Modern Buddy

i know this may be a silly question, but has anyone taken there stella off road?
do you need special suspension and tires?
how well did it do if you did?

I often drive on some really sketchy dirt/rock roads with my stock 4T.

I think that is why I develop the cracks in my exhaust so fast.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7866696@N07/9678167721/" title="Untitled by listlessscott, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9678 ... ed8539.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a>

Listless I live in MA on south shore and looking to buy a 2012 Stella w.
sidecar. How have you found this set up and any problems?
electrical, cranks etc.
What speeds are you able to get also, knowing max with sidecar is 50mph
if you even can get there.
For off road use in general shocks and type of tires IMO would be a major factor.
Thanks for any feedback.

It's not supercross ready, but it has wheels, so it'll do some off road. I've had mine pretty far off the beaten path. Just take your time and remember what you are working with

I wouldn't do it on those old stock whitewalls!

It's okay for some dirt roads, sure. But "off road," as in off road sport riding, not so much. Loose dirt and sand, not at all unless you make some modifications.

A few people have done the Dakar Rally, Rallye des Pharaons and other desert crossings on Vespas, but had special setups.

A pair of Spaniards did Pharaons in 2011:




PX in 1980 Dakar:
http://www.motorsportretro.com/2010/02/ ... n-a-vespa/

My "off road" is largely dirt roads that have fallen off of maintenance and would be impassible for a car but a 2 wheeled vehicle can choose a path wisely.

I'm sure there are lots of ways to improve things but I'm still all stock and being my first scooter I don't know how much better things could be yet. Planning to wear out and then replace the tires in the spring and be amazed at how much better it handles.

Any other changes (off road or otherwise) are a pipe dream in the financial department for me for the forseeable future.

Sidecar is not speedy -- used mostly around town or I plan routes with fewer vehicles and limit 55mph speed limit roads as much as possible. I can pretty much maintain "50 mph" indicated except for long slow climbs and steep hills (which are plentiful where I ride). So removing the sidecar is always a freeing experience (but not as easy to pick up groceries).