Lambretta 175/tv
LAMBRETTA 175/TV
CW Scooter Test
IN OUR MAY 1962 ISSUE we had the opportunity to have a lot of fun with the Lambretta 150LI so we were more than pleased when Ray Cotton of Lambretta’s Western Division offered us the use of one of their new “Slim Style” 175-TV Series 11 scooters. This is essentially the same machine as tested before but with many new improvements and a 175cc two-stroke engine.
The first turn around the block proved one strong point of the handsome new scooter at once; it goes like the wind. Though they say very little in their advertising, Lambretta has a scooter that performs better than any we have previously tested. Part of the secret lies in a new piston and the raising of the compression ratio from 7.8 to 1, to 8 to 1. Horsepower was also raised; from 7.8 to 8.75. A new carburetor is referred to as an automatic, it has a central float chamber but does not employ a tapered needle in the main jet. Lambretta says that performance has been improved with no sacrifice in economy.
Apart from the obvious changes from the previous model, including a narrower body shell (3-3/16"), the most significant is the interesting front brake. Though it does not resemble other type brakes of the same design, it is a disc unit. The difference lies in the fact that it is an internal expanding type and will stop the scooter in a most satisfying manner.
The red and gray model we tested employs another advanced method of construction in the use of fiberglass for certain body panels; the front fender, windshield and steering head dress plate.
It is also available in all-white as well, also a yellow and gray and 2-tone gray will soon be available, detailed with a good looking black leather covered double seat. As on previous Lambrettas the side panels of the body are removable for easy access to the innards for service. The seat lifts from the rear and is hinged at the front, under which lies the gasoline filler cap.
Front suspension is still by the contemporary trailing arm system and the rear is by a swinging arm unit that houses the drive chain and transmission. We spoke highly of the 150-LFs ride and handling last May, and we see no reason to amend our enthusiasm for the 175-TV’s abilities, since the basic systems are the same. Part of the stability can be laid to the excellent Michelin tires, their tread pattern extends well over on to the side walls. They are a healthy 17 inches in diameter.
Our test machine was too new to attempt a top speed run, but the distributors, Innocenti Corp., Lambretta Division, at 43 West 61st Street, New York 23, N.Y., quotes a top speed of 65 mph. We achieved almost that speed while treating the scooter with caution so we feel pretty certain that they are not exaggerating. Italians have a strong preference for high performing machines, so the advantages of listing speed as a selling point, for even a motor scooter, is obvious, on the home market anyway. The 175-TV is exemplary of the type of machine that is barred from many of our freeways while capable of cruising in excess of the speed limits on most of these throughways.
Price of the Lambretta 1 5-TV is $449.00, a spare wheel with tire and a chrome luggage rack are available for $30.00 if purchased with the scooter. As a concluding remark, none could be more decisive than the fact that a like machine placed 7 th'. overall in a 600 mile, 3-day scrambles, held in Wales, England. The rider was Allen Kimbler.
