My first ride on a scooter

Post by **Dexter** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:52 pm

GD Brown of Godalming were kind enough to let me test ride a MP3 250ie.
As I sat there trying to figure out why the engine wouldn't start when I pressed the button, it occured to me this wasn't only my first ride on a MP3, it was my first ride on a twist and go scooter! (26 years of geared bikes)
Once I figured out the need to apply a brake to get the engine to start things improved.

My motivation is to get a bike with more protection from the elements (especially wind noise).
The Piaggio MP3 delivered brilliantly, I went out to the A3 dual carriageway I use for my daily commute and rode at 65/70mph for 10 miles.
Then I parked looked the bike over, opened the boot, couldn't figure out how to lift the seat.

So I removed my standard ear plugs, and rode the 10 miles back to the dealer.
The protection from the elements is so good I was overheating in the afternoon sunshine, and all I could hear was the distant buzz of the engine and the noise of passing traffic.
I found the seating position cramped and uncomfortable though.
The 2 front wheels were unobtrusive, once you're sat on it you can't see them and it feels like any other bike.
I don't think keeping your feet up when you stop justifies the premium price, the brakes are excellent due to the additional grip but only really useful if your riding style is brake heavy (mine is not).
Twist and go is brilliant, wish I had tried it years ago. 250cc was enough, but only just.
In summary scooter? yes. Probably not the MP3 though

Post by **Deeping** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:19 pm

hope it's not your last ride on a scooter, there are so many to try

Post by **Dave Weller** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:22 pm

Welcome,
I wish T&G's were around when I was working, try a couple of 2 wheeled ones if you are going to buy new, the Piaggio Beverly 350 and the Burgman 400. I think my Burgman 650 Executive still is the best tourer if you do any of that stuff with a pillion.

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:35 pm

Also worth a look is the Kymco Downtown 300i, at four grand it's cheaper, faster and probably more reliable than an mp3.

Post by **MjW** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:43 pm

The big plus with the MP3 is that you don't need a motorcycle license.

You can ride with a normal car licence and I think this is what makes it special.
If you have a MC license there are definitely better choices.

TA-pa-TA-pa-taPAtalk

Post by **SpikeOne** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:51 pm

gn2 wrote:Also worth a look is the Kymco Downtown 300i, at four grand it's cheaper, faster and probably more reliable than an mp3.

Here, here!

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:58 pm

MjW wrote:The big plus with the MP3 is that you don't need a motorcycle license.

In the UK that's only with the wide track LT versions

YouTube · Post by **bornagainbiker** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:03 pm

gn2 wrote:
MjW wrote:The big plus with the MP3 is that you don't need a motorcycle license.
In the UK that's only with the wide track LT versions

.....and having a foot brake pedal.

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:39 pm

bornagainbiker wrote:
gn2 wrote:
MjW wrote:The big plus with the MP3 is that you don't need a motorcycle license.
In the UK that's only with the wide track LT versions
.....and having a foot brake pedal.

Which the LT versions all have.

Post by **Dexter** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:28 pm

The one I had a go on 250ie did not have the footbrake.
Lee at the dealer pointed out the footbrake makes the already cramped legroom worse.
I'm probably going to get a 2nd hand 400 Burgman, see how it works out.