One of two new colors

But don't believe it until you see the first ones hit the streets.

As recently reported in Two-Stroke Buzz and our friend Orin's Scootin' Old Skool, Genuine (sister company to Chicago-based Scooterworks), is now taking deposits on the first Stellas to hit our shores. As in Chicago shores, at least to start with.

Like all good scooter enthusiasts, we've been following this story for a long time - from rumors of emissions issues stopping production, to the factory strike in India (that's where they're made) that DID cease production, to will they or won't they buzz after the strike, to last summer's false start where Stella's return was said to be imminent.

But as you'll see if you visit the Scooterworks site, or read up on the saga at 2SB or Old Skool, things look real this time. In fact, one of our gang, Jack, called Scooterworks today and reports:

"...they said they will be arriving in January. They are virtually identical to the previous models except color selection which is: Black, Red, Tangerine Orange and (drum roll) Avocado Green with white wall tires! He described the green as a "military shade". They will be selling for $3399 + freight & prep in Chicago. He said to call the local Genuine Dealers to see if they will be receiving them because not all dealers will. He also recommends' deposits if you're serious because they expect strong demand."

Note also there's been a second new color, powder blue, discussed - and shown on the Scooterworks page, so we're gonna assume that's an option, too. We've seen pictures of the olive green one before, and it looks like 2SB has it posted here .

Guess we'll just wait for things to develop. Anyone ready to call our local Genuine dealer, RPM Motorsports?