My new - to me- Stella

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 2:53 am

Just brought my Stella home. Loving every minute of it ( except stalling it a few times and fiddling with the shifters sweet spot😀). I've wanted one for years and found this 2009 with less than 300 miles on it. I have read a million threads so I have a pretty good idea what I'm getting myself into, but I'll take any advice anyone wants to give.

BTW- my wife told me this week I had to upgrade my 50 so I could keep up with her 125! Gotta love that.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 2:57 am

Bummer. Can't get the pic to upload.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 4:21 am

2 or 4 stroke? Anyways, enjoy the ride...

JohnKiniston · Post by **JohnKiniston** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 4:57 pm

I believe a 2009 is going to be a 2T, The 4T bikes haven't been out that long.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 9:55 pm

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Sun Sep 13, 2015 2:19 pm

Just be aware that a lot of the 2009's had two stroke oil check valve problems. My recommendation is to wait until you see the white in the oil window, then only add a half a quart at a time.
If you start to see tons and tons of white smoke after morning start up that goes away after a few minutes, then your check valve is stuck open . Good luck and enjoy your new bike

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:02 pm

Philip wrote:Bummer. Can't get the pic to upload.

There is a limit on the size of the file you can post here. You probably just need to downsize the photo. I use Image Resize for Windows - a free utility.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 1:16 am

Finally getting my pics to cooperate. Wife and I did a ride from down town Denver west to golden as our maiden voyage and everything shook out great.

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 1:33 am

Looks good, Phillip! Clean up them wheels and hubs and youll be good to go!

teamhurst · Post by **teamhurst** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:43 pm

take a look at the center stand looks abit bent front wheel should be off he ground i have a 08 avocado green stella as well.. happy riding

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 2:42 am

Teamhurst, the center stand is bent forward in the left side. I don't suppose that metal would like to be forced back straight again? It is holding for now.
I will probably get a side stand shortly. Just picked up a new battery and have it charging overnight. Picked up some LED amber rear turn signals today but they aren't quite the right ones so I'll have to take those back.

And sometimes The right tool for the job is a battery powered hello kitty tooth brush.

BigDaddy SnakeOiler · Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:36 am

I have a used Cuppini side stand I could let you have cheap.

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 4:46 pm

You just dont want to run the motor while sitting on the side stand.
Tranny oil splashes up and into the clutch vent)?) And then down into your rear hub.
Saturating the rear brakes and eventually seeping out and making a big mess of the outside of the hub and tire.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:04 pm

Nice looking scooter! I wouldn't worry about the center stand as long as it holds the scooter up.

Side stands can be a pain in the ass. The only time I use one is when will not fit with exhaust mods

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:43 pm

Mine has a side stand and center stand fitted on to it. I use the side stand for quick parks. And then when I get back on it, I put it on the center stand and start it up.
I learned my lesson on my 08 Stella and put side stand only. And ran it quite a bit while that was on the side stand. Pretty soon my rear brakes got non-existent and I couldn't even skid no matter how hard I stood on the pedal. And I read about it and opened up the drum and it was saturated with oil just dripping out of there.
good luck

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Fri Sep 18, 2015 1:30 am

Jimmbob, thanks for the heads up on the oil issues. I had not thought of that.
Stand does seem to be holding but would still like to add the side stand.

Bigdaddy- I sent you a PM