scoot-scoot

So after searching for the obvious terms, it would appear as though I stumbled across one of these on the way into the Tail of the Dragon on Sunday. Oddly, the contraption was on a trailer, but the stats of a 990cc V-Twin engine, 106 hp, 77 lb-ft, and three wheels probably means it did at least one run of the Tail before being packed up to go home. Unfortunately, the $17k sticker is something of a downer… for that much, I could walk home with 2/3s of a Bullitt, and at least that has air conditioning.
On the other hand, Piaggio seems to have a rather interesting entry into the “three-wheeled conveyance” market, in their MP3 500. Granted, this little thing is definitely a “scooter”, what with its step-through chassis and upright seating posture, but it also sports a 492cc engine, and a dual-forward-wheel suspension that actually allows you to lean, unlike the aforementioned Spyder. Oh, and an MSRP of $9k? Yeah, much better.
I have to confess to always having wanted a scoot of some nature… Just seemed fun, what can I say? Unfortunately, my close and personal knowledge of myself, and how difficult I find it to balance on two feet sometimes, much less two wheels, has deterred me from ever even looking into a dirt bike. But something with three wheels? And a motorcycle that does not have a stick shift requiring foot operation (the MP3 has a CVT)? Well, hell, even I could (probably) manage that, and possibly even as a cheaper, more-efficient alternative to the muscle-car Bullitt…
And as a commuter vehicle that gets twice the gas mileage of my compact car, I could definitely manage that… at least once I talk my car-pool partner (otherwise known as “Better Half”) into it…