Modern Buddy

Hello,

I recently decided I would like to sell my car as it has been giving me issues. I never thought about purchasing a scooter until recently... And then I found the Stella! Now I am completely hooked!

I was hoping some of you can answer some of my general questions:

I have noticed that the 4 Stroke has different years. I would like to get a 2012 if it exists as I am still saving up and currently there is no dealer in my area . How do I know what year Stella I am purchasing when it comes time to buying? Are there any differences between the 4T's?

Since I am a newbie, is it relatively easy to learn how to use the "twist shift"? I have no experience with even a manual car. But I am a quick learner and am extremely in awe of the Stella! I commute to work about 25 miles round trip, 4 days a week.

Thanks for your responses and any tips you may want to give!

-geni.

Ps. I love this site!

There are two kinds of people in this world... those who like to shift gears and those who don't. It applies to both cars and bikes. I'm one of the former types, but there are many more of the latter.

Before you even consider buying a Stella, I'd suggest you find a friend or relative with a stick-shift car who'd be willing to let you learn to drive it. If you find the shifting enhances your driving experience, you're a good candidate for a Stella. If you find it tedious and annoying, there is no way you'll be happy with a Stella.

While learning to drive a stick shift car won't make you a good twisty scooter rider instantly, it will make the transition easier, as you'll develop a seat-of-the-pants feel for what gear you should be in.

Silver Streak wrote:...If you find the shifting enhances your driving experience, you're a good candidate for a Stella. If you find it tedious and annoying, there is no way you'll be happy with a Stella...

+1

I don't think there are actually different years (of the 4 stroke mind you), people just refer to them as the year they bought them, or the year they were made. All of them are 2010 for the former and 2011 for the latter. I may get correction on this, but that's my understanding at the moment.
The discrepancy is because the were shipped here, but something was wrong (on a sticker as I understand it?) for emissions laws, so they all got held up a year.

squidsie wrote:Hello,

I recently decided I would like to sell my car as it has been giving me issues.

A word of advice. The Stella is a little idiosyncratic and you will also have some issues with it. Most probably just little niggling things that can be easily fixed. I just mention this because if you are looking for a 'maintenance free' ride i.e. a Honda scooter, this is not it.

Fix your car, and get a Stella.

I do think learning to operate a manual transmission car is a good way to get the theory down for the Stella.

Thanks for all the advice!

In the meantime, I will be keeping my car and slowly fixing it up as it is now the only vehicle my partner and I share (we recently sold her Jeep Wrangler). My plan would be to eventually get a Stella. There doesn't seem to be any other scooter out there like her! I have done some research on other scooters, but I keep coming back to her I agree that I should test out manual transmission before I make such a big purchase. So now I just have to track down someone who drives stick!

Thanks again!

-geni.

squidsie wrote:Hello,

I recently decided I would like to sell my car as it has been giving me issues. I never thought about purchasing a scooter until recently... And then I found the Stella! Now I am completely hooked!

I was hoping some of you can answer some of my general questions:

I have noticed that the 4 Stroke has different years. I would like to get a 2012 if it exists as I am still saving up and currently there is no dealer in my area . How do I know what year Stella I am purchasing when it comes time to buying? Are there any differences between the 4T's?

Since I am a newbie, is it relatively easy to learn how to use the "twist shift"? I have no experience with even a manual car. But I am a quick learner and am extremely in awe of the Stella! I commute to work about 25 miles round trip, 4 days a week.

Thanks for your responses and any tips you may want to give!

-geni.

Ps. I love this site!

It's up to you but I say start with a buddy first. For everyday use I would use my buddy over the stella. But to go out and have fun it's the stella all day.

A great place for a newbie to start is with a motorcycle safety course. You can get some good advise, a little riding experience and the motorcycle license endorsement. Here's a link you might try: http://www.ca-msp.org/

I recently bought my first car with an automatic, i find it kind of boring. but with MzStella i get to shift. it was weird for me to use at first, but in a matter of a couple hundred miles you will be rewarded with a very usable and reliable ride. MzStella is my primary vehicle at this time, and i commute 50 miles a day, I prefer the Stella because it is simple to fix, and is one of the few that has a spare. The last thing i wanted was to be 25 miles from home with a problem that i could not fix. I shift now without thinking about it and actually i like to be able to shift, and oddly enough, the Harley riders seem to be more tolerant if they see it takes some skill to ride. IMHO.

