Saw a Stella cruising at 65 the other day...HOW??!!

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 12:42 am

So, going home from work the other day, I was behind a guy on a olive Stella cruising at 60-65. I have a buddy, and know that Stella's shouldn't be able to go that fast normally. Anyone know the guy that has the Quick olive Stella in Denver/Lakewood? I want to ask what he did to be able to go that fast.

Leads me to my next question, HOW??!! I like the look of the Stella, but kept hearing they were slow. My buddy is SLOW at altitude, so what does it take to go that fast?

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:57 am

Mods mods mods.

Choose two of the three

Fast
Cheap
Reliable

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:54 am

180cc kit. 8% upgear. Vióla. 70+ mph Stella.
All u need is $ to make anything go fast.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 6:07 am

Stitch wrote:180cc kit. 8% upgear. Vióla. 70+ mph Stella.
All u need is $ to make anything go fast.

Rebuild window: +/- 5k miles. That's my estimate.

Another option would be a NOS P200e motor in a grenaded Stella. There are still a few of those mythical motors left. Either that or a well rebuilt one. All Italian parts and a performance pipe/carb combo and 65mph cruising speed is not a problem.

Stopping on the other hand can be tricky when you get up there...

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 11:22 pm

If you build it with good parts 70+ MPH is achievable. If you keep her at 60 or so she will live a long life.

Choosing the right combination of parts is also critical for speed and longevity.

I run an SIP road exhaust and a buddy runs the same set-up with a sito+ and I swear I get 6-7 MPH more than he does on otherwise identical set-ups. Same weight riders ,too.

I have always liked the sito+ and it works great over stock, but the SIP outruns it up top!

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:32 pm

Ok, I must build a monster Stella! Anyone have links to engine swaps and the like?

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:07 pm

mhardgrove wrote:Ok, I must build a monster Stella! Anyone have links to engine swaps and the like?

There are COUNTLESS ways to go about a "Monster Stella", but you better be a decent mechanic if you want to go down this route. More power=More wrenching, no matter how much you spend. The more you over-amp a Vespa P/Stella, the more likely you will end up pushing it. They are great bikes, but are actually designed within a pretty tight tolerance for reliability vs. performance. You tip the scales it can be AWESOME, but understand what you are getting into. It won't be a daily driver any longer

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:39 pm

I can tear down and rebuild old VW motors, so I would think a scooter isn't too much different. I'll just research and gather all the info I can.

Knowing nothing about the prices of these machines, what should I spend on a Vespa/Stella with a bad motor? I don't care if the machine is dinged up a bit and in need of paint and light body work, but nothing that was wrecked severely or really bad rusted. Something that I can throw an engine in and do minor work to get road worthy would be ideal considering I would paint it a unique color anyhow.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:59 pm

mhardgrove wrote:I can tear down and rebuild old VW motors, so I would think a scooter isn't too much different. I'll just research and gather all the info I can.

Knowing nothing about the prices of these machines, what should I spend on a Vespa/Stella with a bad motor? I don't care if the machine is dinged up a bit and in need of paint and light body work, but nothing that was wrecked severely or really bad rusted. Something that I can throw an engine in and do minor work to get road worthy would be ideal considering I would paint it a unique color anyhow.

Price is relative to area and what you're willing to spend. Arizona is damned expensive for scooters, Phoenix in general. I myself wouldn't spend more than a grand on a TITLED clean chassis with a bad motor. Without a title, no sale. No matter what. Been down that road and there are too many frames with titles that I don't need that headache.

Also, tuning a Vespa/Stella can be A LOT harder than it looks. It's a black art to be sure. I found it was easier to keep my 914/4 running well when I was a teenager than to get my P200e to pass emissions in my 30's

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:09 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
mhardgrove wrote:Ok, I must build a monster Stella! Anyone have links to engine swaps and the like?
There are COUNTLESS ways to go about a "Monster Stella", but you better be a decent mechanic if you want to go down this route. More power=More wrenching, no matter how much you spend. The more you over-amp a Vespa P/Stella, the more likely you will end up pushing it. They are great bikes, but are actually designed within a pretty tight tolerance for reliability vs. performance. You tip the scales it can be AWESOME, but understand what you are getting into. It won't be a daily driver any longer

I don't necessarily buy that last statement.

