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Hi all, first post.

When I first saw one of these, I thought that it looked like a really good idea.  I got my L's on a scooter because I believed this was the scooter I wanted.  I did a lot of reading on scootersales and researched whatever I could find about it.  It seemed to be promoted as a great learner/ first time bike rider kind of bike.  I went to a dealer to have a talk about it and a test ride.

 They told me that they don't often sell this bike to learners as its not really suitable.  They also told me it's better not to use the locking mechanism (front suspension) as it can cause more problems for the novice rider, and they explained the reasons why and the reasons made a lot of sense.  I was hoping this mechanism would be the thing that helps the new rider get used to riding, but no.

Anyway, I had a test ride on an MP3 400ie. Up and riding it is a lot of fun and the riding position is quite high so visibility is very good around traffic.  I was confidant enough to use full throttle with ease on a straight stretch, and brake hard without any worry compared with the two wheeler given to me at rider training. 

The thing that I was hoping for was the locking mechanism to help me at lower speeds when stability is an issue.  Once up and going you don't have to worry about stability, but as you take off, especially as a novice, it would have been good to have a 'helping hand'.  What I thought the mechanism would be was that it would keep the bike level at lower speeds, so manouvering around a carpark/out your driveway/from standstill etc would keep you upright and once going the rider would take over at a point when momentum keeps you upright.

I think they could have made it this way;  why not?  All it needed is a sensor that can tell if the bike is level and which adjusted the suspension accordingly on the fly to keep it level.  This would have made a lot of sense I think.

The way the locking mechanism works, however, seems to help in trivial ways.  So what if you can ride from here to wherever without putting your feet down?  Are my feet too good for this earth? 

Anyway, I liked it but I thought it could have been better.

The front wheels are not spaced far apart and it was never intended to behave like a trike.  I think that you'd find that if the suspension was locked - even at slow speeds, the bike would easily tip over when cornering.  Slow cornering still requires a bike to have some lean angle for balance.

View it as an extra front wheel for extra grip and braking.  Just what you need for wet roads, tram tracks, gravel, oil etc. 

OK,

Sorry about the late reply and thankyou for your swift reply.

That ride, I had on a 400cc bike.  I've since ridden a 250 and in my novice opinion is a much easier ride.  The salesman said that it's probably the difference in weight, especially on the front end that I was noticing (an extra 40kg I think).  The bike was actually quite fast and was not 'chalk and cheese' compared to the 400.  It felt very similar or perhaps faster??? due to less weight.  Once again, salesman says that at higher speeds you will notice the extra power, but at lower speeds the 250 is actually better, and that seems to be the case (have not tried higher speeds yet).

I'm now thinking that I will get the MP3 250ie now.  I rode it in the wet, as a learner, and felt very secure on the road.  It felt quite quick, and did not feel heavy in the front like the 400ie. 

Today, I rode the 400 again, and it felt good, but I think not as good as the 250.  At low speeds, the 250 feels quicker and more manouverable.  AND is a lot of fun to ride which is one of the main things right?

Thanks again

Yut-yau

 Am glad that you are switching between the 250ie and 400.  It's the only way for you to work out which is the scooter for you.  Keep in mind though how you are going to use your scooter.  If you are mainly going to commute the smaller engine is adequate.  If you are going to do any cruising at a later stage, you may find the 250ie lacks power on long hills especially with all your gear on board (that boot is very large and it's tempting to fill it up)

Yes in all your comments it actually sounds like the sales guy knows what he or she is talking about as it is all true.

The 400 really is for doing longer distances far more comfortably then the 250 and that really is it. The 250ie will feel lighter etc especially to the novice and probably a far better proposition first up. Say if you had the 250 for a while you probably would still prefer it unless your starting to do the majority of your work on the freeway.

For those used to riding motorcycles and have had a little more experience, the 400 version would not be considered heavy. Like Mike said getting the version for you is important. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Mp3 as it sure does cram heaps of technology into a scooter. 

yut-yau:

I'm now thinking that I will get the MP3 250ie now

get it while the free on roads promo is on before the end of the year 

allen:

yut-yau:

I'm now thinking that I will get the MP3 250ie now

 

get it while the free on roads promo is on before the end of the year 

I highly recommend the triple treat promo!

Having ridden many scooters/bikes, I don't find the front end of the MP3 400 heavy and when stonking through corners, this weight with the added wheel increases the cornering ability of the 400, any lighter and it would be wishy woshy.

Good points raised on the 250 and 400.  There are definitely pro's and con's to both when it comes to how they intend to be used.  The power of the 400 is just what's required for longer distance and when you've got a passenger, but all the big single-pot scoots tend to lack the nimbleness and lack responsiveness at low speeds.  But good points regarding timing - don't miss out if you want to get one at this great price.  Take full advantage of the promo - and if you live in WA we've got a brand new black MP3 400 that I can let go for the normal price of an MP3 250 which makes it even better priced yet!