I will definitely be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course once I get closer to making the purchase! My brother-in-law recently took it and suggested a couple of locations in my area.

Im glad to hear that people use their Stella as their main transportation and can even ride 50 miles with no hassles! Even though I have no experience with manuals, I have always been interested in learning! So... i think its about time!

Thanks for all of your input!

Get a buddy 125. I have both the stella 4 t and the buddy italia 125. Get the buddy. Get the buddy.

Thadsgood wrote:Get a buddy 125. I have both the stella 4 t and the buddy italia 125. Get the buddy. Get the buddy.

Why do you suggest the Buddy?

squidsie wrote:

Thadsgood wrote:Get a buddy 125. I have both the stella 4 t and the buddy italia 125. Get the buddy. Get the buddy.

Why do you suggest the Buddy?

When it comes to the most scooter for your buck, the Buddy is honestly the best bike for the money and is amazingly put together! It's the best of the GY6 bikes on the market (better than the original Hondas in my opinion), easy to maintain, good looking and FAST!!!! Well, fast for a 125cc. They're very peppy, nimble and you really can't go wrong as a new owner on the Buddy. Plus, there are tons of accessories and engine upgrade parts if you get bored. They also have a bunch of respect in the scooter community, and even Vespa snobs tolerate them at their rallies

If you're new to scooters, the Buddy is a fail safe bike that will give you plenty of fun. There are Buddy scooters documented with over 40,000 miles on them and going strong, and they're the toughest scooter you'll find. The Stella, while awesome, isn't as maintenance free. That's not a bad thing at all, but they do need more attention. And, they will be slower than a Buddy 125. The Buddy you can abuse all day long and it won't even flinch. I would not hesitate to ride a Buddy cross country, and I've only ridden 40 miles on one!

The Stella is a niche bike. It's like an Enfield or a Bonneville. They are quirky, cool and can be a bit of a pain if you ride it everyday. The Buddy won't snap a clutch or brake cable. The Stella WILL. The Buddy doesn't rattle and bounce like a Stella will. On a Stella, you will have a bi-monthly routine of going around the bike with several wrenches and screwdrivers tightening everything that comes loose over the normal course of riding, and this includes critical parts like exhausts and wheels! It's just the way they are. A Buddy doesn't have those issues.

Think of it as choosing to buy a Vintage VW Beetle or a New Beetle. Both are cool and have aspects that make them unique. But, one is great for the weekends, and the other is easier to live with everyday if you need it to "just work". Again, that doesn't mean the Stellas fail, but they sometimes need a bit more love.

That last is an especially important point. If you are thinking of using a scooter as your primary means of transport, "just work" is a better idea.

Plus you will have the automatic transmission to ease your transition to the scootering world.

I totally agree that the Stella has the retro appeal nailed. And, having ridden motorcycles for most of my life, I wouldn't personally be daunted by the manual shift, but you can't beat reliability when you walk out the door in the morning, already late for work.

I expect the better part of scootering enthusiasts have both a "heart's desire" and a "daily driver."

I"ll agree with neotrotsky

And I own a STELLA!...I really enjoy the Stella, and its fun, but for an everyday driver that will run and run, you can't beat the buddy 125 or the 170i !!!

Psssst. ( In a whisper to the side)

If you REALLY have your heart set on a Stella? ignore us and buy the stella...its still a blast!

squidsie wrote: My plan would be to eventually get a Stella. There doesn't seem to be any other scooter out there like her!

Actually the Stella is very similar to the Vespa PX150. The PX150 is no longer sold in the US but many are available used. If you have definitely decided to go 4 stroke - that eliminates the PX but the Bajaj is also a 4 stroke available used. Both the Stella and Bajaj are look alikes of the classic Vespa designs of the 70s and 80s (actually the companies had one time associations with Piaggio, so the resemblance is not a coincidence).

