Where's my 4T Stella?

[Lovelandstella]

lml still makes the 2 stroke genuine decided to not carry the 2 stroke any more
in austraila you can get nothing but the 2 stroke still and in europe you can get both

oh! gotcha.

[bluezurich]

*crickets chirping*

[Lovelandstella]

*crickets chirping*

okay! so back on the subject. (sorry, my fault)
My Stella 4T has dual citizenship: on a big boat and in my heart.

http://www.vesseltracker.com/en/Googleearth.html

I can't use this at work (cant download stuff) did anyone get this to work?
so far the names for our ship could be:

1. The Star of India {courtesey of...bluezurich}
2. La Mare Linguini {courtesey of...Silver Streak}

lets get "Kraken" {courtesey of...ericalm}

[ScootStevie]

I just looked up the name of the ship for you guys. Its called......wait for it....................Lost at Sea

[bluezurich]

I just wired Genuine $300.00 to have mine air freighted and bypass Stevie.

[jmkjr72]

i thought it was the Slow Boat

[Silver Streak]

i thought it was the Slow Boat

Better not be. That one is "... to China".

[bluezurich]

According to dockmeister's shipping time (two weeks) we're a day or two away from the 'Star of Luigi' arriving at the port.

Maybe NOHO will start a vigil.

[BuddyLicious]

Gota ask a couple of questions,why not order/ship over a much larger shipment of Stellas? I realize there is a reason.

Why is there such a long time between 1st and 2nd shipments of Stellas?

Curious is all.Have a great ride/day.

[bluezurich]

Well to answer your part two first, This shipment we are waiting on is the first shipment. The first few that came here were media bikes. When the 2nd shipment will get here is anybody's guess
Check out the LML tour link in a previous post. It's not like waiting on a batch of the latest iphone! I't a pretty humble and manual assembly process. I think Genuine needs to get a feel for market niche after the first batch and dealers need to generate buzz and demand.

Who is buying this thing? (That was rhetorical)

[Dean F]

Ok, this is directly from extreemly reliable sources! The first 300 will be in the Chicago Metropolitan Area at the end of May. From the warehouse in a western suburb of Chicago, they will be distributed to the dealers. At a later date, there will be another 150. That is it and there are no more ordered at this time.

[bluezurich]

First 300 of each color is what I was initially told, so are you saying they reduced it by 1200? If that is so there are going to be a lot of folks who don't get to be in the first wave yet I would feel good to know I'm not too far from Chicago and I am buying at a long time Stella shop and not a California dealer.

[despurvoa]

I live in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Do you think I'm close enough to get the first round since I reserved one back at the beginning of April.

[Lovelandstella]

Ok, this is directly from extreemly reliable sources! The first 300 will be in the Chicago Metropolitan Area at the end of May. From the warehouse in a western suburb of Chicago, they will be distributed to the dealers. At a later date, there will be another 150. That is it and there are no more ordered at this time.

wow you are popping my baloons all over with this one! I feel thrown into confusion!
300? bang?
Chicago? bang!
end of may? distrubuted to dealers? later date only 150? then no more?
bang. bang. bang. bang.

this is crazy! how could I have heard/read such different stuff here, and here, etc.
of course, if LML is only selling only 5000 worldwide (see here for that # quote from 2 stroke buzz)- then maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to believe such a high number for an initial run of strange new scoots.

I am not going to say that I am right and your source is wrong. because I don't know that for sure and that would be rude. (plus I am wrong a lot- ask my wife- the odds are against me!)
instead I will hypothize a way for us both to be right! now follow me here...

• What if the Chicago "area" is getting 300 4t Stellas? (that'd be 1/5th? not a bad slice of the pie?)
• and the rest of the large shipment of stellas do not go to chicago, as they are needed elsewhere (why ship them out of CA to IL then back to CA, for ex?)
• lets say they they leave 1/5 in CA, move 1/5th to NY area, 1/5 to the rocky mountains, and the last 1/5 to the south.
• but enought about those places - lets focus on Chicago
• we know that the stellas are on a boat from india going to "america" we assume travelling east toward California
• and if they reach the west coast via ship in mid may- (see that discussion here)
• then it could take another week or two (for the chicago stellas) to reach Chicago
• and when they (the chicago stellas) get to the city they are stored at a warehouse and dealt out from there to your "local" dealers (those 300)
• then when they are done with those 300 in the chicago area- ya know: they are sold, in garages and being loved,
• that is it, untill...
• Genuine orders some more - a smaller shipment, maybe 700 or 800,
• 150 or so come to Chicago and the same old thing happends - go to a Chicago warehouse, get divied up to local dealers and sold off and demand for the 2011 stella grows.
• now I also suggest that that same pattern happens (in this hypothetical example) in all 5 or so parts of the country.
• they mass ship a bunch to different corners/sections of the country,
• find/make a distribution hub and from there get the individual scoots out to the dealers,
• those dealers get them out to us the customers
• and we get them under our butts and onto the road and into our souls!

