Introduction

When it comes to vintage scooters, the Genuine Stella stands out as a true icon. With its classic design and reliable performance, the Stella captures the essence of a bygone era. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the scooter world, the Stella offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and practicality.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Genuine Stella, explore its features, and discuss why it remains a beloved choice for scooter enthusiasts. Plus, we’ll provide links to specific parts and accessories available on Piston Ported to enhance your Stella riding experience.

The Legacy of the Stella

The Genuine Stella has its roots in Vespa’s iconic PX design from the late 1970s. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Stella isn’t just a modern scooter dressed in retro attire—it’s a genuine vintage scooter that remained in production for several decades. Let’s take a closer look at its journey:

1. Origins: After Vespa developed the PX design, they partnered with Indian-based manufacturer LML (among others) to produce these scooters. LML became the largest manufacturing arm of Vespa for their PX line, and the Stella inherited the technological advancements of that era.
2. 2-Stroke Power: The 2-stroke Stella 150 made its way to the USA in batches, except for California due to stringent regulations. It was available from 2003 to 2006, with a brief return in 2008 and 2009. Genuine made some improvements during this period, including replacing the original external pickup stator with a more traditional internal pickup stator found on Vespa PX's.
3. Transition to 4-Stroke: In 2010, Genuine aimed to replace the 2-stroke Stella with a cleaner-burning 4-stroke version. However, customs delays pushed the 4-stroke Stella’s showroom debut to 2011. For the first time, it was also imported to Canada. 4 stroke Stellas are not as versatile as the original 2t due to the lack of parts availability now that LML has closed.
4. Automatic Stella: In 2014, Genuine introduced an automatic version of the Stella, equipped with a smaller 125cc motor. This model featured a modern CVT and relocated the spare tire to accommodate the transmission. This for all intents and purposes might be the WORST scooter ever made and doomed LML to go out of business. Parts for this model are near impossible to find at times although we do our best to locate and stock what we can for the most common failure points.

Why Choose the Genuine Stella?

Pros:

• Technological Advancements: The Stella boasts a reed valve vs. rotary valve design, making it one of the most technologically advanced PX-style scooters.
• Affordability: If you’re looking for a true PX design without breaking the bank, the Stella delivers. Its purchase price is wallet-friendly.
• Color Variety: With an array of vibrant colors, you can express your personality through your Stella.
• Spacious Glovebox: The cavernous glovebox provides ample storage for your essentials.

Cons:

• Resale Value: While the Stella offers an authentic vintage experience, its resale value may not match Vespa-branded PX scooters.
• Limited Underseat Storage: Unlike some scooters, the Stella lacks underseat storage space.
• They are expensive to maintain if you are not familiar or at least willing to learn how to do your own maintenance and trouble-shooting. Remember the 2t Stella is essentially a 1978 Vespa P series so owning one is basically owning a vintage scooter with all the caveats that go with that. 
• The electrical system is overly complex and prone to failures. Things like pinched wires, clutch switch failures and fuel gauge level sender failures are all par for the course.

Enhance Your Stella Experience

To elevate your Stella riding pleasure, consider these accessories available on Piston Ported:

1. Stella Rear Rack: Add extra storage capacity with a sturdy rear rack. Perfect for carrying essentials or a stylish top case.
2. Performance Exhaust System: Boost your Stella’s performance and give it a throatier sound with a high-quality exhaust system.
3. Performance Cylinder Kit: Unlock your Stella's true potential with a BGM Pro 177 Cylinder Kit

Remember, the Genuine Stella isn’t just a scooter—it’s a piece of history that continues to captivate riders worldwide. So hop on your Stella, feel the wind in your hair, and relish the timeless charm of this remarkable two-wheeler.

Note: All links provided are from Piston Ported, your trusted source for Genuine Stella parts and accessories.