Far Too Much Fun for 2 Wheels...

So I just got one of these. A 2005 Stella scooter. Steel-bodied clone of a 1970s Vespa, made in India, priced the same as a decent wristwatch ($2900), torquey as all get-out, to the point of wanting to wheelie in 1st gear, one of the last legal 2-strokes available in the U.S., and ridiculously fuel-efficient, to the tune of nearly 90 mpg. That's right...90 mpg.

It's funny, I'd ordered it before commiting to the notion of a F-car in the driveway within the next year. As it's delivery approached, I wasn't terribly exciting - another motorcycle/scooter? Big deal...all that matters is getting a 308/Mondial/GT4...keep your eye on the prize...etc. But tonight, the dealer dropped it off at my door. He's a vintage enthusiast whose main business is reconditioning ex-British military Land Rovers, followed by importing old Minis, followed by peddling these scoots. Fascinating fellow. Anyway...signed the docs (had prepaid some time back) started it up with the kickstart...and DAMNED if this isn't one of the most simple, basic, elementally FUN beasties to pass through this garage. Well, in the next year, I project spending $170 to insure it and about 10 - 20 gallons of fuel maximum for various trips to the stores and restaurants in the local communities.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

It has a catalytic converter to pass 49-state emissions, but it doesn't meet California's more stringent requirements, so it's not legal there. In 2006, the rest of the U.S. will adopt CA's requirements, so I figured I'd better buy a 2005 model while the gettin' was good.