Stella and my many firsts

MANILA, Philippines - There’s always a first for everything. After close to a decade of covering the motoring beat, for example, it was my first time to attend a launch that started with a Holy Mass. For a while, I thought the distributor who’d invited us needed a lot of prayers to be able to sell his new product. After the solemn ceremony, however, came the bikini scooter wash. This was another first for me! As it turned out, however, the most important first was the debut of the product that was to be launched – the Stella scooter, which is distributed exclusively in Manila by 2211 Works.

2211 Works, the one stop shop of modern and vintage scooters, started servicing and restoring scooters in 1998 and in 2004 began importing and selling Italian brand scooters. In 2009, however, they gave up the official dealership of those famous brands. Early this year, they decided to bring in scooters again. According to 2211 Works President Migs Oca, “If we’re going to bring in something, it better be as good or better than those we brought in before.” Thus, the 2011 Stella.

2211 Works brings to Manila the Stella from Genuine Scooter Company of Chicago, Illinois. The Stella, assembled in India, looks exactly the same as the famous vintage scooter icon but is different on the inside. It is a true modern vintage scooter that is now greener with a 147.55cc 4-stroke air-cooled engine. It therefore has less emissions – perhaps the reason for it being one of the few modern vintage scoots that can still roam the streets of America.

The scooter’s chassis is an all metal semi-monocoque combined with a modern seat with 4 colors to choose from and handle grips of your choice. Compared to the 2-stroke Stella, this one has a halogen headlight, reflector on both sides of the front fender, chrome trimmings including the side-mirrors, an adjustable load suspension, and it now has a front disc brake assisted by a rear drum. In an effort to preserve the vintage look, its spare tire is placed on its rear left side.

Accessorizing the Stella is very easy. Name it and 2211 Works has it. You can install a wrap around chrome crash guard, front and rear carriers, foot pegs for back riders, a windshield, and even a side-car made and shipped directly from Scooterworks USA of Chicago, which is a sister company of Genuine Scooter Co.

With consumption numbers of 60 kms./liter (city riding), it’s quite the miser. The Stella can run up to more than 100kph tops. Awarded by Motorcycle.com as Best Scooter for 2011, The Stella is being sold here at P172,000 with LTO registration.

I did try the scooter out. As I was on board the Stella, the acceleration felt good. I liked the comfort of the saddle and the quiet engine sound. I think I can work with Stella inside my office or sleep with her in my bedroom with the engine turned on. That’s how quiet and green Stella is.

As Genuine Scooter Company says, “You’ll find the Stella in as many colors as the personalities that love to ride it.” With ten colors to choose from, you’d genuinely fall in love with Stella.