Lambretta LN lands in Vietnam

Posted on October 25, 2011 by crocodilejock

Here in the UK, we sometimes get a bit of a “brit-centric’ view of the world, and scootering in general. And despite it’s obvious Italian origins, and the fact that it was never manufactured in the UK, we feel a certain “ownership” of the Lambretta brand. We love it more than anybody else. Except perhaps the Italians. And of course the Spanish. And the Germans. Ok, the Dutch, French, Swiss, Swedes… you get the picture. But maybe only half the picture… what about the US? There’s a huge scene out there. And Brasil, Chile, Argentina… But one place I hadn’t expected the Lambretta to be quite so popular is the far East… It’s held in high regard across Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam… as can be seen if you follow the reaction to the launch of the new Lambretta LN in Vietnam recently. And either the design is growing on me, or the photographer is rather talented… I’ve never seen the LN looking better than in these shots. I suspect a bit of both.

The Telegraph reviews the new Lambretta LN125

Posted on September 26, 2011 by crocodilejock

And gives it a pretty good review. There’s a bit of a pattern emerging from the reviews… if your’e a classic scooterist, you probably hate the ‘new Lambretta’.

If you’re not, you might well like it. I think there’s parallels with owners of original VW Beetles, and BMC Mini’s, a niche, dedicated and passionate few… compared to the mass market who like the idea of a classic vehicle, with the convenience of a modern one.

Scomadi’s at the IOW

Posted on September 13, 2011 by crocodilejock

I wrote about the Scomadi before – the (or one) true evolution of the Lambretta here. In case you missed them at the Isle of Wight, here’s a look at a line up. I think the white one looks rather tasty myself.

Scomadi website

MCN Reviews the new Lambretta

Posted on September 2, 2011 by crocodilejock

And finds it ‘perfectly good’ but about £1,500 overpriced. Read the full review here.

New Scomadi renderings

Posted on August 25, 2011 by crocodilejock

I posted a couple of weeks ago about the Scomadi Turismo Leggera, and Frank from Lambretta Innovations got in touch. There’s exciting developments afoot, and he’s shared these renderings of the new carbon fibre panel work with me that the actual material the next batch will be made from is a fibre matrix – the same struff that crash helmets are made from. Light and super strong. As carbon fibre is not the ideal material to paint over, they are being produced in a range of traditional Lambretta colours ie yellow ochre, orange, light blue, and white.

They’ve also purchased 25 engines from Piaggio, so it looks like production is beginning to ramp up.

And if you own a Scomadi, please let me know what you think, send me some pics, and I’ll pop them up!

If you missed Lambretta Innovation IOW they are at the Mersea Island rally this weekend.

The 21st century Lambretta, and no, I’m not banging on about the LN again

Posted on August 9, 2011 by crocodilejock

The Lambretta LN, love it or hate it is probably the machine that Innocenti would be building today, if they were still in the scooter making business that is.

Just as Piaggio no longer make classic Vespas like the GS160, making more efficient, cleaner, quieter, more reliable (and in my opinion) less soulful machines – so too would Innocenti.

So if you want a “modern Lambretta’ grab an LN.

But they are not the only game in town.There’s the Scomadi Turismo Legarra.

The Scomadi has been built on a single principle: the Lambretta may have had many faults, but styling wasn’t one of them.

In fact many enthusiasts believe the Lambretta design reached it’s highest point just before it’s eventual demise – in the Bertone styled DL/GP.

The guys at Scomadi have taken this classic, much loved design and built a modern, reliable and fast scooter under the skin of the GP design. And we’ll come back to the skin later. Starting with a clean sheet of paper they have developed a competely new frame, suspension system and integrated a modern, powerful 250cc, 4 valve, liquid cooled engine. Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear allow you to bring the machine to a safe and controlled halt. And this isn’t just a scooterboys back garden project. Many years of testing, and refining through a number of test bikes and prototypes have led Lambretta Innovations (the people behind the Scomadi) to where they are now… a fast, modern, efficient reincarnation of the classic Lambretta GP.

Those lucky enough to ride the Scomadi say it’s the smoothest ride hey’ve ever had on a Lambretta. The trademark vibration that we Lambrettisti have got used to has simply been engineered out.

And did I mention fast? The Scomadi will cruise all day at 70 mph. If you really want to give it some welly, you’ll get up to 85 mph out of one. That’s performance that is equivalent to the benchmark for modern, automatic scooters, the Vespa GTS 250.

Refinement and performance under a classic GP skin. I said I was going to come back to the skin, as it’s not the metal panels of the GP we all know and love. I think I’ve saved the best for last here, the guys at Lambretta Innovations have developed a whole new panel set, in ultra light, ultra strong carbon fibre. The space age material they make formula one cars and supercars out of. No wonder it goes like a rocket.

So, back to my original point. The LN IS probably the scooter that Innocenti would be making for todays mass market. (Even if there are currently licensing issues regarding whether it is actually legally a Lambretta at all). But the Scomadi is something else. The speed and refinement of a modern powerful scooter (and then some!) coupled with classic Lambretta good looks. Like it’s Ferrari namesake, this is not a mass market scooter, and it’s premium pricing reflects that. But if you want the ultimate evolution of a true design classic, and one that has the soul of a Lambretta GP, and if you’re prepared to pay a little more get the best, this is the scooter you’re looking for.

