305 engine

[GeorgeS]

For me personally I'd want to base my engine on a original crankcase, be it Vespa or Lambretta. I'm not a purist by any means, but if you're changing the crankcase for a modern re-make/motorcycle/auto, you lose something. As I said, my opinion only, as for me a big part of the love I have for scootering is making your shopping trolly go much faster and farther than it was ever expected to do.

However, I'd certainly love a go on one and essentially if it has two wheels and puts a smile on your face then who cares.

[drunkmunkey6969]

Our RB252 (32bhp-40bhp spec dependent) road engines come as a complete unit with pipe, carb, cowls, rear hub etc ready to cable up and go for £4450-£4850 (spec dependent). That gives a huge range of scooterists the option of something they'd like to own and could afford to own. Good value.

I'm significantly slowing down in my old age, and don't have the lust for big BHP motors like I used to, I'm heavily leaning towards a low revving engine with strong torque, a wide spread and 4.4 final drive on the gearing. This can be done on lower budget engines with a 20-25 BHP TS1 using a strong touring pipe or up at the 'higher end' with RB kits......choices, choices!

But getting back on point, the 305 is a wonderful feat of engineering, a testimony to the commitment of the company producing it, and a gift from the gods for anyone with DEEP pockets, wanting to go CRAZY FAST on an old Lambretta. Beautiful bit of kit, no question.

But me personally, for my own limited needs, it's too much power and too much money. I think it will put the shits up anyone who either cannot ride a fast machine, or will risk the safety of anyone stupid enough to ride one without decent tyres, brakes, suspension and regular safety maintenance/checks.

£9k is a LOT of money to be spending on a scooter engine, few will be able to afford such a luxury. Those who can afford it, AND want it, AND can ride it safely, AND who fit upgraded brakes/tyres/suspension will be few and far between I would imagine. Probably fewer in numbers than the TargaTwin I'd guess as at least that was useable power for just about any level of rider.

I look forward to seeing one in the flesh eventually, maybe a test ride will change my mind on wanting one (even if my bank balance still says no).

[eden]

I'm just very lucky that I got the chance to take it out on the road with no limitations on how long or how many miles I could do on it as it is truly one of a kind, I've rode all sorts of very fast lambrettas but the 305 wasn't comparable to anything else tbh.

Others have also rode it during this year but with different gear setups. It was at Venlo but I chose not to ride it again there as riding it off your face in Holland wouldn't have been a good idea lol. Although some, who I won't name, did!
If it doesn't make it into production it would be a real shame but fully understandable.

The innocenti SX twins never made it into production but are still seen as something special 40 years on. Riding those the day after riding the 305 was just as much enjoyable, but in a different way.

[Fux]

I`m sold on the Idea but wonder about the availability of parts in a few years time.

Another thing is that if you don`t know anyone with a similar engine, you will end up pottering around at TS1 type speeds anyway.

Eden, was is equipped with a 5 speed gearbox?

Anyone know what they are planning to do with the rear hub and clutch? I heard someone mention that the clutch slipped but that could be before they used LTH?

[holty]

what about the layshaft, heard of quite a few failures, rear hub as already mentioned, a breakage of either could prove fatal, 50 bhp is a massive amount of power, of course it depends how you use it, i guess you would have to feed the throttle on smoothly to prevent a wheelie or breaking something, if your senceable?
that rules me out !

[EddieStone]

pottering around at TS1 type speeds

I don't think I've ever seen that phrase before!

[warts]

Could this be the first ever engine regularly taken to tuners with a request to tone it down?

[eden]

I`m sold on the Idea but wonder about the availability of parts in a few years time.

Another thing is that if you don`t know anyone with a similar engine, you will end up pottering around at TS1 type speeds anyway.

Eden, was is equipped with a 5 speed gearbox?

Anyone know what they are planning to do with the rear hub and clutch? I heard someone mention that the clutch slipped but that could be before they used LTH?

when I rode it didn't have the 5 speed in but it did have the LTH clutch which couldn't cope at all. They made an all new clutch after then that incorporated a cush.

[Mr G in NYC]

I'm sure there will be a Ltd production run of this engine as there are enough nutters around
who want the adrenalin kick of a 50+ BHP Lambretta scooter. and if you
got some spare pocket money ? then why not Much more fun than a Yamaha or a Porsche FFS.
The Targa Twin was an initial run of 15 engines and now I believe Tino's up to about 80/100 ? ?
I'm sure we will all be watching the progress of this project with interest . There is something
very addictive about a Fast Lambretta ..... As we all know and love.
G.

[wrecklessrobbie]

So what is the fuel consumption on one of these engines. I am not worried about the fuel price, but the range of the engine with a lambretta petrol tank. How many miles will it do to the gallon? Or do you have to strap the obligatory green petrol can onto the back

Robbie