Modern Buddy

This is coming out for 08. Made in Taiwan. Wonder who is making it?
www.lambrettausa.com/Home/UNO150/

The Lambretta Uno is actually an Adly Noble. Made in Taiwan by Herchee Industrial.

http://www.scooterescapes.com/adlynoble.html

Thanks!

I don't know much about the Adly, but as you can imagine there's been a lot of controversy regarding these "Lambretas." While many of us have awaited a true modernized version of the Lammy, the process involved in creating these went something like this: 1. License Lambretta name. 2. Remove Adly badges from existing scooter model. 3. Stick on Lambretta badge. Presto!

There are at least a couple other would-be Lambrettas out there. One is the CMSI L-Series, which many people have had high hopes for but which has been plagued by design issues and may naver actually make it into production. Those who've seen and ridden early versions had a lot of complaints about its size and proportions. Their TN'G scoots had a lot of quality issues, too.

The other is the Cigno, which is kind of a mystery. There have never been any actual photos of the Cigno as far as I know—in fact, the existence of this scooter may actually be a total myth.

Adlys are relatively decent, there's some debate about whether they're mostly made in china or taiwan, but they're definitely better quality than most chinese scooters, if maybe not quite up to the level of Kymco/TGB/PGO.

I rode one around the block at Amerivespa, I didn't get a chance to push it much, but it seemed allright, good riding position, good size, decent power, decent brakes/suspension. I have to admit that it looks pretty good too, sort of a generic body design but the graphics are nice and simple, even if the paint/bodywork isn't the best out there. And the price is fairly reasonable.

But covering up Adly badges with Lambretta badges makes me want to cry. Rebranding (like Genuine does) is smart, but what the Khuranas have done steps well over the Audrey-Hepburn-selling-Gap-jeans line.

Bb.

I feel it is pretty much bastardization of a good name. Sad indeed..

although the use of the lambretta name is unfortunate, i would certainly like to find out how 150 with a 4valve head performs... scooter invasion in tempe (that sells genuine, also) carries the "new lambretta" line, and i have to say that they look sharp in person... if only looks were everything....

I've heard—and this is purely hearsay from someone who works on scoots—that the Adlys are not as mechanically sound or reliable as a Buddy and you can expect a much shorter lifespan. They're a bit further down the ladder of Taiwanese scoots from PGO, Kymco and SYM.

can't say anything about the scooter itself, i just hate to see the lambretta name on it. although it does give more credence to my jet.

shark wrote:This is coming out for 08. Made in Taiwan. Wonder who is making it?
www.lambrettausa.com/Home/UNO150/

There was a review on these scooters a few issues back in Scoot! magazine. Passable, they said, but not as good as the Buddy...

I haven't seen much talk or experience regarding the Lambretta UNO 150. Does anyone have one? Never seen them in any dealers showroom.

I wonder if all the litigation about the Lambretta Name and the bias felt by many with the lambretta name badge on this modern scooter has turned off the scooter fans all together.

I would surre like to know how good they are. specs are great- 4 valve- front AND Rear disc brakes and 12" Wheels. Seems perfect, with offering more than most of the other scooters.

can't even find a review of one and the last model year I can find info on is 2009.

any info would be appreciated.

Necro-post from four years ago. Please don't anybody go overboard.

Len wrote:I haven't seen much talk or experience regarding the Lambretta UNO 150. Does anyone have one? Never seen them in any dealers showroom.

The local dealer had both the Uno and the Duo in his showroom for a couple of years. He couldn't seem to give them away. Finally they disappeared and that was the end of the Adly Lambretta around here. I never understood the point of calling them Lambrettas - at least they looked like Adlys .

People who care about the Lambretta mark wouldn't buy one of these. Those who don't might. I don't think that's what's hindered sales.

From all I've read and heard, it's just a mediocre product. There are definitely worse scooters out there, but the Adlybrettas aren't on a par with a Genuine/PGO, Kymco or SYM—even their models built in China.

