Piaggio MP3 - Good idea?
Discussion
Hi, looking at possibly moving into the biking fold, purely for commuting (initially).
The reason is 2 fold, I'm sick of the train fare prices (Zone 6) and the fact that a new job may see me needing to be at my desk for 6:30am. Trains into Cannon Street (allowing for the 15 minute walk) don't run before 6:30 so I would have 20 minutes from London Bridge and the hassle of driving to the station to get the train before (10 mins).
I currently cycle (1 hour) but am thinking that its a no-go given the start/finish times and distance (15 miles) especially with 12-16+ hour days likely, initially at least.
I've seen these parked up around the city and they look like a decent go-between, save me commuting costs and time whilst adding flexibility.
Can I ride one straight off the bat as they've got 3 wheels or would I have to do a CBT or test first, again would this depend on the engine size/power?
Although there is a bit of a barrier to overcome (dad had a very serious accident on the way back from work on Loampit Vale, shattering wrists, legs etc.) I like to think cycling for the past few years has given me a heads up and the off peak hours may help? It may also allow me to 'upgrade' to a proper bike in the future, something that's currently a no-go despite my hint dropping!
Do my plans make sense?
The reason is 2 fold, I'm sick of the train fare prices (Zone 6) and the fact that a new job may see me needing to be at my desk for 6:30am. Trains into Cannon Street (allowing for the 15 minute walk) don't run before 6:30 so I would have 20 minutes from London Bridge and the hassle of driving to the station to get the train before (10 mins).
I currently cycle (1 hour) but am thinking that its a no-go given the start/finish times and distance (15 miles) especially with 12-16+ hour days likely, initially at least.
I've seen these parked up around the city and they look like a decent go-between, save me commuting costs and time whilst adding flexibility.
Can I ride one straight off the bat as they've got 3 wheels or would I have to do a CBT or test first, again would this depend on the engine size/power?
Although there is a bit of a barrier to overcome (dad had a very serious accident on the way back from work on Loampit Vale, shattering wrists, legs etc.) I like to think cycling for the past few years has given me a heads up and the off peak hours may help? It may also allow me to 'upgrade' to a proper bike in the future, something that's currently a no-go despite my hint dropping!
Do my plans make sense?
Thanks for that Tampon much appreciated, I know the risks and guess I would be a little more prepared after cycling for a few years, I like to think I'm sensible.
I would have looked at the CBT regardless and would likely choose the Jamacia Road over the Old Kent Road (as I do know) purely from a safety aspect, again with the auto helping as I transitioned. (only previous scooter experience is on holiday - 80cc auto scooter with pillion)
The reason I was looking at the 3 wheeled version was for the license issues and stability (will read up on it further) but mainly the weather protection, I just want to be dry/comfortable!
Looks like I've got a bit of reading to do!
I would have looked at the CBT regardless and would likely choose the Jamacia Road over the Old Kent Road (as I do know) purely from a safety aspect, again with the auto helping as I transitioned. (only previous scooter experience is on holiday - 80cc auto scooter with pillion)
The reason I was looking at the 3 wheeled version was for the license issues and stability (will read up on it further) but mainly the weather protection, I just want to be dry/comfortable!
Looks like I've got a bit of reading to do!
edeath said:
Im glad you are thinking about doing your CBT.
Unfortunately, from my experience, these 3 wheeled scooters seem to be ridden by complete idiots who seem to have had no training at all. Luckily you can hear them beep when the suspension locks coming up to the lights so you are warned when one is near you!
From a current cycle commuter I agree! If it did happen I would be the exception to the rule i'd hope!Unfortunately, from my experience, these 3 wheeled scooters seem to be ridden by complete idiots who seem to have had no training at all. Luckily you can hear them beep when the suspension locks coming up to the lights so you are warned when one is near you!
Thankyou for all of the advice, looks to be a bit of opinion either way, I'm still undecided between these and a standard scooter/maxi.
I want a geared bike ultimately but given the nature of the journey I can't see the advantages, also given the difficulties faced with family given my dad's massive accident I am just pondering the 3 wheeler as an easier sell to those with no interest etc.
I was offered the job this morning so now its becoming more real! I would have just taken the train but it would be 5 mins plus parking to Orpington (Zone 6) or 10 mins to Lee (Zone 3) plus 5 min walk, 20 min train (in either circumstance) then a 20 min walk. The bike would be 40 mins, total (assuming that spaces in the City motorbike bays would be available at 06:30?). Are these still free?
re. the 125/300/400 cc issue I'm not light (95-110 kg's dependent on stage of health kick) and need to use the A20 and the hills on it from Orpington so was thinking the 300?
Thanks for all the help guys, think it could be the way to go - liking the roof but think the above covers/grips would be the best compromise.
Would probably have to take the train for the first week (presentability) whilst I work out where I can leave suits etc.
