Just test rode a Stella..

[Cortez]

Do you guys still get the original Vespa PX there?

It's available here, the 125 and 150cc 2 strokes.. costs just a tiny bit
more then the LX50.

[elite1]

Originally Posted by elite1

Stella! Stella!

Come on man! That shit was funny. Nobody seen A Street Car Named Desire? BTW - I totally dig Stellas and would own one. If for no other reason I would ride it around a yelling, "STELLA! STELLA!"

[seraph]

Originally Posted by Cortez

Do you guys still get the original Vespa PX there?

It's available here, the 125 and 150cc 2 strokes.. costs just a tiny bit
more then the LX50.

No :( Vespa stopped selling shifty bikes here in the late 1980s when they abandoned the US market altogether, and when they came back in the early 2000s (late 1990s?) they only brought CVT bikes. They sold the PX150 here in 2005, but only for that one year. As I recall, they cost a bit more than the Stella/LML Star.

[ferrix]

Originally Posted by Cortez

Do you guys still get the original Vespa PX there?

It's available here, the 125 and 150cc 2 strokes.. costs just a tiny bit
more then the LX50.

In our market we used to get PX200. That was discontinued a couple of years ago, then last year they brought back a new PX150. But at over A$ 6,500 it is an outrageous rip-off when a 300cc TGB (good Taiwanese brand equal to SYM or Kymco) sells for a little bit over 5,000. I really don't know where they get the gall to ask for this sort of money, and even more importantly, where do they find the suckers who buy these things?

[Cortez]

Yeah, we had the PX200 too but it won't pass the current euro norms for exhaust emisions, and the PX125/150 wasn't available for maybe 3-4 years
but they just brought it back.

I'd love to own one even if I know it's worse then any of the modern CVT
Vespas or even any of the clones, but there's something about the 2 stroke
feel and the ackward gear shift..

I just spoke with a new owner of the PX150, says it's a lot slower then his
1990s PX200, but that the build quality is a lot better. He says that 50mph
is more or less the fastest comfortable cruising speed (with regards to how
much the engine screams).

He didn't want to test the top speed until the engine broke in, so after about
60 miles on the odo, he reported back on that too 65mph indicated!


That's more or less the same as my Agility 125 with 9hp.

[JerryH]

I have an '09 Stella 2 stroke, and absolutely love it. It is the best 2 wheeled vehicle I've had since selling my 1966 Triumph Bonneville. This is a REAL scooter, not a highly refined plastic........toaster. It is the same as a vintage Vespa. It is not modern in any way, which suits me just fine. I love the buzzy engine, the exhaust smoke, the poor suspension and brakes (though it does have a front disc) and the clunky shifting. This is not a bike for posers, it's the real thing. It takes a considerable degree of skill to ride it safely in traffic, but to me that is a lot of what riding is about. I can tell I am riding an actual MACHINE, not a highly refined, plasticized, emissionized, electronicized, computerized, fuel injected kitchen appliance. Of 6 bikes, the Stella is by far the most fun to ride. Though someday I hope to own another '60s British bike, for now this "antique" Stella is keeping me grinning from ear to ear.

I would love to recommend the Stella to everybody, but to those accustomed to riding modern plastic scooters, it is probably not something you would enjoy riding or maintaining (and yes, occasionally repairing)

[hexnut]

I have never owned a Stella. But... at 14 years old in 1958 my dad brought home a very used Sears Allstate Cruisaire made by Vespa. Same as a Vespa. I wanted a Cushman Eagle but we couldn't afford one. It was a 125cc two stroke and had a three speed trans. Had to mix the gas and oil. I rode that scooter till it wore out, then rebuilt it and rode it some more.

I have had many motorcycles and a few scooters since that time but I have very fond memories of that scooter.

[JerryH]

You just can't beat the Stella IF you want the real thing, and are willing to deal with it's issues (I most certainly am, they are what I love about it) plus, you CAN rebuild one over and over again, and ride it forever. Parts are plentiful.

I was lucky, and actually did have a Cushman Eagle, though a well worn one. It finally broke down after several years of riding on farm roads and through fields, and I never got the chance to fix it. Look at what a totally restored one costs now.

[hexnut]

Yeah, I restored a 1957 eagle a few years ago..

[scootertrash]

Working around OKC in the oilfield and had time today to swing by a Stella dealer, screaming prices! I could ride one out today, I have the cash. Two of the salesmen ride Stellas along with other bikes I'm sure. I would have to carry it in the back of my Tacoma or in a receiver hitch carrier as I don't have a place out here other the rigs and hotels. Should I do it???



I really like this blue one..



Or maybe this green one.

[Brooktown Geezer]

If it has a 50 state emission sticker for CARB it might be ok, otherwise you wouldn't be able to register it when you get home. Your profile says you live in San Diego....better to buy one there.

[Warney]

Go to any Scooter Rally, all the cool Kids are riding Stellas.

[Bugtussle]

I love the green and the orange. Last week I bought a used Black 08 with 465 miles on it. Got a pretty good deal for $2,000. It looks like new and belonged to the wife of the local Genuine Dealer. Im having some fun on this vintage little beast. It will keep you busy when riding especially in windy conditions. Its a little twitchy with the small wheels. Tons of fun and a tinkers dream, Lots of mods available and parts are cheap!!

[cbolling]

You only live once. If you got the cash and it is no big deal financially then why not?

(I know they just released black ones)

[seraph]

Originally Posted by Brooktown Geezer

If it has a 50 state emission sticker for CARB it might be ok, otherwise you wouldn't be able to register it when you get home. Your profile says you live in San Diego....better to buy one there.

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.