7DAYS - MP3 is music to the ears

MP3 is music to the ears

As many in the riding fraternity would vehemently argue, you can’t call anything with more than two wheels a bike, right? Wrong.

As I found out recently, there’s always an exception to the rule - in this case, the Piaggio MP3. I’ve ridden many a motorcycle - from puny little scooters to mighty 1000cc ride-me-if-you-dare monsters that somehow all fall under the same ‘bike’ slogan. I’m sure most of you will agree that the two ends of the scale are so far apart that jumping onto the insanely-powered sport bikes on offer these days without a wealth of experience (or, for that one per cent that did and are still alive to tell the tale, maturity) is a quick way to contribute vast amounts to Dubai’s bustling medical practices.

So I was quite excited to test the MP3 Hybrid, not only because it was a unique concept of a three-wheel bike that rides almost exactly the same as a two-wheel one, but also because I was convinced that it would be a great beginner’s bike to test - and a green one at that.

The folks at Duseja Motorcycles, dealers for Aprilia bikes (www.apriliauae.com), Piaggio scooters and a raft of other brands, loaned me their Piaggio MP3 300ie Hybrid for a couple of days. There are other variants of the MP3 that run on normal ‘combustion only’ engines, but the hybrid combines a 278cc, four-stroke petrol engine with an electric motor that can either supplement performance or run the scooter by itself. This results in a reduction in emissions of up to 50 per cent and lower fuel consumption. And running the MP3 Hybrid in full electric mode turns it into a fully electric scooter with zero emissions.

Speeding off from the dealership, I was immediately surprised at how easy the MP3 was to ride. Anyone would be forgiven for expecting the MP3 to feel different to a conventional bike, but surprisingly it rode (and leaned) the same way, only more stable. Boasting the same unique front suspension system that was launched back in 2007 and made the MP3 range a hit in Europe, the front wheels lean independently, offering more grip and confidence than a regular two-wheeler. The MP3 has a switch on the right handlebar that can lock the wheels and keep the MP3 in an upright position when stationary or travelling at low speed - it took a bit of getting used to, but within a short while I was locking the suspension and coming to a stop at the lights without even having to put my feet down.

Meanwhile the brakes are a breath of fresh air - the MP3’s stopping power is superb when compared to other scooters I’ve ridden. Comfort was excellent too, both for myself and for the pillion I brought along for a ride. Most importantly, and surprisingly I might add, the MP3 300ie Hybrid packed enough punch for the Sheikh Zayed Road tango, giving you enough acceleration to avoid the usual tailgaters when joining the melee and enough top end speed that kept me checking often to make sure I wasn’t going to be pinged by Dubai’s finest.

Be prepared to be stared at, too! I often found cars matching my speed, drivers and passengers glued to the windows, trying to get a squiz at this unique contraption. Overall, I found the MP3 300ie Hybrid an absolute pleasure to ride, perfect for anything from the shortest commute to a trek across the whole city.

adel.abuaysha@7days.ae
 

AUDI'S NEW COUPE IS TURNING A FEW HEADS
I am convinced that the Audi RS 5 is a people magnet. Wherever I park it, crowds seem to be drawn to it. Outside my house, the neighbour’s son and his friends take a close look. At work, I spy the construction team from next door circling the car and even at the mall, the car washers come running over. Actually they do that for every car, but you get my point. People like the way this car looks.

But beauty of the RS 5 is not only skin deep. As underneath the metal is a staggeringly good car. The 4.2l V8 engine delivers 450bhp, can hit 100kph in 4.6 seconds and also has a top speed of 280kph. On paper, those stats are impressive but its not until you get behind the wheel that you really appreciate them. Not only does the car fly out the blocks, but once you hit the 100kph mark it just keeps going, and going, and going. The sensation is that the power is endless.
And this sporty perform­ance also extends to the interior, which features carbon inlays, a lap timer and sports seats.

A word of warning, though, to the larger motorists out there. The bucket seats in my test drive were pretty uncomfy, and if you’re looking to squeeze anyone in the back, forget it. The RS 5 is available from Dhs350,000.