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Basil

Basil

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I had a Moped (well actually Honda express) in College and even back then saved a ton on gas using it to commute to/from classes. Now, AAA reports gas prices are 57% higher than same time last year (and rising) and I’m thinking another small Honda may be in my future 🛵
 
I’ve had this scoot since a freshman in college. A 1963 Lambretta. I use it as often as practical depending on weather.
It’s a 4-speed, 175cc. Lots of fun to drive.

C776CC4C-C893-495B-A4F9-0DF70ECD477C.jpeg
 
Basil said:
That's more displacement than I would have thought. I was thinking 50, maybe 90 at the most.
Click to expand...
When they were produced, the engines went to 200cc. I can get a new head and piston for mine and easily increase it to more than 200cc. Parts are very obtainable. About 3 years ago I finally converted it to electronic ignition.
 
Mods and Rockers...

I'm with Elliot - get a "shifting" model, as opposed to the shiftless twist-n-go's. But seriously, a Honda will probably drive circles around a Lammy or Vespa when it comes to reliability. I've pushed my Vespa home more than once...
 
Popeye said:
Mods and Rockers...

I'm with Elliot - get a "shifting" model, as opposed to the shiftless twist-n-go's. But seriously, a Honda will probably drive circles around a Lammy or Vespa when it comes to reliability. I've pushed my Vespa home more than once...
Click to expand...
In the 52 years that I have been driving my Lambretta it has never left me stranded. It is actually a very dependable scooter, even driven around the world.

The story of Dr. Cesare Battaglini - Lambretta Watches Official

The Explorer and Legend Dr. Cesare Battaglini made an impressive long distance scooter trip in 1956 to 1959. He traverses every continent and sets a new record as he covers a total of 160,000 kilometres on a Lambretta 150D scooter that has been specially prepared at Innocenti’s experimental...
lambrettawatches.com lambrettawatches.com
 
Popeye said:
Mods and Rockers...

I'm with Elliot - get a "shifting" model, as opposed to the shiftless twist-n-go's. But seriously, a Honda will probably drive circles around a Lammy or Vespa when it comes to reliability. I've pushed my Vespa home more than once...
Click to expand...

My imitation of a "Mod" on a Honda 90, at seventeen. Never let me down.

Smod1967_2.jpg
 
Gliderman8 said:
In the 52 years that I have been driving my Lambretta it has never left me stranded. It is actually a very dependable scooter, even driven around the world.

The story of Dr. Cesare Battaglini - Lambretta Watches Official

The Explorer and Legend Dr. Cesare Battaglini made an impressive long distance scooter trip in 1956 to 1959. He traverses every continent and sets a new record as he covers a total of 160,000 kilometres on a Lambretta 150D scooter that has been specially prepared at Innocenti’s experimental...
lambrettawatches.com lambrettawatches.com
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Very interesting story - I had not heard that one before, thanks for sharing!

And I agree with you - the two stroke engines on Lambrettas and Vespas are very reliable. Not much can go wrong with them, but it helps to have a few spares in the "glovebox". The times I had to push my scooter home was (1) did not have a replacement spark plug with me, and (2) ran out of gas.

Doc, you look great! How long did it take to comb your hair just perfectly like that? (Assume that picture was before the engine was started.)
 
Mike, that was so long ago I don't even recall having hair! :ROFLMAO:
 
Popeye said:
Very interesting story - I had not heard that one before, thanks for sharing!

And I agree with you - the two stroke engines on Lambrettas and Vespas are very reliable. Not much can go wrong with them, but it helps to have a few spares in the "glovebox". The times I had to push my scooter home was (1) did not have a replacement spark plug with me, and (2) ran out of gas.

Doc, you look great! How long did it take to comb your hair just perfectly like that? (Assume that picture was before the engine was started.)
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I carry some basic tools and a spare spark plug. I have never run out of gas….. the Lambretta has a “reserve” built into gas valve. I’ve used it twice.
 
Gliderman8 said:
I carry some basic tools and a spare spark plug. I have never run out of gas….. the Lambretta has a “reserve” built into gas valve. I’ve used it twice.
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If memory serves me, the Vespa reserve was about three blocks long. :smile: I am exaggerating, but not much: the reserve was surprisingly small. (It could well be that I had something not adjusted properly, or the non-original fuel tap did not quite fit the tank, etc. )
 
By the way, the Lambretta came with a clever jack so you could change the rear wheel if required. It’s a small metal leg that attaches to the transmission case. Once you insert the jack, just pull back on the scooter and the jack “swings” down into the locked and raised position. Also interesting is the fact that it has split rims. Makes it easy to install a new tire.
 
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