Also, they're funny-lookin'.

What about this one?

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5553/ ... mbretta-ln

xTomBx wrote:What about this one?

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5553/ ... mbretta-ln

This one is supposed to come out in Europe, but the litigation over the name has started, so who knows?

See: http://2strokebuzz.com/2011/07/13/lambr ... -il-arrive

and

http://2strokebuzz.com/2011/07/21/oh-frak-it

illnoise has provided years of coverage and commentary on the Lambretta debacle over on 2SB.

xTomBx wrote:What about this one?

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5553/ ... mbretta-ln

I would buy that one today if I could get one here in the USA

Len wrote:I would buy that one today if I could get one here in the USA

Isn't this another plastic paneled look alike (at least it does look alike!)? Seems to miss the point to me. Like buying one of those Chinese made plastic paneled Vespa PX or LX look alikes. If you want a new classic Vespa - buy a Stella. If you want a new classic Lammy - you are probably out of luck .

Nope. On the site it states it is metal bodied.

--Keys

Len wrote:

xTomBx wrote:What about this one?

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5553/ ... mbretta-ln

I would buy that one today if I could get one here in the USA

Now THIS is a remake I like!! Put a GOOD engine in it (Anything Kymco, PGO or Piaggio... although that would just be strange) and the style sells me. And, steel? Yes please

the Uno 150 was a complete waste of the Lambretta name and also not very reliable. In fact Scooterwest aka Vespa Motorsport stopped carrying them because of the poor quality and had to replace the engines on a few of them. The new design is trying to capture the look but I would not trust the build quality or dealer support (what dealer support) I would prefer a vintage one over the new ones. That is just my 2 cents.

Seems like some find the Plastic to be cheap and "Not Real" and the Metal ones are the "Real" Scooters. I have to admit the Metal ones are traditional, however I think that a high quality plastic bodied scooter does have some pretty good advantages. 1) no rust 2) much cheaper to repair if dropped or scratched and 3) easier to modify and or paint to be able to customize it as you don't have to take the whole damn thing apart- every piece and re-assemble.

a Modern WELL MANUFACTURED plastic bodied scooter could have the advantage of looking exactly like the vintage ones we love and yet ride better and be much more reliable. Maybe some mfg will begin to listen and take the risk. I'd love a scooter that runs as well as a toyota for 200,000 miles and looks like a vintage scoot. with the available technology it is possible.

Len wrote:Seems like some find the Plastic to be cheap and "Not Real" and the Metal ones are the "Real" Scooters.

There are those who espouse a "classic, not plastic" attitude, but they have no business on ModernBuddy.

With regards to these reboots/updates, I think the attitude is more that in order to stay somewhat true to the originals, these scooters should sport metal bodies. I think there's something to that; the painted metal is part of the original scooters' identity and part of what makes them what they are. Recasting them in plastic, like the Hammerhead La Vita did, simply duplicates the form and shape. It's not easy to do, but it's still just a superficial attempt to recapture the essence of a classic Vespa or Lambretta.

Honestly, I'm not sure it's possible to recreate that, so whatever the new scooter is and whatever it's called if it looks good, is made well and runs well, great. That's all that really matters.

The Adlys and other scooters that have sported Lambretta badges in the US and Europe for the past few years are nothing but attempts to cash in on the name. The name doesn't mean so much in the US, so cashing in hasn't spurred sales. On the other hand, in the US, some buyers will go for anything that looks sufficiently retro (especially Joker clones) regardless of quality how they're badged.

ericalm wrote:

Len wrote:Seems like some find the Plastic to be cheap and "Not Real" and the Metal ones are the "Real" Scooters.

There are those who espouse a "classic, not plastic" attitude, but they have no business on ModernBuddy.

With regards to these reboots/updates, I think the attitude is more that in order to stay somewhat true to the originals, these scooters should sport metal bodies. I think there's something to that; the painted metal is part of the original scooters' identity and part of what makes them what they are. Recasting them in plastic, like the Hammerhead La Vita did, simply duplicates the form and shape. It's not easy to do, but it's still just a superficial attempt to recapture the essence of a classic Vespa or Lambretta.

