New to scooters, doing some research

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:10 pm

Hi! This might end up being a little long, sorry if it does.

First of all, I am brand-new to scooters, but I'm going into college next year and live in an area spread-out enough to justify not wanting to walk/ride a bicycle everywhere, but I drive a truck that gets about 15-18 mpg. Ouch. I've been looking at the Stella and I think it's absolutely beautiful, but I need some more information about it before I hand over a good $3700 for it. I have been primarily looking at the 4t, just because my dad said "A 4t would be better than a 2t", but if there's a good reason I should get a 2t instead, I could.

First, how hard is it to maintain/find parts? I'm in Kansas and we have approximately zero scooters here (that I've seen) and I'm thinking my best bet would be to learn basic maintenance myself and order parts that I may need online. Would it be really expensive if I needed, say, a new tire? Would it be difficult for me to fix things myself?

Second, how much would a motorcycle safety class really affect my insurance? The closest motorcycle safety class is, well, really far away, and I want to make sure it's really, really worth it to take the class. My dad rides motorcycles and so he might be able to teach me what I need to know. I completely understand that I will only be 18 when I get the scooter and that in itself can make my insurance rate skyrocket.

Third, where I live, there are a LOT of hills. Is this a big problem with the Stella? Also, how hard is it to drive on gravel roads? We have no shortage of gravel roads here. I could take my truck if I needed to, of course.

And finally, I'm open to any advice, suggestions, any "You really really shouldn't get a scooter"'s, whatever you think I need to be told. Like I said, I'm brand new to all of this, and I'm just learning.

ravenlore · Post by **ravenlore** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:38 pm

Since you're a traditional student, I'm assuming you'll be living on or near campus. Working on that assumption, I strongly suggest a scooter as modest independent powered transportation!

http://genuinescooters.com/ lists dealers in Overland park, Wichita and Saint George (although you probably knew that) If any of those dealerships are in your area, i'd say go "try one on" for ergonomics. Ergos are important.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:52 pm

Yes, I'm actually planning on stopping by the Saint George dealer tomorrow, I live VERY close to there and drive past it every day. They just built it and it doesn't look like the sort of place that would have scooters, but what do I know? I am a little concerned, I don't know how high it sits off the ground, but I am only 5'2" and I'm actually kinda worried about my feet not touching the ground...

I know it's a problem with my dad's motorcycle but I've never actually seen a scooter in real life before so I have no idea how tall they are when I'm standing next to one.

double-o-soul · Post by **double-o-soul** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:54 pm

regarding the hills:
how fast do you plan on going? I don't think scooters have any problem going up hills, but you'll notice it has to do more work, so you're going to lose top speed.

gravel:
I've never had an issue with this, but I don't go very fast on them and make sure to give myself plenty of distance before a turn or stop. quality tires also make a difference here.

maintenance and parts:
2t's are great for people who are diy and slightly mechanically inclined. repairs and parts are generally cheap and plentiful. I don't know about 4t's as I don't own one, but I imagine they are more reliable in general... don't know about parts availability and price.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:04 pm

I would have no problem learning how to maintain a 2t, and my dad is pretty mechanically inclined, but he also lives a state away. I live with my mom (she likes clean clothes and neat nails) and my 12 year old sister (obviously not gonna be much help) so it would really just be me, and Boyfriend if he's willing to help me, but he isn't very mechanically inclined. That being said, I'm leaning a bit more towards the 4t.

About the hills, most hills I'd have to travel up have a speed limit of 40 mph, so would it be able to go up the hill at that speed? Obviously, I don't have to go 40, slower is fine, but a lot of times, the hills and gravel roads go together, so I'm a little worried about slipping down the hill while I'm trying to get over it. Also, people get irritated when they get caught behind a slow person trying to get over a hill on a gravel road, because you can't pass them, because gravel roads are real narrow, and you're going over a hill, so you never know when a car might be coming the other way. It's really, really unintelligent to try to pass someone in that situation...

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:45 pm

Hills aren't that much of a problem but you will slow down. If you could swing it, I'd get a good/excellent used p200e. much more torque and a bit faster than the 4t and the 2t. Not that the Stellas are bad in anyway, but they do require a little more maintance that your average twist n go. IMO: TAKE THE MSF CLASS. It really will help you on the path to be a better rider + you can use their 250's so if you down it, at least it won't be yours

4t vs 2t there isn't much of a difference cos they are both good bikes. Most stuff for the p/px will fit the Stella so you really can't go wrong either way. Pure-ist will say get the 2t cos it's more like the p series but the 4t is just as good....

