Stella, my stella
Yesterday I purchased a blue Stella. I was completely unaware that they were discontinuing these scooters in the US. Apparently amidst all my online research I missed that part. So, I feel lucky I got one. The only two left at the Vespa shop were pink and blue. There was a used orange one, but I wanted a new one.
So, until I have picture of my own, here is a sample.
I have much learning to do.
12 comments:
Awsome! Why are they discontinuing them?
Steph
I am not sure why, the salesguy said something about no catalytic converter, but it does have one, so it must be some other emission thing...
I wish they would discontinue SUV's for emissions rather than some puny scooters. Anyway, congratulations!
` Hee hee! That's an awesome scooter. I could use one; my car is sick.
` BTW, new posts as always eventually happens.
you've inspired me to check out purchasing a scooter as well.
i've been talking about it with Kurt, and after the scooter rally this weekend - i might just get a black one!
then we can go to scooter rallies together! when is the next one in St. Louis?
I have no idea, at this point. I have to get my motorcycle license before I can go to a rally, besides I'd look like a total dork, not knowing how to ride.
Good luck finding a black one, I hope you can, I wish I had, I was really set on the red too. Oh well, the blue is pretty too.
Looks great. I am envious! Who told you they were discontinuing them here? I wouldd ask Peter's brother Troy ('Mr Danger'), he runs a scooter club here in Denver so probably knows all there is to know about your scooter. I think he may have just bought the same one you did...not sure.
The Vespa guy said they aren't selling them in the US after this year, or they can't import them after the 2005 model, I'm not sure what he was saying exactly. Just that Genuine Scooter can't get them anymore and they are harder to find in all colors. I didn't want to spend a ton on shipping or I would have went online to try to find the colors I wanted.
But I'm ok with blue anyway. I'll have to ask this Danger-guy about it more, I guess.
After some sifting around I found this:
Indian scooter manufacturer Lohia Machines Ltd (LML) continues to fight financial and labor woes, as a lockout starting May 7–following strikes and protests–continues amid complaints from the workers’ union that interim payments are not being distributed properly. (It also appears they’ve blown off their web hosting bill). It’s unclear if LML has produced any scooters at all since the beginning of the year. While the Indian business press has frequently reported on potential investors and buyers, nothing has come of these rumors to date.
With demand for small motorcycles and modern automatic scooters on the rise (in India and worldwide), the Honda Eterno, Bajaj Chetak, and LML Star together accounted for only 16% of Indian scooter production in 2006, including 95,000 Eternos, and a combined 70,000 Stars and Chetaks. The Chetak presumably outsold the Star in the Indian market, so LML could certainly benefit from the Chetak’s recent demise (not to mention the demise of the Vespa PX150). Another sales boost comes from the hot, but relatively small, market for the Stella and Belladonna (both LML-manufactured variations of the Star) in the USA and New Zealand, respectively.
As it stands, most US Stella dealers are running very low on stock, and Genuine’s large backorder is–at best–months away (LML surely has domestic obligations, and Belgian, British, and other international dealers are promising a 2006 model). Sadly, it may never come, unfortunate considering US demand has never been higher. Genuine’s deal with PGO (manufacturers of their Buddy 50, 125, and Black Kat, along with other models likely to be announced soon) should reduce the shock on Genuine, their dealers, and scooterists, and Belladonna has introduced a Vino knockoff to their lineup. But those with their hearts set on a Stella would be wise to act fast and settle for whatever color they can get (some colors appear to be sold out nationwide), or place an order for what, if it comes, will likely be the last batch of metal-bodied 2-stroke geared scooters to ever see American soil.
from website: http://2strokebuzz.com/index.php/?cat=30
Sounds like you got a collectors model.
Steph
same as mine :}
Cool, Mr. Danger, too bad you're not here, you could give me lessons.
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