Honestly, I'm not sure it's possible to recreate that, so whatever the new scooter is and whatever it's called if it looks good, is made well and runs well, great. That's all that really matters.

The Adlys and other scooters that have sported Lambretta badges in the US and Europe for the past few years are nothing but attempts to cash in on the name. The name doesn't mean so much in the US, so cashing in hasn't spurred sales. On the other hand, in the US, some buyers will go for anything that looks sufficiently retro (especially Joker clones) regardless of quality how they're badged.

After just sitting on a La Vita I about hurled: The squeaking plastic panels and flimsy switches and cheap vinyl seat just screamed dollar-store quality parts! Now, I'm not a "Classic over Plastic" guy. One of my most favourite scooters I ever owned was an Italjet Torpedo 125! Amazingly, unabashed plastic design that was fun to ride and well fitted. If it weren't for the fact that the parts for the Italian made Torpedos were so damn hard to find I would still be riding it. But, a Steel bodied Lambretta "update" with a decent engine just sounds great!

And, the bike doesn't have to ape the exact looks. The ACTUAL Honda Joker or Aprilia Mojito looks great and sometimes less is more. The Honda Metropolitan, as slow as it may be, also hits the "vintage look" well while being uniquely Honda. The problem is that there are so many Chinese scooters doing pathetic copies or just try to cash in on the name of some former company without any innovation or quality behind it.

I would have high hopes if there were even rumors for this above version of a Lambretta update were to come to the US. It looks good and appeals to the modern side a bit. But, right now it's not really applicable since there is no real word on this scoot. Too bad. We could use more sharp looking retro bikes like this.

Len wrote:

xTomBx wrote:What about this one?

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5553/ ... mbretta-ln

I would buy that one today if I could get one here in the USA

I think that is the best looking scooter currently 'available'.

If it had a decent motor, I'd buy.
The specs on the site shows that it is a little bit weaker than a Vespa 150, but I'm not sure how the weight compares, as well as transmission tuning etc.

For those who want more info and pictures on the new "Lambretta": http://www.twistngo.com/news/lambretta- ... -in-the-uk

According to the article, the bodywork is made-up of a combination of fiberglass and metal panels. The metal panels are made in Italy. Price in British Sterling: 3300.

very nice, classy looking scoot imo. paint scheme, styling, A-1

Plastic or metal, it's on my list of scooters I'd love to own. Especially if it comes in a 200cc.

desmolicious wrote:I think that is the best looking scooter currently 'available'.

Probably closer to the mark to say that it is one of the better looking scooters currently 'not available' .

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Plastic or metal, it's on my list of scooters I'd love to own. Especially if it comes in a 200cc.

heck yeah, skootz. with all your gear on and as tall as you are, you'd look like you're flying on one of these

its classic looking and racy looking, too. homerun, i say. and i think it uses the ceramic coated 125cc from sym. i don't think their older 125s like the fiddleII used it. but i believe they have dumped it into the cali classic recently. nice little engine

Looks like, if you want a Vespa, Lambretta, Maico, Zundapp, Heinkel, Fuji, you name it scooter, the Chinese will take the basic Honda knock-off engine and build a plastic replica around it. The result will be pure disposable plastic dreck, but what the hell, someone will buy it!

apparently the New Lambretta is in fact arriving in the UK

see link:

http://www.scootering.com/news/the-firs ... -in-the-uk

well it certainly looks like a lambretta. being new to scootering i had heard that name mentioned in the same breath as vespa. but when searching lambretta last year the "new" models just looked like typical, plastic, modern asian stuff. this is much better

If it goes as good as it looks, I'll buy, no matter what badge is on the side.

illnoise wrote:But covering up Adly badges with Lambretta badges makes me want to cry. Rebranding (like Genuine does) is smart, but what the Khuranas have done steps well over the Audrey-Hepburn-selling-Gap-jeans line.

