As most of you know the new MP3 has been well received by almost everyone that rides it, and the people that don't like have either never driven one, or they were expecting something else and it's just not their style, and that's fine. I have few thoughts and reflections after over 500mi of riding it myself. First, The MP3 is not a long distance cruiser, period. It's not because the engine is not willing or because the seat is not comfortable, it's because you just need more cc's to travel at sustained high speeds. I have taken the MP3 on longer trips in the country, 55-65 mph is stable and comfortable, speeds above that are attainable but your really revving the engine and just killing your gas mileage. High gas mileage is one of the biggest benefits a 250cc scooter has to offer. Many people have said just shove a bigger motor in it. It's really not that easy, consider the wheel sizes we are dealing with. This scooter does weigh 450lbs and with that weight comes a stable and predictable ride, crosswinds have little effect compared some other bikes, But with that amount of weight acceleration at high speeds is effected and this is the only downside I have found. The weight is centered low in the frame and all of that weight just melts away once your moving. If you want a highway cruiser check out the X9 or the BV500.
However you will not find another scooter or motorcycle that is as capable in adverse conditions, wet and slick roads are no match for this thing. In town or out on this scooter comes into it's own and is truly in a class by itself. The MP3's excellent grip and strong brakes are confidence inspiring, performance is not about all out speed or acceleration. Another feature that I just love is the storage, you can't appreciate the storage until you go without it for a day. After using this scooter this much I'm still torn between the MP3 and Vespa GTS for the my favorite scooter. The MP3 for the technology and attention getting, sometime near accident causing uniqueness or the GTS for it's performance and simplicity. It's a toss up, however I did ride the new Vespa LXV and had a ton a fun. I guess more time is needed to make a good decision. You should stop in and test ride all three, I could use your help deciding.
Ride Safe, Save Gas, enjoy life.
The guy riding is none other then popular bike builder Jesse James.
As so many of us know gas prices have really taken a ride as of late. All of our scooters use premium so the lower number is the one I look at. The gas prices might go back down, but the era of cheap gas is gone. Suppliers can't refine enough to meet demand. The price per barrel of oil is $15 less then last summers record highs, but as of today we are close to record prices at the pump. The issue is heated and becomes far too political for a scooter guy like myself and this blog. All of this means Vespa's and Piaggio's are becoming more attractive alternatives.
The 2007 LXV is in stock and hasn't been getting the attention it deserves. The handlebar, seat and paint job is perfect. Classic and Modern blended together. The riding position is different from the regular LX150, closer and more direct is the best I can say. Overall I think it's the best looking scooter we sell. Piaggio and Vespa have done a great job at using existing chassis and engines to form new designs. Using tried and true mechanical yet expanding options and overall appearances. One of the best examples is the LXV and GTV.
Vespa Madison is participating in the National Open House for the new MP3. This event will coincide with our open house for the new showroom. All of the construction is complete in the showroom, which is now full of scooters. Inside everything looks great, stop by and visit we look forward to hearing from all of our great customers, we love feed back.
A lot of the Vespa dealerships have the scoots crammed in so close that you have to pull them out to sit on them, we wanted the opposite. As with all construction projects time schedules have been longer then planned, and costs have grown, but if the finished 
product looks this good it's worth the wait.
mounting brackets that came with the kit, and went over possible mountings with the customer. The kit comes with bunch of combinations, but with the GTS headstock the mirror or a custom location is your best option. We deceided that a location that was central and lower would be a good option. We drilled three holes into the headstock and fabricated a backing plate. With the swivel mounting brackets the position of the unit can be varried and the unit can be easily diconnected. We took into account the possible interferance of this location during mounting and dismounting, but there is plenty of clearance for your knees and during operation and getting off and on. Overall the hookup was simple, we wired the unit so it turns on and off with the key. Now you can get lost and enjoy the ride, not having to worry about where the next gas station is because this unit has most major Gas stations loaded in it. And when the sun is setting and you want to find the quickest way home just ask your scooter, but why are you going home?
The snow has finally arrived, and to be truthful were not sad to see it, we just hope it doesn't stick around too long. We know that it's stupid to hope for snow because then it will snow when you don't want it to , like in late March. But this is Wisconsin after all and no snow at this time of year is like no sun in L.A. or no rain in Seattle. Big down side to the new layer of white stuff is that test rides have come to and end, for a time, but we still got to ride (safely) well into January and that's better then we could have hoped for.
On another note construction continues and it's looking great. The new show room is going to be inviting and modern, it's also going to be filled with Vespas, which helps us achieve that certain look were going for.