About shifting and your unfamiliarity with scooters and motorcycles - I'd say step one is to take the basic Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. They provide small shifter motorcycles for the course. You will find out whether you like riding and can handle the manual shift - you will also be well down the road to becoming a safe rider.

Well now I am feeling torn. I love everything about the Stella (classic look, slim body, colors, spare tire on the side). The Buddy seems kind of bulky and round. I do, however, want something that is reliable. Of course all things require regular maintenance. But I am looking for something that will get me 12 miles to work and 12 miles back 4 days a week. Also something reliable enough to run quick errands around downtown Sacramento where I live. I want something with amazing gas mileage. I guess I should do more research on the Buddy.

What you're saying doesn't sound very demanding. A Stella certainly can do that, unless it's a freeway or something.

If the Stella is what you're dead set on, go for it. You just need to bear in mind what owners have been telling you here.

Southerner wrote:What you're saying doesn't sound very demanding. A Stella certainly can do that, unless it's a freeway or something.

If the Stella is what you're dead set on, go for it. You just need to bear in mind what owners have been telling you here.

I absolutely will keep in mind the advice I have been given thus far. I will also do some more research! I wanted honest opinions and that's why I love this site and posted!

I was looking for the same thing you were. Reliable cheap transportation. At almost 2000 miles, I still feel like it fits the bill. I ride about 16 miles once or twice a day depending on which day (and how many classes I have). While it has had more problems than I anticipated (electrical) they have been easy to work around, and it's all under warranty, so I'm still quite happy with it. I do recommend the motorcycle safety class first though. Even before you buy. You are going to learn so much more about how to ride (shifting even) and about many other types of bikes in general, so it can really help you make up your mind.

Good luck!

Tom wrote:I was looking for the same thing you were. Reliable cheap transportation. At almost 2000 miles, I still feel like it fits the bill. I ride about 16 miles once or twice a day depending on which day (and how many classes I have). While it has had more problems than I anticipated (electrical) they have been easy to work around, and it's all under warranty, so I'm still quite happy with it. I do recommend the motorcycle safety class first though. Even before you buy. You are going to learn so much more about how to ride (shifting even) and about many other types of bikes in general, so it can really help you make up your mind.

Good luck!

The warranty that Genuine offers is such a big plus! Makes me feel that no matter what scooter I choose from their selection I will be in good hands.

I have plans to take the safety course before I make a purchase. They run about $250 in my area which isn't too bad considering everything I will learn!

That's definitely a good idea. It will also give you time to consider your purchase.

Somebody once told me that if there was something (presumably a major purchase) that I really wanted, to mull it over for a year. If after that time, you're still set on it, go ahead and get it.

I personally think a year is too long for a decision like this, but do give yourself some time to shop around and maybe learn about some more models you may not be aware of. Enjoy the shopping experience.

The Genuine warranty does indeed sound good. I would further suggest you seek opinions about your chosen dealer. The Genuine site lists a place called Capital Yamaha in town. I assume that's where you've been looking?

When I finally get my own Stella I plan on paintin it Olive drab green and calling it Willy.

sry just sayin...

Actually the only Genuine dealer in my area (the scoot shop) closed down recently. The next closest dealer is Motoxotica which is about 35 miles away from me. I contacted Genuine to find out if they have any plans for the Sacramento area and they said they are working on it. Fingers crossed!
35 miles is not too far, but still I would prefer something much closer.

I'm saving up some cash while I do some more research. I am pretty certain, however, that Genuine will be the company I go with.

squidsie wrote:Well now I am feeling torn. I love everything about the Stella (classic look, slim body, colors, spare tire on the side). The Buddy seems kind of bulky and round. I do, however, want something that is reliable. Of course all things require regular maintenance. But I am looking for something that will get me 12 miles to work and 12 miles back 4 days a week. Also something reliable enough to run quick errands around downtown Sacramento where I live. I want something with amazing gas mileage. I guess I should do more research on the Buddy.