so what I mean to say is, that it's possible (in this hypothetical example) that your very reliable person told you info that was soo accurate, soo specific, soo close to you (and probably a friend? "extreemly reliable" sounds like a friend) that it was really only applicable for the Chicago area. they didn't want to bother you with the huge national picture (or didn't have access to it) and that their fresh and reliable and "genuine" (pardon the pun) information was so tailored to you and your area that it might not fit for other regions of the country and might even plain confuse anyone who is not in your area.
I mean why not? it's how walmart does it. and UPS. I think.

but anyway - that is just my hypothetical example for how we can both be right. I fully accept the possibility that I am "none" right and in fact, all wrong.
at the very least I hope I have reasonably and maturely expressed my perspective on the subject.
I'll be the 1st to awknowledge that I do not know 1500 people (well 1498) that would swear to me that they have pre-ordered a Stella 4t. heck I don't even know 300, and I'd bet no one here does (unless we have a quick poll or something.)
what do you all think about all this?

[bluezurich]

Your dealer has new info and can confirm if yours is in the first wave,just ask, I did. End of May.

[10gallonhat]

First Wave? I put my money down and my dealer told me the end of May was likely a few weeks ago. I'm going to assume this still holds true and there isn't a possibility of being bumped from that list.

When did the dealers get new information? I'm wondering if mine already had that info when I put down my deposit since end of May is what they told me and I just chose to believe it would come faster!

How if a number of scooters made it on a boat in India several weeks ago, would the numbers change now? I assume it must be pirates and the and the high demand for black-market scooter-ski conversions.

[bluezurich]

First Wave? I put my money down and my dealer told me the end of May was likely a few weeks ago. I'm going to assume this still holds true and there isn't a possibility of being bumped from that list.

When did the dealers get new information? I'm wondering if mine already had that info when I put down my deposit since end of May is what they told me and I just chose to believe it would come faster!

How if a number of scooters made it on a boat in India several weeks ago, would the numbers change now? I assume it must be pirates and the and the high demand for black-market scooter-ski conversions.

Mine heard this on Friday. He verified his count and mine is one of them.

[ericalm]

I've heard they'll be landing in CA dealers in the next 3-4 weeks.

But I'm not obsessing over it and not going to hold anyone to a specific day or even week. Transit from Asia and even inside the US is subject to so many variables…

Not that I'm not eager to have them on floors and for those who've put deposits down. But the best we can do is wait and hope and know they'll be here when they're here.

It's kind of like Christmas if no one told you when it actually happened.

[bluezurich]

No one is impressed by that kind of patience and level headedness These are new scoots we are talking about. Plus, you know where yours is so for you it's a moot point.

[ericalm]

No one is impressed by that kind of patience and level headedness These are new scoots we are talking about. Plus, you know where yours is so for you it's a moot point.

Yeah, but I've had the same attitude about every model, whether or not I was getting one.

And I've no idea when I actually get to take possession of mine, though I suspect it'll be around the time all the other ones get here! I hear it's headed to San Diego soon.

[Lovelandstella]

... I've no idea when I actually get to take possession of mine, though I suspect it'll be around the time all the other ones get here! I hear it's headed to San Diego soon.

Not to change the subject- but I had a quick question, Eric: I understand that you were able to buy one of the promotional models. was it a pre-production model? Was your scooter built in India or was it built (or rebuilt) in USA. If you don't know -or cant say- that's okay, I was just curious.

[bluezurich]

Oh god it's not a state secret

[Lovelandstella]

I was curious because I have read that the fit and finish on the pre-production models is not good at all (see here, for example)
or where there was "imprecise hand-cutting of the frame for the modification" (see here at stella speed, for example, though that looks like the orange one that was driven in Chicago by the "just gotta scoot" guy?). I haven't seen any pre-production or promotional models up close (in Colorado).
and I am curious for 2 reasons: 1st, if Eric's is a pre-production model, are these rumors of poor craftsmanship true?
and 2nd, because if it's true: that sucks...
okay I'm dumb- it obviously couldn't be true - why would he buy one that is poor quality?


I withdraw the question and I have started a new post on this subject here.

[bluezurich]

Eric wouldn't settle for one of those.

[ericalm]

It's a production model, serial #4.

Desmolicious, who wrote that post, is a member here.