Agreed that a 2T will likely be considerably less reliable if highly tuned (mostly due to cylinder lubrication sensitivity at high rpms), but I don't think that logic necessarily carries to 4T engines.

My 2007 Vespa LX150 has been extremely reliable as a daily rider since I kitted and otherwise highly modified it over 10,000 miles ago, and that mileage includes a 4,000-mile trip in 95+ degree heat, averaging 330 miles/day, cruising at 60-65.

I've NEVER had to push it or had it fail to start, or had a failure of any sort. You have to approach it intelligently, understanding the basic limits of the machine's design so that you are not overstressing or overextending them. For example, I know that the bottom end of the LEADER 150 engine is shared with the w/c 200cc model and can stand the added stresses, and that the brakes on the LX are more than adequate for the added performance. I've replaced a cast aluminum piston with a forged one, rubber suspension bushings with urethane, stock shocks with high-performance ones, etc., all with the intent of keeping performance and reliability complementary to each other.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:21 pm

Silver Streak wrote:
neotrotsky wrote:
mhardgrove wrote:Ok, I must build a monster Stella! Anyone have links to engine swaps and the like?
There are COUNTLESS ways to go about a "Monster Stella", but you better be a decent mechanic if you want to go down this route. More power=More wrenching, no matter how much you spend. The more you over-amp a Vespa P/Stella, the more likely you will end up pushing it. They are great bikes, but are actually designed within a pretty tight tolerance for reliability vs. performance. You tip the scales it can be AWESOME, but understand what you are getting into. It won't be a daily driver any longer
I don't necessarily buy that last statement.

Agreed that a 2T will likely be considerably less reliable if highly tuned (mostly due to cylinder lubrication sensitivity at high rpms), but I don't think that logic necessarily carries to 4T engines.

My 2007 Vespa LX150 has been extremely reliable as a daily rider since I kitted and otherwise highly modified it over 10,000 miles ago, and that mileage includes a 4,000-mile trip in 95+ degree heat, averaging 330 miles/day, cruising at 60-65.

I've NEVER had to push it or had it fail to start, or had a failure of any sort. You have to approach it intelligently, understanding the basic limits of the machine's design so that you are not overstressing or overextending them. For example, I know that the bottom end of the LEADER 150 engine is shared with the w/c 200cc model and can stand the added stresses, and that the brakes on the LX are more than adequate for the added performance. I've replaced a cast aluminum piston with a forged one, rubber suspension bushings with urethane, stock shocks with high-performance ones, etc., all with the intent of keeping performance and reliability complementary to each other.

I *was* talking about 2 stroke engines.

Modern Vespas and the auto-scooter 4 stroke are fill-and-forget bikes. My GTS was like that for nearly 30k miles until the exhaust coupler failed (never got the memo on the recall) and caused me untold nightmare and showed that new Vespas aren't shadetree mechanic friendly... and just how much Piaggio's dealer/parts network sucks in the US.

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:58 pm

Yeah, I don't really care for the 4t "stella" or newer Vespa. Thanks for the advice.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 2:39 am

My Stella is just about finished with her rebuild. Malossi 166 kit with a stroker crank. Swapped all the bearings out for Italian one. Currently premixing some oil with the gas to avoid cyclinder issues but we're planning on putting in a P-200 oiler that will be able to keep up with demand. I also have the SIP Road Pipe.
Right now she's a 60-65mph bike. A few more spells must be cast. I give a complete rundown and review once she's been on the road a bit.

Howard

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:11 am

If I go with a Stella and for some reason decide to not put a 200cc Vespa motor in it, what do I need to look out for? I'm a noob when it comes to this type of scooter, but seeing one at speed makes me want one now! I don't want to make a mistake and buy a engine that sucks. Best and worst engines?

Is the Stella engine of decent quality and worth putting $$ into or should I save for an Italian Vespa motor? I am reading that Italian parts are the best, is that totally true? I'm finding running Stella's for $1,400-$2,000 in halfway decent shape. Ultimately, I want the best engine possible, but if I can get a running Stella for the price Sportique wants for a classic Vespa that's ragged out I may go the Stella route.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:27 am

mhardgrove wrote:I can tear down and rebuild old VW motors, so I would think a scooter isn't too much different. I'll just research and gather all the info I can.