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:48 pm

F it if others get angry they can always go around you!!! You really wouldn't wanna be going too fast on gravel up hill anyway!!

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:49 pm

Have you ever ridden a motorcycle or anything with a clutch before?
A scooter (buddy, Stella, roughhouse ect...) will go anywhere you are willing to take it. If you want really low maintenance I would lean more towards a buddy 125. The Stella requires a fair amount of tweaking and wrenching. The buddy needs , well, very little work.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:26 pm

I did consider the Buddy, it just looks so... new.

I guess I'm probably going to have to sacrifice quite a bit on what I what I want it to LOOK like, if I want something that I can take care of easily and won't cost me an arm and a leg. (You can only afford so much as a high school senior making minimum wage.)

I'll look into the Buddy more, I honestly kinda skipped over it because I didn't think it looked that good, but looking at the price and specs, it's probably more of what I should be looking for at the moment. Maybe if I really like it, after I graduate college I can get a Stella or a real vintage Vespa.

And yeah, I've ridden my dad's motorcycle, several ATV's and dirt bikes, although I'm not sure how similar those all are to a scooter. Like I said, I've never even seen one in real life before.

ravenlore · Post by **ravenlore** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:33 pm

Um...if there's gravel involved I would be very cautious. Gravel can be a bad scene on a scoot, including a Stella. As evidence I submit Lokky's recent thread in General Discussion.

I grew up on a gravel road myself, and I personally would not take a scoot on a gravel road.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:37 pm

That's no problem! If I need to take gravel roads I can just drive my truck. I really don't take gravel roads that often anymore, my mom moved into town so it's all paved roads unless I'm visiting my stepdad. I was just curious about how they would do on gravel roads and if I COULD take them on a scooter.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:39 pm

never mind on the buddy, you got this. It's just like a really short wheelbase dirtbike, except you shift with your hand. It takes about 5 minutes to get the hang of it. The Stella is no more work than a small dirtbike (except the cables stretch more often).
As far as dirt, it's not perfect, but it'll go where u need it to. The 4t gets over 100mpg if you are reasonable. It will top out somewhere around 52-55mph (it's geared for mid 40mph speeds).

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:44 pm

ravenlore wrote:Um...if there's gravel involved I would be very cautious. Gravel can be a bad scene on a scoot, including a Stella. As evidence I submit Lokky's recent thread in General Discussion.

I grew up on a gravel road myself, and I personally would not take a scoot on a gravel road.

Meh, dirt, gravel, blacktop, highways, alleys, grass, game trails... A scooter goes anywhere you take it. Wear your gear, take your time, pay attention, have fun.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:40 pm

Ahhh, I don't know.

I love the Stella but the Buddy is supposed to be so reliable... I just really don't like the look of it and I love the IDEA of the Stella but I don't know which one I should get. I'm kinda freaking out about it.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:41 pm

Relax. Go sit on a few scooters. See what feels right.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:48 pm

Don't freak.. If you like the Stella get the Stella. since you've been riding dirt bikes and dad's MC a Stella won't be hard to opperate. It comes with a 2 year warranty so the only real problem is getting it to the shop should something go wrong.

pumpedoncaffeine · Post by **pumpedoncaffeine** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:57 pm

When I bought my Buddy, I had every intention of getting a Stella. I had never sat on a Buddy or tried it out. Once I sat on it and tried it out, I was sold.

My husband has a Stella and I ride it from time to time, but the Buddy just feels right.

Go to a shop and try some out, see what feels right to you.

I do recommend taking a motorcycle safety class. I took one years ago and still use the information I learned.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:09 am

I keep changing my mind, but I'm leaning more towards the Stella I think. I'll have to look at both in person, but I think, with the warranty, I will be fine with the Stella. I mean, that'll give me two years to figure out what I'm doing before I'm on my own with it, and I would like the feel of a classic scooter. Plus, wouldn't the shifting help me on hills?

