TL200 Stage 4 Tuning Kit
Stan test rides and reviews the new Stage 4 kit.
Ask any scooterist what they think about Scomadi and they’ll have an opinion – informed or otherwise! I’ve always had an open mind but up to this point, my actual saddle time had been limited to a quick blast on a mate’s example up and down his street which is not the most comprehensive of tests. So when Scootering was invited by PM Tuning to compare a standard Turismo Leggera (TL) 200 with their Stage 4 demonstrator I elbowed my way to the front of the queue!
First contact
At Scomadi HQ there’s a display of their current models together with a classic Lambretta SX200. Seeing them side by side not only highlights the brand’s heritage but also illustrates the substantial differences between a Lambretta and the TL, which is a much taller and broader machine than its spiritual ancestor. Once astride the TL it instantly felt comfortable. Although I can understand why shorter riders may find it a stretch, the TL feels slightly lower in the saddle than my Vespa GTS. Unlike my Lambretta GP though, there’s plenty of leg room and my knees never once got tangled in the headset, even while manoeuvring in the car park.
Though most panels are acrylic, the TL feels strong and well built while being easier to manoeuvre on foot than the GTS. I’d always thought that the circular speedo looked out of place in a GP style headset, but more recently I’ve thought of it as a neat ‘Smiths’ style installation. Scomadi has worked hard to resolve issues with the early batches of speedos and hopefully, these problems are now behind them.
The test machines supplied for my visit were both from PM Tuning’s own fleet. The standard TL was representative of a production machine but the Stage 4 was at that time testing an alternative front suspension set-up. Despite being fitted with different suspension and tyres both machines felt very similar at cruising speeds and although, once under way, there’s some vibration, Lambretta riders will see this as a huge improvement. GTS riders would probably feel the opposite.
Silver surfer
The standard TL was in an all-over chrome finish which is not my cup of tea but it does show the quality of mouldings used in production. If I was asked to describe performance, I would say that it feels like my Casa 185 kitted GP. Acceleration is smooth, controlled and unremarkable although its top speed of 71mph is reached surprisingly quickly due to the torque of the engine. Although the TL holds its own in traffic, the power starts to level out above 65. Unlike my GTS 300, there’s nothing in reserve for overtaking at motorway speeds but the GTS does have a 100cc advantage.
One Scomadi trait is firm front suspension and I didn’t expect to like that. Taking the TL around some twisty country lanes was, however, a pleasure. It felt far more controlled than my GP which can sometimes feel like a living thing. Corners were effortless and I soon had the confidence to lean in quite heavily.
The TL is fitted with either ‘Economy’ or ‘Sport’ modes. I found no change in top speed but there was a slight difference in acceleration using the ‘sport’ mode. Over a 200 yard straight the TL reached 51mph in Economy and 54mph in Sport.
Fantastic Four
The Stage 4 (S4) kit has been developed by PM Tuning and is approved by Scomadi International (think of it as being like the relationship between AMG and Mercedes). PM’s demonstrator came in a combination of two-tone paint and chrome. I could live without the chrome panels but the plated horn-cast and mudguard certainly appealed to the unreformed 1980s scooterboy in me.
I always start a test in the same way, getting a feel for the machine, its handling, tyres and brakes and barely come away from tick-over for the first 100 yards and did exactly that with the S4. With the initial checks completed I pulled out of a T-junction and wound the throttle back. After riding for thirty plus years there are very few things that take me by surprise but the acceleration made me laugh out loud. Power delivery is instant and I’m not exaggerating when I say that the S4 kit transforms the 200cc engine beyond recognition.
On the test-drive, country lanes became my playground but I’d love to take the S4 up to Scotland or the Alps. I don’t think I could ever become bored of the rapid acceleration out of corners. Scomadi knows what scooterists want and the exhaust has been programmed to have a two-stroke sound. It’s no Fresco but there’s just enough to give the illusion, particularly when snapping the throttle closed. There’s no ‘sport’ mode with the S4, it’s permanently set to ‘fun’ instead.
With all things, there’s a downside and I’m not sure I could live with the air filter if I was using this kit every day. Think of the largest bellmouth carb you’ve ever fitted and at the very least double the noise. As a weekend fun machine, it ’s superb but my neighbours would soon become irritated if I was firing it up every morning!
The front-end on this example was fitted with a revised set-up which was basically a changed pivot point that gives a softer feel to the suspension. This gave far more feedback from the road and it felt like a tamed version of my GP. For touring this would certainly be more comfortable but for the country lane fun, I preferred the firmer set-up.
The S4 is designed to improve acceleration, not top speed and the test reflected this. Along the straight I achieved 74mph – a slight increase over the standard machine and there did feel to be more in reserve for overtakes. Rather impressively, the 200-yard sprint closed at 64mph, a full 10mph over the standard set up.
The verdict
Although the afternoon gave me an ideal opportunity to examine the Scomadi up close, the purpose of my invitation in the first place was to see whether PM Tuning’s S4 kit offered good value for money. As four-stroke tuning is still a dark art to most scooterists, finding a direct comparison is difficult. However if I wanted to buy an exhaust, TFI unit and air filter upgrade for one of the big motorcycle brands, negotiations would probably begin at around £700 and if their forums are to be believed a 2bhp increase could see me shelling out as much as £2000. On that basis, the kit being offered by PM Tuning represents exceptional value.
A better question might be whether I would buy the S4 kit with my own money – and the answer is yes. Absolutely. Over the years I’ve wasted far greater sums of money for much less benefit and invalidated warranties in the process. The S4 turns what’s already a very capable scooter into a fun factory. Four-stroke haters – prepare to be converted.
Words & Photographs: Stan