New rider / owner of 2008 2T Stella with some questions

The original 2-stroke Genuine scooter and its 4-stroke manual and automatic offspring

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henni
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New rider / owner of 2008 2T Stella with some questions

Post by henni »

I've had my scooter for a few weeks now and although our relationship was a little rough at first, I've come to love my Stella and all of her kinks.

One of her lovely issues is that she HATES coming close to empty on gas... I'm talking that once the gas meter barely touches the beginning of the red, she tends to die on me (mid ride). This happened while running an errand – I didn't think anything of her being close to empty because I test rode her with even less gas.

I ended up walking her to a near by gas station and viola; happy as a clam. Does anyone know what I would need to have checked in this situation? Seems odd that she would be so unhappy with a 1/4 of a tank of gas left. Would like to try and tackle the problem myself or at least sound like I know what I'm talking about when I go to my local shop.

I also want to know about locking / deterring thieves. I'm not finding much info on locks for Stella and it seems like the ones that looks good won't fit her. Any suggestions?
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

While your fuel tap lever is in 'run' position, when you feel the bike start to sputter and starve for gas, then switch the fuel tap lever to 'reserve'. That should get you another 5 miles.
Im thinking, that when you test rode it, the previous owner probably had it on reserve when you tested it.
And oh yeah, the fuel gauges are notorious for NOT being so accurate.
As you ride it alot, youll find out where on the guage YOUR bike needs to go to 'reserve'.
Good luck

Ps, thats a great looking ride!
Gotta love that red.
Im wanting a 07,08,09 RED Stella.
Wanna sell it?
J H
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henni
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Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2016 1:53 am
Location: Salt Lake City
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Post by henni »

Forgot to mention that i had switched to reserve in that situation. I was maybe a mile away from home when she dies mid ride. Pulled over, struggled to start her, thought all was fine and then dies again. That's when i decided to walk her to the gas station.

Well, seeing as i JUST bought her, not sure im interested in selling at the moment. Reach out again in a year and maybe we can work something out! :lol:
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BigDaddy SnakeOiler
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Post by BigDaddy SnakeOiler »

Could be the dreaded Stella "Vapor Lock". If the cap isn't venting properly, a vacuum is created in the tank and fuel can't flow out. When you take the cap off to fill it up, you release the vacuum. Make sure the hole in your gas cap is clear. You can drill it out with a 1/16th drill bit if necessary. If it happens again, take off your gas cap and put it back on and see if that solves the problem.
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

Good answer, big daddy snake.
I was going to suggest that but I thought that was only for the four strokes.
Hopefully this will fix her problem or itcould be electrical.
I know on my 2008, the coil mount cracked and broke on mine twice and on two other ones that I know of. Hers could be cracked causing intermittent Spark
J H
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