Here's something else to consider: Sacramento recently lost their Genuine dealer, so unless another has already been signed up you'll need to go elsewhere for buying, parts, maintenance, etc.

I wouldn't say the Stella isn't reliable (there's a twisty sentence for ya). As desmolicious said, it's idiosyncratic. Compared to the Buddy, it's more likely to have little niggling issues pop up. (That's true for many scooter compared to the Buddy.)

I put around 5K on Stella 4Ts so far in over a year and the only issue I've had is a blown fuse. Others have had a couple problems, some of which can be attributed to the scooters being improperly prepped by shops not used to these models.

ericalm wrote:Here's something else to consider: Sacramento recently lost their Genuine dealer, so unless another has already been signed up you'll need to go elsewhere for buying, parts, maintenance, etc.

I wouldn't say the Stella isn't reliable (there's a twisty sentence for ya). As desmolicious said, it's idiosyncratic. Compared to the Buddy, it's more likely to have little niggling issues pop up. (That's true for many scooter compared to the Buddy.)

I put around 5K on Stella 4Ts so far in over a year and the only issue I've had is a blown fuse. Others have had a couple problems, some of which can be attributed to the scooters being improperly prepped by shops not used to these models.

Hi Eric- Genuine is working on finding another dealer in Sac. Hopefully it will be soon. Thanks for the tips. I'm looking into the Buddy 125. It is about $1,000 cheaper which is definitely a plus. But...it doesn't seem to have storage. And I'm not a big fan of the trunks that so many use. They are too bulky for my taste.

squidsie wrote:

ericalm wrote:Here's something else to consider: Sacramento recently lost their Genuine dealer, so unless another has already been signed up you'll need to go elsewhere for buying, parts, maintenance, etc.

I wouldn't say the Stella isn't reliable (there's a twisty sentence for ya). As desmolicious said, it's idiosyncratic. Compared to the Buddy, it's more likely to have little niggling issues pop up. (That's true for many scooter compared to the Buddy.)

I put around 5K on Stella 4Ts so far in over a year and the only issue I've had is a blown fuse. Others have had a couple problems, some of which can be attributed to the scooters being improperly prepped by shops not used to these models.

Hi Eric- Genuine is working on finding another dealer in Sac. Hopefully it will be soon. Thanks for the tips. I'm looking into the Buddy 125. It is about $1,000 cheaper which is definitely a plus. But...it doesn't seem to have storage. And I'm not a big fan of the trunks that so many use. They are too bulky for my taste.

The Buddy has a ton of underseat storage on board that puts the Stella's glovebox to shame. And, as far as 'bulk', the buddy is signifigantly smaller in width and weight

Thanks for the info on the underseat storage! I was looking for photos or a description that gave specifics on storage for the Buddy, but could not find anything.

neotrotsky wrote:
The Buddy has a ton of underseat storage on board that puts the Stella's glovebox to shame.

Meh... with the exception of the ability to stow a helmet, I find the upright layout of the Stella's glovebox much more amenable to actual use, even if is smaller. Dumping everything into a bucket means you have to dig for it. And if you do want to stow your helmet there, you pretty much have to take everything else out.

I don't like topcases much either, but a vintage-looking roll bag gives you much of the same utility and looks great on the Stella.

Sounds like the underseat storage could become like my purse: filled with nonsense and items I don't always need.

The roll bags are quite nice looking!

Does both the Stella and the Buddy have the 12 volt plug for phones? that feature is really nice!

squidsie wrote: Does both the Stella and the Buddy have the 12 volt plug for phones? that feature is really nice!

The Buddy has it. The Stella does not.

I think you would likely have some items that you would routinely carry, given the storage area. On my bike, I carry a small tool kit, a tire plug kit, a rainsuit, and a few other items of junk, all in one pannier, with room to spare. I try to keep the other one empty.

But I've always kept stuff stashed somewhere on every bike I've owned.

Speaking of scooter underseat storage, I recently read a mini-review of the Vespa GTS 300 in one of the major mags and they cautioned that said area gets hot and advised that you not carry grocery items like milk and eggs therein. Is that the case with all underseat storage?

