To convert to 12V or not convert?

[jazzdude]

My Lambretta 150i Special was brought out of storage after a 10 year gap (I have had it for 20 years) and have been using it daily for the last 3 months. It starts on first kick, hot or cold and runs really sweetly.

I am going to do a full stripdown next month and do a nut and bolt rebuild as it is rattling and the cables all need changing and think that this is an opportunity to upgrade the rubbish lights. Although I am intrigued by the 12v easy lighting conversion detailed on the LCGB forum, I have also come across the ScootRS version where the coils are also changed.

The points on my bike have worked fine up to now and although I might do a mild tune on the bike next year, I don't think I will ever build a screamer.

So what do you think I should do?

1. Just add a regulator to the existing setup, changing the points and condensor too,
2. Change the stator to the 12v ScootRS one with regulator, keeping existing coil and flywheel
3. fit a Scooter Restorations SIL Electronic kit and be done with it.

The resto so far is looking like it is going to cost loads and the cost of option 3 seems like if it aint broke why fix it question. But with a 50 year old flywheel (and no one out here to remagnetize it) is it really worth not putting the electronic kit on? I don't really want to stretch to a BGM type kit as I can't afford it.

[Doom Patrol]

A tricky one really. One of the first things people do is stick an electronic kit on a scooter. It's the law! But to be honest they can be hit and miss too. Unless it's from someone like SR, who use genuine SIL and Ducati components. Generally speaking they are okay. But it really is a minefield and you might well end up wishing you had stuck with points. I'd just see how you go to be honest. Try the easy 12v conversion for the lights first.

[jazzdude]

Is there any benefit in changing the coils on the stator to 12V as per ScootRS, or changing the stator to one of theirs? Will it be more effective than adding just a regulator? I also intend to fit an LED bulb to it too.

[ArmandTanzarian]

If it was my scoot and I was doing a full resto anyway I'd do the ignition while I was doing everything else. After all, the loom has probably seen better days and if you're changing the crank to a stronger GP type then you'll need a new flywheel anyway.

I've got a BGM stator wired for the Wassel 12V DC conversion on mine and I'm very happy with it. Good lights and a power socket in the tool box for charging a phone and sat nav etc.

[jazzdude]

I am not planning to open up the engine this year as it is running fine, although next years project might be a full engine rebuild to change the bearings and seals, with some mild upgrades, where I will look into upgrading the crank to a GP one.

I suppose it seems that it makes sense to leave the electronic ignition until the engine is done so I do not end up buying two flywheels, one for the LIS taper and then one next year for the GP crank.

So if I am just doing the lighting, is it worth just changing the regulator or do I need to change the coils. Also, as I am changing the loom in my rebuild, is it worth considering changing to DC / Wassel now or leaving that until next year?

[jazzdude]

Strike that last comment re DC, I realised that I am not adding lights nor want to charge things on the bike.

[Doom Patrol]

It's sort of academic really if you're not planning on changing the crank at this point. And, as you say, you don't really want to have to change your flywheel again. You just need to overhaul it for now and stick with what you've got. Might be worth talking to Rimini Lambretta or someone like that maybe.

[bristolmod]

if it ain't broke why fix it???

There seems to be an unwritten rule in scootering circles that as soon as you get a new bike then you need to change X Y and Z...............

Trouble is X Y and Z can be remade crap and you end up with an unreliable machine ( read all the threads about Electronic ignitions and failed stators; CDI's; Pick ups etc etc)

Your machine "starts first kick and runs sweetly..." start fiddling and it won't, I'll bet.

Also when Electronic kits fail (which they seem to do with great regularity) they do just that- fail

At least with good old 6V points you can fiddle and probably limp home.

Chris

[jazzdude]

I think you are right re leaving it as it is.

I will just take the stator out with the flywheel (marking its position), soda blast the complete engine and then put it back in, changing the cable sleeve which has some cracks in it. I wanted to put new points and a condenser in but should I leave that too?

If the 12V regulator 'easy lighting' conversion doesn't work too well then I could go for the electronic upgrade anyway.

Does anyone know if the LED bulbs that CamLam sell are any good? I know the BGM are good but with shipping I am looking at nearly £30 for one. I have stuff coming from CamLam and at £6.00 there is a huge difference.

[thackers]

A 12v system usually gives better lights and easy starts, so if it starts up ok leave it as it is, forget all the fancy bulbs if the flywheel needs re-magnetising Jem Booth does. It then simply refit the flywheel (changing the woodruff key and washer) and job's a carrot