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  • Lambretta Indian Production

    General Information

    Lambrettas were produced in India under license by two different companies. The first was "Auto Products of India" or A.P.I. This company mainly produced Series II Li models and three wheelers for the Indian market. A.P.I. scooters were never officially sold in the US, but occasionally one does turn up here which was gray-market imported. The ones that I have seen have been of a very inferior quality as well as being quite worn out from years of use in India.The second company to manufacture Lambrettas in India was "Scooters India Limited" or S.I.L., who bought the Innocenti scooter factory, lock, stock, and barrel from Milan after Innocenti stopped production in the early 70's. The factory presses and production line was moved to India, and production of the GP range of scooters was re-started there under the S.I.L. name. It is not clear when production actually began, but I believe it was some time in the mid-70's. A few S.I.L. GP's made it to the US in the early 80's, but I am not sure who imported them, or in what numbers.By the mid-90's, interest in vintage scooters was on an up-swing in North America, and since Lambrettas were still in production in India at that time, a small batch of GP 200's was imported by Performance Scooters in Canada. These scooters were sold into the US in "kit" form, and the purchaser had to put the scooter together and was on his or her own with title and registration. Later on, some US dealers brought in complete machines.The S.I.L. factory in India ceaced producing Lambretta scooters around 2000, and so ended Lambretta construction for the first time in over 50 years. Spares continue to come from India however, which is one reason which helps all of us keep our scooters on the road since many spare parts manufacturers elsewhere stopped making parts long ago. Even complete GP 200 motors can be sourced through the Indian aftermarket suppliers who sell to North American and European scooter shops.

    Style

    The S.I.L. GP models are virtually identical to the Innocenti-made versions. The main difference being the fit and finish, and the quality of the parts. The Indian GP's did not have the disc brake, but instead a drum unit as on the 150 and 125 GP models. Late models had an entirely different front fork with a turning front mudguard. The new fork was supposed to improve the ride and provide a modicum of anti-dive properties. This "improved" fork was often removed for US bikes in favor of the older-style unit.


    Motor
    The motors on the S.I.L. GP Lambrettas were virtually identical to the Innocenti versions. Once again, the main difference being the quality, fit, and finish. Some later models came with 12 volt electronic ignition.

    Bottom Line

    Though SIL is no longer building scooters, they were building brand new GP Lambrettas up until around 2000. Furthermore, there are quite a few aftermarket suppliers which were providing parts to SIL and the secondary parts market in India which are still producing brand new parts. There are even some shops in the UK and US which are building brand new scooters up from these parts. There are some important things to be aware of when buying one of these Indian Lambrettas. The quality of the Indian GP's is not nearly as high as the Italian models, so be careful. The carbs, cases, and electrical systems are notoriously bad on SIL's, so pay close attention to these items when looking to buy one. From the reports that I have read, the Indian bikes and motors can be made fairly reliable with a few simple, if expensive, modifications. These include replacement of the original bearings with new high quality types, fitting of an electronic ignition, and the fitting of a new carburetor.Brand new spare GP200 motors are also available from the Indian aftermarket, but one should be aware that these are of spotty quality. I would only buy one of these motors from a reputable shop which will stand behind the motor, or better yet, rebuild it prior to selling it. I have read about many of these "brand new" motors breaking down within miles of being started if they are not gone through beforehand.Still, the fact that we can still buy a "brand new" 200cc Lambretta at this point, even if we have to do a little work to it, is just incredible. It is one of the things that keeps the Lambretta scooter alive as a viable vintage scooter, and can be seen as nothing but a great thing for our hobby.

    User Manual -
    http://scooterhelp.com/manuals/gp200...l.manual.r.pdf

    Just got some info. on the net sir, thought it might be of some help
    Last edited by IronHide Shetty; 09-21-2012, 08:38 PM.
    Ride Safe
    Vrooom Vroooom

    Comment


    • Originally posted by IronHide Shetty View Post
      Lambretta Indian Production

