Modern Vespa

I'm in no hurry to 'move up', I have to say, but I tried a GP800 yesterday and I am, of course, 'interested'. Enough to want to try one for a day or two and see...

My missus is unhappy with the idea though, as she is of the opinion that two wheels up front is much safer, and she was against PTWs at all until I persuaded her the MP3s were 'safer'.

Now I'm not entirely disagreeing with her: I think the two wheels in front means that, in bad conditions (rain, white lines, gravel, whatever) if 'something happens' you have twice the chance of getting grip, which is a significant feature. I have had to brake hard whilst on a wet roundabout and when on white lines before now and the three-wheel-drift was surprisingly 'stable' and many folks have said a two-wheeler would've low-sided for sure.
Since I ride through the whole year, this is pretty important, I guess, for my safety.

A brief discussion with other riders in the office, though, has gained a few opinions along the lines of "yeah, but I don't know anyone who's been injured unless they were hit, not falling off on their own". Maybe they didn't ride through the winters? *shrug*

Any opinions, folks? Especially from you guys who are still active on two- and three-wheelers.

GP800 ? 2 wheeler or 3? I am not sure, but being a rider; Any bike has its limits directly proportional to the drivers skill, and inversely related to "real road conditions". (ohms law is handy) Best safety factor is the driver and skill. Second is common sense!

I have to say I'm glad I chose the three-wheelers while a new rider. There has been the odd slippery moment where I think the MP3 has really helped in keeping me upright, but I have three years and about 40,000 miles under my belt now and my only worry going to two-wheels would be grip in bad weather.

I wouldn't say I was now a 'skilled rider' but I certainly know, a lot better than I did, what I should or shouldn't be doing.

As you say, I think the machine is becoming less of a factor in my safety.

Having both I can give a good comparison. Firstly, if you can afford the GP800 without selling the MP3, then you'll not regret it! They complement each other very well. I find I use my Fuoco for most shorter journeys, especially in town, but the GP800 really comes into its own on the open road, and loves the twisties! All that extra power is superb for overtakes, and it's very comfy for long journeys, I've done 600 miles in a day without a worry, and it'll cruise at over 100mph all day long if you so wished. Do consider the service costs though, unless you are prepared to DIY - especially changing out the chain and sprockets at 18,000 miles. I expect Cheeky can do it in just a few hours, but the parts cost for that job is alarming, over GBP500 IIRC.

Oh, the safety thing - with a Diablo on the back it's damned hard to get that to slide on anything and with the front wheel having a 16" rim that sails over most things without any trouble. The bike is so well balanced that it actually feels more stable than the MP3, even in the wet and in wind.

Hey Jim, how much mileage are you getting out of a full tank and what's the cost for a fill up?

If you want to consider a couple things the Fuoco will handle better than a 2 wheeler, consider a flat or blowout at speed, for one. Reports here all seem to say it is possible to cope with that scenario much better with three wheels, regardless of which one goes.
I have also never heard of a "tank slapper" with two wheels in front, and suspect that might be at least much less likely to happen than on two wheels ( where it is unusual enough thankfully).
However, I would want one of those 800s if they were sold here, though that service cost JimC mentions would make me think about it a bit.

A full tank (about 18.5l for a fuel-light-on fill, about 5 US gal) lasts between 190 and 230 miles, depending on the sort of riding being done. I normally get about 210. Current UK cost about GBP21 which is roughly USD31.

Having had many motorcycles and accidents over the years, the three wheels are more stable, less likely to high side, or low side in turns, over different terrain, etc. Not a good argument, it would be like saying a bike is just as safe as a car, or an SUV. Try a different tactic.

I think it's already too late. You oversold the MP3's safety advantage in the first place. Maybe you could say you need the extra speed to keep up safely with traffic.

oh just reach down and make sure you got a pair and then lay down the law damn it...that felt good to say but I am in the real world too.

Of course, the obvious answer is to tell her you need the extra speed for every day commuting, but for week-end riding, you could ride the 800 and she could ride the MP3!!

Lol I think I will take that approach just to try out the GP for a few days (she doesn't even want me to do that), but it will take a much more considered approach if I then actually want one

I thought I recollected Jimc had one - interesting you say keep both - I don't think I can really, but that does tend to imply the GP doesn't easily replace the Fuoco.

I love my Fugly, so I don't think I'll be persuaded... but you never know... it did feel real good...

In case anyone hasn't seen this yet: -

http://www.4-mc.co.uk/

Buy the GP for HER