Fit and finish is good, but definitely closer to the original P-series than the millennium PXs. Compare even the older Stellas to a PX and the paint and trim aren't quite as nice as the Vespa.

It looks as good, if not better, than the 2T Stellas.

The orange one in the Stellaspeed post might be pre-production. It wasn't one of the ones at Indy and I don't know if many other production models are around.

[bluezurich]

Back to ships, they take about 2 weeks from Asia (I work at the port of LA/Long Beach). Then you have lazy people like me that take our time unloading the ship (up to 4 days). So get a beer, sit back and watch the game

So Stevie, have you seen them come and go? Go as on a train to ChicaGO?

[10gallonhat]

They definitely should be somewhere in the U.S. by now...

[Lovelandstella]

They definitely should be somewhere in the U.S. by now...

yeah, does anyone know for sure? does anyone know for "guess"?? has anyone a scoop? or even a scoop'lette? we're dying out here- give us some info! please?

I'll feel better knowing they are on wheels and not Keels (part of a boat, I think?)

[bluezurich]

Motorsport Scooters, scooterwest.com, just moved the date of their Stella 4T party from the 28th to May 22nd. If that is an indicator for the rest of our scooters , well, I'm psyched!

[ericalm]

Motorsport Scooters, scooterwest.com, just moved the date of their Stella 4T party from the 28th to May 22nd. If that is an indicator for the rest of our scooters , well, I'm psyched!

Not necessarily! My future Stella is probably heading down there for the event. It's quite likely they changed because Amerivespa is May 28th weekend and they're a sponsor.

[bluezurich]

EDIT:
From the Motorsports website:

Expected delivery date is May 22nd*, just in time for summer.

Sounds like a sales event to me. But hey, I'm one of those excited folks with no patience. I like wind in my sails.

[ericalm]

EDIT:
From the Motorsports website:

Expected delivery date is May 22nd*, just in time for summer.

Sounds like a sales event to me. But hey, I'm one of those excited folks with no patience. I like wind in my sails.

Wow, I certainly hope that's right! I was chatting with my dealer yesterday and he said he doesn't have a firm date yet.

He also said he's getting tons of calls for 4T Stellas!

[bluezurich]

T minus one week is the hopeful yet somewhat unrealistic countdown for the Scooterwest Stella party, more likely 11 days or so to Utah. Maybe 2 weeks to California?

[10gallonhat]

I checked in on Monday with my dealership and they said Memorial Day or June 1st. I hope they are just being good business people and either being realistic or under promising to over deliver. Only time will tell I guess.

[despurvoa]

I have to say this all pretty lame! I have e-mailed the company and have not had a response to my question about arrival dates (or reply at all for that matter). I have contacted my dealer who tells me he has tried to get their rep to get back to him with any info, with no luck (or reply either!!!!)
I have to say I regret putting a deposit down, not because of the product, but because of the lack of customer support and communication demonstrated by Genuine.
If they would just post updates, I wouldn't be upset so much about waiting.
Sorry to bitch! I just feel a little blown-off as a consumer!

[bluezurich]

Most likely they are now in Chicago and being checked and ready to be trucked to dealers. It will happen in 7-14 days for sure. Shit, we've waited this long, what's another week+?

What's funny is that scooterwest is having a Stella 4T kick of party on the 22nd? That's being a bit optimistic. But if it's correct than ours are coming sooner. WI and UT are closer to Chicago than San Diego!

I know, broken record.

[despurvoa]

Well, if the record is broken, at least it's playing the tune I like to hear! If I lived in California or Texas I wouldn't care cuz you can basically ride the whole year. In Wisconsin, not so much. I guess that anxiety just builds as the days pass. Thanks for the optimistic reminder! [/code]

[PeterC]

It could be worse. You could be waiting for a Genuine Classic Cruiser!

[Tee Jay]

My brother and I have 2 on order from Motorsports. (they really are good). Unfortunatly I got this e-mail yesterday.

"I wanted to write, though, because we did get an update from Genuine on
the shipping dates of the Stella. They were supposed to be in Chicago by
this week, so we were planning to have them by next Saturday, but
Genuine told us yesterday that they won't have them until the first week
in June. This means we won't have them in the shop until June 15th at
the earliest. We were disappointed by this news, but it's only a little
setback. They're still coming and they're still going to be awesome!"

[bluezurich]

That's fucked up.
And pretty much contrary to what Genuine told my dealer. When you live in a state where you cannot ride year round every setback shortens your season and so we don't have the patience of the California Jedi Knights. So April just became middle of June. Magical!

[Silver Streak]

You've got to keep your expectations low when dealing with corporations, or you will always be disappointed. Sucks, but that's reality.

