clarification on B1 license group for three wheeler (MP3)

[wayne.p]

hi guys...

just been offered an 07 plate piaggio mp3... So, since i got my car license, i think this could be a little better for commuting than my 125 (still plan to keep the 125 for tests ETC then switch over)...

BUT:

im interested as to how the following works out...

Insurance quote ive got on the 250cc is just £120... thats with prov bike license and full uk car license.

now, im interested in this, because bigger CC engine = more power, and the mp3 has quite a road presence, which will mean a lot less being bullied about by retards in the cars... and obv 250cc means not too excessive on the fuel, either...

Now.

I just want somebody to clarify how i legally stand on riding this bike... I know wheel spacing is the key... but im right in thinking i dont need L's on since it'll fall under my full "B1" / "B" license... right?

and since its B license, would i need car insurance, or would bike insurance cover it...

and ride on motorway?

---

this is kinda the route ive been thinking for a "big bike" (i know its only a scooter, but its not a 125) - and obv i could get a multibike policy going on, correct? (0ncb on this, but multi bike would mean cheaper insurance still ? right?)

but since im 125ing my licnese (ASAP since jan changes) the mp3 seams a good route for a larger CC/power (now i know that the 250 isnt going to kill the 25kw limit, but if i go to the 500...

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Piaggio/Piaggio-MP3-250-2007-current/

what are the thoughts of you guys on this "bike" for commuting...

for the 07 plate, wants £1900 for it... which looking at prices etc, seems fair and low...

[dungbug]

I believe that as it is a 3 wheeler it can be ridden if you have a full driving license, same as a trike. If this is £1900 & you have that to spend........You know what I'm going to say.........DO DAS & BE DONE WITH IT, THEN YOU CAN GET A REAL BIKE!


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CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Rogerborg]

My casual understanding is that as stock, the wheel spacing makes it a motor bicycle (I know, count 'em) but only marginally, and many owners have added spacers to make them spakker trolleys (or whatever the classification is) that can be ridden? Driven? Dridden? on a B1.

Tried the owners' forum?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[symonh2000]

I saw this in Oxford the other week, I am pretty sure it could be ridden on a car licence. Any good?

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/symonh2000/Trike.jpg
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[daemonoid]

You need an mp3 lt 400 to be able to ride on a B1 (or so says the Internet).

Any others would not only need to have been modified, but also reclassified with the DVLA - so make sure that's done.

As for insurance - that's up to the insurers, but I'd expect only bike insurers would touch you. If it's the modified one I expect you'd need a specialist insurer which may be tricky.

Considering you've been on a 125 for a while why not book a test? No need for lessons, just head down and do it - you'll be able to get a test or two and a bike for £1900
____________________
current: ducati monster 750
past: hyosung gt250r, bajaj pulsar 180, hyosung gt 125 comet
@thomasgarrard | www.straitjkt.com | www.racingseven.com

[map]

[Rogerborg]

[symonh2000]

[BigJoe78]

[quote="map"]

[Rogerborg]

[symonh2000]

Well the council do charge extortionate parking fee's so in a way you can't blame him/her for trying it on.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[Teflon-Mike]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/253335/images/01piaggio-mp3400.jpg

OK.... this has got me even more confuddled now!?!?!?

Its got three wheels...... so its a TRIKE.... I think we all agree on that, BUT....

Because the two front wheels are close enough together...... DVLA classes it as a BIKE.....

So. 125cc version, can be ridden on L-Plates as a solo-motorcycle, yeah?

The 250 version.... is also classed as a solo-motorcycle...... so its't NOT learner legal, and you have to have a full motorcycle licence to ride it.

BUT, the 400cc version, has the wheels further apart... so it is a trike, and classed as a trike.....

And the 250cc version comes with the narrow track front end, but optional spacers, so it can be either a solo or a three wheeler....

Which is where I am getting REALLY confused.

As a trike, you can ride it (presumeably without a helmet?) on Full CAR licence entitlement.

BUT, if you only have a provisional licence.... then what happens?

If you rode it on provisional car entitlement you would need a qualified passenger with you....

