March 2014 – Scooterworks USA Blog

How does the old saying go? Something about chrome not getting you home? Well like it or not, Ken, our tech advisor, has de-chromified this Stella – partially in homage to Stella’s P Series ancestors, partially because he is a chrome hater.

All bezels have been swapped out for black. The clear lenses were replaced with amber lenses that would make even Stan Lee take notice. The aluminum legshield trim was replaced with a crimp-free black one. Even the stock rims were changed to black. Ken also ditched the centerstand in favor of the black Cuppini sidestand.

Nose dives at red lights? Forget those. The front suspension was given a huge upgrade with the Bitubo gas shock that fits all Stellas and P-Series Vespas.

This green love machine also got our prototype 4T exhaust, for that distinct growl your grandmother warned you about. (This pipe is still in development, so stay tuned. [Pun intended. Deal with it.]) The beefy black rear rack is expected by this summer, and works on both the Stella 4T and Auto.

UPDATE: The rear rack is finally here, in chrome!

Build List:

Stella Platform Rack (coming soon)

Sidestand (SSC1)

Bitubo Front Shock 174446BP

Black 10” Rim (R10B)

Floormat (FMPS)

Set of Four Amber Lenses (185979S)

Black Legshield Trim (LTR1-B)

Euro Tail light (140000)

Grips (179833)

While this scooter didn’t quite start out as a barn find, it wasn’t too far off. It had its humble beginnings as a bodge job, meaning that, at some point, someone made it look decent and wired it up like they were high on glue.

Ryan Jeffries, Scooterworks alum, 100cc land speed record holder and all-around good guy, took this 1966 Vespa Super home with him and brought it up to snuff. He started by stripping the bike down to just a frame and a fender. He saved what he could, but some of it was better off in the trash. Ryan then did a bit of body work, repainted the frame and fender along with the cowls and tank, and redid the trim. He ran all new cables and a harness and replaced the rubber bits along the way.

This scooter got a brand new LML 150cc 5 port engine, which included a 20/20 carb and a stock exhaust. The new engine has an edge over its Vespa predecessor, with reed induction and electronic ignition.

All of the fun stuff like the lights and switches were wired in. Brand new bearings, suspension and steering went up the chimney with care. The change over to a Sprint fork allowed this Super to run on 10” wheels, just like it always wished for. Fresh rims, tubes and tires were installed along with new grips, levers, seat and speedo.

Anyone who has ever restored anything knows that it is a labor of love. Faithful restorations take time, money and an insane amount of patience. NOS parts have long since dried up in many cases; repops don’t have same charm and, in some cases, quality. If you are thinking about restoring the old Vespa in your uncle’s garage, or the one you got on Craigslist that ‘just needs a carb cleaning’, we’re here to help. We also carry some great books and manuals to help you on your way, and a boatload of accessories for when you’re finished.

Partial build list:

Two Tires Two Tubes Two Rims Deal (2T2R2T)

Rear Shock (83816)

Front Shock (137571S)

Front Fork Assembly (152300)

Engine Side Cowl (100097)

Glovebox Side Cowl (91836)

Cowl Rubber (135231B)

Sprint/Super Seat (CSS1)

Floor Rail Kit (FRKVNB)

Centermat (85072)

Centermat Trim (85074)