First ride: Piaggio’s MP3 three-wheeled carver

Downsides? Well, the MP3 is about 6 inches wider than the average scooter – which does become limiting when you’re filtering between lanes to get to the front at the traffic lights. But since your hand’s not aching from slipping a clutch, this is less of a frustration – and it gives you a chance to smile at all the car drivers gawking at your unique ride.

It also has its limits if you thrash it in the twisties – once you’re really motoring along you’ll start to feel the softish rear suspension wallowing around, and the centre-stand starts grinding on the road if you attack a hairpin at sportsbike pace – better than the pretty fairings, I guess. Both these issues are exaggerated with a pillion on board, and there’s some squat as you accelerate out of corners too – and it can run wide in long corners when you overwhelm the suspension and clearance - but the bike still turns in with the same quick responsiveness, and the front end continues to handle everything you throw at it, so you start worrying less and less about what the back end’s doing. The sportier 500cc Fuoco will probably sort these issues out for us more aggressive riders.

The tilt-lock feature has apparently caught a few MP3 pilots out, and there’s a couple of stories out there of people who forgot they had to flick the switch and simply toppled over forgetting to put their foot down at the lights. I can see how – coasting to a stop with your feet up is quite a comforting feeling. Be warned!

In all, I had no idea what to expect from this new style of roadbike – but like most who ride one, I’ve come away a big fan. It combines the fun and corner-carving giggles of a normal motorcycle with an exceptional amount of traction, stability and idiot-proof handling to produce a ride unlike anything I’ve been on before.

For a first run at this three-wheel caper, Piaggio have done an exceptional job with the MP3. I’d recommend it to learners and more aggressive riders alike - and if the 250 can make such a dribbling hooligan out of me, I just can’t wait to get my hands on the upcoming 500cc Fuoco. That’s going to be plain crazy. Bring it on!

Huge thanks to Trevor and Brian at Zagame Ducati, KTM and Vespa in Richmond for talking us through the MP3 and the use of their demo bike. Contact them through their website to arrange demo rides in Melbourne, Australia.