      General Information

      Lambrettas were produced in India under license by two different companies. The first was "Auto Products of India" or A.P.I. This company mainly produced Series II Li models and three wheelers for the Indian market. A.P.I. scooters were never officially sold in the US, but occasionally one does turn up here which was gray-market imported. The ones that I have seen have been of a very inferior quality as well as being quite worn out from years of use in India.The second company to manufacture Lambrettas in India was "Scooters India Limited" or S.I.L., who bought the Innocenti scooter factory, lock, stock, and barrel from Milan after Innocenti stopped production in the early 70's. The factory presses and production line was moved to India, and production of the GP range of scooters was re-started there under the S.I.L. name. It is not clear when production actually began, but I believe it was some time in the mid-70's. A few S.I.L. GP's made it to the US in the early 80's, but I am not sure who imported them, or in what numbers.By the mid-90's, interest in vintage scooters was on an up-swing in North America, and since Lambrettas were still in production in India at that time, a small batch of GP 200's was imported by Performance Scooters in Canada. These scooters were sold into the US in "kit" form, and the purchaser had to put the scooter together and was on his or her own with title and registration. Later on, some US dealers brought in complete machines.The S.I.L. factory in India ceaced producing Lambretta scooters around 2000, and so ended Lambretta construction for the first time in over 50 years. Spares continue to come from India however, which is one reason which helps all of us keep our scooters on the road since many spare parts manufacturers elsewhere stopped making parts long ago. Even complete GP 200 motors can be sourced through the Indian aftermarket suppliers who sell to North American and European scooter shops.

      Style

      The S.I.L. GP models are virtually identical to the Innocenti-made versions. The main difference being the fit and finish, and the quality of the parts. The Indian GP's did not have the disc brake, but instead a drum unit as on the 150 and 125 GP models. Late models had an entirely different front fork with a turning front mudguard. The new fork was supposed to improve the ride and provide a modicum of anti-dive properties. This "improved" fork was often removed for US bikes in favor of the older-style unit.


      Motor
      The motors on the S.I.L. GP Lambrettas were virtually identical to the Innocenti versions. Once again, the main difference being the quality, fit, and finish. Some later models came with 12 volt electronic ignition.

      Bottom Line

      Though SIL is no longer building scooters, they were building brand new GP Lambrettas up until around 2000.

      User Manual -
      http://scooterhelp.com/manuals/gp200...l.manual.r.pdf

      Just got some info. on the net sir, thought it might be of some help

      Way to start with mate
      This is the way we learn things....I have gone through the above content from that particular site several times !!, though it furnishes some "Scooters India ltd" Production details...NOT MUCH CLEAR & AUTHETICAL , they are biased I guess (reason unkown)
      The name " Lambretta GP 200(Ibdian)" was bit confusing name for SCOOTERS INDIA ltd guys to launch at Indian market...how???.
      Will get back to this matter after Tamil Nadu returns to normalcy (i.e, at least with power for 16 hours

      )

      Comment


      • sorry bro, yes i have not gone through all the pages of this thread. i look at this thread whenever i find something interesting.
        somehow i lost interest in between when your focus turned on mopeds.


        yes, that was fantabulus, thanks for providing the pics, i searched the thread and found other photos too. sorry for making you post again.
        but, have you not restored it? coz, i can only find the pics before restoration.


        none of the scooters of that era was as beautiful as a lambretta.


        and regarding knowledge sharing about "lambretta GP 200", i think a lot of information is available on the internet, like what is posted above. i will provide a few links from my side, just for you to have a look, might help in sourcing spare parts-->





        lambretta-performance.htm











        Last edited by princesirohi; 09-22-2012, 01:58 AM. Reason: xbhp is not not compatible with a lot of browsers
        sigpic

        Tyre Sizes _ Spark Plugs

        Headlight Focus _ Fork Oils

        All India xBhp Couple Riders Thread

        Ashtavinayak + Shirdi
        Purandar
        Raigad
        Dapoli
        Aurangabad
        Kaas Plateu & Thoseghar Waterfalls
        Purandar

        Comment


        • Awesome Collection !
          I read somewhere in this thread that you had installed a self starter for a scooter(not sure if its a enfiedl one or lamby)
          Could you please let me know if its possible to install a self starter for a Chetak. If its possible could you please provide me with more info on this
          site:xbhp.com keyword -> Google this to dig up stuff in xbhp faster

          Comment


          • Hi Muthu ji,

            How r u? Am seeing this thread today only, Got sticky to this thread,Didnt started my office Job till now as I dont want to lose the rhythm reading this thread . I ve noted down ur Cell no. And If I come to Palghat or Coimbatore, Will be definitely visiting ur garage. I didnt see such a wonderfull collection till now. All beauties at one spot. My dad was having an italian Lambretta. But sold it to scrap only last year. I wanted to restore it as it was my dad's favorite. But since I couldn't procure the parts, Selling was the last option. I wish I would ve met u earlier.........
            Happy & Safe Riding to All

