Spyder / Piaggio MP3 500 Need Advice

**bjt** · 10-27-2009, 07:08 PM

Congrats again bro.

**NancysToy** · 10-27-2009, 08:28 PM

Glad you're pleased, Derwin, and on the road on three wheels at last.

**3wheeldemon** · 10-30-2009, 11:18 AM

Looking forward to those pictures and stories!

**Smylinacha** · 10-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by 3wheeldemon

Looking forward to those pictures and stories!

Yeah, haven't seen any stories or pics yet

. He's definitely too busy riding!

**Derwin** · 10-30-2009, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Smylinacha

Yeah, haven't seen any stories or pics yet

. He's definitely too busy riding!

Nah. Actually, I haven't ridden the bike since the last time I posted. The weather's just been too dang cold and/or wet out here, and I don't wanna take the chance of dropping the bike.

Give me time, though. I plan on taking to my brothers tomorrow for Halloween. He and his neighbors have a Cornhole tournament going, and I can't miss that!

Derwin

**Smylinacha** · 10-30-2009, 08:17 PM

OK, ummmm, what is a cornhole tournament?????

Originally Posted by Derwin

Nah. Actually, I haven't ridden the bike since the last time I posted. The weather's just been too dang cold and/or wet out here, and I don't wanna take the chance of dropping the bike.

Give me time, though. I plan on taking to my brothers tomorrow for Halloween. He and his neighbors have a Cornhole tournament going, and I can't miss that!

Derwin

**Derwin** · 10-30-2009, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by Smylinacha

OK, ummmm, what is a cornhole tournament?????

This should answer that question perfectly....

**Smylinacha** · 10-31-2009, 08:12 AM

I WANNA GO!!! Have an excellent time!

Originally Posted by Derwin

This should answer that question perfectly....

YouTube - The Cornhole Song

**Derwin** · 12-17-2009, 10:24 AM

Well, I haven't posted in a while, and thought I would throw this question out to you guys.

As you know, I went ahead and bought the Piaggio MP3 500. Well, the seat seems to be really terrible, and I've decided to go with a custom seat.

A company called Russell Day Long is going to make me a seat just like this...

This is a seat that they did for somebody else, and I like it a lot. I especially like the backrest! My bike is all black, though, but I don't think that should matter much.

Russell offers this in all Vinyl or all Leather. The question I have is which one should I go with? I assumed leather is better, since it's more expensive. But people have told me that leather wears and cracks faster, and vinyl would be a better choice.

So, since I know that Lamont is an expert in these types of things, and this forum is loaded with experienced people who also know, I'm asking you all to help me out on this.

Should I go with all leather or all vinyl? And please give me the REASON for doing so.

I have a "Russell Pro Date" of January 18th. I guess this is when they will begin building my seat.

Thanks in advance for helping me out with this.

Derwin

**NancysToy** · 12-17-2009, 10:37 AM

Pretty personal choice, Derwin. Leather wears like iron, so it lasts a long, long time. It is more susceptible to weather damage from water or sun, however, and is not waterproof unless you treat it. It is somewhat more clingy than most vinyls, and harder to slide on, which can be good or bad, depending on what you need. I happen to prefer vinyl, but that is strictly a personal preference. I love the leather look, but it is not practical for the way I ride and the weather I ride in.

**Derwin** · 12-17-2009, 10:43 AM

Thanks, Scotty.

I was told that leather cracks, and vinyl doesn't. Is that true?

Also, I don't ever foresee myself riding in the rain. I'll mainly be riding on nice days when the weather is at least 60 degrees. And the bike is being kept in the garage, so there shouldn't be any exposure to the sun.

All this considered, what do you think would be best? Russell charge about $150 extra for leather. Do you think I should go with it, or considering my situation, do you think vinyl would suite me better? I only ask because I have absolutely no experience with either one to draw upon.

By the way, can you tell if the seat I have pictured above is leather or vinyl?

Derwin

**LittleJohn** · 12-17-2009, 10:48 AM

I agree. I prefer leather, as I ride in a very hot climate and it tends to not burn my backside quite as much as vinyl, but a s stated, leather does require more upkeep to keep it nice. (Nothin a good dose of Lexol doesnt take care of in my case)
Most seat companies state that you should have a rain cover for leather to keep it from soaking the foam, but Ive never had any issues with mine.

If you really want to get tricky, I believe Russel has the option of making the seat surface and side panels from different materials.

**chris56** · 12-17-2009, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Derwin

I've been searching the internet, and even googled the name, but I can't seem to find any AMERICAN forums that are dedicated to the Piaggio MP3.

Do you know of any forums dedicated to this vehicle?

