Lambretta Li150 Special That was then...
In his introduction to the magazine’s April 1965 road test, Motor Cycle Mechanic’s Ian Speller exhausted every possible scooter-related cliché, but as the test ride continued even he had to concede that the Pacemaker was a scooter to be reckoned with.
Ian Speller’s article about ‘the smooth and peppy Pacemaker’ read as follows: What’s your opinion of a scooter? A run around contraption fated to be covered in chrome and squirrel tails or a smart, sensible means of transport which will provide its owner with years of low cost enjoyment. If it’s the former, I suggest you try a ride on the 150cc Lambretta Pacemaker and as the miles fly past you will realise that this is no toy intended only for ferrying chic couples between dancehalls. The Pacemaker comes from what must be the most famous scooter manufacturer in the world and so it has inherited a reputation that improves with every model.
The first thing given to a new owner of a Lambretta is a fistful of keys, one each for the ignition, steering and toolbox, with a spare for each lock. Difficult things to pinch, scooters! To get steam up in the Pacemaker, the choke is needed and with the petrol and ignition on, two kicks on the lever were enough to get things buzzing. If you’ve never been on a scooter before but have ridden a motorcycle you will find the riding position a little odd. On a bike the steering is done with the handlebars, and with the knees on the petrol tank, but of course there’s no tank between the knees and you have to get used to steering ‘with the seat of your pants’. Once this is done, riding becomes almost automatic and at times it seemed as though the machine was under its own control. Everything works so easily, no effort is needed for any of the controls and this creates the impression that you are on a conducted tour and all that is necessary is to sit back and admire the scenery.
Don’t get the idea that this bike is slow though. Its 148cc motor turns out a claimed 7.6bhp at the rear wheel, which is enough to give a top speed of 58mph. The motor is only turning over at 5500rpm even at this speed. Economy factor with scooters is well known and this model competes with the rest of the Innocenti range by returning an average consumption of 93mpg. This was obtained from a test which consisted of hard driving over short distances with a lot of stopping and starting and so under more careful riding the mpg should rise to well over 100.
What’s your opinion of a scooter? A run around contraption fated to be covered in chrome and squirrel tails
By removing the offside panel, access is obtained to the battery, coil, spark plug, rear brake adjustment and the clutch and gear cables. On the other side, lurking under the panel, is the carburettor and air cleaner. With a top speed nearing the sixties the brakes need to be good and they are. No doubt about it, the stoppers fitted to this model really work. There is however a controlled ‘sinking’ feeling as the front brake bites and although this is alright, the return motion as the brake is released can be quite surprising until you are used to it.
As far as lighting goes, the 150 was a bit disappointing. The lights were sufficient for night work up to 35mph but you ride at your peril at higher speeds. The motor turns out a surprising amount of poke for its size and overzealous use of the throttle will lift the front wheel clear of the ground. If each gear is held until peak power is obtained, the resulting acceleration will send the rider sliding back down the seat.
If you consider yourself a Mod, you won’t need to be told of the enjoyment that can be had from one of these bikes but if you’re a Rocker, I suggest you try one out for yourself.
If you consider yourself a Mod, you won’t need to be told of the enjoyment that can be had from one of these bikes but if you’re a Rocker, I suggest you try one out for yourself.