Bb.

I would cry too...but I gouged my eyes out the first time I saw one!

I don't think we'll ever see these here, at least legally. There are several companies involved and they all seem hellbent on running things into the ground.

I've tried to explain this elsewhere, most of the parties involved in this mess see the word "Lambretta" as far more valuable than any scooter. They see it as the next "Ed Hardy," or "Von Dutch," it's just a name to put on sequined t-shirts, perfume bottles, and liquor, and any other product that'll pay money to use the name. They don't care about scooters, or preserving history, they just want to use history to move merchandise.

illnoise wrote:I don't think we'll ever see these here, at least legally. There are several companies involved and they all seem hellbent on running things into the ground.

I've tried to explain this elsewhere, most of the parties involved in this mess see the word "Lambretta" as far more valuable than any scooter. They see it as the next "Ed Hardy," or "Von Dutch," it's just a name to put on sequined t-shirts, perfume bottles, and liquor, and any other product that'll pay money to use the name. They don't care about scooters, or preserving history, they just want to use history to move merchandise.

Amend...I agree.

They could call it a Bretta, Lammy, whatever.

I wouldn't care.

Not to be snarky, and in all seriousness, those of you that are in love with this thing, you're aware that it's possible to procure an actual Lambretta, right? These are neat looking and all, but they're basically a Sym Fiddle engine in a sort-of-retro looking body. For the same money, or a good deal less, really, you could pick up a pretty respectable vintage Lambretta.

I'm not trying to be judgemental, I'm serious. It's not rocket science to own and maintain a vintage scooter, and I'm guessing most of the people on this list already have a modern scooter. I love modern scooters and ride one most of the time, but no modern automatic is going to match the real, fun, exhilarating experience of riding a vintage bike, why not track one down as a second bike? Then you have the best of both worlds, without sacrificing credibility and originality on the vintage side, or reliability and convenience on the modern side.

I've never been satisfied with any attempt to merge the two. I came to a similar realization with cameras a few months ago, I was drooling over the new retro Fuji X-100, when I realized rather than spending $1000 for a retro-looking camera just because it was pretty (and I already have a great modern DSLR) I spent $40 on a 70s Yashica rangefinder on eBay, it's been much more rewarding to get back into developing film myself and working with an actual vintage camera than it would have been to spend $1000 trying to LOOK the part.

Take the plunge, it's a great experience to own and maintain and restore a vintage bike. If that's just definitely not for you, I really don't think the new "lambretta" is going to give you anything you don't already have.

Bb.

But, but, I don't want a reliable modern scoot and a vintage project bike. I want a reliable vintage TV200 in original condition for $1200. Why is that so hard?

Exactly my point!

http://scoot.net/classifieds/forsale.html?id=30483

$3800, running and titled with nice paint, a few hundred bucks more than a Buddy 170i, and certainly at least $1000 less than a 'new lambretta.'

illnoise wrote:Exactly my point!

http://scoot.net/classifieds/forsale.html?id=30483

$3800, running and titled with nice paint, a few hundred bucks more than a Buddy 170i, and certainly at least $1000 less than a 'new lambretta.'

And impossible to find parts for as well as only being a weekend bike. As much as I love the Lambretta style, it's not a daily driver. Dunno if it ever was...

The "New" approach to Lambretta looks good, and if it has a good engine to back it up, it may be a good modern approach to put efficient modern tech to a style that is unique to alot of the "retro inspired" bikes out there. And, many cannot afford two bikes. If you're in a situation like mine, I'm lucky to be able to splurge on one bike, and I don't have the facilities to keep a vintage fixer upper as a second bike. It's not the mechanical knowledge (that's easy!) it's the costs of maintaining a second bike and the facilities to keep it well.

