Post by jeffthemod on Oct 21, 2005 18:39:48 GMT -5
Here is a status update on the new Lambretta, they are still shooting for release in 2006...
Thanks to all the loyal Lambretta enthusiasts for making the Lambretta Series V tour a success. The phase "0" prototype made appearances at several large rallies around the country and our goal of gathering important market feedback has been accomplished. One highlight was the 90 mph that Phil Waters achieved on the prototype during the weekend of the WKRP rally in Cincinnati. Looks like the reputation Lambretta had for performance will be kept safe.
So what is the status of the project?
Its not dead as some wags have guessed and promoted. Far from it. However, it has been delayed, and for the following reasons;
1. Input from tour: the summer rally tour of the prototype Series V 250cc scooter was like a giant focus group brain dump. The praise was ample but some valuable critiques emerged also....for example....
a) The leg shield is too low and interferes with the long legged person and could afford more protection from elements. solution...raise the leg shield.
b) The handlebars are too low and also interfere with ones knees and cause a forward lean that could become uncomfortable on long rides. Solution....raise the steering column and handlebars.
c) The radiator enclosure is too big and takes up too much room...plus it dumps hot air out onto the riders legs. (Great in the winter!) solution....install radiator in a different place away from the riders legs.
d) The rear brake was spongy....solution...go to a different braking system with direct hydraulic connections instead of the cable to hydraulic set up that was used. Grimeca levers and brake reservoirs are the answer.
e) Aesthetically, put more of a crease and contour into the rear panels.
d) The speedometer is lacking some needed displays.....too retro and not meeting new DOT regs..........solution...redesign headset and use a modern digital display unit that looks retro and classic but also has all the modern displays and DOT requirements.
2. Intensive review and engineering analysis by Piaggio SPa in Italy. Piaggio engineers of Pontedera, Italy gave us invaluable constructive criticism in a week long road and lab review of the prototype.
The changes they recommended will save us and our customers a lot of problems. for example....
a) The engine was too difficult to access for service. Solution....change the frame and allow easier engine access.
b) Cooling system was inadequate for heavy use.... solution...change the entire cooling system..use different mounting location and two radiators ....... and enter and exit the cooling air through different ducts. Don't allow hot air to exit on riders legs.
c) The instrumentation was inadequate ...solution ...incorporate additional warning devices and displays.
Therefore, to make the improvements above, and others that we have also developed, a second completely re-engineered prototype is being prepared, also by Frank Sanderson of Lambretta Labs of U.K.
While our enthusiasts, dealers, and ourselves are disappointed by this delay, it is well worth the wait in order to get it right.
One good aspect of the delay is that we have gathered even more dealer and distributor prospects due to the success of the first tour.
We now have strong solicitations from U.K., Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and S. Korea.
In addition, input from dealers and retail enthusiasts has been strong towards offering lower priced models such as the 125 cc Piaggio engine and a 150 cc water cooled CMSI engine. Testing is also being conducted on a 49 cc Piaggio PUREJet 2 stroke engine that should meet 2006 EPA regulations and Euro III emission standards.
So, when is the Series V coming to market? Its probably safe to say in 2006. But having been wrong before about estimating when the new project will be finished, it is only prudent to say...it will be ready when its ready.....Keep checking the website for the latest updates and keep the faith baby!
Good things take time...Lambretta went bankrupt in 1971....but, we can now see the date getting closer for its rebirth ....!
Tom Lynott
President
CMSI
Thanks to all the loyal Lambretta enthusiasts for making the Lambretta Series V tour a success. The phase "0" prototype made appearances at several large rallies around the country and our goal of gathering important market feedback has been accomplished. One highlight was the 90 mph that Phil Waters achieved on the prototype during the weekend of the WKRP rally in Cincinnati. Looks like the reputation Lambretta had for performance will be kept safe.
So what is the status of the project?
Its not dead as some wags have guessed and promoted. Far from it. However, it has been delayed, and for the following reasons;
1. Input from tour: the summer rally tour of the prototype Series V 250cc scooter was like a giant focus group brain dump. The praise was ample but some valuable critiques emerged also....for example....
a) The leg shield is too low and interferes with the long legged person and could afford more protection from elements. solution...raise the leg shield.
b) The handlebars are too low and also interfere with ones knees and cause a forward lean that could become uncomfortable on long rides. Solution....raise the steering column and handlebars.
c) The radiator enclosure is too big and takes up too much room...plus it dumps hot air out onto the riders legs. (Great in the winter!) solution....install radiator in a different place away from the riders legs.
d) The rear brake was spongy....solution...go to a different braking system with direct hydraulic connections instead of the cable to hydraulic set up that was used. Grimeca levers and brake reservoirs are the answer.
e) Aesthetically, put more of a crease and contour into the rear panels.
d) The speedometer is lacking some needed displays.....too retro and not meeting new DOT regs..........solution...redesign headset and use a modern digital display unit that looks retro and classic but also has all the modern displays and DOT requirements.
2. Intensive review and engineering analysis by Piaggio SPa in Italy. Piaggio engineers of Pontedera, Italy gave us invaluable constructive criticism in a week long road and lab review of the prototype.
The changes they recommended will save us and our customers a lot of problems. for example....
a) The engine was too difficult to access for service. Solution....change the frame and allow easier engine access.
b) Cooling system was inadequate for heavy use.... solution...change the entire cooling system..use different mounting location and two radiators ....... and enter and exit the cooling air through different ducts. Don't allow hot air to exit on riders legs.
c) The instrumentation was inadequate ...solution ...incorporate additional warning devices and displays.
Therefore, to make the improvements above, and others that we have also developed, a second completely re-engineered prototype is being prepared, also by Frank Sanderson of Lambretta Labs of U.K.
While our enthusiasts, dealers, and ourselves are disappointed by this delay, it is well worth the wait in order to get it right.
One good aspect of the delay is that we have gathered even more dealer and distributor prospects due to the success of the first tour.
We now have strong solicitations from U.K., Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and S. Korea.
In addition, input from dealers and retail enthusiasts has been strong towards offering lower priced models such as the 125 cc Piaggio engine and a 150 cc water cooled CMSI engine. Testing is also being conducted on a 49 cc Piaggio PUREJet 2 stroke engine that should meet 2006 EPA regulations and Euro III emission standards.
So, when is the Series V coming to market? Its probably safe to say in 2006. But having been wrong before about estimating when the new project will be finished, it is only prudent to say...it will be ready when its ready.....Keep checking the website for the latest updates and keep the faith baby!
Good things take time...Lambretta went bankrupt in 1971....but, we can now see the date getting closer for its rebirth ....!
Tom Lynott
President
CMSI