            Comment


            • Originally posted by kantu View Post
              Awesome Collection !
              I read somewhere in this thread that you had installed a self starter for a scooter(not sure if its a enfiedl one or lamby)
              Could you please let me know if its possible to install a self starter for a Chetak. If its possible could you please provide me with more info on this
              No buddy...I haven't installed any kind of "Self starter" in the Scooters, Lamberttas never had Electric start version, which all of us are aware of....
              About Enfield 's FANTABULUS.....Yes , it came in two guises, the earlier ones (1962 to end of 1966) came with " ELECTRIC START", but it is not a " Self motor to START", instead a patented technology known as " SIBA_DYNA Start"...Here in this S-D start set up....the Engine Generator itself acts as a " Starter Motor" to crank the engine...
              As I have posted detailed "drawings & writings" about this, some where in this thread it self..plz go through the pages Where FANTABULUS is discussed
              About installing a " Self starter" in a Scooter like Chetak :- Yes it is possible ...though I haven't tried it till now ( guess the necessity for this a Question mark)..Just PM me for the PROS & CONS of this modification.

              Originally posted by vimalnair4u View Post
              Hi Muthu ji,

              How r u? ..................., Selling was the last option. I wish I would ve met u earlier.........
              Fine !!..thanks for your gestures .
              Past is past.........any way Today is the Day
              Cheers!!
              KMK

              Comment


              • My HERO HONDA CD100 -1985

                Love all is more than a cry of equality in tennis. In a more metaphysical context, love all means being attached to all manner of things, without any distinctions. Should you subscribe to that motto, you should be able to love all kinds of motorcycles. Even plodding, economy-minded ones.
                To like a motorcycle, I must be able to have fun on it. And it must be able to laugh with me. It must be able to do something so well, that you cannot help but appreciate it. And do that something over and over and over again. ...
                ......Confused??????...read the above once by Subarta Marmar
                .

                When it is ECONOMY -MINDED ones....there mustn't be a second thought
                .hm!! 'am talking about the very first & truly " FILL IT.SHUT IT,FORGET IT" bike
                ....which was launched in India at 1985....HERO HONDA CD-100
                I don't mind it is collectible OR not ( usually there is general belief " Any thing Still in production is not a Collectible" )
                Let us refresh ourselves..what was the Scenario, when HERO HONDA CD100 was launched at 1985>>>>

                TVS were running through advanced bookings for their 1984 launch IND-SUZUKI AX100 bike(first 100 cc bike in Indian shores)

                ESCORTS the big daddy of Indian bike makers was busy in supplying the largest selling bike of that time the humble utilitarian RAJDOOT 175 & making focus on the YAMAHA RD 350 Indian version ie RAJDOOT 350...with no focus on 100 cc market thinking that 100cc bikes will not be a success in India due to rugged road pattern of India.


                BAJAJ the great carrier of all time was focused on its scooters thinking that its middle class driven India which buys scooters not bikes...then what's the use of focusing on bikes...
                so none automobile manufacturer except Hero Honda motors ltd in India at that time had realized the potential of coming up with fuel efficient low maintenance bikes which are easy on pocket while convenient on mobility...


                At the launch of CD100 in 1985...

                This was called high powered moped (as called by its competitors at its launch) soon became favorite of masses that within 2 years it broke 1 Lakh sales chart.

                not only this
                all other non serious competitors soon realized the importance of 100 cc market and in short span they all came up with following
                models/up gradation

                TVS ax 100 r(with dc wiring)
                YAMAHA RX 100
                Kawasaki Bajaj KB100(with may firsts like tachometer in 100 cc bike,fuel gauge etc along with central locking)

                BUT despite of all these products the leader of the show was CD 100 ...
                despite of not having faster acceleration like RX100 or KB100 it was HH CD100100's ability to deliver unmatched fuel efficiency along with reliable quality that it had withstood all competition......So


                I personally think CD 100 had contributed a lot in providing the Indian middle class an affordable mean of day to day commuting..may be it was not having rev and pickups like Yamaha RX100 but it was more popular on sales charts just b'coz of simple fact....fuel efficiency...this is testimonial of this bike that still people remember CD100 and compare current generation 4 strokes of 100 & plus(??)cc with Hero Honda CD100.

                Here is my Hero Honda CD 100 (1985)>>
                ...just before restoration...loosed its charm after years of toiling

                If it is 1985 Hero Honda CD100, it should be like this>>




                One of my neighbors bike here<>>>>


                Engine was done to my hearts content, but still plenty of period goodies like, MUL Shocks, Nippon seiki meter, period Chain cover, Stickers was a night mare....





