by Jeremy Wilker

LAMBRETTA 1964 Li125 Series 3 Price - $2,000-$4,000 Warranty - none Motor - 190 cc* 2-stroke, 1 cylinder Cooling - forced air 0-40 mph - 7.5 seconds Top speed - 65-70 Acceleration - very good Transmission - 4 speed manual Starter - kick Signals - none Horn - yes Lights - yes Battery - none Tires - 10" Tank - 2.2 gallons Gas Usage - 60 mpg Oil Usage - yes, pre-mix   Ergonomics: Seat Height - 28.5" Weight - 229 lbs Wheel base - 52" Balance - very good, low center of gravity Vibration - yes, more than Vespa P200 Noise - average. As tested: loud Riders - single or double   Construction: Frame - tubular metal Body - steel Front Shocks - single coil x 2, fork Rear Shocks - single coil hydraulic Front Brakes - drum Rear Brakes - drum Gauges - speedo Switches - horn, lights Seat - bench, decent Storage - glovebox Results: *Note on this model that the stock scooter is a 125 cc engine but we tested a modified version with a 190 cc kit installed. There are many such options for vintage scooters and this is a great example. Acceleration and top speed would be much reduced on stock equipment (maybe to 55 mph).   Derrick: A really cool "jet-set" style to this vintage scooter. Well-balanced, lower center of gravity. A little more rare than a Vespa, so that gives it some panache. Jeremy: I used to think Vespas were "it" -- until I spent time with a Lambretta. So well balanced it makes Vespas look clumsy. Low center of gravity. Cornering is really easy and fun. Longer, more sweeping body style than Vespa. Better seat than Vespa P200.   M.M.M.