Doing a stock rebuild isn't too bad. There are a few special tools needed and a couple of tricks...like the selector shaft left handed thread.

Slapping an unmodified top end on, pipe and rejetting...a little more difficult, but not too bad, but takes some tweeking.

Porting the cases, the cylinder, the piston, milling heads for squish and compression...now it starts getting complicated.

Stroker crank, cut, gas flowed, laser welded...more complicated.

Lighten the flywheel, customize the carb, build a clutch that wount asplode, get the carb settings, timing correct etc. Patience patience patience!

I'm not trying to discourage you but there is a lot more to it than many realize. The other thing is that if you are going to get into modding you need to realize that sooner or later you're going to blow up a motor.

On the CBR I was running a 67 GT with an 83 p125 motor, heavily ported, Malossi 166 ported to match cases, modified 24/24 carb, Mazzy cut crank, custom expansion chamber, P200 tree P200 clutch, fast flow tap etc etc..

I blew it up twice. Siezed the top end at about 65 mph, and had a new Cosa Newfeld reinforced 23T clutch asplode after about 1,100 miles. I was able to repair and rebuild on the road and make it to the end

Lovelandstella · Post by **Lovelandstella** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 3:28 pm

mhardgrove wrote:So, going home from work the other day, I was behind a guy on a olive Stella cruising at 60-65. ... HOW??!! I like the look of the Stella, but kept hearing they were slow. ...what does it take to go that fast?

Maybe I am late to the party, here, but my stock 4T stella cruises at that speed. indicated. which matches my wife's saturn indicated speed. and apparently many other people who also follow the speed limit.
granted, it takes a bit of time to get there. its not like 0-60 in 5 seconds or anything. but after about - hmmm I dunno - under a minute I am cruising at about 65.
no mods.
I have a shorty windshield that opened me up from 63-65. I have a large prima roll bag on a 3-way rack
I am 190 lbs and wear a 3/4 helmet with a flip-up face shield.

so unless you checked your GPS when you saw the monster stella, they might have the same scenario.

anyway - my 2 cents. I am very happy with the speed of the stock stella.

ymmv.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:13 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
Stitch wrote:180cc kit. 8% upgear. Vióla. 70+ mph Stella.
All u need is $ to make anything go fast.
Rebuild window: +/- 5k miles. That's my estimate.

Another option would be a NOS P200e motor in a grenaded Stella. There are still a few of those mythical motors left. Either that or a well rebuilt one. All Italian parts and a performance pipe/carb combo and 65mph cruising speed is not a problem.

Stopping on the other hand can be tricky when you get up there...

How is a well built 180cc with p200 gearing any less reliable than a stock p200 motor built by a hungover factory worker?

As far as stopping distance- I just ignore stupid Newton's stupid laws. If Wile E Coyote doesn't have to follow them, neither do I.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:15 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
Stitch wrote:180cc kit. 8% upgear. Vióla. 70+ mph Stella.
All u need is $ to make anything go fast.
Rebuild window: +/- 5k miles. That's my estimate.

Another option would be a NOS P200e motor in a grenaded Stella. There are still a few of those mythical motors left. Either that or a well rebuilt one. All Italian parts and a performance pipe/carb combo and 65mph cruising speed is not a problem.

Stopping on the other hand can be tricky when you get up there...

How is a well built 180cc with p200 gearing any less reliable than a stock p200 motor built by a hungover factory worker?

As far as stopping distance- I just ignore stupid Newton's stupid laws. If Wile E Coyote does have to follow them, neither do I.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:17 pm

mhardgrove wrote: Anyone know the guy that has the Quick olive Stella in Denver/Lakewood?

I know someone in that area that just bought one, but I have no idea if it's modded or not. where were you at and what time?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:30 pm

One sure way to tell:

did he have a military themed jacket and helmet? Collin always wears that and I've never seen him sans any gear ever.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:24 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
I *was* talking about 2 stroke engines.

You didn't say that, and the OP didn't either until after my post. Stellas do come in both varieties.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:49 pm

Silver Streak wrote:
neotrotsky wrote:
I *was* talking about 2 stroke engines.
You didn't say that, and the OP didn't either until after my post. Stellas do come in both varieties.

I didn't have to. The 2 stroke Stella is the only one worth modifying at the moment.