Find out more at the Scomadi website

The Owners of the Lambretta name take on the makers of the New Lambretta

Posted on August 3, 2011 by crocodilejock

UPDATE: We’re NOT an Imitation, we’re legit say makers of the new Lambretta.

The manufacturers of the new Lambretta LN, Motom Electronics Group Spa, and Clag International Ltd., respond to the allegation that thier new scooter is an unlicensed, illegal “knock off”, saying that they’ve got all the right licenses in place, and a couple of court judgements to back them up. Full story here.

Here’s the original post:

Further to my previous info, and hot from PR Newswire via Sys.con Media

International scooter icon Lambretta Consortium headquartered in Milan, Italy is initiating one of the largest trademark counter-infringement operations in recent history, by preventing the unlicensed LN125 and LS125 scooters entering the world market under the name Lambretta. In a joint international operation with its legal force, customs and police authorities, the consortium is taking international action to protect its brand rights.

The operation is directed against two former licensees; Ireland based Clag International and Italy based Motom Electronics Group Spa.

Additonally, actions are taken against the Taiwanese LN125 / LS125 scooter manufacturers Her Chee Industrial Co Ltd. acting under the name ‘Adly’ and Gamax Moto Corporation.

Finally, Lambretta is taking protective measures against the expanding network of importers and distributors in Europe, Asia, Oceania and America. Even trusted distributors and reputed magazines are involved, not being aware of the illegal character of the introduction of the new LN125 / LS125 scooter models. Cease and desist letters have been sent to all known distributors, to make them fully aware of the implications of their illegal activities.

Lambretta has issued official statements on its global websites (http://www.lambretta.com) to warn the public not to issue pre-payments to the local distributors. Moreover, a list is published on the website of all distributors that are involved in these fraudulent acts.

The consortium together with its lawyers and the authorities have uncovered worrying facts about the infringing activities. Shell companies and trusts like ‘DBM Lambretta International Srl’ and professional appearing websites likehttp://www.lambrettaoriginale.com, http://www.lambretta-italia.it andhttp://www.lambrettamotorcycles.com with changing owners, have been used in an attempt to hide activities and networks from Lambretta.

Lambretta emphasizes that the only legitimate organization to enter scooter licensing agreements on behalf of Lambretta Consortium is Lambretta Distribution ltd. based in Althorp, United Kingdom.

The New Lambretta LN. It’s official. Or not…

Posted on July 22, 2011 by crocodilejock

The new Lambretta LN (and LS) models may not be as official as we originally thought…

Official warning statement LN and LS models

Lambretta enthusiasts will undoubted be encouraged by the news of the introduction into the market of the new “Lambretta” LS and LN models as reported. Buyers must however be very careful that they are indeed witnessing the launch of a true, authentic and legitimate Lambretta, approved by the Lambretta Consortium, the international owner of the Lambretta brand.

The two new models, the LN and LS, have been produced by GAMAX Moto Corporation (Charles Huang) in Taiwan under the authority of DBM and two companies, CLAG International Limited (Ireland) presenting itself underhttp://www.lambrettamotorcycles.com and MOTOM Electronics Spa (Giovanni Cottone) in Italy presenting itself under http://www.lambretta-italia.it respectively. Both these models are unapproved and unlicensed for the global market as a full inspection of their authenticity and quality has not yet been conducted by Lambretta Consortium. Additionally contractual issues still remain to be resolved. Our highly valued international consumers (Lambrettisti), distributors and resellers should take care to ensure that DBM, CLAG and MOTOM receive official approval from Lambretta Consortium before entering into any financial arrangements to acquire or distribute these models. Lambretta Consortium obviously cannot afford to allow unlicensed scooter models enter the market that bear the name Lambretta. Lambretta Consortium will continue to take the appropriate legal actions against unauthorized distributors and resellers, like Moof and WKBikes, to prevent counterfeit products entering the market.

Please notice that a general, non exclusive license agreement has been entered with CLAG for the territory resticted to Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Russia, Georgia, Thailand and Cambodia. Please contact us for additional information. All license agreements with Motom have been terminated.

Lambretta Consortium wishes to ensure that it will do all it can to bring you a genuine, high quality, Lambretta scooter in the best traditions of the Lambretta heritage as soon as it can. We are endeavouring to clarify the situation on both models with both parties in the very near future and hope to issue a statement which ratifies both models. If you require further clarification or information please contact info@lambrettadistribution.com or visit http://www.lambretta.com.

more information

Lambretta Consortium
Lambretta International

Well, that’s clear… not.

C’mon guys, get your act together.

Via 2strokebuzz.

New Lambretta LN on Video

Posted on July 21, 2011 by crocodilejock

In Italian, but hey that just adds to the authenticity, right?

Fresh shots of the Lambretta LN… in the wild

Posted on July 14, 2011 by crocodilejock

Well, maybe not the wild. Belgium. But you know what I mean. I know the jury’s still out on this one, and I’ve got stick in some quarters for defending it in the past, but I think the design at least hangs together. Until, of course you get to the shot of the LN next to an original 150 Special, and it just looks fugly and bloated. But then again, stick a Vespa GS 160 next to PX… you get my point. And some of the detailing is pretty good, lovin’ the Lambretta branded grips. Lots of detail, and comment on the two sites I’ve “borrowed” the images from, in French, but that’s what Google Translate is for (even better, use Google Chrome, and it automatically translates it for you). From Scooter Station and Scooter Infos, via 2StrokeBuzz