PROPOSAL FOR A NEW SCOOTER RACING CLASS

Scootering was contacted recently by Andy Francis of Franspeed with regards to a proposal of a new race class for 2016. Andy has been working on suggested Lambretta specifications while Norrie Kerr of VE UK those for Vespa.

Scootering understands these proposals are still to be put towards and accepted by the BSSO and members which will no doubt be discussed at their AGM in February 2016.

Andy Francis writes: “The aim of this new class is to promote scooter racing, to keep it affordable, safe and competitive, using readily available standard parts and off-the-shelf tuned road parts. This will keep the class competitive and the racing close with the onus being on the rider’s ability.”

There’s not the space to quote every single aspect of their proposal here and suggest anyone interested in racing contacts the BSSO via www.scooterracing.org.uk

Lambretta Scooter

Any model LI/SX/TV/GP, Series 2 or 3. Bodywork as standard in appearance with the exception of cutaway in the side panel for the carb and trimming of the rear floorboards for exhaust/rear damper travel clearance. No dropped handlebars are allowed. Metal or fibreglass panel work is allowed. No light lenses front or rear.

The engine cowls (metal, fibreglass or carbon) must be of standard design, the fan cowling centre may be removed to aid cooling but no direct air scoop cooling allowed.

The addition of damper brackets to front forks is allowed but forks must be standard in appearance although can have uprated internals. Single (internal or external) hydraulic front disc brake is allowed, but no anti dive system or steering dampers may be used. The rear suspension unit is to be fitted in a standard form but can be uprated. The rear brake pedal must be standard, with cable operation and in its original position. No rear set brakes. The centrestand and splash plate can be removed to aid cooling and ground clearance. Tyres will be type specific, tubeless or split rims with tubes both allowed.

Lambretta Engine

To be type specific using the RB200 cylinder kit and head, Vertex and Wossner piston can be used. Standard inlet manifold, no forced induction or power jet can be used. The carb will be type specific, a 30mm VHSA flat slide Dellorto. The cylinder is to receive no tuning or welding, only a 58mm cranshaft is allowed, using the 116mm rod. The electronic ignition system must be standard and static timed. Standard flywheel, intermediate weight or lightened flywheel may be used. The crankcase must be standard. No welding, cutting or grinding to crankcase is allowed. Engine mounts may be uprated. Mag housing must be standard with no packing, modification or welding.

The gearbox will be type specific, the SIL GP200 gearbox chosen as it is in production and reasonably priced. The primary drive must remain in standard form, although primary gearing may be changed to suit the rider and circuit. 4, 5 or 6-plate clutch may be used but no chain case packer is allowed. Uprated chain tensioner is allowed.

Avgas or roadside 99 octane pump fuel is allowed. The exhaust will be type specific, the Franspeed RB race will be specially designed for this class.

Vespa Scooter

Any model PX, Small Frame, bodywork as standard in appearance with overall regulations pretty much the same as the Lambretta, with a few marque specific alterations.

Forks must be standard in appearance, uprated front damper is allowed. Hydraulic front disc brake is allowed. The use of steering dampers is not allowed. The rear suspension unit to be fitted in the standard form but can be uprated.

Regs for tyres, rear brake, stand as per Lambretta.

Vespa Engine

Type specific using one of the following options: PX 200 using Malossi 210 MHR cylinder kit and head, 57mm competition crankshaft, Dellorto 30mm standard induction carb kit, Franspeed L/H exhaust. PX 125/150 using Malossi 166 cylinder kit and cylinder head, and then as PX200. Small frame using Malossi 135 MHR cylinder kit and cylinder head, 51mm competition crankshaft, Dellorto 25mm standard induction carb kit, NFK Signature race exhaust.

The PX200 gearbox can be modified to take a T5 4th gear and the use of a 22t clutch drive plate. PX125/150 gearbox can be modified to a 21 or 22 tooth clutch drive plate. The Cosa type clutch unit can be used. Other regulations as per Lambretta.

Plans

These are outline plans which have apparently been submitted as a starting point. Andy Francis: “We at Franspeed are happy to supply the exhaust at cost price. We will contribute £250 towards a prize fund, along with exhausts and tail cans. We will also be offering a 30% discount for parts used specifically for this race class. Rayspeed has agreed to supply parts to be used for this class with substantial discounts. Vespa parts will be available from VE (UK) at special prices, under the same conditions as Lambretta parts (to riders with 2016 ACU licence, current BSSO membership and have a 2016 competition number). Oil and tyres will also be discounted. This is not an exclusive club. Dealers or scooter organisations are welcome to come on board with sponsorship and promote any part which can be used to enhance the safety and performance of this class.”