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:58 am

Guy I saw had a grey jacket and no helmet. I was westbound 6th ave just between the sheridan and wadsworth exits, which is a 65 zone. As for speed, I was doing 70ish when I came up on him. I purposely slowed to see exactly fast he was going, which by my speedo was 65. I ended up passing and it had Stella badging. Paint appeared to be shiny olive, didn't appear to be military theme. All I know was it was insane to see on a highway (not that I would be that brave). It may have been a 4t, but it sounded like a 2t.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:52 am

mhardgrove wrote:Guy I saw had a grey jacket and no helmet. I was westbound 6th ave just between the sheridan and wadsworth exits, which is a 65 zone. As for speed, I was doing 70ish when I came up on him. I purposely slowed to see exactly fast he was going, which by my speedo was 65. I ended up passing and it had Stella badging. Paint appeared to be shiny olive, didn't appear to be military theme. All I know was it was insane to see on a highway (not that I would be that brave). It may have been a 4t, but it sounded like a 2t.

If you heard it loudly, it was probably a 2 stroke. There are performance pipes for the 4 strokes but they are quite expensive at the moment. As for 2T and 4T identification, the easiest way is to look for the cowl vents on the right hand side. Also, I believe most if not all 2T Stellas came with the black seat stock (but I could be wrong). Another indicator is, obviously, no oil sight glass.

I rode my P200e on the 101 here in the valley a couple of times. Had plenty of grunt to merge on, but 65 was about where it was really pushing where it was capable. It felt like I had a *little* more headroom, but it sure didn't like it. And stopping on front drum brakes wasn't something I wanted to look forward to. It was more of "I wonder if I can..." than something I would do everyday.

Now, with a front disc on a Stella, I'd feel far more comfortable. But no, this is not a freeway bike. A modded Stella can do freeways and survive decently if done right, but far better to make your power down low and let it live in the cities

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:47 am

10 inch wheels, short wheel base, to squirrely for me past an indicated 50 mph. It wasn't designed for the highway which is why many of us have a second scooter that is designed for that kind of riding.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:34 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
Silver Streak wrote:
neotrotsky wrote:
I *was* talking about 2 stroke engines.
You didn't say that, and the OP didn't either until after my post. Stellas do come in both varieties.
I didn't have to. The 2 stroke Stella is the only one worth modifying at the moment.

Meh... your opinion.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:12 pm

Silver Streak wrote:
neotrotsky wrote:
Silver Streak wrote: You didn't say that, and the OP didn't either until after my post. Stellas do come in both varieties.
I didn't have to. The 2 stroke Stella is the only one worth modifying at the moment.
Meh... your opinion.

No. Fact.

Pound for Pound, you get more performance out of a 2-Stroke for less money, and there are more proven design paths for it. I can buy a performance pipe for a Stella for $89 (probably less) that, with a re-jet, will give me instant results. A 4-stroke Stella will need a pipe 3 to 5 times more expensive and it doesn't really produce as much punch. Modern scooters like your LX Vespas aren't performance machines. They're made for reliability and durability. Idiot-proffed if you will. You *can* modify them, but you will spend more money and get less out of them.

The 2-Stroke P-series design has been out far longer, and has had longer to be improved upon. No, the engines don't last as long as their 4-stroke brethren, and aren't as efficient. But, at 70-100mpg, I'm not worried about that, especially if it's a weekend bike. If I want a daily driver that I can trust, sure I'll buy a modern bike. But, for actual performance and owner-tuning, the 2-Stroke 150cc P-series is the bike to get for the DIY racer.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:17 pm

That's assuming you are ethically comfortable with a 2-stroke to begin with. I personally have some problems with my conscience doing mods that increase emissions only incrementally, and I no longer want to have anything to do with a technology that deliberately dumps a liter of oil into the atmosphere every few fill-ups. Been there; done with that. That's why I bought a 4T Stella to begin with... it's the only new shifty you can buy that ISN'T a 2T.

Sure you can get more "bang for the buck" modding a 2-stroke, but you are taking an already bad thing and making it worse. And -- as if the emissions problem weren't bad enough -- the "bang" you're likely to get for your buck may well be the sound of your piston seizing at 65 and taking your crank with it. Gee... have that happen a couple of times and it makes those expensive 4T parts seem cheap. Short-term thinking... both for your own pocketbook and for the health of the planet.

