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Hardshifting of Stella

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:13 pm
by HansC
Had an occasion a couple of weeks ago to test drive a Stella. The hard, slamming shifting of it has me concerned. Any input re: the longevity of the tranny from someone who has had one for a long time? Also, I read on the web somewhere that some states are trying to outlaw 2-strokes. The article I think came from Pennsylvania. Dealers seem to off-load their stock of Stellas. I like the steel construction and spare wheel. Shifting I don't mind as long as I can do it a few thousand times without having to visit the shop. BTW, I'm in Arizona and don't like having to ship clean across the country. Trucking companies like to destroy things on the way. Any help will be appreciated.

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:47 pm
by PeterC
"The hard, slamming shifting" will cease once your Stella is broken in. Some states would love to outlaw two-strokes, along with anything else you might find enjoyable. If you don't live in MA or CA, don't worry about it. I've been enjoying my Stella since the summer of 2006, and my P200 for the past year and a half. A 4-speed two-stroke, IMHO, is the quintessence of the scooter experience. If you're in AZ, you're in a place where you can enjoy your scooter year-round. As someone once said, "It's never too late to enjoy a happy childhood."

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 1:31 am
by lmyers
I'm at about 28k now and still get that sweet "ker-CHUNK" when I shift. As a bonus, sometimes my horn will go off as I shift into first. Stellas can be a bit fussy. If you're not into temperamental, you should go with a twist and go.

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 2:20 am
by Howardr
So, where is AZ, are you? There are same very active clubs in Tucson and Phx, with a new one starting up in Prescott.

Howard

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 5:31 am
by Anachronism
Legislation "banning" 2 strokes in almost all cases bans the sale of new ones. Even CA hasn't dreamed of banning people from using bikes they already own.

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:27 pm
by DennisD
PeterC wrote:"The hard, slamming shifting" will cease once your Stella is broken in. Some states would love to outlaw two-strokes, along with anything else you might find enjoyable. If you don't live in MA or CA, don't worry about it. I've been enjoying my Stella since the summer of 2006, and my P200 for the past year and a half. A 4-speed two-stroke, IMHO, is the quintessence of the scooter experience. If you're in AZ, you're in a place where you can enjoy your scooter year-round. As someone once said, "It's never too late to enjoy a happy childhood."
My brand new 2008 Stella will be here next week. Its going in the garage with the 4 strokes. Last time I had a 2 stroke was A 175cc dirt bike in the 70s. I think I'm getting excited. RINNNGDINGDINGDINGDING! :D

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:30 am
by KRUSTYburger
Alright Dennis! Jason came over today and dropped off the hardware for my centerstand for the P200, so she's standing on her own 2 feet! He said he was leaving to pick up the Stella tonight! I still haven't gotten the chance to ride much at all since my kickstart/braking foot is burnt in the worst possible spot! :? I rode it the other day though anyway and I stalled out at 2 different lights. :oops: Ah, the joys of learning....

P.S. Did you name your Stella Bill? I was thinking of painting mine a really dark metallic grey, I could call it the Black Mamba. 8)

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:29 am
by DennisD
KRUSTYburger wrote:Alright Dennis! Jason came over today and dropped off the hardware for my centerstand for the P200, so she's standing on her own 2 feet! He said he was leaving to pick up the Stella tonight! I still haven't gotten the chance to ride much at all since my kickstart/braking foot is burnt in the worst possible spot! :? I rode it the other day though anyway and I stalled out at 2 different lights. :oops: Ah, the joys of learning....

P.S. Did you name your Stella Bill? I was thinking of painting mine a really dark metallic grey, I could call it the Black Mamba. 8)
Bill would be good. I might have to do that. Or just ACK!. But in a different color. Might need to get my local scootering arteest to help me out. :D

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:33 am
by KRUSTYburger
I meant your signature says Buddy and Bill are the same color, what the heck does that mean? Is it the cat?

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:32 pm
by DennisD
You've never heard of Bill the cat? Bloom County? Opus? Yes, its the cat. ACK!!!

http://www.chug.org/bcz/fun/BloomCountyGang.jpg

http://www.berkeleybreathed.com/pages/C ... ctions.asp

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:40 am
by polianarchy
KRUSTYburger wrote:I rode it the other day though anyway and I stalled out at 2 different lights. :oops: Ah, the joys of learning....
Only two? You're doing much better than I did. :oops: Of course, I had to break in a brand new bike. Maybe I'll break it in sometime this year, even! :roll: But seriously, 200+ miles in, and it's already getting easier. This week, I went THREE WHOLE DAYS without stalling! :D

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 3:27 am
by KRUSTYburger
Congrats! I can't wait to get it down, I wish I could ride more to practice. :(

Pretty soon you'll be having stall-free weeks! Party time.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:24 pm
by KRUSTYburger
Sweet, I rode around a lot last night and only stalled once, and it was in a parking lot rather than
at a light with a line of cars behind me! I think I'm getting the hang of it!

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:39 pm
by DennisD
I want my Stella. It's going to be like learning all over again. Can't wait to crank up the 2 stroke!

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:39 pm
by lmyers
If you need/want a dog-leg clutch lever, I've got a spare. Just let me know.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:07 pm
by KRUSTYburger
WHA? I do need one! Actually I need both sides! the holes are all stripped & egg shaped.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:09 pm
by lmyers
PM me your address and I'll send it to you. Sadly, I've only found them for the clutch side. But it definitely makes a world of difference.