Long termer. That’s the realm of the
big boys- the car magazines that get to thrash Barinas and Falcons for
extended periods, and never before has it been a term thrown around the
ScooterSales office. Until now that is. Of course, I do have to address
the small issue of telling the supplier I’ll be using his scoot long
term- something we haven’t exactly discussed yet. But if he wants it
back, he’s going to have a job on his hands.
But why this fondness? Why am I smitten with the MP3 400 when I have
regular access to some of the most desirable scooters? Where’s the
magic come from, especially when it wasn’t love at first sight- I mean
the only reason people look at it is because it has a third wheel up
front, not because it’s Sophia Loren on wheels. But it’s ‘me’, it fits
me perfectly and I feel at home straight away. For me, getting on the
MP3 400 is like slipping into a plainly coloured tailored suit- a
little bit exclusive and a refreshing and surprising difference when
funky, cheap, mass-produced pinstripes have been the norm for so long.
There is a sense that this scooter was made just for me; stealing my
heart and mind, which has really surprised me for a couple reasons.
Firstly, these long wheelbase cruiser style scooters have not been a
big seller in Australia. Our environment suits these bigger scoots
well, with their compliant road manners and greater rider/pillion
comfort, but they just haven’t taken off. I myself am a Vespa tragic, a
scooter format a long way removed from these cruising Piaggios that
share the same wheelbase and back end as the Xevo 400. I recently
heaped praise on the Fuoco 500, but letting it go at the end of the
test period was like any other scooter. I felt the Fuoco was simply one
of those big scoots that Australian’s just haven’t adopted. I loved it
-especially the unwavering grip, but when it was gone, I thought
nothing of it. But this MP3 400 is different- it doesn’t feel big like
the Fuoco or any other big highway cruiser. I really don’t know how
they achieve that, given it is the same wheelbase and weight as the
Fuoco, but it really is a different machine, more what I’m used to.
And with the three wheeled format from the Fuoco, the grip is just
immense. Wet or dry, the MP3 400 instils a sense of confidence that no
other scooter can match, and once you’ve become accustomed to how the
front end functions, you’ll agree that two wheeled machines just don’t
compare any more. Roll up to a set of traffic lights and flick the
locking switch, it all locks into place so putting your feet down has
become a thing of the past. First twist on the throttle and it unlocks
automatically. This makes the centre stand redundant for everything bar
servicing the rear end of the scoot, or very long term parking
(months). The MP3 chassis is a masterpiece, and a monumental shift in
design that has revolutionised the scooter market, and at the risk of
taking something away from the very first Vespa design, the MP3 is
probably as big a leap in scooter evolution as the very first Vespa,
creating a whole new direction.
And
then there’s the storage. Like most Aussies, I’m used to scoots that
will accept a helmet and that’s about it. Normally I expect to see a
scooter with a topbox to boost the storage capacity, but again, this is
because I have not normally seen the value in these longer wheelbase
machines which don’t require the Givi perched on the back. My line of
work will often see me carrying a tripod and camera bag, or even a
couple of tripods- which can be a juggling act on many scoots. An act I
learned to live with because I thought it was normal, but an act none
the less. With the MP3 however, a neat boot flap opens at the rear
allowing longer items to be stowed with ease. The underseat storage
swallows my two tripods and camera bag with room to spare, all via this
nifty rear end. I first encountered this system on the Xevo range- it
impressed me then, and it continues to impress me now.
And then there’s the feel of the package. Normally, I’d say it’s the
weight that makes it more manageable, but again, the MP3 is the same
weight as the Fuoco. So this sense of easy and dynamic handling (which
seems better than the Fuoco) must be as a result of a lower centre of
gravity. A perfect combination of engine size and scooter packaging
that makes highway work smooth, effortless and compliant, and city work
safe, easy and dynamic. The MP3 really is two scooters in one and
really shines in the city environment. The two wheels on the front make
light work of any obstacle and kerb hopping, wet manhole covers and
potholes really can’t unsettle this thing. This really does translate
to safer riding, and two-up the sure-footedness is both inspiring and
reassuring.
But out of the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape, the MP3 takes
on a different demeanour. It behaves more like a true highway capable
maxi 
scoot.
Load carrying and touring at national speed limits is easy. The
comfortable seating position and easy to read digital/analogue dash
make devouring big kilometres a breeze. And with a 12L fuel tank and an
integrated trip meter, you know exactly how far you’ll get before
empty. The only upgrade I would suggest for these bigger highway runs
is to step up to the optional larger screen for better wind protection.
The short screen is fantastic around town- just the right amount of
protection, yet easy to see over. But on the highway this shorty screen
really wants to be a little higher for more comfort.
The little-big Piaggio incorporates some great user friendly
technologies too. The boot can be opened with a press of the button on
the remote key, and the digital display on the dash offers temperature,
trip and odometer readings, as well as the ‘distance to empty’ feature
mentioned earlier. And the fuel flap is opened with a quick twist of
the key in the ignition. Gone are the days of fumbling with your keys
in different locks whilst trying to manage your shopping- and if it
doesn’t all fit in the cavernous underseat storage, there is the added
convenience of a bag hook and helmet hooks.
So if I am here, raving about the MP3, then why aren’t we seeing these
things roll off dealers’ floors? I reckon this might just be the
perfect scooter for me, and the perfect scooter for many other
Australian’s- if they just gave it a go. Maybe many people see the
styling of the MP3 as a little ‘conservative’ or ‘safe’, unlike the
in-your-face Fuoco, and the colour choices across the range are
certainly not what you would call vibrant or exciting. And maybe
pricing is a factor as people grapple with the money v's value concept
and just don’t understand what the MP3 will bring. To me, value is a
bigger consideration than price alone, and the MP3 offers possibly the
best value in the market today.
The
MP3 400 can’t be compared to other scooters as it is the benchmark-
bringing with it a level of sure footed convenience that you just can’t
relate to anything else on the road. The MP3 floats my boat and the
month we’ve spent together has made me realise this, so much so that I
just don’t want to give it back. For me storage, comfort, ride-ability
and confidence are everything I want in a scooter and the MP3 has it
all. In town, out of town, wet or dry, the MP3 masters it all. Looks
and style for me are not everything (you can’t see it when you sit on
it) and whilst the MP3 is no Cinderella, the sum total of the benefits
and the practicality outweigh any argument against. The closest thing I
have found to the perfect scooter.
