Planning for a spring Scooter

[slotrod65]

Hey Gang,

I have wanted a scooter ever since I saw Quadrophenia. I drove motorcycles in the 1980s, because that was all I could find, and even passed up on a 62 Lambretta LI125 for $50 because I could not get parts back then. I have been bugging my Wife about getting one for years now, and our last trip to Italy this fall finally clinched it. While in Naples, I spied a shop named "Mode de Moto" that sold scootering gear. I picked up a great helmet, and the hundreds and hundreds of scooters got me really psyched. A week after we returned home I stumbled across, of all things, a local Vespa dealer! I stopped in and had a great talk with the owner. They not only deal in Vespas, but Genuine scooters as well. Next came the time for a serious discussion with my Wife. To my surprise, she agreed that I could buy a scoot, as long as I paid off one of our credit cards.

Now I am in the action phase: I found out who locally provides the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes (so I can finally get my license). I also dug out my old helmet and picked up a new (unscratched) visor (since the Italian helmet is Euro Certified, but of course not DOT), and have been researching scooters that are now available.

I have always wanted a vintage scooter for looks, but I also wanted a new scooter. Something reliable, with a warranty. Based on my research, I am pretty settled on getting a Stella 4T. It should meet my reliability requirements, yet still be turned into a mod style scoot. I work from home, so it will be for after work errands and joyrides.

I have been reading the forum, and trying to learn as much about the 4T as I can before I buy mine in March...

Man, am I psyched!
Phred

[JHScoot]

i like your post. its little history of riding, travel, mc's and scooters. buying helmets in preparation. and finally to a Genuine scooter. its nice when something unexpectedly perfect comes along and its a Genuine Scooter. pretty sure some have a love / hate relationship with Stella, but you have to admit with a warranty and real company behind its fairly unique in the U.S. marketplace. yes, that is a new scooter. shifty and all

[Lokky]

Now I am in the action phase: I found out who locally provides the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes (so I can finally get my license). I also dug out my old helmet and picked up a new (unscratched) visor (since the Italian helmet is Euro Certified, but of course not DOT), and have been researching scooters that are now available.

Honestly I seriously doubt anybody is going to give you trouble for having a ECE helmet instead of DOT. Pretty sure ECErequirements are actually stricter and closer to SNELL anyway.

[slotrod65]

Honestly I seriously doubt anybody is going to give you trouble for having a ECE helmet instead of DOT. Pretty sure ECE requirements are actually stricter and closer to SNELL anyway.

Thanks for the replies. I dug out the old helmet primarily for the Motorcycle Safety Class. The website for the local place that offers the classes specifically states that they will check helmets for DOT approval. Once I pass the class, I will be wearing the Italian helmet. Here are a few pics:

[TVB]

Thanks for the replies. I dug out the old helmet primarily for the Motorcycle Safety Class. The website for the local place that offers the classes specifically states that they will check helmets for DOT approval. Once I pass the class, I will be wearing the Italian helmet.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to have another helmet (one that happens to have a DOT sticker on it), but I bet if you showed them that this one is certified by the EU equivalent, they'd allow it. They're probably just making sure no one tries to wear a batting helmet, bicycle helmet, or some POS from Walmart.

[Witch]

The police in this area have been known to set up stops specifically to check for DOT-compliant gear. However, more often than not, they'll actually focus on anybody with loud pipes, and just add on a helmet ticket if they can. And they look for the sticker, they won't just take your word for it. It's silly, but that's how it goes.

I have yet to hear of a scooter being pulled over for a helmet check, though, as long as you're wearing one. And I know a cop in the area who's pretty cool, and doesn't give a crap what helmet you're wearing, as long as he can keep up with you on his LX150.

[Stormswift]

Honestly I seriously doubt anybody is going to give you trouble for having a ECE helmet instead of DOT. Pretty sure ECE requirements are actually stricter and closer to SNELL anyway.