Christophers · Post by **Christophers** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:16 am

littl3red wrote:I am only 5'2" and I'm actually kinda worried about my feet not touching the ground... I know it's a problem with my dad's motorcycle but I've never actually seen a scooter in real life before so I have no idea how tall they are when I'm standing next to one.

Given your size I would go for the Buddy. The Stella is a much bigger bike.

The Buddy is easier to move around by hand/foot, easier to get on/off the center-stand, shorter seat height, and is a great performer. (A low profile seat is also available as an option).

The Stella is more work to ride, slower, less maneuverable and heavier. It has appeal for other reasons - some of which I see you already appreciate.

The best thing to do is to go to the dealer and sit on the two bikes yourself. Move them around. Take them on and off the stand. See for yourself which one you feel most comfortable with.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:49 am

littl3red wrote:I keep changing my mind, but I'm leaning more towards the Stella I think. I'll have to look at both in person, but I think, with the warranty, I will be fine with the Stella. I mean, that'll give me two years to figure out what I'm doing before I'm on my own with it, and I would like the feel of a classic scooter. Plus, wouldn't the shifting help me on hills?

The CVT (belt and pulley transmission) is really good at keeping the power to the wheels. The main time when a manual transmission out does it, is on takeoff, and at top speeds.

The Stella is kinda tall for a scooter, but that's all relative. Some people don't mind shifting around on the seat to touch the ground. As far as maneuverability, they can both turn tight corners. Once again, that's rider skill and preference.

Sit on both. You won't know till you know, you know?

Lokky · Post by **Lokky** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:05 am

Since you don't sound like you have a dealer nearby I would go with a used 2T.

The 4T is still relatively new and the dealers are still learning what to look out for since they don't have a long history of expertise with this engine whereas they do with the 2T.

Also, if you have no dealer nearby you won't be able to make use of the warranty anyway and sadly a new stella will need a lot of minor tweaks (mostly electrics) to keep running properly at the beginning of its life (for good or worse it is an indian reproduction of an italian bike

).

I'd say the 2T is also mechanically easier to maintain and learn to fix.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:36 am

No, I do have a dealer nearby, apparently. Very nearby. It just seemed odd to me. I'm going to check it out tomorrow or tuesday. I'll definitely check out both (and any other scooters they have, for good measure.)

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Sep 28, 2012 5:28 pm

littl3red wrote:I'll look into the Buddy more, I honestly kinda skipped over it because I didn't think it looked that good, but looking at the price and specs, it's probably more of what I should be looking for at the moment. Maybe if I really like it, after I graduate college I can get a Stella or a real vintage Vespa.

I think this is a pretty good plan for a student who needs consistent, reliable, easy transport. A Buddy is fun as hell to ride, is very reliable and provides the best quality and performance for its price. It's certainly faster than a Stella, hands down.

That's not to say you can't do the type of riding you'll be doing on a Stella. I ride mine pretty much daily. But in your situation, I'd probably opt for a Buddy.

I'll echo what Drum Pro said about the MSF class. Even if you already know how to ride, it's a benefit if you haven't been riding in traffic or as a commuter. I had 10K under my belt when I took the class and it was worth it.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 12:25 am

Okay... finally made it into the dealer today to check things out. They didn't have the Stella, but they did have the Buddy 50, 125 and 170i. I think I'm gonna get the 170i. It looks a LOT better in person than in pictures, it's not too too tall for me, and it's fast enough to get me where I need to go. (The guy at the dealership said HE could get it up to 70 and I weigh at least 50 lbs less than him.)

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 12:43 am

That's a very good choice. What color? I have the silver one. I named it Gizmo Dodad Rodrigez or just Gizmo for short...

You won't be disappointed with it. I've gotten mine up to 81 bmp and I'm 178#s. It may not look as sexy as the Stella but WAY more reliable with less maintance as well...

double-o-soul · Post by **double-o-soul** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 4:38 am

do plan on getting a stella or vintage when you get a chance though...
1. if you had even the slightest itching for one over the buddy, it's going to continue to be an itch
2. anyone who was ever interested enough to discover they were worried about maintenance issues on the stella has also discovered that usually that maintenance isnt that hard and is pretty fun and inexpensive

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:00 am

double-o-soul wrote:do plan on getting a stella or vintage when you get a chance though...
1. if you had even the slightest itching for one over the buddy, it's going to continue to be an itch
2. anyone who was ever interested enough to discover they were worried about maintenance issues on the stella has also discovered that usually that maintenance isnt that hard and is pretty fun and inexpensive

I hear ya on that!!