BUT, if you rode it on a provisional motorcycle licence... as a 'three wheeler / motorcycle & side car combination..... exempt from 125cc limit...... you would be able to ride it on L-Plates..... but NOT with a qualified (or any other!) passenger?!?!?

Ergo.... Snowie has a provisional licence..... if she was to ride one with me on the back... would she be in accordance with licence entitlement for her car provisional, or other than in accordance with her motorcycle provisional entitlement, and possibly at the same time?!?!?!?

I think they ought to just BAN three wheelers! They are TOO confusing!

Have to confess, though..... does look rather 'fun' A tilting trike, that can do 95!
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
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[symonh2000]

Also what about bikes fitted with a side car? They are 3 wheelers so you should be able to ride one on a car licence and without a helmet.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[Richtea]

Yeah, as others as said this will 'probably' be a bike license only vehicle.

Piaggio did do a 'car licence friendly' version but it was MP3 LT, not an MP3. They are very expensive for what they are.

The standard MP3's can be converted, but its a bit of a faff spacing it out and then getting it re-classified etc. As others have said for the money just get your test done and then have your pick of any number of nicer bikes (or even an MP3 if you like that sort of thing!).
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2005 Honda Varadero 125xl > 2005 GS500F > 2007 DRZ400 SM > 600 Bandit & Yamaha YP250

[Teflon-Mike]

[symonh2000]

Ok then... What about Quad bikes?

I have seen people using them on the road withour crash helmets so I assume they are under a car licence?
____________________
Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[Richtea]

[symonh2000]

I did just check and you are right, Quad bikes are under a car licence as long as they are under 550Kg

A quad bike is harder to ride than a Motorcycle IMO.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[wayne.p]

oh right, sorry...

YES: I do plan to get my full bike license....

my theory is booked for 9.15 on 6th september, then straight onto the phone to sort out the Mod 1 booking (only one im worried about because not too sure about the "Avoidance" at 50kph. (videos ive seen look REALLY close...)

any body got a layout diagram (measurements ETC)?

the slalom (sp) and fig 8 i can do no problem (not quite with the eyes closed, but can anybody )

the mod 2 i dont have any concerns about... been for a ride out with few bikers who "kept an eye on me" and they said they dont see anything to improve except i need to make it more obvious when i check my mirrors (actually nod at each mirror to make it visible)...

but for 15.50 test fee, i will have a bash at mod 1, if i fail, depending on how badly, seek a lesson or retake... (touch wood i pass)

its all practice... but ive got an hours ride to birm for mod1, so lots of practice OTW. then mod 2 an hour to banbury... so again... practice

got more confidence on the bike now, and actually get it up to 60 on the straights pretty quickly, so not too worried, since the only 70 roads round banbury are on hills, so only a moron would fail me for "inappropriate use of speed" for lack of speed... most of the roads (even D.C's) are 50's... (and the 60 NSL singles aren't really safe to go much over 40/50 )

i like the mp3, its just for commuting, its gonna be better than the 125, and im not too fussed... got quotes on insurance and its less than my 125...

but being offered the mp3, ive thought about it, but my original plan was to get a 500 mp3 to use on car license. to get around the 33bhp limit

[wayne.p]

[wayne.p]

[Richtea]

Is the one you've been offered a 250 or 500cc? Obviously the 250cc will be below the 33bhp limit so if you're taking your bike test shouldn't be an issue anyway?

Personally I can't really see the point of buying one of these to "prepare you" for the jump to a big bike?

Why not just get a proper 500/600 motorbike and restrict it with a couple of washers, will definately be cheaper.

Anyway, whatever you choose to do, good luck with the tests
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2005 Honda Varadero 125xl > 2005 GS500F > 2007 DRZ400 SM > 600 Bandit & Yamaha YP250

[Aff]

I said this in the other thread that MP3's came up in, and I still think it's cheating being able to use it on your MOD1, it would be literally impossible to fail. They might as well get you to do it in a car.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[Rogerborg]

Depends on the leaning/turning circle. The slalom, figure 8, u turn and swerve might be interesting. OK, the slow ride would be pretty easy. And "putting it on the stand" is a required element...
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Richtea]