Lambretta Models

It is very important that you know exactly which model of Lambretta you have before ordering parts. Use this page as a guide to determine which model you have.

I. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS

A. Li Family - Li & TV Ser.I/II/III, SX, Serveta, GP(DL) — 3.50"x10" tires, tubular frame, stationary front fender, horizontal cylinder, 4 speed transmission
68 J 50

 

 

 

B. J Family - J50, J100, J125, Luna — 3.00"x10" tires, pressed sheet steel frame, stationary front fender, vertical cylinder, 3 and 4 speed tranmission depending on model 

 

 

 

 

C. LD Family - LD Mk.I/II/III, D — 4.00"x8" tires, tubular frame, turning front fender, vertical cylinder, 3 speed transmission

 

 

 

 

II. SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

Serial numbers can be found in the following locations on various models. Note that the serial number is a five or six digit number which follows the model designation (For example Li150S*443267) and that the next group of numbers beginning with the letters "IGM" are merely Italian government commission numbers similar to Department of Transportation numbers in the USA.

A. Li, TV, SX, GP and Serveta Models - The frame number is in the engine compartment on the right hand side of the main frame tube under the fuel tank. The engine number on all models except for TV175 Ser.I is on top of the motor directly in front of the shock mount and is somewhat hidden by the gear and clutch linkages. On the TV175 Ser.I it is on top of the motor behind the right hand motor mount.
B. J Range - The frame number is on the right hand side of the frame in front of the shock absorber spring underneath the right hand side panel. The engine number is on top of the engine case, just behind the right hand engine mount.

C. LD and D Models - The frame number is on the right hand side of the vertical frame tube directly in front of the rear wheel. The engine number is on top of the right hand side of the motor in front of the large oil filler plugs.

A.  Series III - Includes all Li125, Li150, Li150 Special, SX150, TV175, TV200, SX200, Grand Prix 125/150/200 (also known as 125/150/200 DL) models produced after 1962. Most parts for these models are readily available, although some body parts are becoming scarce. Commonly called the Slimstyle Range, Series III models are distinguishable by a speedometer which is of a sort of clam shell shape. It is flat on the sides, tapering out larger at the top, and the top and bottom are rounded. Another distinguishable feature of the Series III is the separate horn grille which attaches vertically to the front of the horncasting with two countersink screws at the bottom. Li125 & Li150 models have a round headlight and rim, Grand Prix models have a rectangular headlight and rim, and all remaining Series III models have a round headlight with a hexagonal rim. The first Series III models produced in 1962 share several characteristics with earlier Series II models. When this is the case, the earlier variation of the part is called the pre-mod part. Mid-1960's models will often share pre- and post-mod features. By the end of the production run of Italian Series III models (which included all GP and SX models), all of the post-modification features (such as 6 pole ignition systems which have 4 wires coming from the magneto) had been adopted.

B.  Serveta Li150 Special and Jet 200 - Although considered Series III models, Spanish made Servetas have some unique traits. Generally, Series III parts are also applicable to Servetas unless otherwise stated in the catalog. Very early (1971-'72) models had many Innocenti traits including latches on the side panels, floor strips instead of mats, and a separate air box. Some parts are no longer available (i.e. the post-mod air filter), but in most cases it is desirable to replace obsolete Spanish parts (key switch, fuel valve, air box) with the equivalent part from Italian models.

 

C. Grand Prix 125, 150, & 200 - Also considered part of the Series III family, Italian GP models were first produced in Italy in 1968 and were easily recoginzable by their rectangular headlight. Other notable features were the black plastic taillight housing, black rubber body trim, and distinctively sleek side panels with a single black plastic grille on each side. Although very similar to their Italian predecessors, parts for Grand Prix models manufactured in India by Scooters India Ltd. (S.I.L.) are generally of lesser quality than the Italian equivalent. When this is the case the origin of the part will be stated in the catalog.

 

D. Series II- Includes Li125/150, and TV175 models produced from 1959 to 1962. Li models came equipped with two saddle seats, TV models with a long bench seat and hydraulic dampeners bolted to the fork legs. Li150 models were offered in two-tone paint schemes, and came with rubber floor strips. Li125 models were offered in a single color, and had aliminum floor strips. Distinguishable traits of all Series 2's include a round speedometer and a headlight unit mounted on the headset casting, and a steering lock directly under the ignition key switch or kill button on the back side of the headset. Some body parts and trim are becoming scarce, otherwise most parts are available.

 

E.  Series I Li125/Li150 - Produced from 1958 to 1959. Visible traits include a round speedometer, headlight mounted on the horncasting, and a steering lock on the front of the headset. Early versions with all Pre-mod features are rare, and their most obvious trait is an air intake system which feeds through the frame tube from behind the rear seat. Parts availability for the more common later versions with separate air box between the fuel tank and toolbox is similar to Series II. Li150 models were offered in two-tone paint schemes, and came with rubber floor strips. Li125 models were offered in a single color, and had aliminum floor strips.

 

F.  Series I TV175 - Produced from 1957 to 1959. Outwardly similar to Ser.I Li but with the addition of dampeners on the front forks, a single bench seat, floor mats instead of strips, and small air vents in the lower front corners of the side panels. All TV Series 1's were frame breathers, and the engines are radically different from any other model. Obsolete parts include the rear hub, hand levers, and some electrical parts.

 

J Range Family
G. J Range- Notable for their Vespa-like pressed sheet steel monocoque body (the first Lambrettas ever produced without a tubular frame), and 3.00 x 10" tires; includes J50, J100 Cento (pronounced chen-toe) and J125, all with three speed transmissions, and the J125 Starstream, which has a four speed transmission. New Italian body panels and many parts specific to the Starstream (such as the headlight unit) are becoming rare.

 

 

LD Family
H. Mk.I LD 125 1952 & '53 models. Features are: side panels with two chrome trimmed port holes (1951-'52) or a single kidney bean shaped chrome grille ('53), a trap door in the right side panel for access to the carburator, aluminum cooling shrouds, a fuel cap which is offset from centerline of frame, and a carburator which attaches dierectly to a stub which is part of the cylinder casting (as opposed to the separate aluminum intake manifold on later models). Some parts unique to the Mk.I are very difficult to find.

 

I.  Mk.II LD 125/150 –1954 to '56 models. The fuel cap is still between the seats, but now in the centerline of the frame, a small tool box located behind the legshield and housing a round speedometer (optional on 125cc versions), and exposed aluminum handlebars with twin shifting cables. '54 models have chromed silencer integral with tailpipe. "J" shaped kickstart lever curls up from under floorboards. Electric start models also have kickstarter fitted. Parts can be scarce (especially body parts), though many items are now being reproduced.

 

J.  Mk.III LD 125/150 - 1957 to '59 models. Easily distinguishable from earlier LD's by the toolbox door which hinges upward in the frame behind the rear seat, chrome plated steel handlebars covered by an aluminum casting which houses a rectangular speedometer, and the epicyclic kickstart with a straight pedal standing nearly upright. Electric start models were not fitted with a kickstarter. Parts availability is similar to Mk.II models; body parts and some electrical components are very difficult to find.

 

K. 125/150D-Up to 1953 - 125cc, 1954 and later-150cc. Exposed engine and fuel tank (no side panels), short legshield, unskirted motorcycle style front and rear fenders. Front and rear fenders and legshields are very rare. The floorboard strips and most rubber parts have been reproduced, and most engine parts are available either new or used.