I was flagged down by the Flying Squad along Marcos Highway in Marikina. I kinda guessed it was a “What da hell is that thing!?!?” kinda flag down kasi I was past the last officer when he basically ran beside me waving frantically.

So I stopped gave him my papers and true to my suspicion their Superior officer came forward and started asking questions about the bike. We ended up having a rather lively discussion about riding fast on the SCTEX, specially after I saw their brand spanking new Fazer 600′s, darn it they looked REALLY REALLY nice.

So after a few more questions and a hearty farewell I was on my way again. None the worst for wear. I guess it’s one of the few things you deal with with having such a unique looking scoot.

C’est la vie

+1 Wheel that is.

Finally took the plunge of getting my first true Maxi Scooter. The conversation started about 3 weeks ago during Euroscoot’s ride to Lemery and Tagaytay. Nani of 2211 Works, Euroscoot stalwart Sonny Navarro and I were deep into conversation about the possibility of upgrading to a high displacement motorbike. I was adamant that I would like to stick with scooters since I really don’t want to re-learn conventional shifting, and I was planning on riding whatever bike I got everyday so Automatic CVT was the thing for me.

2211 Works had a Piaggio X8 available and it was priced reasonably, so I more or less made up my mind that the X8 was going to be the Maxi for me. I have always liked the X8′s styling, being a fan of the old Piaggio Hexagon, the rear boot always had an appeal for me. Plus, given the 400cc Quasar engine, it meant automatic access to the highways and enough power for two up riding, which my beloved GT always felt lacking.

As that decision was made, I remembered something my good friend and fellow Vespa fanatic Yeyey Yatco told me about a Piaggio MP3 400 being offered up for sale by a mutual friend of ours. Now given the stature of the MP3 as well as its hefty price tag, I knew I had no chance at all to buy it…….or did I.

After a few messages were exchanged, we had settled on a price that really wasn’t far from the price of the X8. Confusing times I must say. But a decision had to be made since both my Vespas, the GT200 and my PX, were already spoken for and awaiting to be delivered to their new playmates.

And a decision was made and I brought home an almost brand new Piaggio MP3 400. With only 267 Kilometers on the odometer it was as good as it was going to get since there were only ever 2 units brought in by 2211 Works of these 400cc beauties.

I will always be big fan of the Vespa and will definitely be acquiring one in the near future. But till then, I’m an MP3 fanboy!

The Vespa, with its typically Italian elegant design, is a timeless design icon. For over sixty years now, Vespa has been building many models of its low running cost scooter using the same design basis as its original. They know it, we know it, Vespas look cool and are cool.

Advertising the Cool Vespa, a Timeless Design Icon : Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Piaggio USA, Inc. is recalling 2,428 units of its 2005-2008 X9 500 and BV 500 scooters due to a fuel hose problem.

Piaggio says the fuel hose connecting the fuel filter to the fuel pump may come loose. If this fuel hose connection is loose, or has become completely disconnected, then there will be a drop in or loss of fuel pressure to the engine, resulting in engine stalling.

Piaggio, Ducati, BRP Recalling Units – Dealernews.