I found once I stopped thinking about how weird it looked and just rode it, it just felt like a large, heavy scooter. Yes, it was a much smoother ride (big wheels and more compliant suspension), yes, it tracked through the downhill sweeper of Dexter Avenue N more precisely than anything I’d ever ridden (ditto, plus the extra wheel), yes the brakes could probably stop a bus (ditto, ditto). But I would say it’s not a good bike for a beginner because it’s big and heavy, not because of the praying-mantis design.

We were strongly admonished not to lock the front wheels until coming to a complete stop with both feet on the ground. I locked the front wheels on flat ground, and lifted my feet, gingerly, once, just to see what it was like.

I would actually consider that a more useful feature for someone who may have difficulty holding the bike up, or putting on the center stand. And considering all the sidecars, trikes and “training wheels” I’ve seen on Harleys, Gold Wings and the like, it might make the MP3 another option for older riders. Which given the United States’ changing demographics would seem to be a wise marketing move…

(As a note-payer of an MP3 500) I strongly agree that MP3’s aren’t for beginners. First time I rode a 250 in Seattle, I almost dropped it at an intersection. Today, for that reason, I would never entertain the idea when someone casually asks,”Hey, man, let me ride your scooter?” When they rode it a bit for the state inspection the other day, I was right there, watching nervously.

It’s subtle; but you have to “relearn” how to ride when you get an MP3._Lorenzo

I’ts not foggy all the time in Pennsylvania. I just travel with a big fog machine on my back!