                { any of you, who in need of the Sticker pattern of this period bike can find the above 2 pics from the parts catalog..very useful ;-) }



                So, after much efforts..just couple of days before she was again recalled to work for this POWER STARVING Indian
                Few pics after test ride..>>



                The Nippon seiki Meter ( with just HONDA ....)

                The Two covers...


                MUL Shocks & the original swinging arm>

                ....ha!! haa!!...Salman khan when he was 20 than (@'88 or '89)- the Bike featuring in this ad is '88 or '89 I guess



                THE UNFORGETABLE TAGLINE OF CD 100 ie., "Fill it.Shut it & forget it" had created the magic on peoples nerves and simply highlighted the virtue of its fuel efficiency >


                Now..so more of my HH CD100



                Cheers!!
                KMK

                Comment


                • Wonderful Muthu Sir, many bikes came in the early 70's & 80's - GTO125, RXS100, Suzuki AX100, Hero Honda CD100 and Kawasaki KB100. All the manufacturers did not believe in an angle on both sides for the foot rest, rather have them welded on to the swing arm. Not sure why? Also, I've heard that initial model CD100 (Japan) gave the best Fuel Efficiency of all time. Some say even 90+. Did they came with Kehin carb?
                  Last edited by SriramEfunds; 10-01-2012, 01:09 AM.
                  RX100 1996 | Karizma 2004 | Karizma-R 2011 | RXZ 1999 | RX 135 1998 | RX 100 1993 | CBF150 2005 - 2011

                  2012 - Meghamalai | Kuttralam | 2011 Ooty | Munnar | 2010 Point Calimere | Horsley Hills | Yercaud

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by SriramEfunds View Post
                    Wonderful Muthu Sir, many bikes came in the early 70's & 80's - GTO125, RXS100, Suzuki AX100, Hero Honda CD100 and Kawasaki KB100. All the manufacturers did not believe in an angle on both sides for the foot rest, rather have them welded on to the swing arm. Not sure why? Also, I've heard that initial model CD100 (Japan) gave the best Fuel Efficiency of all time. Some say even 90+. Did they came with Kehin carb?
                    *why? : This was pre 70's design....not much comfortable though.....Evolution boss Evolution :-)
                    **....came with Kehin carb?: 90plus may be on TEST CONDITIONS....but for sure 68 +KMPL average ( including City & highway)<> Yes it came with Kehin....even this bike still runs on Kehin

                    Comment


                    • Sir, the initial batch were returned much more than 68kmpl if I'm not wrong.
                      RX100 1996 | Karizma 2004 | Karizma-R 2011 | RXZ 1999 | RX 135 1998 | RX 100 1993 | CBF150 2005 - 2011

                      2012 - Meghamalai | Kuttralam | 2011 Ooty | Munnar | 2010 Point Calimere | Horsley Hills | Yercaud

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by SriramEfunds View Post
                        Sir, the initial batch were returned much more than 68kmpl if I'm not wrong.
                        May be....Even my HH CD100 is of the initial batch only.....As i have completely overhauled the Engine & yet to complete its "run -in" period ( just clocked 108kms till now)...will wait & see how it turns up , after re-setting the valves & may require a Carb replacement to ...(ha! that Kehin have worked none stop for 27 years...)
                        Cheers!1
                        KMK

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by powertwin View Post
                          ..............Few pics after test ride..>>





                          The Nippon seiki Meter ( with just HONDA ....)

                          The Two covers...


                          MUL Shocks & the original swinging arm>

                          ....ha!! haa!!...Salman khan when he was 20 than (@'88 or '89)- the Bike featuring in this ad is '88 or '89 I guess



                          THE UNFORGETABLE TAGLINE OF CD 100 ie., "Fill it.Shut it & forget it" had created the magic on peoples nerves and simply highlighted the virtue of its fuel efficiency >


                          Now..so more of my HH CD100



                          Cheers!!
                          KMK
                          Ah!! some of our friends pointed out that I haven't posted the LH side of my Hero Honda..Hm!! true ......Here are some more pics of the Bike (left hand side )





                          Comment


                          • fantastic stuff....great job. Had a first lot CD 100 and this brings back wonderful memories.
                            RX 100
                            MV Agusta Brutale 750

                            Comment


                            • Nice, clean, beautiful CD100 .....

                              When shall I come to pick it up ?

                              Comment


                              • Nice Restoration Job Sir ! And thanks for your recomm. for this Forum.

                                Comment

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