Mana 850, Aprilia SR 50 Factory
Joined: UTC
Posts: 543
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
UTC quote
MikeO wrote:
"Actually the swing is known over here as handling like shit"



Mine doesn't and it's on standard tyres and suspension.
Don't believe everything you hear.
Well, I actually have one of each and, by comparison to the MP3-500, the Silver Wing actually does handle like shit! Not only do I have the MP3, but I also have an Aprilia Mana NA-850 and I have a difficult time keeping the battery up on the Silver Wing because I just never ride it. It is for sale if anyone is looking for a really nice one with LOTS of extras including new Clearview windshield with "Gold Wing" vent, new battery and tires, headlight modulator, brake light modulator, top box, tunnel bag, soft saddle bags, Stebel Nautilus air horn, and J Costa variator, to name a few. I have pictures if anyone is seriously interested.
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
Playing devil's advocate out aloud for a moment as this got me thinking... I always lean to user error, this case the rider not knowing how to ride that bike the way it needs to be ridden to achieve the same things they are comparing it to.

What does handling like shit really mean? It's a very subjective meaningless term.

To me I'd be happy to frankly tell someone new to an MP3 this is the shit handling you could expect:
- three wheel tracks, so you find more bumps
- hitting a single long bump in a turn will be hit by each front wheel at different times... so you need to steer the bike more to hold your line in anticipation/response.

Then there's issues that generally apply to scooter and an oversized scooter design:
- the rear suspension does not handle rough country roads well, giving spinal compression into skull type of discomfort.
- ergonomics are not the ideal orthopaedic neutral street bike position, the use of your legs in steering is reduced, as they are more decoupled from your body. e.g. you can't alleviate the suspension on bumps in sweeping bend by easily taking your weight off and holding your line safely.

Most of the above take getting used to as a rider in the way you pilot it, and I've been able to improve and ride around these traits so they're not a problem, and I really love riding it.

A great lesson learned from the Dark Side tyre users, is you can do your worst to make a bike steer terribly - but if you can adjust as a rider controlling it, you will have no problem. Joe Public jumping on one of the Dark Side bikes at a dealer would likely say it handles like shit compared to everything else they've tested.

Riding smoothly over bumps with inherent ergonomics and suspension design is more difficult to ride around, but I am improving.

I sure do like the Mana with ABS, I think that would cover most of the two wheels benefits, give the inherent better ergonomics and handling, I'd like to see others do it, e.g. Yamaha with a parallel twin, 650cc would be enough.
UTC

Addicted
MP3-250 Tiger 1050 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
Joined: UTC
Posts: 862
Location: Central Coast, California
 
Addicted
MP3-250 Tiger 1050 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
Joined: UTC
Posts: 862
Location: Central Coast, California
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
I sure do like the Mana with ABS, I think that would cover most of the two wheels benefits, give the inherent better ergonomics and handling, I'd like to see others do it, e.g. Yamaha with a parallel twin, 650cc would be enough.
Except for the issues of hitting sand/gravel/train tracks while leaned over in which ABS will do nothing to keep you upright but the twin wheels up front will give you a much better chance of escaping unscathed. I also have a two wheel bike with ABS and better ergonomics but truth to tell I love to ride my MP-3 just as much even with the car tire on the back, you do get used to it quickly. You can get a 650cc Suzuki V-Strom with ABS if you like, not a parallel but a v twin and I'm sure there are many others like the BMW 650/800 series of twins.
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
That's a great pic, there's a higher resolution version somewhere in another post?
Not that I am aware of. This is the thread I linked to. GTS Attacked.... News at 11:00
@deepfraught avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
 
Hooked
@deepfraught avatar
2007 Gilera Fuoco 500ie, 2005 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 339
Location: Perth, Western Australia
UTC quote
handling + braking
Those don't have a CVT transmission or other auto though, I do love the variator/rollers/dry clutch/belt setup.

Going further off topic onto brakes, the two wheels up front seem to have more of a safety perception benefit than realised on the road benefit. When I say this my friend asks me, so why do you ride it then? Well it's something new/different, price was great, and it's not worse than a two wheel scooter... except the lighter BV500 GT with ABS

Reading all the falls people have had despite two wheels up front, I don't kid myself that I'm going to be saved from a bad surface if I switch my brain off.

A friend on an R1200S a few months ago hit some unmarked roadworks with blue metal invisible over the same coloured road surface. It was on a straight, the riders behind saw the bike tail slide out then kick back and high sided him off, landing on his head/helmet he stopped breathing a couple minutes later and pronounced dead at the hospital. The other riders all had moments but none came to grief having had time to panic seeing the accident ahead. He was terribly unlucky. Previous owner to my last bike dropped it turning into a similar surface (three quarters of a cigarette lighter deep). They're not situations I imagine two front wheels saving me (certainly not ABS).

So far I've never fallen off a bike because I didn't pay enough attention to the front wheel. I've had many close calls with locked wheels, one accident on first bike locking all brakes in panic emergency braking hitting oncoming car that cut in front/across me at intersection. Those are times I really would have appreciated ABS. A friend with F650GS Dakar with ABS said once in the wet while using all his brakes he has it working all the time.

The last bike I had a firm braking moment, not full emergency, but while braking front wheel hit a spot in the road that sand had collected after recent rains, skid started folding the front, I let off the brake to regain upright and on brake again. With ABS I wouldn't have had a near death experience with the invigoration of feeling so alive, however also wanting to be rid of the bike The odds in the same scenario should be better for one wheel not skidding, but the only near guarantee would have been a good ABS system.

Fortunately I have a crash damaged Fuoco so I'll be willing to put some markers I've bought out on some peah gravel to do a tight gymkhana play around, and also a low speed sample of seeing how it goes wrong with loose surface (like ball bearings on loose dusty layer above clay).
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22815
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
I believe all the falls people have had with the 2 wheels up front are because of folks think it is a stabil trike type platform and forget to treat it the same as a 2 wheeler. IE when coming to a stop put your feet down , don't fiddle with the tilt lock button. that sort of thing.

As far as the braking up front there is a video of a guy in Italy I believe that does a stoppie with his, so the braking up front is very sufficent. Learning how to brake takes time and practice, practice, practice. Learning each characteristic of each motorcycle or scooter you ride takes time and there is not a blanket to cover all for a given situation. what you do on 1 you might have to do different on an other.

Sorry to hear about your friends mishap. Changing surface conditions are tricky to spot and avoid. This is something that you have to look and work at each and every ride.
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
deepfraught wrote:
That's a great pic, there's a higher resolution version somewhere in another post?

Seeing it again, I noticed it could be the top-box zombies, I feel stripped down and naked if that's representative of how many people use top boxes.
If someone wants a high resolution of the picture send me a PM with email address and I can send it. Originally posted in this thread:
GTS Attacked.... News at 11:00
and taken on the Dragon ride last May.
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