Modern Vespa

Hey, hope this isn't too scandalous to ask on a Vespa board (!), but... I just wondered if there's a good site out there that folks here who also have Lambrettas use to discuss maintenance and troubleshooting issues?

I have a '71 J50 Special, which I'd wager is the slowest scooter on earth, and I'd like to get some tips n tricks (and just general advice) for improving its performance. I read that very few were ever imported into the states.

Thanks!

There may be some minor overlap between these models and a few small Vespas (and maybe other scoots, and even mopeds).

E.g., the DellOrto SHB 1812 carb may have been fitted to some earlier Vespa 50s.

To say it's not a strong runner is an understatement. Top speed: maybe 25mph on a slight descent!

I cleaned and reassembled the carb right away after I got it this winter, and also replaced the fuel line, fuel tap and then sealed up the leaking air hose, but now that a carb rebuild kit with gaskets, float and float needle has arrived, I should redo it properly.

Then, to check the exhaust a bit closer.

LCUSA, LCGB, scooterotica

If you are in the US, definitely check out LCUSA, i found it very valuable for my Serveta.

LCUSA
Is only $30.00 bucks per year and well worth it.

That looks to be a nice original j50. Congratulations! I've never owned or even ridden one of these but by all accounts they are very slow.

That said, there are a bunch of new parts being developed by Casa Lambretta for 'Small frame' Lambrettas.

[url]www.jet200.com[/url]

...is a U.S. Casa distributor. I'd give them a call to see what can be done.

EDIT: Yes, LCUSA is a great group (#226 here). Easily worth the small annual fee.

That's a sweet J50. LCUSA is the best place for information and advice. There is a good contingent of Lambretta owners up in your neck of the woods. Introduce yourself there, and I'm sure you can find some help (maybe even in person). A contingent of vintage clubs in the area are having a their summer camping rally this weekend near Boston. I don't do FB, but look for "God Save the Trailer Queen"

http://nerally.com/

Appreciate the suggestions, sdjohn, Tahoe, pemkt and starreem

I probably won't be affording one of the faster, bigger vintage Lambrettas in this lifetime. But there's always the chance of tuning & tweaking the 50cc that I do got. Great news about more new performance parts coming on the market soon. Cheers

try to look up adam bauer - solepower scooters. Looks like his web site may have gone defunct, but he was making custom cylinders for his wife's cento and she was doing road racing with them. i believe he also did a custom expansion pipe for that one. really solid work, and he could help you get much faster if the need arises .

*edit* find him on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Motor-Vehicle-Company/Sole-Power-Scooters-1375936802685766/

Yeah...join LCUSA...all the info and help you need.

Don't be tempted to spring for the Casa 75cc kit, it doesn't make enough of a difference. Instead, hold out a few more weeks for the new Rimini 135cc kit and associated goodies.

Read all about them (and everything else J-range related) on the the J-range FB group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127913537284096/

Thanks Norman. Didn't know about that FB page...

In the meantime, after I finish a VBB engine rebuild, I'll tinker a bit more with the J50, carb and top end.