You can get a helluva lot more performance than stock out of a 4T as well -- and reliability to boot -- as long as you approach it sensibly and are willing to spend a bit more up front. I know... I've done it -- mostly through increased displacement and compression ratio, which increase emissions only incrementally. My kitted Vespa LX will do an honest 75 mph on the level, accelerates WAY faster than stock, and has been dead reliable for over 10,000 miles. Not cheap. Not easy. But effective, and I can sleep at night.

OK, all you devout 2T folks can flame away now. I don't give a shit.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 4:04 am

Nope...not gonna flame away, not taking the bait!

OP asked a question about speed, people answered, and this thread has now evolved into questioning peoples "ethics" and calling their choice of ride a "bad thing".

I love this place!! Is it time to start bashing Harley riders?

Ride what you like, like what you ride. Lets all have fun and be safe!

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:57 am

Silver Streak wrote:That's assuming you are ethically comfortable with a 2-stroke to begin with. I personally have some problems with my conscience doing mods that increase emissions only incrementally, and I no longer want to have anything to do with a technology that deliberately dumps a liter of oil into the atmosphere every few fill-ups. Been there; done with that. That's why I bought a 4T Stella to begin with... it's the only new shifty you can buy that ISN'T a 2T.

Sure you can get more "bang for the buck" modding a 2-stroke, but you are taking an already bad thing and making it worse. And -- as if the emissions problem weren't bad enough -- the "bang" you're likely to get for your buck may well be the sound of your piston seizing at 65 and taking your crank with it. Gee... have that happen a couple of times and it makes those expensive 4T parts seem cheap. Short-term thinking... both for your own pocketbook and for the health of the planet.

You can get a helluva lot more performance than stock out of a 4T as well -- and reliability to boot -- as long as you approach it sensibly and are willing to spend a bit more up front. I know... I've done it -- mostly through increased displacement and compression ratio, which increase emissions only incrementally. My kitted Vespa LX will do an honest 75 mph on the level, accelerates WAY faster than stock, and has been dead reliable for over 10,000 miles. Not cheap. Not easy. But effective, and I can sleep at night.

OK, all you devout 2T folks can flame away now. I don't give a shit.

Wow. Go cuddle a tree or something to get rid of that tension man.

If I'm getting near 90mpg, I'm really not going to stress about the evil little hydrocarbons my lone bike puts out. I know 2-strokers are a dying breed. It's a cheaper ride to tweak and hey: I don't smoke cigarettes so I got to contribute my destructive element somewhere

And, I have a hard time buying that the one gallon someone burns on a Stella is more evil than 10 gallons in a Hummer. Sorry. Right or wrong, whatever.

Now, can we just give it a rest? Moral of the story: You can get lots of speed out of your Stella and there's plenty of ways to do it. So, just do it!

Lovelandstella · Post by **Lovelandstella** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:01 pm

mhardgrove wrote:Guy I saw had a grey jacket and no helmet. I was westbound 6th ave just between the sheridan and wadsworth exits, which is a 65 zone. As for speed, I was doing 70ish when I came up on him. I purposely slowed to see exactly fast he was going, which by my speedo was 65. I ended up passing and it had Stella badging. Paint appeared to be shiny olive, didn't appear to be military theme. All I know was it was insane to see on a highway (not that I would be that brave). It may have been a 4t, but it sounded like a 2t.

great info!
I think I know that area. a couple things to keep in mind:
* indicated 65 in your care is still not absolutely correct - check it with a GPS sometime
you were probably going anywhere from 60-63 mph
* was it windy at all? these weeks there have been wind from the east- and a little goes a long way to push or top speed.
* and also any even negligable "down hill-ness" can make a huge difference. that can also push the normal expected speeds.

- find a dealer that will let you test drive it and I know you can get it over 50

Keith wrote:10 inch wheels, short wheel base, to squirrely for me past an indicated 50 mph. It wasn't designed for the highway which is why many of us have a second scooter that is designed for that kind of riding.

really? I don't go under 50 unless I am coming up to a light or about to be blown over by near tornado force winds.
I estimate 90% of my Stella's life on the road is spent at 50+ miles per hour.
even my wife's 125 buddy goes over 50.
is it possible the scooters are different from yours? maybe road quality?

