Newbie to scooters--to Stella or not to Stella?!

[midwestmonster]

Hi!

I've finally made the decision to sell my car, and I'm going to put part of the money towards buying my very first scooter! I'm looking forward to not having to spend $100 a week on gas. As a Chicagoan and a vintage/mod enthusiast, I'm incredibly drawn to the Stella. Not only is the look perfect, but it's more affordable than a Vespa and faster than a Honda Metro. The problem is, I don't know how to drive a manual transmission, in a car or anywhere else.

My main question is: would it be ignorant/naive/irresponsible of me to put money into a machine without knowing how to drive it? Is the Stella not a good first-timer and should I go for something automatic? Or would I be able to learn how to drive the Stella without completely burning it out? My boyfriend rides a motorcycle and would be able to teach me, but I'm still hesitant and worried. Any advice would be very helpful.

Also, if the engine is 147cc and in Illinois you don't need a motorcycle license with an engine below 150cc, do I really not need that license? I know how stupid that question sounds but I'd like to make sure.

[alexandercase]

the shifting is super easy to figure out, don't let that hold you back, it will touch and go for the first week or so, once you spend a little time feeling out the speed between the gears, the shifting is pretty easy to get used to. The 4 stroke in my experience doesn't love cold weather, and being from indiana the winter would be pretty tough with just a scooter. More power to you though if you can tough it out.

[alexandercase]

I would still recommend taking the 'abate' class or whatever they have in illinois, they will help with shifting issue as well.

[pesce]

As long as you have the shifting theory down, with a little practice, you will love it.

one noteworthy thing to mention, your left arm/hand will hurt for a while until it gets used to the clutch.

The stella is my first scooter and is my first manual transmission. I say go for it.

[double-o-soul]

hey I didnt even know how to drive a car before i got my stella!
go for it, you won't regret it. especially helpful that your boyfriend knows shifting.
just find a large empty parking lot and practice a few times. I'm telling you once you figure out how to start in first you're 80% there.

[alexandercase]

i taught my girlfriend in a parking lot, it took her about 15 minutes to be comfortable, it took her another 5 minutes to get used to the breaking system, and she is still getting used to when to shift into neutral. She is able to drive with me on the back already, her shifting isn't perfect but is getting there.

[Drum Pro]

It's steeper learning curve than a twist n go but not to difficult. I think you are going to need a mc license and you should get some gear and take the MSF class. I say go for it cos you'll never know till you try it...(just do your best not to down the bike cos it's all metal and crazy money to fix). good luck and keep us posted!!!
P.S. Don't get discouaged if it has "bugs". Thats what the 2 year warranty is for... It's kind of a good idea to carry some spare clutch cables and some tools but DON'T LET THAT SCARE YOU!!! The Stella/PX requires a small amout more maintance than a Buddy

[pesce]

I totally agree with taking a motorcycle safety class. But I don't think you need a license. Ask your department of motor vehicles.

[pesce]

Specs from genuine "Engine 147.55cc 4-Stroke, Air Cooled"

[Robbie]

Probably should have made that decision this spring.......it's gonna be a long winter.

In Illinois, you will need at least a 'L' class endorsment on your license.
This is for 'Under 150cc motor driven vehicles'.......so, whomever says you don't need a endorsement is mistaken.
Our classification is 'L' for legal operation of 150cc or less and 'M' for any displacement motorcycle.

If you take the MSF course, the motorcycle is provided and it will be larger than a 150cc.......so, once completed you will end up with a 'M' endorsement.

The classes in Illinois are free and only require a $20.00, refundable deposit.
This late in the season though....you better see where the classes are and hope you can do a 'walk in'.

Go to the Illinois motorcycle safety course web page for info.

Good luck!

Rob

[midwestmonster]

Thank you all for your responses!

Rob, after closer reading on the DMV website, I see now that you're right--I do need an L endorsement. It appears that the only nearby free IDOT classes are really far and take 20 hours--I think I have a better chance of just paying $175 and going to Ride Chicago. Then I have the convenience of taking the class any Saturday and having it done in one day. I'd normally rather not pay, but I'll have money from my car so I can shell out a bit just to get things done and be all legal and set up. I'll have to pay for a city sticker and all of that, too.

