ALARM ALARM!

Imagine my surprise this morning when i turned the key of the MP3 the horn blasted an alarm which scared the crap out of me.  Upon research, and no thanks to the user manual and props to ModernVespa.Com, the cause could either be a hydraulic leak in the suspension lock or a weak battery. And that merits a visit to the doctor, and that’s where we’re...

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300?

Piaggio USA President/CEO, Paolo Timoni, hinted at a new and improved version of they yet unreleased (at least in the USA) Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. The much awaited gas/electric vehicle has been currently offered only in the 125cc model might just be receiving an upgrade to the 300cc engine which is currently being used in both the Vespa GT Super 300 and the Piaggio MP3 300. Here is the excerpt from the interview. The cost of the now-300cc vehicle was not disclosed, and it will get about 100 mpg, compared to about 65 mpg from a 250cc gas-only MP3. It is expected to be a “niche” product because it will cost more having both an electric and gasoline powerplant. But, said Timoni, “It will kick the ass of the Prius!” Another thing to look forward to. It might just cost and arm and a leg as well as an organ or two but, heck, green is in. Timoni speaks about a lot of other interesting in his interview. From the status of Piaggio worldwide as well as the state of the Motorcycling industry in the USA. Check out the interview...

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Revisiting the Piaggio MP3 scooter

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Revisiting the Piaggio MP3 scooter. Since our last ride on the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled scooter,  we got a chance to get better acquainted with this unique “reverse tricycle.” After riding it extensively around our stomping grounds here in rural Connecticut in bright autumn weather, I’m still scratching my helmet trying to figure out the MP3’s raison d’être. Just what does this odd arrangement get you? Having two front wheels doesn’t necessarily improve on a two-wheeler’s riding experience. You still need to get comfortable leaning the thing into corners. And you still need to have a sense of balance at low speeds, since the front suspension lock mode disengages rather quickly. So, what’s the real advantage? Needless to say the review brought about several justified violent reactions from MP3 owners. Having ridden one extensively since I got it I have to agree with them too. Read the comments on the page, it makes for interesting...

MP3 on the Track

I finally had the chance to take the MP3 on the track at the Carmona Racing Circuit for Euroscoot’s Annual Trackday. The experience was one of a kind. Make no mistake about it, I was and will never be fast on the race track. Images of broken plastic and bruised flesh just prevent me from attacking any part of the course with some semblance of speed. Riding a 400cc machine on this track is not really fun. The tight corners of the track meant scraping my muffler cover and center stand with frightening regularity. A more experienced rider on an MP3 250cc who was blazing the track told me to use my body more and hang out to maximize the bikes already substantial lean angle. But alas, being the non racer that I am, I could only cope up with a half a butt cheek off the seat causing another scrape from underneath the machine. That was enough of that. I decided to cruise my way the whole day and save myself from aggravation. I ended the day dead last on all heats for the automatics but happy to have had the experience nonetheless. Will I do it again? Yes! Will I do it faster? Nope, I quite enjoy my pace. Darn I’m getting...

MP3 Doofus Moment #1

n. doo·fus Slang An incompetent, foolish, or stupid person. Stopped along the stoplight of Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ave.) and Makati Ave. this morning, I was in front of the pack, having just had the light turned red on me. As is usually the case during long traffic stops, I engage the suspension lock, pull the handbrake and kill the engine. This enabled me to sit on the scoot while waiting for the light to turn green, which will take a good 5 minutes or more. When the pedestrian light begun flashing red just before the stoplight turned green, I switched the engine on and decided I was going to start moving feet off the ground, just because it would look so cool. Now this is possible with the MP3 because the suspension lock disengages at 2000 rpm or at a certain speed. As my light turned green I proceeded to give a little gas to initiate my turn. I wouldn’t move so I gave it more gas, I still wouldn’t move. All the other bikes started zooming past me and begun to hear a few horns from the cars behind me. I had forgotten to disengage the handbrake from the MP3. There goes Mr. Cool all embarrassed as I quickly release for the handbrake lever and sped, rather quickly, into my office building’s basement parking. Doofus moment...