And regarding the 12V plug, I assume one could be added into the dashboard?

Southerner wrote:And regarding the 12V plug, I assume one could be added into the dashboard?

Fairly easily. I installed one in my Vespa LX. I'd put it in the glove box.

Sounds good. I believe at one time there was a kit to replace the glovebox door with speakers and set it up to attack an Ipod, as well.

On worrying about buying or not I always fall back on an old Irish saying "You're a long time dead"

If you've done your homework, read all the posts here, and your heart till says Stella, by all means get a Stella; I love mine and wouldn't trade it for a Buddy. I may want to get a Buddy as a second bike though, but I really like the feel and the classic look of my Stella. And I'll tell ya' what, I have people going out of their way to talk with me about my Stella, young and old.

Mulliganal wrote:If you've done your homework, read all the posts here, and your heart till says Stella, by all means get a Stella; I love mine and wouldn't trade it for a Buddy. I may want to get a Buddy as a second bike though, but I really like the feel and the classic look of my Stella. And I'll tell ya' what, I have people going out of their way to talk with me about my Stella, young and old.

I looked at the Genuine website tonight. While some of the Buddy's are cute and I can see myself on one, it just does not warm me as the Stella does. And I completely believe that people go out of their way to talk to you about your Stella. I would be one of those people!

I still have a lot to think about though and more to save.

just test drove a stella yesterday...and loved it! now i have me a 2008 tangerine stella. picking it up tonite! it's a blast to ride! i was so impressed with the pep on this! i am sure the shifting will be smooth in no time with practice....just giving my two cents in =)

squidsie wrote:

Mulliganal wrote:If you've done your homework, read all the posts here, and your heart till says Stella, by all means get a Stella; I love mine and wouldn't trade it for a Buddy. I may want to get a Buddy as a second bike though, but I really like the feel and the classic look of my Stella. And I'll tell ya' what, I have people going out of their way to talk with me about my Stella, young and old.

I looked at the Genuine website tonight. While some of the Buddy's are cute and I can see myself on one, it just does not warm me as the Stella does. And I completely believe that people go out of their way to talk to you about your Stella. I would be one of those people!

I still have a lot to think about though and more to save.

+1 Once Bitten!!

Re: "get the buddy"

2007 buddy italia 125 : have owned for four years, 8000+ miles. Have changed oils on schefule. Only "mod" has been to replace rollers with sliders. You turn it on, it starts. You ride it, it gets you where you want to go. You turn it off, it stops. It is practical, utilitarian, reliable, fun, and in its own way, simplistically beautiful. Maintenance has been stupidly simple (the 125 oil filter is easy to remove, the gear oil the same. The underseat storage is awesome, along with the ability to carry things on the flat floorboard. The shinkos werent the best tires but were adequate. I changed to the maxxis and liked the upgrade.

Stella 4T: have owned for less than two months, 400 miles. It has needed a clutch fable replaced. The valves needed adjusting. The emissions control doesnt allow the engine to breathe or run optimally, despite vigorous defenses of it. It runs hot by your feet. To change the oil filter, you have to remove the tire. To change the air filter you have to remove a bolt from the engine mount. iThe glove compartment holds more than what it appears, but is limited by its tall, thin shape. Carrying anything on the floorboard is tricky with the "hump" in the middle, not to mention obstructing the footbrske and./or the fuel petcock lever. The tires (sava) are awful, the whitewalls faded to dinghy gray already. The overall ride is smooth (albeit, slow. Low 50s vs the buddy, low 60s.

To sum it up, the Stella is decorative, like an old, unrestored corvette that looks cool but takes two people to steer because it doesnt have piwer steering. Think of the stella as a diva, a trophy wife that looks good on your arm but doesnt pay any attention to you in private. Think of the buddy as a wife that loves to watch sports, drink beer and cuss.

Or, as i mentioned before, "get the buddy"

This is the second thread I've followed that tends to steer me away from the Stella. Kinda keep looking towards the Blur.

