Just bought a 2013 Stella, what have I done? ;)

ArgonV · Post by **ArgonV** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 7:41 pm

Howdy gents! Always loved the look of vintage Vespas, and sidecars on any motorbike. I've seen these Stellas on the roads before but always assumed they were Vespas! I was wrong... I needed something to putt-putt around in College Station. I own a 2003 Ford Thunderbird and have over 150k miles on her. Only get 16 mpg around town too... I love the car but want to keep the mileage and gas down. Last Monday I went to Freebirds and there was a Scoot dealer next door that had this beauty sitting outside on the curb. I could not pass her up... After debating about it over lunch, I went back and financed her.

Any recommendations on what I need to do next? I'm picking her up on Monday.

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:36 am

Break it in and ride, ride, ride.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 3:10 am

Sidecars are so much fun. I've owned several. A few things to know. The first is that they ride - and especially corner - very differently than a two-wheeler. Take it easy at first and get used to it. Also, the 150 Stella is not a lot of power for a sidecar ride so expect somewhat moderate speed and significant slowing on the hills. Finally, expect shorter rear tire life. Ride it and enjoy. I hope you have a dog. Dogs love sidecars!

ArgonV · Post by **ArgonV** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 5:19 am

Thanks guys! I've never driven a motorcycle or a scooter before. So I've not formed any habits with anything on two wheels other than a bicycle. Any other tips for a newbie?

matto · Post by **matto** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:17 am

Nice scoot and Gig'em! I used to ride around college station in a Ruckus before I could afford a Stella. Enjoy the parking on campus

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 12:43 pm

Nice rig and welcome to MB!

Don't forget to add it to the SPEND-A-THON!
topic28132.html

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 6:09 pm

ArgonV wrote: Any other tips for a newbie?

The big thing is that a sidecar does not lean like a two wheeled vehicle. The most important consequence of that is in a right turn where the sidecar can come off the ground at higher speeds. A new rider should put some weight in the sidecar and practice shifting their weight a bit to the right in a right turn. There are many on-line references that have good tips about riding a sidecar.

http://classicmotorcycles.about.com/od/ ... idecar.htm

Wild Handyman · Post by **Wild Handyman** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 1:16 pm

I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:22 pm

Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.

I would think a doggy seatbelt harness of some type like we use in our 'cages' can be attached in there someway.

Frank Tabor · Post by **Frank Tabor** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:16 am

Stitch wrote:Break it in and ride, ride, ride.

Make sure you have towing included in your insurance package.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 6:33 am

Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.

Most riders put a d-ring in the floor of the sidecar. Then they use a short leash or chain snapped to a harness or collar. There are also some nifty goggles for dogs (doggles) that protect the dog's eyes.

Raputtak · Post by **Raputtak** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:43 pm

Sidecars can be such fun. I had one on a 150 Vespa Sportique way back in the late '60's in England.

My cornering experience (Flipped left/right for Yanqui-land):

1. When attempting to negotiate a right hand bend approach slowly then gun it. The scooter will run around the chair and you will survive.

2. For a left-hander approach like a bat out of hell then anchor on sharpish. The sidecar will run around the scooter and you will survive.

Otherwise:

1. the sidecar will lift up and poo will come out.

2. It will not go around the bend and poo will come out.

Try this on MV
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic57577 ... +sportique

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 4:14 pm

Raputtak

It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!

Raputtak · Post by **Raputtak** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 4:38 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:Raputtak

It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!

Thank ya. Thank ya verra much. (In best Elvis voice)