Thanks for the replies. I dug out the old helmet primarily for the Motorcycle Safety Class. The website for the local place that offers the classes specifically states that they will check helmets for DOT approval. Once I pass the class, I will be wearing the Italian helmet. Here are a few pics:

That is a great-looking helmet. I love Italian helmets. I have Vemar Ckqi and love it. Ventilation in the summer is unbelievable even with chin bar attached

[jrsjr]

Hey Gang,

I have wanted a scooter ever since I saw Quadrophenia. I drove motorcycles in the 1980s, because that was all I could find, and even passed up on a 62 Lambretta LI125 for $50 because I could not get parts back then. I have been bugging my Wife about getting one for years now, and our last trip to Italy this fall finally clinched it. While in Naples, I spied a shop named "Mode de Moto" that sold scootering gear. I picked up a great helmet, and the hundreds and hundreds of scooters got me really psyched. A week after we returned home I stumbled across, of all things, a local Vespa dealer! I stopped in and had a great talk with the owner. They not only deal in Vespas, but Genuine scooters as well. Next came the time for a serious discussion with my Wife. To my surprise, she agreed that I could buy a scoot, as long as I paid off one of our credit cards.

Now I am in the action phase: I found out who locally provides the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes (so I can finally get my license). I also dug out my old helmet and picked up a new (unscratched) visor (since the Italian helmet is Euro Certified, but of course not DOT), and have been researching scooters that are now available.

I have always wanted a vintage scooter for looks, but I also wanted a new scooter. Something reliable, with a warranty. Based on my research, I am pretty settled on getting a Stella 4T. It should meet my reliability requirements, yet still be turned into a mod style scoot. I work from home, so it will be for after work errands and joyrides.

I have been reading the forum, and trying to learn as much about the 4T as I can before I buy mine in March...

Man, am I psyched!
Phred

You had me at "Quadrophenia." It's posts like this one that make it all worthwhile. I'm really looking forward to seeing pics of your Stella 4T.

[Lokky]

I love Italian helmets.

So do I, sadly my big Italian head has no way of fitting into even the largest size Italian helmet

[skipper20]

Thanks for the replies. I dug out the old helmet primarily for the Motorcycle Safety Class. The website for the local place that offers the classes specifically states that they will check helmets for DOT approval. Once I pass the class, I will be wearing the Italian helmet.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to have another helmet (one that happens to have a DOT sticker on it), but I bet if you showed them that this one is certified by the EU equivalent, they'd allow it. They're probably just making sure no one tries to wear a batting helmet, bicycle helmet, or some POS from Walmart.

Helmet aside, are you OK with shifting and hand clutching? I thought I was but with an '80 Vespa P200E I found it a real PITA so I've been strictly CVT both 2T and 4T ever since. Seriously, looks are OK but if you haven't already done so, try before you buy. And, don't wait for spring. Take that MSF course now. It will definitely help you in your buying decsion.

Bill in Seattle but currently wintering in AZ
'12 Buddy 170i Italia "The Olive Pit"

[Lokky]

Helmet aside, are you OK with shifting and hand clutching? I thought I was but with an '80 Vespa P200E I found it a real PITA so I've been strictly CVT both 2T and 4T ever since. Seriously, looks are OK but if you haven't already done so, try before you buy. And, don't wait for spring. Take that MSF course now. It will definitely help you in your buying decsion.

Bill in Seattle but currently wintering in AZ
'12 Buddy 170i Italia "The Olive Pit"

He mentioned riding motorcycles in the first post, I am sure he will be fine.

[slotrod65]

Thanks again everyone. I do not expect a great deal of trouble with a manual scooter, as I did ride motorcycles for years. No foot pedal, left wrist-twist instead.

A local college offers the Motorcycle Safety course, but they have not posted their 2013 schedule yet. I check their website daily, and cannot wait to get fully licensed. Finally...

[Stitch]

The switch to hand shifters doesn't take long. Just line the dot and the number up. It really is that easy.

[spr0k3t]

Killer helmet. That's something I would even run myself.

[slotrod65]

I spent 40 minutes cooling my heels at the DMV today, then 5 minutes acing the motorcycle permit test. I am not in gear yet, but at least I have gotten things started!

Next is the Motorcycle Safety Course. The local college website says they will not be posting new class schedule until Feb.

