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Classic Bike Trackdays

Lambretta...sort of.

 
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James P



Joined: 31 Mar 2013
Posts: 184
Location: Sydney, Australia

PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:24 pm    Post subject: Lambretta...sort of. Reply with quote

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this is "Diffrent Strokers"...!

For the uninitiated, this is what a standard Lambretta GP looks like (random photo from internet):

Apart from a few detail differences and cylinder bore size, the 125, 150 and 200 models are the same.

This is what the bare frame looks like (photo from Scooter Restorations):


Among all my Lambretta stuff, I had a bare frame which a friend had given me almost 25 years ago. The back end had already been cut off, so I decided to build something non standard:





This shows how the stand is stowed for travelling:

The main spine of the frame has not been cut and the suspension and engine-transmission unit are based on standard Lambretta, so the wheelbase has not been altered. The front brake is a standard Lambretta enclosed mechanical disc brake, converted to reverse-pull (so that braking force increases as the suspension compresses).
A new sub-frame assembly was made to fit a TA125 replica fuel tank and seat unit. The foot rests are YZF R1 pegs and brake pedal, mounted on custom-made plates and struts.
Handlebars are shortened "Junior Ace" bars with clutch and gear-change on the left, throttle and front brake on the right. The handlebar clamp is from a Lambretta LD model, circa 1957.

The engine-transmission case is standard. The cylinder is a "TS-1" (port layout similar to early RD350LC), with an IT175 piston, RZ350YPVS reed block and the standard crankshaft has been modified to fit an RD400 conrod with RG500 big end bearing. Clutch is standard with strong springs and the gearbox is a "Cyclone" five-speed. Carb is a modified and rejetted Mikuni TM28 from an RG250 with a K&N filter on the end of a snorkel. I fabricated the exhaust using pressings from UK Lambretta specialist Mark Broadhurst, along with various standard bends, scrap plate and a Jim Lomas silencer. Ignition is CDI with a variable retard box.

In a nod to practicality, I've included a small detachable rack on the bottom part of the main frame spine.
Instead of a spring-loaded side stand, I made a centre stand from two telescoping tubes which plug onto fittings welded to the frame. This makes wheel changing much easier. When on the move, the stand tubes fit inside each other and are stored on brackets on the frame spine.

The whole bike weighs 82kg with oil, but no fuel. I have started up the engine to set the ignition timing, but haven't actually taken it on the road yet. When designing the frame modifications, I did put some effort into the riding position - I hope it won't be too uncomfortable...!

Regards,
James
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R1Zman



Joined: 25 Feb 2012
Posts: 94
Location: Northampton

PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 4:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes that's certainly different - so left field it's off the pitch & into into the car park! It would look great with a few sainsbury's bags strapped to the basket. Bloody brilliant idea mate - just don't trip up over the speedo cable when you step off it! Not Worthy
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Gillinghampaul



Joined: 15 Aug 2012
Posts: 655
Location: Kent

PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 5:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Its different and a stroker so welcome here! And I kike it too, nice to see creations like this, I love the engineering solutions people come up with especially the engine mods, you really can make anything fit
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Haggler



Joined: 04 Apr 2013
Posts: 66
Location: Northants

PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 9:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's wicked, dunno if I'd fancy riding it but it looks a million dollars Very Happy
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StrokerBoy
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Joined: 15 Nov 2006
Posts: 1293
Location: Oop North, UK

PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 6:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For what it's worth, I like Lambretta GP's anyway, not that I've ever owned or even ridden one. Embarassed

Your creation however is ace, a work of utter genius. Clap Not Worthy
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DSBBadmin
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Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 6:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

More of this kind of thing please ! Cool
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James P



Joined: 31 Mar 2013
Posts: 184
Location: Sydney, Australia

PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for all the positive feedback!

I take the point about the speedo cable and may shorten it (more) in future. I originally wanted to fit a more decorative speedo, but haven't yet found one with the correct drive ratio and a sensible range (i.e. 0-120 or 0-140km/h). I therefore fitted a standard Lambretta speedo on a custom bracket with a shortened cable.

I am a bit concerned that this bike may be too modified for legal road use, but will find out when I have it inspected sometime during the next couple of weeks Confused .
If I do get it on the road, I'll report back on the relative level of comfort Laughing .

Thanks again & regards,
James
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DSBBadmin
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Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 1:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Almost made a fool of myself. Was about to offer you star billing on our stand at our next show. Then I noticed where you were. Crybaby

Would be great to display this at Stafford in October. Some of the punters would get it and would love it as much as us. A lot would hate it, but they'd all stop and look at it. There won't be another one there anyway.

The offer still stands if you want to ship it over. We'll look after it, honest... Innocent
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Darin
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Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 444
Location: Isle of Wight

PostPosted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Holy sh*t James - what you been smokin'!?! Laughing

I have to say that IS certainly diff'rent and a stroker, so as Paul says it's perfect for here . . . but you are clearly barking mad - but in a good way of course!

If you find yourself visiting the UK in October (around the Stafford area), bring it with you - I reckon it would fit in your hand luggage.

Good luck getting it on the road Thumbs Up
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emzedder



Joined: 15 Dec 2006
Posts: 324
Location: E.Anglia

PostPosted: Thu May 01, 2014 6:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Absolutely beautiful ... love it. Original design and very nicely engineered ... I'd have that standing in my shed any day!
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Gillinghampaul



Joined: 15 Aug 2012
Posts: 655
Location: Kent

PostPosted: Thu May 01, 2014 6:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Standing in your shed!!!!!!! Thats blasphemy, i would have to be out riding it no matter how contorted i may be!
But then i am a gag fan
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emzedder



Joined: 15 Dec 2006
Posts: 324
Location: E.Anglia

PostPosted: Thu May 01, 2014 7:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

... goes without saying ... now inactive showpieces this way ....
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James P



Joined: 31 Mar 2013
Posts: 184
Location: Sydney, Australia

PostPosted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the invitation to Stafford, although I fear I may not arrive until after October, even if I got on the bike and left now Laughing !

If the DS stand will be displaying any photos, feel free to use any of the ones I've already posted, or get in touch for some higher-resolution ones.

Thanks & regards,
James
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twosmoke



Joined: 10 Sep 2008
Posts: 37
Location: Leicestershire

PostPosted: Fri May 02, 2014 10:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Diff'rent for sure! Very novel that your sandwich box goes where the engine would normally be.
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