Also, Lambrettas in Arizona are impossible to find. I think I have seen ONE for sale in about 8 years. Some may say they are everywhere, but I have yet to see more than 4 in my entire time living here.

neotrotsky wrote:And impossible to find parts for

Nah, the TV is a bit tougher than other models, but most of it is being repro'ed pretty well these days. Something like an LI150 could almost be built from scratch with quality spare parts.

neotrotsky wrote:as well as only being a weekend bike. As much as I love the Lambretta style, it's not a daily driver. Dunno if it ever was...

That's an argument for the ages, ha, but however unreliable a vintage Lambretta is, it'll remain an unreliable vintage Lambretta long after most of today's scooters are landfill. I agree, it's not for everyone, but i've just never understood the appeal of "retro" when there's "vintage" to be had. an ipod is six thousand times more functional and compact than an analog vinyl jukebox, and I like both of them a lot, but I'd have no interest in a handsome old-fashioned looking hollow box that took up half my living room with an iPod inside.

That's obviously all just my opinion, but I see this as a more expensive version of the LaVita, engineered to fool the eye, with not much else to shout about. I don't hate it or anything, I actually kinda think they did a nice job, all things considered.

Well, alot of the issue is that there isn't that much "vintage" to be had. Much of it is either Vietnam bodged Vespas or...well... that's about it. Sure, you may find a vintage Vespa for sale once a month, but getting parts is about it. Lambrettas, as I mentioned before, never come up for sale around here... at least not for any reasonable price. Also, the parts issue is the same as any vintage bike: keep spares or a second machine since you'll be waiting days or weeks to get parts if your bike breaks down. Again, if you're lucky enough to have the cash for a second set of wheels and space to house another bike with tools, then no prob! Many riders do not. Of course, if you don't have a local dealer for your Piaggio or Genuine scooter you could be facing the same issue, which is why many go with the "retro" bikes from Honda or Yamaha.

The "retro" thing is very popular because vintage bikes are an affair that takes alot of energy. For those of us who love old bikes, that's fine! I mean, it's what we want: A hobby and a culture. But, for many others they would love something with more style than a Honda Elite 80, but can't afford to worry about their bike breaking down on them on their commute to work or school, or have the time to sit on a bike for a couple of days or longer until parts come in from having to order them off the net. It's the age-old argument with vintage cars as well, but unlike many vintage autos, you can't put modern engines in vintage scooters.

I'm not trying to discredit your view illnoise, because I agree with many parts of it. I just see both sides of it. I WANT the luxury of having a daily driver, a weekend vintage scoot and a cage. It's the best of everything! But like with many things in life, compromises must be made in the name of budgets. To someone just getting into the sport, it's hard to argue vintage bikes when the bike is going to be their only mode of transport and you have scooters like the LX150, Buddy and the Vino that can go for tens of thousands of miles with very little maintenance compared to a two stroke Stella, Vespa or Lambretta

illnoise wrote:

neotrotsky wrote:as well as only being a weekend bike. As much as I love the Lambretta style, it's not a daily driver. Dunno if it ever was...

That's an argument for the ages...

Is it ever. I keep thinking about Kieren's Cannonball Bretta which cheerfully putted across the United States whilst Kieren's maintenance regime seemed to consist mostly of making ironic remarks about the clutch, certainly no major mechanical work beyond minor adjustments.

illnoise wrote:Not to be snarky, and in all seriousness, those of you that are in love with this thing, you're aware that it's possible to procure an actual Lambretta, right? These are neat looking and all, but they're basically a Sym Fiddle engine in a sort-of-retro looking body. For the same money, or a good deal less, really, you could pick up a pretty respectable vintage Lambretta.

I'm not trying to be judgemental, I'm serious. It's not rocket science to own and maintain a vintage scooter, and I'm guessing most of the people on this list already have a modern scooter. I love modern scooters and ride one most of the time, but no modern automatic is going to match the real, fun, exhilarating experience of riding a vintage bike, why not track one down as a second bike? Then you have the best of both worlds, without sacrificing credibility and originality on the vintage side, or reliability and convenience on the modern side.

