Just test rode a Stella..

[gogogordy]

Originally Posted by seraph

The pictures he posted are of new 4-stroke Stellas, which are 50-state legal - the 2-strokes were never Cali legal, though. Still a good idea to check, however.

The 4T Stellas are 50 state scooters.

[scootertrash]

Originally Posted by gogogordy

The 4T Stellas are 50 state scooters.

That is correct. I rode the 4t Stella in San Diego where it was offered for sale as brand new.

[davide]

I am touring Costa Rica on a 2012 2 stroke Stella (it is branded Star deLuxe) and I am having a blast with it.
Bought it new at the dealer for $2,000 otd, have about 4,000 kms on it so far with zero problems. I rode Vespas growing up in Italy so I knew exactly what to expect and this thing is built to last.
I say go 4 it and have the time of your life!

[scootertrash]

Good to know Davide, pictures please!!

[davide]

Didn't mean to hijack this thread...

Anyway, I am keeping a blog of this adventure and you can see read/see pics here:

http://www.scootercentral.net/forums...hp?f=1&t=17363

Leaving 4 Nicaragua in June and will post updates eventually...

Hasta la vista, everybody!

[skimch]

you can bring the Stella/LML/Vespa 2t scooter into Ca as long as they have 5k miles on the OD.

[scootertrash]

They have one 2t left at the dealer I was at last week, the rest are 4t's

[scootertrash]

Originally Posted by davide

Didn't mean to hijack this thread...

Anyway, I am keeping a blog of this adventure and you can see read/see pics here:

http://www.scootercentral.net/forums...hp?f=1&t=17363

Leaving 4 Nicaragua in June and will post updates eventually...

Hasta la vista, everybody!

Awesome blog davide Just read all 3 pages. Very inspiring! We are both close in age and I have the exact same outlook on life as you do. I'm currently a mobile gypsy working in the oilfield with no real fixed address. My not so long term goal is to go liveaboard on a sailboat. Short term goal is to make my truck into a stealth home.

I dream of adventures such as yours and have been eyeing the Stella's for a few years. I could probably buy one in a few months for cash, so I'm following your story with great interest. I'm leaning towards the 4t model for the better fuel economy.

Here's another pic of a Stella with a sidecar.

[gogogordy]

Originally Posted by skimch

you can bring the Stella/LML/Vespa 2t scooter into Ca as long as they have 5k miles on the OD.

7,500 as I understand it.

[davide]

[QUOTE=scootertrash;18762883]Awesome blog davide Just read all 3 pages. Very inspiring! We are both close in age and I have the exact same outlook on life as you do. I'm currently a mobile gypsy working in the oilfield with no real fixed address. My not so long term goal is to go liveaboard on a sailboat. Short term goal is to make my truck into a stealth home.

I dream of adventures such as yours and have been eyeing the Stella's for a few years. I could probably buy one in a few months for cash, so I'm following your story with great interest. I'm leaning towards the 4t model for the better fuel economy. [QUOTE=scootertrash;18762883]


Right on! Glad you enjoyed reading of my screw ups! The scooter hack looks great by the way.

Anyway, I have never tested a 4 stroke, because they are not available here in Central America. The importer/dealer told me that it would cost about $800 more than the 2 stroke and he doesn't believe it would sell. Fuel economy aside, it can be a PITA to gas up and mix the correct amount of blue oil (no automatic mixer on the models sold here: you have to measure the oil and add it to the tank every time you gas up), so the 4 stroke is an interesting option.

Best wishes on your future adventures... Hopefully you will be soon tearing it up on a Stella!

[andyman7931]

so this morning I was thinking that I should put my stella up on craigslist to make some more room in my garage. This thread is a good reminder of the joys of stella ownership and I think I'll wait on creating that post.

Instead of getting a 4t one, you want to see if you can swing the 2t because they are easier to get go-fast goodies for them. My 2t stella was in stock form for about the first 2 tanks of gas before I started tinkering on it.

[seraph]

Originally Posted by andyman7931

so this morning I was thinking that I should put my stella up on craigslist to make some more room in my garage. This thread is a good reminder of the joys of stella ownership and I think I'll wait on creating that post.

Instead of getting a 4t one, you want to see if you can swing the 2t because they are easier to get go-fast goodies for them. My 2t stella was in stock form for about the first 2 tanks of gas before I started tinkering on it.

This is true. If you want a fun ride and don't plan on modifying anything, get the 4t. If you want a hobby bike that'll be a fun ride AND can be made fast, get a 2t... though there is a bit of a "Harley tax" with them. They're choked by a restrictive air filter, very lean tuning, and a catalytic converter to pass emissions. Replacing these parts (<$150 all in) is good for a solid 1/3rd increase in power by the butt dyno.

After that, there are expansion pipes, reeds, carbs, cranks, and top end kits to play with!

[davide]

All very true. I left my 2 stroke in stock form, though.

I like the idea of polluting a little less: after all, it does come with this plaque 4 a reason:



Also, here in Costa Rica, in 2013 I will have to pass the technical inspection again and tampering with carb, air cleaner and exhaust will automatically fail the scoot. I know it would feel extra zippy with a few mods, but for my type of riding it is fine the way it is...

[wlkn_mn]

Stella! Stella!

Great scoot. In my book, they got the rear brake pedal placement spot on. It handles great - I'm fond of the suspension. Then again, I'm a tasteless yank so your mileage may vary;)

[Gregg Wannabe]

Originally Posted by gogogordy

7,500 as I understand it.

You are correct.