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Wow, it's been a long time since I've been here. Time flies when life happens.

Update on the Aprilia : That bike has been worth its weight in gold. With some CVT tuning (the previous owner had 9G rollers) and cutting the rev limiter, she cruises nicely at 40 (GPS checked) with some left. I even hold speed uphill most of the time. I've put a few thousand miles on her and she's one of the best scooter purchases I've made.

Since then I have also sold the ZNEN after hitting the 10K mark. I got $900 for her and she went to a friend I know won't ride her as hard as I did, and I'm confident he got a good bike.

I also picked this up for cheap from a local dealer.



Somebody moved and couldn't take it with them. The dealer bought it for pennies because it wasn't running. I bought it for slightly more pennies, got it running and immediately wound up replacing the clutch. But it's been a great bike. It's a 150 4t Stella. I'm averaging a documented 88mpg with it. That's actually 10mpg better than the Aprilia is getting me.

It's been a weird few years for everyone, but I think I'll check in more.

I hope everyone is doing well and still scooting.

Don't misunderstand me. It wasn't the top end speed that surprised me, but rather the lack of acceleration. I fully anticipated that I'd be puttering around at 30, and the intent was to use this bike for suburban crawling. I would just prefer to have the ability to get out of people's way. It was interesting that there were 9g rollers in the CVT. Dropping to 7g dramatically improved pickup.

It's just amazing to have a bike that makes my 150 feel "big and powerful". 

I love the way the bike feels and handles. I've already put a couple hundred miles on it. It was no mistake at all. The only upgrades planned for this bike are the aforementioned roller swap and perhaps a little up-jetting, but I am loth to modify this little machine. It is very well engineered and it would seem a crime to do so.

Any mods for increased speed will be on one of my other three bikes that are fully licensed and insured per Michigan law. And if you are going to quote me, please include the entire quote. I wasn't complaining about the speed, simply making comparisons between the Aprilia and the 40 year old Vespa. 

"It is everything the P200E wasn't ... quiet, smooth and oh so slow." Everything I expected.

Both good options. I can’t say enough good stuff about my ZNEN 150.

“Ride like a demon on your death machine”.

I just don’t see that as a marketing campaign for the new Honda Metropolitan.

So, anyway ... yesterday was the first day that I had any real decent riding weather since the last tweak. I took the Stella out for a short ride just to mess with the idle and to open her up a bit.

Everything feels really good, except I need to adjust the clutch a little. (this is important) On my way back, I was turning right onto 28th Street from Division and I got behind a guy I recognized. He drives a really nice mid '90s Corvette. I'm not a big fan of the style, but it's a really pretty dark green with a tan top. It's a pretty car. So, we turned the corner and I couldn't keep up because ... well ... Corvette/scooter. Things are just sometimes that way. At the next intersection I decided to make the left turn so I could pull up beside him. I couldn't get his attention before the light turned green. Traffic begins to move and I pull the clutch to put it in 1st and ... no clutch.

Sometimes cables break. The clutch is usually the first to go. So, traffic is moving, I have the flashing yellow turn light, so I know I have 30 seconds for a plan B.

Plan B on a scooter usually involves a leisurely stroll pushing said scooter.

So, the hill on my street is unavoidable, and usually not a problem until you quadruple your weight. I got my day's worth of cardio in and made it home to find that the cable hadn't actually broken, but rather the adjustment at the end had slipped. So, just an adjustment. It's one of these stupid things :



I hate them.

I had some daylight left, so I decided to get the Vespa out. I haven't ridden it in quite a while. It reminded me what a great bike it is.

So, looking at the three bikes I ride side by side, I think I've decided to get the Stella up and running and sell it. I'll get more cash for it than the ZNEN, and the thing is, I really like the ZNEN. If I want wheelies and smashing gears and the smell of oil I have the Vespa. And it's the real deal. The Stella just looks like one. (I'm not a real doctor, but I play one on tv.) The ZNEN is comfortable, twist and go and just easy to ride. If I sell it, I give that up. I have two good bikes I ride for different reasons. I'm going to keep it that way. And I have no emotional attachment to the Stella. I won't miss it. The ZNEN was our first bike, my wife and I both tested on it, it's been camping with us and I have over 6000 (mostly) good miles on it. And I know the bike. There's a lot to be said for that.

Looks like all of my links were broken. I took a minute to update them.

Thanks for that. Still not sure what to cull from the herd.

I drove it about 10 miles last weekend. I know it's running lean, but it hit 50 without much problem. I hear a little bit of popping through the exhaust, so I'm (hopefully) going to adjust the valves tonight.

Everything feels nice and tight, just like a new bike should. I can see keeping it just for peace of mind. Every time I get on my P, it seems like I worry that something is going to fail. Not that it ever has ... it's never left me stranded, but it's almost 40 years old.

I'll keep everyone posted.