Piaggio MP3

[msbuck]

We now have a couple of these things in stock at Capitol BMW.  Graham and I took it out for a spin yesterday.  Wow...can't get used to not shifting, but fun all the same.  Surprized at the power it had.  I would get to feeling comfortable on the thing, handling like a motorcycle and then it would react completely different than I expected.  The leaning is not quite the same, but close.  It was a real hoot.  

[Justin B.]

That is one strange looking, errr, whatever it is!  Two "leanable" wheels in the front and a fized wheel out back?  Snap some pics of the suspension and steering and let us take a look...

[NC Steve]

KTM, Aprilia and, I believe, even BMW, have these things under development and/or for sale in Europe too. If I recall, the BMW verson had a R1200R engine and hauled a**!

The last few issues of Cycle World & Motorcyclist have contained articles and pics about some of these contraptions. I'll try to check them later and see if I can pull some more info.
Very interesting.....
 :-?

[SCJJR65]

My local BMW dealer has several sitting in the lot, and they are a bit odd looking, to say the least.  But since they are 200cc machines, they ain't "little scooters"!  The mechanic that I talked to about them said they really haul butt!  I wanted to take one out that day, but was running late.  I may stop by there on Saturday and take one out for a spin then, though!  

[NC Steve]

Let's see if I can get this short article posted on here...

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=286

PS: Click on the link within the story & check out the Can-Am Spyder too.
1000cc Rotax V-twin, 106 ponies, etc

[msbuck]

That is a pretty good write-up and right on the money as well.  The wheel lock is a bit tricky.  You can lock the front wheels in place for parking, sitting at the traffic light, etc.  Then you can either push the button to release the lock or just take off and go.  Only thing is you have to take off fast enough to get your momentum going or you'll fall over!  


I just found it easier to use my feet when I stopped, you know, like riding a motorcycle!!