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:45 am

Yep, really! Buy a larger, heavier scooter with bigger wheels and you'll know the difference immediately. It's a whole different world and it becomes obvious the each has the proper place on the road.

Lovelandstella · Post by **Lovelandstella** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:09 pm

Keith wrote:10 inch wheels, short wheel base, too squirrely for me past an indicated 50 mph. It wasn't designed ... for that kind of riding.

... really? ... I estimate 90% of my Stella's life on the road is spent at 50+ miles per hour... [/quote]

Keith wrote:Yep, really! ...

Keith, you are entitled to your opinion.
But since I disagree with your indication that "Stellas are not designed to go over 50 miles per hour," I'd like to clairify for all future internet searches of this thread:
In my personal experience, both the 2T Stella and the 4T Stella can perform favorably and safely at over 50 miles per hour.

Lokky · Post by **Lokky** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:51 am

I just rode my kitted Stella 900 miles each way to Wisconsin for Amerivespa. I had plenty of luggage and was doing 55+ whenever I wasn't going uphill. The only snag I ran into was a crack in the pipe... which had 11k miles on it.

How's that for reliable?

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:37 am

^^^ Nice ride, Glad you made it out.

Yeah I maintained speeds of 50+ the whole way to Richmond from PA. a few weeks back. Stopping for gas and not much else on the way down. we did 500+ miles in a day. Stella ran like a champ

Jetting matters

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:47 am

viney266 wrote:^^^ Nice ride, Glad you made it out.

Yeah I maintained speeds of 50+ the whole way to Richmond from PA. a few weeks back. Stopping for gas and not much else on the way down. we did 500+ miles in a day. Stella ran like a champ Jetting matters

500+ in ONE DAY?!?! Damn. I'm surprised you can feel your toes! Good to hear you and Lokky made it there and back safe. I'm soooo pissed I didn't have the money or bike to go this year. Thankfully, me and my original Amerivespa '12 partner are on for '13. It will be an easy one since it's in San Diego and we're only 11 hours away by surface road. Kind of wish it were further to be honest: I want a real adventure when I go for something like Amerivespa. But, hopefully the Stella I have my sights on will still be around at the end of August and we can finally get her '70 tagged and going.

Tam Tam · Post by **Tam Tam** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:35 am

I've a 2009 (2T) with the sito +, 1987 miles and I can only hit 55 wide open on a straight away! after reading this thread, i'm wondering if I was maybe too soft on the break in period. It's got power, but cruises best at 45mph...I would like it a bit faster, but $$$ is a factor. I'm 220, but have had guys in my club riding 2 up and cruising fine at 55...but not me solo.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:20 am

Tam Tam wrote:I've a 2009 (2T) with the sito +, 1987 miles and I can only hit 55 wide open on a straight away! after reading this thread, i'm wondering if I was maybe too soft on the break in period. It's got power, but cruises best at 45mph...I would like it a bit faster, but $$$ is a factor. I'm 220, but have had guys in my club riding 2 up and cruising fine at 55...but not me solo.

Did you rejet?

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:11 am

Yep, it's my opinion. With 46 years of riding under my belt, when it comes to scooters that's how I roll. I'm a big believer in listening to your gut. If you enjoy riding a Stella at 50+ GPS mph and feel comfortable, go for it! Cheers.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:47 pm

Well given the no helmet description, it definitely wasn't Colin! Colin has had some medical issues, and having survived them against the odds, only rides fully armored at all times. His Stella is stock, though I am not sure what it is since we haven't seen it in person.

6th ave is kind of a wicked place to drive anything, I'd be terrified of it on any 2 wheeled vehicle. People drive like maniacs on it.

I can't vouch for the Stella, but I'm confident on my buddy until an indicated 65 or so, depending on traffic. Any higher and I'm just nervous. Note that I have been riding less than a year though.

Met a guy and his wife riding a dark blue 2t stella. Sounded rough but ran fine. It looked cool and I like the sound, I'm just too lazy to shift in the city.

Modern Buddy

Saw a Stella cruising at 65 the other day...HOW??!!

Saw a Stella cruising at 65 the other day...HOW??!!

$

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Re: Saw a Stella cruising at 65 the other day...HOW??!!

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Re: Saw a Stella cruising at 65 the other day...HOW??!!

wow!!!

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