Lambretta 150li

LAMBRETTA 150LI

Cycle World Scooter Test

THE name Lambretta almost means scooter, the two are so synonymous throughout the world. For many years Lambretta motor scooters have all but dominated the scooter wOrld, especially in their country of origin, Italy, where they vie strongly with only one other make for almost total domination of the market that furnishes one of the least expensive forms of transportation available.

Here at CYCLE WORLD it is difficult to evaluate any two-wheeled vehicle without making references (and cross references) to other vehicles of like nature. Naturally this basis for comparison is often based upon full size motorcycles, and it is in this area that we occasionally bêbome hyper-critical. Al] motor -scooters fail, in varying degrees of course, in solving the rather basic problems of being forced to employ comparatively small wheels. Also, quite naturally, the engineers employed by fimi§ like Lambretta are fully conscious of this problem and are equally prepared to overcome the basic instability that is the result of a small wheel on a long wheelbase. The Lambretta most certainly reflects a great deal of thought and care in its 10" wheels and 17" o.d. tires and suspension.

Front suspension is by the contemporary trailing arm system found on many leading machines today, as is the rear suspension, but with a twist of its own. The engine is mounted as a unit with the swinging arm, chain drive case, differential gears and wheel hub. This system simplifies the drive unit considerably. A double row chain delivers power to the rear wheel from the 4-speed gear box; this must be considered as extra thought to strength and life of the unit. The chain runs in a fully enclosed housing.

Power is supplied by a single cylinder, two-stroke, 148cc displacement, bore/stroke of 57mm x 58mm, engine that develops 6.5 hp @ 5,300 rpm, not the most exciting in description but this is quickly forgotten when the “wick is turned up” and the scooter begins to move. This was a most pleasant surprise for the CYCLE WORLD test staff; the Lambretta 150 LFs performance is amazing. Top speed is in the 50 mph neighborhood and mileage is in the 100 mpg range.

It was in the riding and handling department that the Lambretta proved its merit; it corners superbly and with a large degree of stability and control. Comfort plays an important role in the selling of a scooter to a non-cycle oriented enthusiast. It is pertinent to note that comfort and good handling are not too compatible. Soft springing, pre-requisite for comfort, does not lend itself to the kind of handling and control necessary for severe cornering. Conversely, very stiff, or limited travel suspension of the kind found on competition vehicles gives just about the farthest thing in the world from a comfortable ride.

The Lambretta suspension is as near perfect a compromise as we have found in a scooter; it tracks beautifully under the most extreme conditions while cornering, though heeled at a critical angle.

Specifications are: 231 lbs. unladen weight, wheelbase 51", overall length 1\3A", ground clearance 6Vi" and overall height AW*". The electrical system is 6 volt and includes a horn and parking lights; power is supplied by a flywheel magneto. Lambrettas are imported by the Innocenti Corp., Lambretta Division, at 43 W. 61st St., New York, 23, New York. •