I've never been satisfied with any attempt to merge the two. I came to a similar realization with cameras a few months ago, I was drooling over the new retro Fuji X-100, when I realized rather than spending $1000 for a retro-looking camera just because it was pretty (and I already have a great modern DSLR) I spent $40 on a 70s Yashica rangefinder on eBay, it's been much more rewarding to get back into developing film myself and working with an actual vintage camera than it would have been to spend $1000 trying to LOOK the part.

Take the plunge, it's a great experience to own and maintain and restore a vintage bike. If that's just definitely not for you, I really don't think the new "lambretta" is going to give you anything you don't already have.

Bb.

You could use that reasoning for any new vehicle. Why buy a Vespa 300 Super when you could have a Vespa Rally? Why buy a Ducati 1198SP when you could have a 900 SS? Why buy a new Ford Mustang GT when you could have one from 1965....

I have new bikes and old scoots. I want this new Lambretta for the same reason I want new Vespas. If I wanted an old Lambretta I could already get one. I already have a Vespa PX and Stella. They're not better than 'new' scoots, they're different.

desmolicious wrote:You could use that reasoning for any new vehicle. Why buy a Vespa 300 Super when you could have a Vespa Rally? Why buy a Ducati 1198SP when you could have a 900 SS? Why buy a new Ford Mustang GT when you could have one from 1965....

I have new bikes and old scoots. I want this new Lambretta for the same reason I want new Vespas. If I wanted an old Lambretta I could already get one. I already have a Vespa PX and Stella. They're not better than 'new' scoots, they're different.

Sure, I think the difference is that the Mustangs and GTS 300s are natural modern progressions made by the same company that made the original, and are a part of the natural history of the marque. But you're right, generally. And different people want different things from a vehicle.

I really like the looks of the new Challenger, the new Mini, Modern Vespas, I just sorta feel like I'd rather have the original, and I like my vintage vintage and my modern modern.

But that wasn't even really my point, my point was, people seem to be reacting to this on a purely cosmetic level, we know nothing of the quality or support for this vehicle, and it's unlikely to ever be available either, and I don't want to support the people behind it anyway, so if you love the style and mystique of the Lambretta, and if you already have a modern scooter (as I'm guessing most of the people on this list do), it's worth looking into a vintage bike. This bike won't do anything a Buddy won't, but a vintage bike is a whole different avenue that will enrich your scootering experience.

True enough, we know little about the company behind the "neo-lammy", the scooters build quality, etc, etc. Goes to show what cache the Lambretta name has—we automatically assume quality etc. But it sure is pretty, and with that beautiful Lambretta sweeping line to the cowels that I love so much.

I recall that a while back, some company in England was offering a very high performance "Lambretta" for some outrageous price. I can't remember the name, but it appeared to be very well made. Does anyone have any further details?

That was basically the end result of a project that started in Seattle with CMSI (of TNG fame) and the Khurana family (who left to start the whole Adly Lambretta thing.) The original idea (First called the "new Lambretta", then the "S-Series", then "Scomadi") was a modern metal lammy frame with a Vespa auto engine. At some point, Lambretta Innovation/Lambretta Laboratory/PMTuning became involved, and eventually they seem to have got fed up with the other parties and just did it themselves, in limited (and expensive) quantities:

http://www.scomadi.co.uk/
http://www.lambrettainnovation.co.uk/

There was also a vague electric GP-style lambretta teaser ad in Scoot! once, nothing came of that…
http://2strokebuzz.com/2009/08/20/electric-lambretta-gp

And of course, many others that amounted to nothing. You could buy a grey-market Scooters India GP through Canada several years ago. SIL still makes GP engines and allegedly has the tooling to re-start production, I've always thought someone with enough investment money could just go there and do the same thing Genuine did with Stella, but now these Consortium fascists even seem to be denying SIL's right to use the name (which, as Stella proved, isn't really a problem).