Ducati Monster Forum

Not sure how this snuck past the (my) radar but looks like a company, Marabese, is set to roll out a 4 wheeled leaner scooter in 2010. So think Piaggos MP3, with two in the back, and still leans like a 2 wheeler would. Doesn't appear any wider than the MP3, though it's probably heavier due to the 4th wheel, and what looks to be a longer wheel base.

Not exactly on top of my purchase list, but I can see where it might do well with certain demographics and in certain locales. That London commuter who's a bit older and doesn't want something tippy, but doesn't want to be (so) stuck and traffic and avoid that congestion tax might snap one up.

They are also doing a 3 wheeler and some sort of offroader too (coming in 2012)

http://www.quadro4motion.com (http://www.quadro4motion.com)

2011 Quadro 4D 500 cc 4wheels vehicle video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq8rF9_hvc0#normal)

your premise is incorrect. Who says 3 wheels are good?  [puke]

I dont mind scooters-heck, I want one- but if it is meant to lean, it needs only 2 wheels.

I've never had a chance to hop on a 3wheel leaner - but I've talked to some folks who have. The consensus is that they are ugly as sin, and a bit slow due to weight, but a hoot ride. Either way - not trying to sell these, just wanted to pass it on

that thing is bad ass.  [evil]

Very clever solution!  Will check out their website later.

this.

cool.... now IZ can ride sidesaddle

i have to ask, solution to what?

i kinda "get" the two front wheels thing... i really don't see the point of two rear wheels, though.

Wait....

1 Wheel - unicycle

2 Wheels - bicycle/motorcycle/scooter

3 Wheels - trike/scooter

4 Wheels - quad/car


Where does this thing fall??

In all seriousness I know someone with a Piagio and for her limited "riding" she enjoys it. But I'd rather have a Can-am Spyder than a Piagio any day. They just aren't my cup of tea.

it's technically a car, you don't need a moto endorsement

the mp3 is a make the beast with two backsing blast, the can am...is just mildly okay

problem with the mp3 was people genuinely believed it couldnt fall over, as much as you showed them or tried to explain it.

New riders who were generally soccer moms who bought the 250's were back within two weeks with crash damage

people who bought the 400's and 500's were generally more experienced riders and were okay

the small ones sold on the illusion of safety only because they had three wheels.

that said, i've had some of the most fun backing one in on the way back to the shop after running errands  [evil]

Which brings up an interesting discussion. As it handles like a moto, the controls are moto-like (scooter flavor), safety factors is like a moto - but it's got the 4 wheels...


So where indeed. Maybe there will be some revamped classifications if this thing takes hold. Obviously just going by # of wheels won't quite do. There will probably be some language about leaning, and/or it being open  etc to to define it. But, I'm just speculating.


So I hear on both points... I want to go flog one about town for a day, just for funzies.

yeah - a review I read, the reviewer admitted to almost dumping it as he forgot to put a foot down or lock the front wheels at a stop light.. despite many years of riding. I can see how never before riders might think it's automagical and flop over at a stop.

It's been done

(http://www.guzer.com/pictures/training_wheels_motorcycle.jpg)

I almost dumped it seeing if i could take off from a stop without putting my feet down and i've been riding since i was 6...you know testing so i can tell customers (also the backing it in, max speed and endos  ;D) the answer is no, you can't...and stopping something that's top heavy and 450lbs isn't fun, which is something else that's not newbie friendly.

the Mp3's underseat trunk is goddamn huge though, we fit a putter in it just to give an idea of the length they give you.

in conclusion, buy a vespa...it'll impress girls more than an 1098 which I still have a hard time accepting

Who said three wheels are good? :-\ [puke]

I think it's kinda cool, but if that's sort of thing is your cup of tea, perhaps you would like this better...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRkfueAWq7I&feature=related

Might as well have a quad at that point.

I remember when the 1st CAD renderings of that appeared a year or two back... now a 4 second video - that's progress.

I thought it was a quad.

haha touche ..
by quad I was thinking more of
(http://www.gg-quad-northamerica.com/Photos/GG%20Quad%20-%20custom%20paint.jpg)

At the shoppe I frequent, I saw a Piagio MP3 with a two wheel kit on the rear.

As far as the lean scooters go, I didn't hate the one I rode, but it didn't make me want to just get out the cheque book and put a down payment on one, either.

i have one of these: www.scootcoupe.com (http://) (http://)

I got it in a trade. It basically drives like a car. I have the 50cc, but am researching which engines I can put in and get it a bit faster. It's a GY6 configuration, so I know my choices are pretty good. I was told that the 150cc motor is a straight-ahead swap, but I can't help but wonder what I really could put in it...

There's a tourist place here in SF that rents those so I see a fair number on the road around town.

All I can think of when I see one is that it's low enough to be invisible in traffic and has no visibility through traffic. And you're basically strapped into it - so if someone does hit you, you'll be crushed rather than thrown onto the ground.

Or more succinctly: "Death-Trap"

No sir, I don't like it.

At least not for urban center driving. On the flip side, I could see this being a blast out on a two lane country road.

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs601.ash2/155349_10150335204575158_142302680157_15789460_7096857_n.jpg)
cool 3 wheeler

How are they classified for road use?  I have seen NEVs around which are not highway-legal, but fine for road use.  They aren't even considered "cars".. i.e. no crash testing, no seatbelts, etc, but are legal for local road use.

Not really defending the idea of this thing, but you can't lean on a quad, so they really aren't that similar.

True