This Page Features pics of My new 2004 Genuine Scooter Company 'Stella'
Wots A Stella?
Stella is made in India by LML which built Vespa PX series scooters and parts for Piaggio under license until 1999 when LML management bought out Piaggio's interest in the factory and retained the right to build the scooters, but not label them as Vespas. Bajaj had a similar arrangement many years earlier, and when that arrangement ended also continued to build scooters. Bajaj, however, constantly developed and changed the style and parts, so that while resembling Vespas at a glance, the current Bajaj shares very few parts with the Vespa PX series. LML/Stellas on the other hand are exactly the same as the late PX Vespas (still sold in England, Europe and around the world) and share nearly every part, except the Stella uses a reed valve induction and a catalytic converter in order to pass US EPA Standards for 49 States - the first large 2 stroke street bike to do so in over 20 years.
The Stella is the brainchild of Chicago based Genuine Scooter Company . They took the base LML Star and gave it better suspension and tires (Bitubo shocks and Continental Zippy tires) more chrome bits and nicer paint, and supposedly a better Quality Control. They also marketed the hell out of it.
The result is a Vintage looking all metal, 150cc, geared (clutch and 4 speed) scooter which is identical to the Iconic Vespa and made in a factory that produced Vespas for the world market, uses Vespa parts and accessories, is a Vespa in everything but nameplate.
Because Piaggio has not imported the P series to the USA since the early 1980s, there was a huge demand for all metal scooters, and the Stella appears to be a sales hit. (note: July 2005 - Due to the success of the Stella, Piaggio is once again importing the PX-150) At under $3000 new, the Stella is a better deal for most people than buying a 25 year old Vespa and refurbishing it, since the value of Vespas is so high. Recent (Fall 2004) adverts in New York craigslist show P series Vespas listing for around $2000 even in poor shape cosmetically. Factor in that the old P series had drum brakes up front (PX Vespas and Stella has Grimeca disk up front) Points ignition (PX Vespas and Stella have electronic) and the usual wear and tear on a 25 year old machine and the Stella comes up a winner, at least in my calculation. So, after many years of used bikes and scooters, I bought a new Stella.
Where'd ya getit?
A big factor for me in deciding to buy a Stella was my very local dealer BrooklynBretta . They gave me a great deal on a Stella, and I know that they'll be around to take care of any problems that arise, or to handle work that I don't want to do myself. Note that they do not stock bikes since they are essentially a repair shop, but there's always a Stella there getting some hop-up work done, or being prepped to be delivered so you can usually see one there as well as a huge amount of vintage Vespas and Lambrettas. They also do not charge freight or prep, so the quoted price is what you pay (plus tax of course).
My Stella
It seems as though everyone customizes their Stella, as I modify and customize my scooter, I'll post pics here.
In The Beginning... I was lucky enough to be around as they were uncrating my scoot (10/26/04):
That's my Bandit 1200s in the background, BTW.
Below, first pics at home after I added a Vigano folding rear rack (10/31/04)
11/11/04
Below, Cuppini old-style front fender trim and Vigano spoked hubcaps
May 8 2005. Winter's over already?
Dual Saddle setup, Vigano folding passenger pegs, delete fender reflectors.
