2009 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

Good retro scoot, but needs improvement

Faults:

Intermittent turn signals not related to RPM.

Intermittent low beam headlight.

Screws are rusting.

Engine appears to be leaking tranny oil (but have not yet investigated).

Tire already needs replacing (previous owner?)

General Comments:

As a lover of old Vespa P2commons, I got this because the economy does not allow me a second car (thanks, Obama!). This is my car, which if you can't afford this, you need to buy shoe leather! Cheap to run and fun to ride! Since the Stella is made from the Vespa P dies, it is exactly what I remember in my 1980 P200E.

However, Indian build quality is not up to Italian standards. The electrics are consistently inconsistent, with low-beam headlight and turn signals behaving in a most capricious manner. And as soon as I think I have found a pattern, they change! I suspect it is because I do not have a garage, and the scooter cannot handle the elements.

I also miss the 200cc engine of the original Vespa. This one is anemic to say the least! I may be older and heavier than when I had the P, but really!

Also, the paint quality is lacking. One week, and the key fob had worn it down to primer!

When I can, I am replacing all the electrics, and will swap the engine with a hopped up P200 unit.

Overall, I enjoy this P clone, but it is nowhere near as good as the original. If you, like me, insist on manual transmissions, you really have little choice elsewhere. If you, like me, remember fondly the old Vespas, you also have no choice. This is a nice scoot, but I wish it were better.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th May, 2011

2008 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

Well worth the money in fun factor!

Faults:

Kill switch shorts when you wash it.

Mirrors too narrow to see around shoulders.

Poor general quality control.

Little areas rust easily.

Seat is hard on long runs.

General Comments:

I dig the two stroke street bikes, always have.

Classic style is hard to beat, lots of other faster machines out there (like riding mowers), but that is not what it is all about, it's just plain fun to ride and has a really high level of tinker ability. Lots of parts available for looks and performance. I have always had cycles; this is my first scoot and I must admit it is fun.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2009

2004 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

Stella is first-rate

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped at the head. Replacement failed too soon after, but the current one is fine. Replaced cables and housing myself.

General Comments:

Stella is great. I had owned a p125 in the 80's and have missed it since. Stella is everything my old Vespa was and more.

Stella is comfortable to ride. It's a bit light so I stick to surface roads. I am uncomfortable riding much more than 50 mph.

Great gas mileage - although I get closer to 80 rather than 90 mpg.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2008

2005 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

For what it is, what it costs, and what it will do, I'm well satisfied with Stella

Faults:

Spark plug fouled after 1700 miles.

One turn signal bulb burned out.

General Comments:

Stella is inexpensive to own, fun to ride, and simple to maintain.

Good build quality.

Speedometer and fuel gauge poorly calibrated; they're all that way.

It starts, runs, and drives well, seat is very comfortable on long rides, brakes superb, sips gas and oil, no complaints with how it shifts or drives.

Scooter will do about 60 wide open, little dicey on the Interstate, OK for occasional highway use.

Never fails to draw attention, people ask questions all the time.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2007

2005 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

Buy one

Faults:

Short in horn caused by wires crossing in hand shift. Easy fix.

Tires wore quickly.

General Comments:

Fantastic bike. I would buy again. I will likely buy used ones for my sons.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2007

2005 Genuine Scooter Company Stella

Summary:

Classic style, ride, and economy with some modern enhancements at a great price.

Faults:

Front brake switch is vulnerable to water. It failed after the first time I ran in the rain. Replaced with a new one for $7 (didn't even take it to the dealer) and squished some dielectric grease into it.

Paint flakes easily, I will get it powdercoated at some point.

At 1000 miles the headlight switch wire wore through the insulation (from hand-shifter) and shorted. I cut it and spliced it with a crimp-connector, which should hold up in the future. Once again I could have taken it to the dealer, but decided not to.

General Comments:

Classic Vespa styling, great reliability (in stock form), easily modified (Simonini pipe alone will boost performance 25-30% for $130), almost every aftermarket 150PX part will fit. $1200 less than a Vespa version.

I decided to buy this scooter because I knew that I would always be able to find a modern scooter, but these classically-styled beauties would not be long for this earth. This also had disc brakes, gas shocks, reed induction, 12V electrical system, E-start, and stronger ignition. Add to that the price difference between this and the Vespa PX150 and you have a clear winner. With the money I saved I can modify the Stella like crazy (double HP and 80mph top speed) and get a powder-coat finish, and it will cost about as much as the standard PX.

These scooters are fun to put around on standard, but I would highly recommend getting at least a performance pipe (after about 600-800 miles of break-in). I am 300lbs, and with a simonini can easily get to 50 under most circumstances. Standard barrel tops out around 55-60. I am averaging about 70 mpg with the pipe on.

The only real drawback I've found is that the paint flakes easily on this scooter - no primer was put on and it is one thin coat. I would definitely recommend it getting repainted at some point - I'm fine with touching up every now and again until I get the gumption to do so.

This scooter is currently out of production, but with luck LML will work through their labor issues, and many others can enjoy this modern classic.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2007