The speedometer on the MP3 indicates it'll do 110 mph. I'm not a speed demon and I don't particularly like going much over 70, I took it out on I-505 today and ran it up to about 85 to see how it felt and how it compared to my previous rides.

I hit 85 mph and the scooter had a whole lot more to give, but I felt like my helmet was about to pop off (that short windshield puts air flow right into my head, I think) and I just wasn't enjoying that much speed. It wasn't as smooth on the Interstate as the SV was--I could hit 85 on that and not realize it--but it wasn't a jarring ride and it never felt like the scooter was straining to keep my considerable weight up at that speed. If I'd had a tank to lean on, I probably could have ducked to get the air to flow over my head, and would have been more comfortable.

Compared to the Rebel, it was a dream. I was able to get the Rebel up to an indicated 80 (it was probably closer to 72-74) and ride it at that speed for lengthy periods, but it wasn't comfortable: the high revs of the engine combined with the light weight of the bike at high speed was sometimes a slightly scary experience, especially when passed by a semi. I didn't meet up with any semis on the Interstate today (did on a road at 50...no issues with wind wake) but I did get passed by a giant SUV and didn't feel like I was being pushed around.

When I settled down to 65, the ride was very nice...65-70 seems to be my personal sweet spot, about as fast as I like to go and still feel like it's a fun ride, not work.

A few miles later I wandered into a residential area; we've all heard the saying It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow, and having enjoyed a few low speed spins on the SV anyway, I wanted to see how the MP3 compared. The Rebel in residential areas was all right, but you still have to shift an awful lot on that on sub-40 mph speeds. The SV would tool around in first gear with ease as long as I played the clutch right. It was an ego kick to be able to crawl along at 2-3 mph on it, but it wasn't fun.

I have to admit, just putt-putting along at 20-25 was enjoyable. (I annoyed a driver behind me, but...tough for him. Posted was 25, I wanted to stick to 25, and he could have gone around me instead of riding back there turning three shades of red while wildly gesticulating...) If all a person ever wanted out of this scooter was a sub-45 mph commuter, it would still be a heck of a lot more fun than driving a car.

One thing I noticed that doesn't function as well as it should is the outside temperature sensor. When I started feeling warm I flipped over to see what the temp was and it read 103 degress F. I headed home, not wanting to over do it, checked the Weather Channel and Weather Bug, and it was actually only 90. Not sure where on the scooter the sensor is, but I'm thinking it's too close to the engine to be especially useful.

Bonus! The MP3 already has a power port.

Now all I need is a heated vest and gloves, and then bring on winter...

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One drawback to the MP3: the stealth fuel access...



It's only a drawback because it's difficult to see how full it's getting, and it's easy to overfill. There is a drain spout in there, though, so if you do overfill, the gas doesn't just sit there.

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Not sure I'd ever use this even if I did carry a purse...



...but at least there's a little loop for someone who wants the option.