Dilemma

Strolled into a local Piaggio dealer on Saturday to get a first hand look at the MP3 500ie. They had two in the showroom: a black one and a blue one.  My first thought on seeing it was, "This thing is huge!"

I decided to view the black one as it looked very menacing. The showroom wall to the front of the bike was all mirrored from floor to ceiling, so you could see yourself clearly on the machine.  I kinda fell in love, and I didn't like that. By that I mean, the MP3 felt like someone who tries to steal your heart knowing you are committed to someone else. 

It compared with the Burgman very very well for me. Lots of storage, ease of getting on, digital display, large with road presence, and ample cockpit switches for flexibility. The one drawback I had with the Burgman 400 was how low the seat was, which is why recently I had resigned to getting the higher seat 650 instead. The MP3 500's seat felt just right in height. Plus, the two wheels up front meant I do not have to stop riding at any time during the year. This gives me a good reason to buy one right away rather than wait for the Spring like I was with the Burgman. It'll also do off road tracks easily, and has enough horse-power to climb hills without lapsing. 

Two wheels at the front also means I don't have to put my foot down at traffic light stops. It also means I don't have to find a chair (nor take a folding chair with me) on long trips when I stop to take view in and have a snack. Me likey much!

Gotta tell ya, the MP3 felt strong, solid, heavy, and ultra stable. Corners take some adjusting to because the unit really wants to remain upright, but when you lean into it with handlebar turns, the road grip is awesome! You really feel the three wheeled secure difference to a two wheeled bike. 

So, the two challenges the MP3 presented for me are, firstly, the 500 does not come in white. How am I going to ensure road visibility? I decided to have a black one partly sprayed with hi visibility green. I even did a PhotoShop preview to see what it might look like. I've shared it here. 

Secondly, how will I say goodbye to the Suzuki Burgman whom I have been in love with since my college days? This is still my dilemma. No solution to that one just yet. Sigh. Heartbreaking. 

All Year Riding

This abysmal weather here has me really re-thinking some things. I want to ride all year. All year. Period. 

I've been looking at perhaps getting a road-legal ATV quad bike which I would use during times of heavy rain, snow, or ice. It would double up with my Burgman to give an all year round ride experience. There are so many wet days here in the UK and further, quite a bit of cobbled and non-Tarmac roads in the city centres. I think it's the same for most of Europe. 

Recently I came upon an article about the Piaggio MP3.  I've been looking into it much. It's a three-wheeled scooter, and it has really rave reviews out there. It also has generous storage, comfortable seating, and apparently compares to the Burgman... although not as fast with acceleration. So I'm thinking if I get one, I won't need to have two units to get my year round riding going on. This machine promises to deliver whatever the weather or terrain. 

Well, with that, it's now a serious contender to bump my Burgman dreams off the rails. I am going to have a look at one very soon. Hey, they even come in white. 

Stay tuned.