The 2012 Genuine Scooter Co. Stella, one of the major scooters from United States manufacturer Genuine Scooters, was released in two variants: the Stella 150 and the Stella 150 4-Stroke. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price was set at $3,599 for the Stella 150 and $3,699 for the Stella 150 4-Stroke.
The distinguishing feature between the two models is the engine. The Stella 150 4-Stroke is aptly named, since it is powered by a four-stroke engine; the regular Stella uses a two-stroke engine. However, the Stella 150 4-Stroke engine actually displaces at 147.5 cubic centimeters (cc), instead of 150 cc like the other model. Also, the Stella 150 4-Stroke, with 90 miles per gallon (mpg), is less fuel efficient than the Stella 150, which provides 140 mpg.
The engine on each 2012 Genuine Scooter Co. Stella is an air-cooled single-cylinder unit, with a reed valve train and a carburetor fueling it. It is paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and it can be ignited using the scooter’s electric starter.
For braking power, the 2012 Genuine Scooter Co. Stella has a hydraulic disc brake located at the front and a drum brake located at the back. Even though it is not as powerful as disc brakes on both ends, the front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake layout surpasses the all-wheel drum brake layout. In order to ensure good handling, Genuine Scooters provided the 2012 Stella with a suspension consisting of a single arm at the front and a single-sided swing arm with a shock absorber at the rear. Each scooter rides on ten-inch steel wheels.
The 2012 Genuine Scooter Co. Stella is built with a steel frame and is available in five color finishes: Red, Black, Creme, Avocado, and Dijon Yellow. The one-piece vinyl seat is big enough to accommodate the driver and a passenger, and the scooter has a center stand for parking.
Digital instrumentation on the 2012 Genuine Scooter Co. Stella consists of a speedometer, trip odometer, and fuel level warning indicator. Storage on the scooter consists of a lockable compartment, a glove box underneath the dashboard, and a place to hang a helmet. Also included on the 2012 Stella are halogen lighting and a pair of side mirrors for improved visibility while driving.
For those looking at the 2012 model-year scooters from Genuine Scooters, the Stella is one of the better offerings. This is mainly due to its high fuel efficiency, particularly with the two-stroke Stella model, as well as decent stopping power and handling.