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:24 pm

They have the oxford green in stock, but who knows what they'll have when I have the actual money to buy it.

My managers are being really passive-agressive because I've started volunteer work on the days I'm not working at my PART-TIME job, and they've been giving me less and less hours lately. I have five hours this week and I get paid minimum wage. So I'm quitting soon... And then I'll be able to start saving excess money (which I'm sure there will be none of until I find something else) and buy a scooter, but it's definitely a big setback...

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:39 pm

There are always good used scooters out there looking for a home.

littl3red · Post by **littl3red** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:47 pm

Yeah, I'm just iffy about getting something without a warranty. Is it expensive to fix it if it breaks? I know it depends on what breaks (obviously) but I mean, if my truck got a busted taillight (just happened yesterday... hit-and-run...), and my Buddy got a busted taillight, how much would the Buddy cost to fix relative to the truck? The whole reason I'm getting a scooter is to save money, and that won't really happen if I have to order crazy-expensive parts.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:00 pm

Warranty wouldn't cover hit and run. Not sure about a buddy, but a Stella taillight is under $20 I think.

double-o-soul · Post by **double-o-soul** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 5:16 pm

Make friends with the scooter people in your area, bring someone along when checking out a used Stella. Generally as long as it idles well it means the engines sound. If the engines sound, all the other repairs aren't a big deal. Promise.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:23 pm

Stitch wrote:Warranty wouldn't cover hit and run. Not sure about a buddy, but a Stella taillight is under $20 I think.

This. Get some insurance to cover accidental damage.

The last Stella taillight I looked at was $43 at my local dealer. Replaced the light with one off a Euro P200. Looked cooler too.

double-o-soul wrote:Make friends with the scooter people in your area, bring someone along when checking out a used Stella. Generally as long as it idles well it means the engines sound. If the engines sound, all the other repairs aren't a big deal. Promise.

Very much this! If you dig the Stella, see it through. Those bikes are pretty solid and can be very reliable if they're set up right. Building Howardr's 175cc Malossi stroker really got me thinking of rebuilding one of the frames down at the club garage.

vantage · Post by **vantage** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 11:44 pm

If I was petite and a college student, I would go for the Buddy.

I own a Stella. I am about 5,3 but have short legs for my height so more like 5,1 or 5.0 interms of leg length.

The Stella is a bit of a stretch at times. I live in Western NC and there are many hills, mountains etc. A shorter bike would be a tad more comfortable.

Being that you will likely be carrying heavy book bags, and groceries etc, not having to worry with shifting etc might be a plus.

Also, the Stella is like a British car along the lines of the vintage MG or Austin Healy, you have to constantly tweak etc. the Buddy is like a Toyota or Honda compact car just jump on and go most of the time.

The Stella is not the best balanced. It tips to the right quite abit. This is more noticable if yow are on a banked/crowned road and are short with less leverage than a tall person.

If the Scooter if your main or secondary transportation get the Buddy of similar. If is for your hobby get a Stella or vintage.

I have 3 cars, my Stella was purchased as a hobby item, and was chosen because I want a side car. Otherwise I would be on an automatic.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 2:25 am

littl3red wrote:Yeah, I'm just iffy about getting something without a warranty. Is it expensive to fix it if it breaks? I know it depends on what breaks (obviously) but I mean, if my truck got a busted taillight (just happened yesterday... hit-and-run...), and my Buddy got a busted taillight, how much would the Buddy cost to fix relative to the truck? The whole reason I'm getting a scooter is to save money, and that won't really happen if I have to order crazy-expensive parts.

Are you planning on getting rid of the truck? If you don't get rid of the truck you will not save any money. It might feel like you are with the cheap fill ups but you have initial cost, tag, title etc. Riding gear, maintenance, insurance etc.

Just for example lets say every thing totals up to $4K and gas is $4 a gallon. If your truck gets 15 mpg that's 15,000 miles worth of gas.

fisher1 · Post by **fisher1** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:07 pm

If the Scooter if your main or secondary transportation get the Buddy of similar. If is for your hobby get a Stella or vintage.

Yep, +1