I remember my parents always giving a thumbs-down whenever I asked for a motorbike. Parents, particularly moms, do not want to entertain the idea of giving their children a motorcycle which they consider as a dangerous mode of transportation.

I begged, I pleaded but those pleas only fell on deaf ears. The day came when I started working, so I got my first motorcycle out of my own pocket – an enduro type 125cc powered Japanese bike.

I was reminded of my parents (who have both joined Our Creator) while I was test riding a Piaggio MP3 250i maxi scooter from MotoItalia Philippines, Inc. An odd-looking motorbike with “reverse three-wheel” design, old folks seem to love it so much because it had two wheels in front. If my parents were still around, I had a feeling that they will change their perception about motorbikes.

Without fail, grannies and even young moms would come near it, look around it and afterwards, give me a big smile. Having two wheels in front, they all assume that the Piaggio MP3 250i is a safer motorbike.

Yes, it is safer in many ways. It grips better on high speed cornering, it has stronger braking characteristics. But it has this unique trait – it can stop the suspension on its front two wheels from tilting with just a flick of a button whenever stopping in an intersection or when parking.

Richard K. The, MPI director, said the suspension locking system of the Piaggio MP3 was designed for better cornering because of its front two-wheel configuration. On braking, the MP3 250i has separate disc brake system for each of the three wheels for assured stopping power.

When cornering, the quadrilateral suspension leans with the bike which makes the riding experience unique yet safe and fun. The MP3 can lean up to 40 degrees while its front two wheels firmly grips the road – that translates to better safety even on wet condition.

When viewed in front, people initially perceive the MP3 (acronym for Moto Piaggio a 3 Route) as a quad bike, only to be surprised after they find out that there is only one wheel at the rear.

A technological breakthrough in motorbike suspension design, the MP3 is the only scooter which can stand alone without the aid of a stand. Its advance suspension locking system automatically disengages when the throttle is squeezed and the bike starts to move forward.

A three-wheeled Italian scooter yet classified as a standard two-wheeled motorcycle, the MP3 has another variant with a bigger 400cc which is allowed to enter the North and South Expressways.

An Italian scooter with an unconventional design, the MP3 250i is not a “push over” scooter.

Powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve 250cc engine with low noise and vibration, the MP3 250i will not succumb to bullying of other bikes since it’s quick in terms of acceleration and nimble to manoeuvre. Its factory-claimed maximum speed stands at 125 kph.

Despite its radical design, the MP3 250i still possess the traditional scooter characteristics of having small tires (120/70-12 inches front tires and 130/70-12 inches rear tires); wide, well-cushioned seats; and a “twist and go” automatic CVT transmission which can equally be enjoyed by women riders.
The MP3 250i’s emission is Euro 3 compliant, Teh added.

Scooters are known for their smooth, comfortable ride. And so is the MP3 250i.

Consider its parallelogram composed of four aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension that travel 8mm for its front matched with two dual-effect hydraulic shock absorbers and adjustable spring preload with suspension travel of 110mm at the rear, spell unmatched riding comfort for the MP3.

Piaggio is Italian and anything from Italy is always of good quality. However, when one speaks of quality, nothing comes in cheap. For a price of P525,000 for the Piaggio MP3 250i, would you go for it or not?

As for myself, I would first pray for my parent’s proper guidance.