Just bought a 2013 Stella, what have I done? ;)
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Just bought a 2013 Stella, what have I done? ;)
Howdy gents! Always loved the look of vintage Vespas, and sidecars on any motorbike. I've seen these Stellas on the roads before but always assumed they were Vespas! I was wrong... I needed something to putt-putt around in College Station. I own a 2003 Ford Thunderbird and have over 150k miles on her. Only get 16 mpg around town too... I love the car but want to keep the mileage and gas down. Last Monday I went to Freebirds and there was a Scoot dealer next door that had this beauty sitting outside on the curb. I could not pass her up... After debating about it over lunch, I went back and financed her.
Any recommendations on what I need to do next? I'm picking her up on Monday.
Any recommendations on what I need to do next? I'm picking her up on Monday.
- Dooglas
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Sidecars are so much fun. I've owned several. A few things to know. The first is that they ride - and especially corner - very differently than a two-wheeler. Take it easy at first and get used to it. Also, the 150 Stella is not a lot of power for a sidecar ride so expect somewhat moderate speed and significant slowing on the hills. Finally, expect shorter rear tire life. Ride it and enjoy. I hope you have a dog. Dogs love sidecars!
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"Things fall apart - it's scientific" - David Byrne
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'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
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'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
- Dooglas
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The big thing is that a sidecar does not lean like a two wheeled vehicle. The most important consequence of that is in a right turn where the sidecar can come off the ground at higher speeds. A new rider should put some weight in the sidecar and practice shifting their weight a bit to the right in a right turn. There are many on-line references that have good tips about riding a sidecar.ArgonV wrote: Any other tips for a newbie?
http://classicmotorcycles.about.com/od/ ... idecar.htm
- Wild Handyman
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I would think a doggy seatbelt harness of some type like we use in our 'cages' can be attached in there someway.Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.
Aging is mandatory, growing up is optional.
My kids call me 'crazy', I prefer 'Eccentric'.
Nullius in verba
My kids call me 'crazy', I prefer 'Eccentric'.
Nullius in verba
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- Dooglas
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Most riders put a d-ring in the floor of the sidecar. Then they use a short leash or chain snapped to a harness or collar. There are also some nifty goggles for dogs (doggles) that protect the dog's eyes.Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.
- Raputtak
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Sidecars can be such fun. I had one on a 150 Vespa Sportique way back in the late '60's in England.
My cornering experience (Flipped left/right for Yanqui-land):
1. When attempting to negotiate a right hand bend approach slowly then gun it. The scooter will run around the chair and you will survive.
2. For a left-hander approach like a bat out of hell then anchor on sharpish. The sidecar will run around the scooter and you will survive.
Otherwise:
1. the sidecar will lift up and poo will come out.
2. It will not go around the bend and poo will come out.
Try this on MV
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic57577 ... +sportique
My cornering experience (Flipped left/right for Yanqui-land):
1. When attempting to negotiate a right hand bend approach slowly then gun it. The scooter will run around the chair and you will survive.
2. For a left-hander approach like a bat out of hell then anchor on sharpish. The sidecar will run around the scooter and you will survive.
Otherwise:
1. the sidecar will lift up and poo will come out.
2. It will not go around the bend and poo will come out.
Try this on MV
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic57577 ... +sportique
- BuddyRaton
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Raputtak
It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!
It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!
"Things fall apart - it's scientific" - David Byrne
www.teamscootertrash.com
'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
www.teamscootertrash.com
'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL