Lambretta TV175 – Supermonza

On a recent ride out I discovered that my TV175 had had some funky welding done to the engine mount. In fact the whole engine setup wasn’t straight. Big old bummer after having ridden quite some distance on this trusted steed.

So when I was riding across the Bay Bridge (still the old one then) and the TS1 gave up on me in a big bang the decisions was made that both the bike and its power plant needed a full make over! With a recent Orange SX150 surfacing in Germany as well as the release of the Supermonza kit it became clear that that was what was in order: An orange TV175 with a that engine mod.

Here’s the empty frame:

The disassembled frame

The disassembled frame

I got a bit lucky and found another TV175 frame in San Francisco that needed just a bit of welding to fit some missing brackets. With it all the alignments needed checking.

Top view with alignments

Top view with alignments

I had to pick it up from a buddy but since I don’t have a car or truck another Lambretta had to make do:

The GP acts as a pick up truck. So redneck.

The GP acts as a pick up truck. So redneck.

But alas it all made it home safe and sound. After finding an excellent painter parts started trickling back and assembly was commenced in the living room, much to the girl’s chagrin:

Parts strewn out on the floor

Parts strewn out on the floor

Oh how I love the color! The arduous process of reassembly went on for about 9 months. Here a shot of the great LTH front disc set up:

IMG_1042 IMG_1027Here is what I could do at home before it went off to the workshop.

IMG_1034Tried to keep as much of the original stuff as possible, so the rear badge is the actual one from the bike. I think they don’t make ’em exactly like this anymore.

 

IMG_1039

This is the large Saigon Scooter Center fuel tank but it didn’t work with the PHBH 30 carb, I have a 38 Airstriker waiting to go on, maybe that will fit.


Then, final assembly and first testing at the workshop. Quite amazingly, the bike started first kick. So right now, I’m waiting for a few parts (glovebox door lock) and to get other little things sorted out (38mm Airstriker carb).

The setup:

1965 Lambretta TV175 (pre-mod)
232cc Supermonza (60/118 con rod MIto Lambretta crank)
Lowered 1mm, 2mm head spacer, 1.2mm squish
30mm PHBH
20/46 gearing with standard RLC Cyclone 5 speed gearbox
LTH clutch, Jockey’s chain tensioner
Original AF electronic ignition
LTH anti-dive disc brake with Mito bracket under horn cover, SX200 hub