When I was told "probably early May" when I put the deposit on my 4T Stella back in early March, I automatically added a month and didn't bother calling the dealer to inquire until last week. The response of "still haven't heard anything" is exactly what I expected.

Patience, Grasshopper.

[bluezurich]

ARGGGH!

[Dean F]

The company I am with sends 2-3 containers to Kabul, Afganastan per week. No we do not get updates. We know when it gets there. It takes between 6 to 8 weeks from Chicago to Kabul. Load a container, send it to the rail yard, by rail to Norfolk, loaded aboard the ship. The ship doesn't leave until everything that is supposed to be on is on and so on and so on. I have to assume the 300 stellas are on two containers 150 x 280 lbs. (with crate) = 42,000 lbs. And later in the early summer, one more container. You have to remember that the greatest demand for a Stella is right here on MB and that is maybe 50-100 scooters. How many do you really think are pre ordered?

[bluezurich]

Chicago to Kabul isn't apple to apples with India to L.A. to Chicago, but I guess that wasn't your point. My point is that is we know we have to wait longer than usual and the dealers know this then GSC should be marketing them differently because they seem to be the only ones who are not in touch with the real wait time necessary. All I'm asking for is some closer to reality documentation, i.e. webpage dates* and some better dissemination of status info for the dealers since some hear one thing and another hears another.
How could scooterwest been that far off?

How long will Genuine say on their website it's coming in April?

[bluezurich]

Now chilling, having a beer, easing up on the Stella rants. All is well, OM.....................................................

[despurvoa]

I don't really thing it's a bout being unrealistic, or impatient, or naive about corporations.
Is it so unreasonable to just expect a post on the Genuine Website saying, "We apologize for the wait and inconvenience, but due to circumstances beyond our company's control, the shipment of 4T Stellas has been delayed due to _____________________. We value your patronage and appreciate your continued patience in this matter. We will make every attempt to post updates on shipment as we receive them. Again, thank you for your decision to purchase a quality Genuine Scooter Company product, and yada, yada....."
This is far more preferable to a vacuous, black hole of disinformation.
Seriously, is this REALLY to much to expect form "America's Smallest Scooter Company?"

[bluezurich]

I don't really thing it's a bout being unrealistic, or impatient, or naive about corporations.
Is it so unreasonable to just expect a post on the Genuine Website saying, "We apologize for the wait and inconvenience, but due to circumstances beyond our company's control, the shipment of 4T Stellas has been delayed due to _____________________. We value your patronage and appreciate your continued patience in this matter. We will make every attempt to post updates on shipment as we receive them. Again, thank you for your decision to purchase a quality Genuine Scooter Company product, and yada, yada....."
This is far more preferable to a vacuous, black hole of disinformation.
Seriously, is this REALLY to much to expect form "America's Smallest Scooter Company?"

Well said, thanks.

[Silver Streak]

Sorry I'm so cynical, but I got that way from almost 63 years of giving companies the benefit of the doubt. They nearly always disappoint.

Corporations will always spend a little money on PR to give you the impression that they care about customer service, rather than spending a bit more money to actually PROVIDE customer service. Even relatively small corporations like "America's Smallest Scooter Company" (a great example of corporate PR BTW).

How many hours have you spent on hold on a "customer service" line being told by a taped message interrupting the awful music (or taped sales pitch) every two minutes to tell you to "please stay on the line because we REALLY CARE about your call?. Bullshit. If they really cared about my call, me, or my problem, they'd hire enough staff to deal with everyone in a reasonable amount of time.

Look, all I'm saying is don't drink the Kool-Aid. Genuine is a corporation just like the others whose only fiduciary responsibility is to their stockholders. When they introduce a new model, it's all about collecting deposits as soon as possible, and performance on delivery is entirely secondary.

I expected this, so I'm not disappointed. Just sayin'.

[Mark2000]

I think once you start missing your ship date by a factor of months your buyers should start to worry that you are pushing what we software types call "vaporware" - something that is claimed to exist and is even prototyped but never goes into production.

Considering the LML Star 4 is ripping up the roads in Asia and Europe I'll give the benefit of the doubt that the 4T Stella actually exists and that I will have one sooner than later. But right now I think we do have a right to be annoyed - many of us having plans for our scooters that may have involved the months of April and May - and expect some up to date and accurate information.

[Lovelandstella]

I think once you start missing your ship date by a factor of months your buyers should start to worry...

I agree.
If Silver Streak is right- then I was fooled. I bought into it. and I can only blame myself. well, I could, if there wasn't an American Company with a professionally updated website and a "to-the-second" Facebook page where they could very easily give us any encouragement they chose- they just choose to give us nothing. I...
I'm so upset, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut for a while.