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New Ride!
16 years ago
I decided some time ago that I really needed to downsize my ride. Well, actually it was Sammy's idea (as so many of them are)... (Note: Before continuing, I've got to mention that Sammy is the quintessential "greenie". She's always talking carbon footprint, solar-powered lighting, greenhouse gases, denim wall insulation, Birkenstocks, you know...) Anyway, while surfing the internet, Sammy came up with the notion that I could trade in my car and buy a scooter to commute to and from work. Her logic was that I could get rid of my 21 MPG Acura and get something that would get 60 - 70 MPG for my short commute.
Now, I know what you're thinking, 'cuz it's probably the same thing as I was thinking. Scooters equal small, chipmunk-powered toy bikes that seem to dominate any picture of Rome. I was thinking how I would get gaffawed off the road by leather-wearing, Harley-riding dudes with grey ponytails and ZZ Top beards... I was picturing a bear riding a tricycle... Just as I was getting the "Ummmm, I don't think this is a very good idea" reply ready to go, she showed me a picture of what she had in mind.
Bottom line is that I am now riding a Piaggio MP3 400ie (http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters......io%20MP3%20400) and loving every minute I spend on the road! Yeah, I kinda miss my tunes and yeah, the Acura's heated seats were nice on chilly Oregon mornings, but it is even more fun to be the center of attention while driving to work. As one motorcycle review put it, you get more attention riding this than Brittany getting out of a Lamborghini! I actually had a cop stop me just to ask me about the bike!
While I won't be growing my beard out or getting a tattoo of a black widow on my belly any time soon, I'm having a great time! Thanks for the suggestion Sammy, you little conservation-minded mouse you!
Cap
Now, I know what you're thinking, 'cuz it's probably the same thing as I was thinking. Scooters equal small, chipmunk-powered toy bikes that seem to dominate any picture of Rome. I was thinking how I would get gaffawed off the road by leather-wearing, Harley-riding dudes with grey ponytails and ZZ Top beards... I was picturing a bear riding a tricycle... Just as I was getting the "Ummmm, I don't think this is a very good idea" reply ready to go, she showed me a picture of what she had in mind.
Bottom line is that I am now riding a Piaggio MP3 400ie (http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters......io%20MP3%20400) and loving every minute I spend on the road! Yeah, I kinda miss my tunes and yeah, the Acura's heated seats were nice on chilly Oregon mornings, but it is even more fun to be the center of attention while driving to work. As one motorcycle review put it, you get more attention riding this than Brittany getting out of a Lamborghini! I actually had a cop stop me just to ask me about the bike!
While I won't be growing my beard out or getting a tattoo of a black widow on my belly any time soon, I'm having a great time! Thanks for the suggestion Sammy, you little conservation-minded mouse you!
Cap
Cap
I'm back! In actuality, she did agree to ride with me, once I got used to the bike... I can't wait!!!
Thanx!
Cap
Thanx (in a number of ways) for the concept!
Cap
Cap
One question though: what is Sammy driving? Just curious.
Sammy has a Chevy hybrid SUV that gets about 24 MPG. Since it gets better gas milage than my Acura did, she was able to speak down to me from the moral high ground. Now, I get to one up her!
Cap
Enjoy that moral precipice while you can. Suggest she trade in that SUV for a Prius. I hear the new ones are very nice. XP
Cap
Thanx!
Cap
Very cool looking ride Cap! Enjoy yourself. Just don't forget rain gear buddy.
CW
Thanx again!
Cap
(...all my offs have involved the front dropping out on misjudged grass surfaces. Now I just assume all grass is wet.. -_-)
I'd carry on about the 'long distance commuter' scoot I've got, but that'll probably blow the cover of this Anon account... :P
I'm liking the scooter so far... It's fun so far!!!
Thanx!
Cap
Sorry about your sis... Any fall sucks, but breaking something makes it worse...
Thanx for the comment!
Cap
Thanx for the comment!
Cap
Cap
Thanx!
Cap
Thanx!
Cap
Cap
Cap
Bottom line, it's a nice ride... Thanx Map!
Cap
Thanx SA!
Cap
Now, I'm no small guy (I go 6', 220 lbs) and the Piaggio drags me and my gear around easily. If you're looking for more engine displacement while still having the ease of use (automatic transmission etc) of a scooter though, check out the Suzuki Bergman 650. I looked at them too... Expect to pay between $9 to $13k for them though...
As for the difference between the 500 and 400 Piaggio, there's not much... The 500 has something like 7 more brake horsepower, but sacrifices much of the under-seat storage. Not much of a trade-off for me.
Thanx for the comment and hope you find one!
Cap
Here in Oregon, it should be fine... Inland (where I am) is very mild during the winter months, although this past winter was horrible... Worst storms in 100 years! If all else fails, I can always "borrow" Sammy's tricked out Tahoe!
Cap
I'm glad ya understand my concern, please do take care and have fun. =+}