Re: "get the buddy"

Thanks for the details and specific differences between the Stella and the Buddy. I hadnt realized you own both!
Would you say any Buddy might be a better choice over the Stella? I do like the looks of the Internationals. The blue and green one are very nice looking.
Cant wait to check them out!

Thadsgood wrote:Re: "get the buddy"

Stella 4T: have owned for less than two months, 400 miles. It has needed a clutch fable replaced. The valves needed adjusting. The emissions control doesnt allow the engine to breathe or run optimally, despite vigorous defenses of it. It runs hot by your feet. To change the oil filter, you have to remove the tire. To change the air filter you have to remove a bolt from the engine mount. iThe glove compartment holds more than what it appears, but is limited by its tall, thin shape. Carrying anything on the floorboard is tricky with the "hump" in the middle, not to mention obstructing the footbrske and./or the fuel petcock lever. The tires (sava) are awful, the whitewalls faded to dinghy gray already. The overall ride is smooth (albeit, slow. Low 50s vs the buddy, low 60s.

To sum it up, the Stella is decorative, like an old, unrestored corvette that looks cool but takes two people to steer because it doesnt have piwer steering. Think of the stella as a diva, a trophy wife that looks good on your arm but doesnt pay any attention to you in private. Think of the buddy as a wife that loves to watch sports, drink beer and cuss.

Or, as i mentioned before, "get the buddy"

I too have/had the Stella 4T and the Buddy 150 (Blackjack). I sold the Stella after I put about 1100 miles on it.
It just had such a laundry list of issues, that even though by the time I sold it the engine had broken in nicely, I just didn't want to see what the next thing LML didn't fix on the Stella 2t (defective crank bearings?...) made it over to the 4T.

I gotta be honest, while the Buddy is much faster, easier to ride, seems bulletproof in comparison I much preferred riding the Stella. It looks better, feels better, and just is fun to operate in its clunky way.
If I didn't have a Vespa PX shifter scoot (what the Stella is 'based' on), I would have kept it.

[/quote]I too have/had the Stella 4T and the Buddy 150 (Blackjack). I sold the Stella after I put about 1100 miles on it.
It just had such a laundry list of issues, that even though by the time I sold it the engine had broken in nicely, I just didn't want to see what the next thing LML didn't fix on the Stella 2t (defective crank bearings?...) made it over to the 4T.

I gotta be honest, while the Buddy is much faster, easier to ride, seems bulletproof in comparison I much preferred riding the Stella. It looks better, feels better, and just is fun to operate in its clunky way.
If I didn't have a Vespa PX shifter scoot (what the Stella is 'based' on), I would have kept it.[/quote]

Thanks for your input! though i have no experience on manual transmission, the shifter on the Stella is very impressive to me and makes me want to learn.
im heading out to my closest dealer this weekend just to check them out (stella and buddy)! cant wait!

(watches her leave)

Yeah, she's gonna get a Stella. Can't blame her a bit.

But,

She IS aware of the Buddy 170i, isn't she? Costs more than the other Buddys but still less than a Stella.

Southerner wrote:(watches her leave)

Yeah, she's gonna get a Stella. Can't blame her a bit.

But,

She IS aware of the Buddy 170i, isn't she? Costs more than the other Buddys but still less than a Stella.

Yes, I am aware of the Buddy 170i. this is the newest of the Buddys, right? I do like the Mocha colored one. Its very pretty! is the 170 just faster than thre others?

A little faster, they also added fuel injection.

Stella Stella Stella ...Oh sorry, did I say that out loud? oops!

Its a classic fight between what is logical and "easy" and romance ...This is how the Italians have sold cars for 80 years !

viney266 wrote:A little faster, they also added fuel injection.

Stella Stella Stella ...Oh sorry, did I say that out loud? oops!

Its a classic fight between what is logical and "easy" and romance ...This is how the Italians have sold cars for 80 years !

i prefer romance over whats logical and easy!
post a photo of your stella!

Take it from somebody who makes "practical" choices all too often.
Heck, my MC is virtually a 2-wheeled station wagon.

It's OK to follow your heart every once in a while.