If you have a Lambretta Series 1 or 2 scooter, take note, as numerous people have reported accidents occurring due to a weakness in early front hub backplates:
Today, I took my very first ride on my Series 1. I covered 4 miles and was on approach to a roundabout on a dual carriageway. I pulled the front brake and heard a noise like a shotgun and the front end dived violently. The reason was the original front hub has a small strengthened area above the locating peg which is very weak.
Importantly, I owned 3 Series 1 scooters in 1989 and 2 did this also. My mate nearly crashed on one of them when both front cables wound up whilst flat out. the other I was on but going slow. Today I was doing about 40mph. In the past I up-graded to later hubs and cured the problem as they are stronger at that point. I meant to do this scooter also as I've never forgotten but plain forgot (very bad move). I urge all Series 1 riders to take note and act now to avoid my unlucky run on this model!
I was one of the unfortunates who locked up and came off their scoot. It bloody hurt and I would urge everyone, Series 1/2 and beyond to check their front hubs NOW. Do not use your scooter until you are happy that you have the stronger lug. There will be no warning when the hub will shear. I was doing (luckily) about 25mph, riding in a group of scooters when I needed to slow down a little, I just touched the front brake and the next thing I knew I was flying over the handlebars. My clothing was wrecked, my scooter looked a sorry state, 6 months after its rebuild, and how the people following me managed to miss me I'll never know. I also ended up on the opposite side of the road. Again luckily, it was a country lane so there was nothing coming the other way. If it was a main road, I doubt if I would be here typing this!
Sound scary? It was, it is. GET YOUR SCOOTER CHECKED TODAY.
EVERY Series 1 definitely has the problem hub. EVERY Series 2 I've seen in original state has also had this hub, but I've also seen one or two early Series 3 with it, although rare. The trouble is there may be early backplates on scooters bought at parts fairs, etc., with this weakness so I urge ALL Lambretta LI series owners including GP drum just to run their hub by these pics above in case a previous owner has changed it over for some reason.
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