Round the world on a standard 150

[TrackTen]

I am currently running something very close to a standard SX150 engine that was supposed to be only temporary and I have been very surprised with how much I like it. I had intended to build something with a bit more power for this scooter but now I am not so sure.

My question is - does anyone , has anyone, used a standard 150 in recent times as a go everywhere scooter , rallying etc ?

And do you think it would be madness and unbearable to try and ride it on a foreign trip of 800 or so miles each way ?

[Solid Air]

If it reaches the speed you want it too then enjoy it for what it is and soak up the scenery as you ride. I did a big trip this summer and rode everywhere at 50-55mph, as I was in no rush and that was the speed limit. It's not always about going fast

[Adam_Winstone]

I did Milan 2-up in 97 with a GP150 motor in my bike. TBH it was absolutely fine, performance was good and petrol economy was excellent.

Ok, so not recently (lol) but I don't think the roads / logistics gave changed that much.

SX150 and GP150 exactly the same performance, regardless of what the books say and the 20mm vs 22.

[TrackTen]

I did Milan 2-up in 97 with a GP150 motor in my bike. TBH it was absolutely fine, performance was good and petrol economy was excellent.

Ok, so not recently (lol) but I don't think the roads / logistics gave changed that much.

SX150 and GP150 exactly the same performance, regardless of what the books say and the 20mm vs 22.

I completely agree with the last point - I have recently had a nice GP150 that went well but I think I prefer this engine with the 20mm carb on it and it is no slower than the GP was.

I also have a Li125 gearbox in currently on the SX , everyone says that gearbox is rubbish but i find it MUCH better than the GP/SX box. A doddle to pull away in traffic due to the silly low gear and 1st to 2nd not an issue - but 3rd to 4th miles better than the GP/SX box

On the standard 5.65 ratio that seems spot on - very decent hill climbing even in 4th for a 150

Thats a long way 2 up on a 150 , certainly proof then that its doable

[TrackTen]

If it reaches the speed you want it too then enjoy it for what it is and soak up the scenery as you ride. I did a big trip this summer and rode everywhere at 50-55mph, as I was in no rush and that was the speed limit. It's not always about going fast

If I am not trying to get anywhere in a hurry about 50 is a nice speed for me

[Storkfoot]

If you, say, took the Portsmouth to Caen ferry, you could weave your way through France from Caen for hundreds of miles without having to go on a fast A road. You would, however, need to either prepare your route properly, or set your SatNav correctly. It is easy to take a wrong turn and end up on a motorway though

I’d avoid the ferry ports near Rotterdam though. They can be too busy especially when coming back in to port.

I’m thinking of doing something similar next year on a standard 200. But, I’ll definitely not be taking camping gear or loads of tools and spares.

[Scooterslag]

I am currently running something very close to a standard SX150 engine that was supposed to be only temporary and I have been very surprised with how much I like it. I had intended to build something with a bit more power for this scooter but now I am not so sure.

My question is - does anyone , has anyone, used a standard 150 in recent times as a go everywhere scooter , rallying etc ?

And do you think it would be madness and unbearable to try and ride it on a foreign trip of 800 or so miles each way ?

I don't do any long distance rallies but my standard SX150 is my only daily transport which carries me around quite nicely. I do think the humble 150 lump is undervalued today and ( for most stuff) is still a valid engine. On the subject of traveling around the world - there is a Italian couple who have covered some major touring distances around the globe on a standard SX150
https://www.facebook.com/wildrideonlambretta. All the best Paul

[TrackTen]

I am currently running something very close to a standard SX150 engine that was supposed to be only temporary and I have been very surprised with how much I like it. I had intended to build something with a bit more power for this scooter but now I am not so sure.

My question is - does anyone , has anyone, used a standard 150 in recent times as a go everywhere scooter , rallying etc ?

And do you think it would be madness and unbearable to try and ride it on a foreign trip of 800 or so miles each way ?

I don't do any long distance rallies but my standard SX150 is my only daily transport which carries me around quite nicely. I do think the humble 150 lump is undervalued today and ( for most stuff) is still a valid engine. On the subject of traveling around the world - there is a Italian couple who have covered some major touring distances around the globe on a standard SX150
https://www.facebook.com/wildrideonlambretta. All the best Paul

Thanks for pointing me at that couple Paul - I had not seen their exploits. Looks like they have some amazing adventures on their 150.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

Back in the 70’s, if something was wrong with your ‘main’ scooter (200 cc minimum, of course ) you could buy a ‘hack’ to keep you mobile very cheaply.

So it was I bought a GP150 & rode it, caning it everywhere. Despite the infamous gearbox, it was ideal for purpose. The only thing I changed was the exhaust for a gutted ‘straight through box’ & the forks for a set of 200’s with disc brake. It revved on a bit more than OEM & accelerated quicker. Mind you, we had better fuel IMO! How people can ride any large frame without dampers is beyond me

[TrackTen]

Back in the 70’s, if something was wrong with your ‘main’ scooter (200 cc minimum, of course ) you could buy a ‘hack’ to keep you mobile very cheaply.

So it was I bought a GP150 & rode it, caning it everywhere. Despite the infamous gearbox, it was ideal for purpose. The only thing I changed was the exhaust for a gutted ‘straight through box’ & the forks for a set of 200’s with disc brake. It revved on a bit more than OEM & accelerated quicker. Mind you, we had better fuel IMO! How people can ride any large frame without dampers is beyond me

Some dampers are going on over the winter but I am pretty sure my ears will not enjoy your exhaust upgrade

[Nudger]

150cc engines are vastly under appreciated in my opinion. I don't think Innocenti really wanted to go above 175cc. If you're riding on your own and making a long journey abroad then I'd say a standard 150cc is perfecto

[Cgt75b]

If Mark Beaumont can cycle round the world in 80 days, then a 150 Lambretta would be a complete breeze.

[TrackTen]

If Mark Beaumont can cycle round the world in 80 days, then a 150 Lambretta would be a complete breeze.

A fair point - but I was hoping I would not need to fit pedals