Phred

[JimOhio79]

Hello folks! I'm researching scooters for a spring purchase. I'm really liking the looks and features of the 170i but I'm not sure if this will get me around town as I'm a heavy guy. 260lbs to be exact. I'm not looking to ever get on a highway just around town in the Northeast Ohio area. Will this scooter haul my meaty butt around or should I be looking at the Blur 220? Any thoughts on this will be appreciated! Thanks.

[TVB]

Hello folks! I'm researching scooters for a spring purchase. I'm really liking the looks and features of the 170i but I'm not sure if this will get me around town as I'm a heavy guy. 260lbs to be exact. I'm not looking to ever get on a highway just around town in the Northeast Ohio area. Will this scooter haul my meaty butt around or should I be looking at the Blur 220? Any thoughts on this will be appreciated! Thanks.

I was pushing 230 a year ago, and I didn't feel any serious acceleration problems just scooting around town... and that's on a 50cc. You won't accelerate as fast a 130-pound-er would, but Buddies are pretty peppy, and a 170cc engine should be up to it in most circumstances. There are heavier people than you using scoots with smaller engines. I don't know how much of the Alleghenies you see in your vicinity, and you might see some... lack of oomph going up long steep hills, but that's really the only situation where you're likely to have trouble (as opposed to simply not being as fast off the line as you might wish).

[anthony]

Hello folks! I'm researching scooters for a spring purchase. I'm really liking the looks and features of the 170i but I'm not sure if this will get me around town as I'm a heavy guy. 260lbs to be exact. I'm not looking to ever get on a highway just around town in the Northeast Ohio area. Will this scooter haul my meaty butt around or should I be looking at the Blur 220? Any thoughts on this will be appreciated! Thanks.

If you don't care about getting on the highway, and it's for just around town, the 170i will more than meet your needs. The Buddy scooters have some serious torque (at least the 125 and 170i do. I can't vouch for the others because I haven't ridden them) and I think you'll definitely be satisfied with a 170i (of course, it doesn't hurt to test-ride one to make sure you feel the same way).

[ravenlore]

What <b>anthony</b> said. A Buddy 170i would easily and effectively transport you on surface streets.

I have recent experience with a 150 without a Buddy's spunkiness, and it did just fine in town.

[slotrod65]

UPDATE:

I have been making progress on all fronts:

I am signed up to attend the local Motorcycle Safety Course the first weekend in April.

I placed a deposit on my storage shed for the scooter, and it should be delivered and set up in about a week and a half.

I have picked up some riding gear: an armored Prima jacket, some Corazzo gloves, and a pair of boots...

I have been studying photos of scooters in the internet, and have been making a list of accessories I will be installing

Most importantly, my Wife and I drove two hours down to the Genuine dealer: Hudson Valley Scooters to meet with the owner, check out the place, and give a deposit on my Stella.

Now I just need to figure out how to make the next 3-4 weeks go by as quickly as possible...

I would like to thank everyone who has provided tips and advice to me so far, it has been very helpful.

[ravenlore]

UPDATE:

I have been making progress on all fronts:

I am signed up to attend the local Motorcycle Safety Course the first weekend in April.

I placed a deposit on my storage shed for the scooter, and it should be delivered and set up in about a week and a half.

I have picked up some riding gear: an armored Prima jacket, some Corazzo gloves, and a pair of boots...

I have been studying photos of scooters in the internet, and have been making a list of accessories I will be installing

Most importantly, my Wife and I drove two hours down to the Genuine dealer: Hudson Valley Scooters to meet with the owner, check out the place, and give a deposit on my Stella.

Now I just need to figure out how to make the next 3-4 weeks go by as quickly as possible...

I would like to thank everyone who has provided tips and advice to me so far, it has been very helpful.

So...what color?

[slotrod65]

Slated Blue and Creme: just what I wanted.

I plan on building a mod style scooter. Not a crazy million lights and mirrors like an 80's mod scoot, but maybe 2-3 addl lights and a half dozen mirrors or so.

My thoughts are to replace everything black plastic or painted gray, with chrome or stainless steel.