Derwin

I´m from austria - if you look in german forums - use the google-translation that will help you (also to learn a little german...)
http://www.piaggio-mp3.de/
(you will find out why : there are "spyderlovers" but no MP3-Lovers)
chris

**Smylinacha** · 12-17-2009, 11:25 AM

http://www.maxi-scoots.com/postnuke/...=viewforum&f=9

Not sure if they are in the U.S. though - can't find where it says that but it's all in English

**NancysToy** · 12-17-2009, 01:08 PM

In reality, hardened old vinyl cracks even more readily than hardened leather. Proper conditioning can keep the leather supple. Vinyl needs no conditioning, but will eventually fail from UV light (sunlight) and heat. This can take decades with good storage, or a couple of years outdoors, year round, through summer and winter. Vinyl snags more easily. It also repairs more easily. I have original vinyl seats on motorcycles that are fifty years old. Most crack before that, however. A leather seat can last forever if well cared for. Doubt you'll have the MP3 that long, though, eventually you're gonna want a Spyder...LOL.

**SSPSpyder** · 12-17-2009, 01:17 PM

Here is a forum for you - http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/forum13

My son has an MP3 - we make quite a site riding down the road, and double the rock star effect when stopped!

**Derwin** · 12-17-2009, 08:12 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I want to especially thank Scotty for taking the time to send me personal emails outlining the differences between vinyl and leather, and which may be better or worse for my particular situation. Taking time out of his day to help a brother out is real class, and I appreciate it more than I could ever say.

After taking everything into consideration, I've decided to get the leather seat and backrest from Russell. It seems to be the right decision for what I want to do with this bike.

Thanks again to everybody. . . Your the best!

Derwin

**LittleJohn** · 12-18-2009, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Derwin

Thanks for all the advice. I want to especially thank Scotty for taking the time to send me personal emails outlining the differences between vinyl and leather, and which may be better or worse for my particular situation. Taking time out of his day to help a brother out is real class, and I appreciate it more than I could ever say.

After taking everything into consideration, I've decided to get the leather seat and backrest from Russell. It seems to be the right decision for what I want to do with this bike.

Thanks again to everybody. . . Your the best!

Derwin

My 2 cents on leather care
This is the best stuff Ive found for leather so far
http://www.lexol.com/
If you have a tack shop anywhere near you, you can prob find a big bottle for a good price.

**NancysToy** · 12-18-2009, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by LittleJohn

My 2 cents on leather care
This is the best stuff Ive found for leather so far
http://www.lexol.com/
If you have a tack shop anywhere near you, you can prob find a big bottle for a good price.

**Derwin** · 12-21-2009, 08:14 AM

Well, they are charging me $675 for the seat itself in ALL LEATHER. Then the backrest is costing me an extra $270. Then I'm having them put in a "heavyweight suspension" at the cost of another $45.

So the total cost for this seat will be $990, but that don't include shipping. Also, I'm having them embroider a custom design on the backrest, and that is going to cost a bit more.

So, when it's all said and done, this seat is going to cost me around $1100 to $1200 including shipping and everything.

IS THIS TOO MUCH MONEY TO SPEND ON A CUSTOM SEAT?

I have no idea, and thought maybe some of you can help me out with this. Am I being taken to the cleaners, or is this pretty typical for a custom seat?

Derwin

**Lamonster** · 12-21-2009, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Derwin

Well, they are charging me $675 for the seat itself in ALL LEATHER. Then the backrest is costing me an extra $270. Then I'm having them put in a "heavyweight suspension" at the cost of another $45.

So the total cost for this seat will be $990, but that don't include shipping. Also, I'm having them embroider a custom design on the backrest, and that is going to cost a bit more.

So, when it's all said and done, this seat is going to cost me around $1100 to $1200 including shipping and everything.

IS THIS TOO MUCH MONEY TO SPEND ON A CUSTOM SEAT?

I have no idea, and thought maybe some of you can help me out with this. Am I being taken to the cleaners, or is this pretty typical for a custom seat?

Derwin

On a custom show bike, no
on a scooter yes

But if it makes you happy and you have the money to blow then go for it.

**Derwin** · 12-21-2009, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Lamonster

On a custom show bike, no
on a scooter yes

But if it makes you happy and you have the money to blow then go for it.

Well, I don't really have the money to "blow", so now I don't know what to do. I have some extra money to buy this, but it's really not "extra money"!

I just don't like the stock seat on this MP3 500, and really wanted a backrest.

Lamont, do you know of any other place (other than Russell) that would be able to help me out for a much cheaper price? Really I just wanted a backrest added to my current seat.....that would actually suite me fine.

But if I don't find another cheaper place, then I'll just go with Russell. I already have my seat boxed up and ready to ship to them. But, as always, I'm having second thoughts on this because of the price!

Derwin

**Lamonster** · 12-21-2009, 09:16 AM

http://www.utpr.com/piaggio4.html

**Derwin** · 12-21-2009, 09:41 AM

Wow! The price on that is only $215....That's a heck of a lot cheaper than getting a new custom seat from Russell.

Dang, I really like the look of this seat and backrest from Russell...

But even though I really like the look of it, I am having problems justifying the cost. And now that you gave me a much cheaper option with the backrest, I am even more torn up over this!

OK. Lamont... What would YOU do?.... WWLD

If YOU owned this, and it was your ONLY ride, what would you do (besides kill yourself!) in regards to this seat?

Derwin

**Lamonster** · 12-21-2009, 10:04 AM

Never liked the look of the Russell so I would go with the UT

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