iPod jokes, but this odd-looking three-wheeler is rapidly building a cult
following on American roads. The MP3 is essentially a scooter with two
wheels up front for more stability. We were skeptical, but the suspension
engineering really works well-and the scooter's a blast to ride.
While testing the $8899 500-cc model on the roads here, we got plenty of
head-twisting attention in trendy neighborhoods already overrun with
exotics. Difference is, we got about 60 mpg on our cruise. Not too many
exotics (okay, none) can claim that kind of fuel economy. Clad with matte
black paint, rally-style headlight shields and double-steel-tube bumpers,
the industrial-looking MP3 is bursting with cool features, like an underseat
power supply for laptop or cellphone storage. The smallish seat might be a
bit cramped for bigger riders, but that's nothing an aftermarket saddle
can't cure.
All you need for brisk acceleration is a twist of the wrist, and the MP3's
automatic continuously variable transmission takes care of the rest. And it
keeps on pulling, right up to 90 mph. The MP3 may look cumbersome to ride,
but it turns and leans surprisingly easily-up to 40 degrees thanks to the
aluminum-armed parallelogram suspension components.
An electro-hydraulic locking mechanism lets you keep your feet on the
floorboards at low speeds and helps the trike stay balanced when parked on
hills. Twin 120-mm front tires offer twice the contact patch of a
motorcycle, encouraging higher speeds and more aggressive turns than regular
scooters do. The 140-mm tire at the rear keeps you planted when the road
gets twisty. The MP3's sure-footed handling inspires surprisingly
crotch-rocketesque body leaning. It's even narrow enough to split lanes.
Two-piston floating-caliper front and rear brakes offer strong stops, but
the lack of an ABS system means the rider is responsible for keeping the
wheels from locking up. And remembering which of the two levers operates
which set of brakes is imperative during panic stops.
While the MP3 was fun to ride on urban roads, options like a TomTom
navigation system could make this frisky three-wheeler a fetching
long-distance cruiser.
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My dream scooter! Pity it has not come to Malaysia yet. Due to the tax
structure, a 500 c.c. motorcycle would be too expensive.
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