I do wish I had decided to sell my car in the Spring but I drive for work and didn't think my boss would be okay with me using his car and being rid of my own. Anyway, I'm also an avid road cyclist so I'm used to gearing up and riding when it's cold. As long as it isn't wet and slick, I should be okay, and my boyfriend has a garage where I can store it after it gets really rough.

Thanks again, everyone--I have some things to consider!

[Maximus53]

Thank you all for your responses!

Rob, after closer reading on the DMV website, I see now that you're right--I do need an L endorsement. It appears that the only nearby free IDOT classes are really far and take 20 hours--I think I have a better chance of just paying $175 and going to Ride Chicago. Then I have the convenience of taking the class any Saturday and having it done in one day. I'd normally rather not pay, but I'll have money from my car so I can shell out a bit just to get things done and be all legal and set up. I'll have to pay for a city sticker and all of that, too.

I do wish I had decided to sell my car in the Spring but I drive for work and didn't think my boss would be okay with me using his car and being rid of my own. Anyway, I'm also an avid road cyclist so I'm used to gearing up and riding when it's cold. As long as it isn't wet and slick, I should be okay, and my boyfriend has a garage where I can store it after it gets really rough.

Thanks again, everyone--I have some things to consider!

I took the scooter class with these guys: http://www.motorcyclelearning.com/

It wasnt cheap, but you get to take the text on a 150cc scooter and walk away with an M license. However if I had to do it over again I would have taken the motorcycle class which is 2 days i think. Especially if you are looking at Stellas and dont know how to shift. Better to drop and bang on their bikes not your new Stella!

[Drum Pro]

Winter is probably the best time to buy as you may be able to find a deal. Hopefully a steal. Maybe a low miled used one or new old stock.

[Lokky]

I would consider buying used for your first bike, especially given how many cheap 2T Stellas are still out there. I rode the 4T and honestly it just didn't feel as fun.

[az_slynch]

I would consider buying used for your first bike, especially given how many cheap 2T Stellas are still out there. I rode the 4T and honestly it just didn't feel as fun.

As a 2T rider, I agree on the fun factor!

Used would be better for a learner. They're not hard to learn, but starting with a roughed-up bike is kinder to the ego and wallet if something happens to it. Plus, the 2T engine is a bit noisier, so i's easier to tell how hard it's working (of if it's idling).

If you really want the vintage feel, go 2T. They have a different character to how they ride.

-----------------------------

However, I find the 4T to be more tolerant of mis-selected gears. The torque of the motor makes it more flexible at lower RPMs. On the 4T, you listen for the gearbox whine instead of the exhaust note.

The 4T Stellas get better fuel economy and don't smoke.

A new 4T Stella doesn't include a previous owner's headaches and possibly sketchy repairs.

All the crash bars and goodies for old P-series Vespa and 2T Stella will fit the 4T.

----------------------------

I love my old 2Ts, but I will be buying a 4T in the nearer-term future. Both variants have their pros and cons. Try riding both, and go with the one you're comfortable with.

[vantage]

THe shifting will not take long if the bike is correctly set up when you get it.

However, it is common to get a new stella turned over to you that has mis adjusted clutch and that added to the potential for vapor lock in the fuel system can cause stalling and mis shifting or trouble shifting that add to the learning frustration.

Let your dealer know you know about these issues so they can take care of them in advanced, Ditto the electrical issues in the head set.

Another thing to point out.... along with shifting differences come braking differences. You will have a rear brake that is foot operated on right side. If you are a bicyclist, watch out for that rear brake.

I forgot it was there and left my foot on it at a stop sign. In a curve to the left down the road I stretched my right leg/foot as I leaned into hte curve just like you would do when bicycling. Unfortunately my toe was on the brake still and as I banked I also braked. OOPS! Glad I had since to keep the speed down while learning.

Wear leather or a tough denim jacket while getting used to the bike and of course a helmet.

I used to moped ( a no-ped actually nice little motorcycle ) and the ped handled just like a bike cycle. Never gave anything the first thought. The stella is different, handles different. A little heavy to one side and the smaller tires handle different also.

Had I not wanted the bike for the purpose of getting a side car, I would have gone with a larger tire, automatic style scooter.