I'm having another midlife crisis!!!!!

[LotusSevenMan]

Why? Well I traded my near perfect Kawasaki KR1 for............................... a 1962 Lambretta Li 150.
A hairdryer. Yes it's true. Might even dry hair if it was going. It ain't (but it will, it will). Once going it's going to get the Jimmy Cooper treatment but hopefully it won't end up under a Post Office van!
Now what made me do this dreadful act? Watched "Quadrophenia" too much I reckon. Watch out for that Tiger Tail ha ha

http://www.flickr.com/photos/81476041@N00/4501220466/

[Pete.L]

FaKinnel!! LSM
What d'you go and do that for? they wern't any good in the 60's let alone now .
Did you find some old quayludes lyin around before you went out shopping?

Only joking old bean, looks like a good hair dryer, what do you thinks up with the engine?

Pete.l

[RAINMAKER]

Hey...........I think I know where you can get a jacket to go with the scooter !!!!

[LotusSevenMan]

Well Pete, it has the original 6v (yep 6 bleedin' volts only) igntion system and with that being 47 years old it won't help the issues!
I have bought a full 12volt upgraded electronic system as in flywheel etc. Trouble is, there were originally 6 different wiring systems whether there were batteries and a/c or d/c etc etc. I think I'll have to make up a new loom but it isn't rocket science.
How about this for Italian 'sense of the ridiculous'.
The series 1, 2 and some 3 Scooters had the ignition wired via the stop switch and rear light element. Result? If the brake light bulb blows or the rear brake light switch fails you lose the ignition too!!! Eeeek.
Security? Well mine has just a poxy steering lock. No key switch; just an ignition kill push button only. So I guess the best security measure would be to remove the rear light cover, take the bulb out and replace the cover. That'd fool the bu**ers!!!!!!!

[Pete.L]

Ah that's fantastic Okay, I know it's going to be a pain in the a$$ but some new electrics after 40 years and you'll have a working classic on your hands. I used to have a mate with an RS 2000 who used to remove his HT lead as a saftey feature to stop it getting nicked, a bulb sound pretty cool to me Good luck with the rebuild

Pete.l

[benny hedges]

oh deary me.............
i hate them things lol!!!
a lad at work is trying to sell a 64 vespa atm, all restored mint.
not sure what he wants for it like....

[LotusSevenMan]

Ah, Vespa. Better scoots altogether, but not what Jimmy from Quadrophenia had so no interest for me. It is ONLY that one that really does it for me.

Interesting that the one used for the film (as shown in my opening post) was sold two years ago. Made 36, yes 36 thousand pounds at Bonhams auctions!!!!!

[Jbrebel]

A mate of mine does them up-he makes a packet out of selling the restored ones. We have quite a large club locally that meets every week.

Not for me either though I just don't see the point of a scooter, well, tell a lie. I had one year’s ago and just used it as a work horse-70mpg+ was ace.

As regards riding them for pleasure it just doesn't equate for me. I find Wrigleys Airwaves more stimulating.

Each to there own I suppose. If you like it LSM that’s all that matters I suppose

Now get one of those Claymore jackets bought and be on your way

[tony.mon]

Any wheels are good wheels, but with the potholes round our way those small wheels look like a disaster waiting to happen....

Still, it'll be useful to use to pick up parts when you're halfway through a rebuild.

[AMCQ46]

LSM,
I cant criticise anyone who wants to ride alternatives to todays sports bikes, as I still enjoy riding my old KH125 even though it wont go above 65mph, so just go for it.................but next time give me 1st refusal on the KR1S

When its done like the one in your image it will be a thing to behold............good luck, and keep us uptodate on the electrical nightmare that is to be expected on an Italian bike with 6V electrics that is48 years old. [based on any 2 of those words in the same sentence, it will never run 2 dyas in a row ]

But on the plus side I am encouraged that I have more midlife crisis to look farward to.

Also a bizarre thought ..........your new bike must be close to your age [well it is to me], so I am not sure if that is a mile stone when your toys become older than you?............what does that mean?

[LotusSevenMan]

Well I got a 1050ukp for the KR1(not KR1S) so not bad really.
It was one of the best I have ever seen (and others thought so too).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/81476041@N00/2642311968/

At least you don't have to play too fast on one of those hairdryers. I mean the Ducati '916' gets knocked into fifth gear with one to go at just over 110mph so it can be a bit of a licence loser as can the VTR.
Even the KR1 250 was capable of up to 130mph and I did 120 on it with my advanced age/weight!!!

Well my toys are getting near my age (52). I also have some old stationary engines with my Amanco 2.25 open crank engine being of 1914 vintage................. so some of the toys are way older than me!!!

By the way, the 6v regulator box on the old Lammie is made by.........................Ducati Electronica. No wonder it doesn't work!!!
LSM

[sirch345]

Keep taking the tablets Chris (LSM) is my best advice

Chris.

[LotusSevenMan]

Tablets? Or watch "Quadrophenia" again. With my scoot problem and the VTR too I think I'm "Ignition Man" at the moment!!!!

[sirch345]

Tablets? Or watch "Quadrophenia" again. With my scoot problem and the VTR too I think I'm "Ignition Man" at the moment!!!!

What you need is Sparks



Chris.

[LotusSevenMan]

Oh ha bl%dy ha....................... LOVL. Good one.