Next is the insurance issue, I have 4 years car NCB on my 540i but I'm 24, parking it in the car park of my flat (when I'm in) BR5 so the NCB won't be transferable. Any insurer recommendations?
New or used I'm still undecided really, would likely be a dealer for aftercare and the ability to put it on a credit card (flat deposit has taken my capital) for a private sale situation.
Would probably have to take the train for the first week (presentability) whilst I work out where I can leave suits etc.
Next is the insurance issue, I have 4 years car NCB on my 540i but I'm 24, parking it in the car park of my flat (when I'm in) BR5 so the NCB won't be transferable. Any insurer recommendations?
New or used I'm still undecided really, would likely be a dealer for aftercare and the ability to put it on a credit card (flat deposit has taken my capital) for a private sale situation.
Tampon said:
I would think heated grips, a apron and a decent jacket and you will be fine, I am currently making a heated jacket for minus degree weather as I get a touch cold.
Insurance wise your NCB on a car is no good ( although trike being a car I might be wrong) but try compare the market and look at 3rd party insurance, I think you will be suprised compared to car insurance.
Also I would imagine you could probably get a suit or two in a carrier in the bike under the seat to be honest. Surprisingly big, have a look.
Thanks for that again, think that's on my to do list one evening/weekend, need to have a proper scout out of one and go from there I think. Insurance wise your NCB on a car is no good ( although trike being a car I might be wrong) but try compare the market and look at 3rd party insurance, I think you will be suprised compared to car insurance.
Also I would imagine you could probably get a suit or two in a carrier in the bike under the seat to be honest. Surprisingly big, have a look.
The 540i is £560 a year, hopefully this'll be a lot less, need 3rd party fire and theft really (the latter being London effect). I'm happy to remove the fully comp but as if I bin it its my own stupid fault.
I looked at the Peugeot/Yamaha options above and they look to be more expensive for no real benefit/cheaper and lower quality?
Tampon said:
I paid £360 when I was 22 for a CBR 600 third party, I now pay £75 for the majesty 400 with no NCB for a bike, an accident and 6 points on my license, so you should be fine.
If you fancy it bud, you are more than welcome to have a go on my scooters, I have a sit and beg 125 and a maxi 400 to see if you want to compare it to anything, or run any potential second hand purchases past a second pair of eyes ( had many part in the name of cheap motoring) I am in Egham near Heathrow so just message me if I can help.
I have had lots of help and stuff off this community at PH so it would be nice to pay it back.
Ben
Thanks Ben, may take you up on that...parents have come around to the idea but not the GF (too dangerous) which was expected. Have had to agree to trying the train for a few weeks before making any plunge which is fair enough (and what I'd need to do anyway) to see if it is as unworkable as it is on paper, can then look at getting my exam in June out if the way and go from there with the CBT etc.If you fancy it bud, you are more than welcome to have a go on my scooters, I have a sit and beg 125 and a maxi 400 to see if you want to compare it to anything, or run any potential second hand purchases past a second pair of eyes ( had many part in the name of cheap motoring) I am in Egham near Heathrow so just message me if I can help.
I have had lots of help and stuff off this community at PH so it would be nice to pay it back.
Ben
Thanks again all, will look at those other options too, on the filtering thing I'm not too bothered about being able to squeeze to the front/tightest gaps and unfortunately for me given the timings it's not as much of a problem anyway (I don't want to hold up others though)
Edited by kiethton on Tuesday 15th April 21:39
Am now BR3 also
I ended up just getting a 125cc standard geared bike and had been on it for ~30 months, well until it was written off last month. Did consider the 3 wheeler but in the end couldn't justify the cost. Been more than financially viable whilst also removing any train problems from my cares (always felt wary leaving it on the road outside work for night piss-up's though).
Fuel cost me ~80p a day (CBR125R) and was paid out a good chunk more than I paid for it when written off.
Weather can be s
t but it doesn't rain that often in reality, but then decent kit gets you through!
With the bike now written off I've now got a CBR600F and am in the middle of my DAS (iced off yesterday). This biking thing is addictive it is.
Colleague has a MP3 though and commutes from Ealing - he's pleased enough with it but is a top engine/spec model.
I ended up just getting a 125cc standard geared bike and had been on it for ~30 months, well until it was written off last month. Did consider the 3 wheeler but in the end couldn't justify the cost. Been more than financially viable whilst also removing any train problems from my cares (always felt wary leaving it on the road outside work for night piss-up's though).
Fuel cost me ~80p a day (CBR125R) and was paid out a good chunk more than I paid for it when written off.
Weather can be s
t but it doesn't rain that often in reality, but then decent kit gets you through!With the bike now written off I've now got a CBR600F and am in the middle of my DAS (iced off yesterday). This biking thing is addictive it is.
Colleague has a MP3 though and commutes from Ealing - he's pleased enough with it but is a top engine/spec model.
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