A new frame in production.How could it be improved?

[Knowledge]

Well, not to my knowledge, but I thought that might grab your attention.

Bearing in mind that a few years ago, the thought of a new casing was pie in the sky (and now we have a choice of three - four if you include Uni), how long until brand new frames are available?

So if you were commissioning a new frame, what changes would you make to improve upon the Li frame?

[coaster]

Reshaped tube to allow better inlet manifold clearance would be a start

[Fast n Furious]

If it were an "ALL NEW" frame, then would it need to go through the expensive formalities to get type approval I think? In which case we are talking about something with a 2017 plate.
If it were classed as a "Kit construction", it would also probably end up with a 17 reg.
What if you used an old rusted bent series 3 frame as the donor? Chances are that the area of the frame where the original frame number resides will be in reasonable nick, which begs the question:- How much of the original frame must you retain for the frame number to be classed as valid? Now design the new frame around this piece.
I wonder if the frame number has to be retained in the "recognized position" for it to classed as valid?

Comments.

[Knowledge]

Thanks FnF, but I was hoping that this bit of fun might start somewhere other than a court of law.

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

Then surely as the anti Scomadi brigade would insist; it's not a Lambretta and we don't wish to talk about it. (Not my.thoughts)

[MickYork]

In response to the original question....

I think the front end is pretty much ok but has been stated more clearance at the engine end would allow longer stroke rods (coupled with the larger cylinder heads) and make for easier work without dropping the engine.

If there was a suitable, not rusting, lighter,alloy type of material to be used for the frame, this would be an obvious benefit. Strengthened holes to allow cables to be threaded through the frame would be a nice touch as well.

[NorthernJordan]

This would require mods to the engine too, but I'd like to see the rear end improved.

Twin rear shocks and some form of enclosed hub where the wheel runs central to the two shocks. This should mean mounts last longer, less risk of shocks snapping and even load distribution, whilst making the rear wheel and hub design far safer for the high power engines out there now.

[Cgt75b]

Have Oiltek not already produced a frame themselves?

[Knowledge]

^ Oiltek did make an ali frame, but I think this was an experiment to satisfy their own curiosity rather than a serious production proposal. However, the answer to my question might lie with a close examination of what Oiltek did, or didn't, do to their frame.

[Knowledge]

Then surely as the anti Scomadi brigade would insist; it's not a Lambretta and we don't wish to talk about it. (Not my thoughts)

Hi Chris.

I wasn't really thinking of radical changes to a new production of the frame, rather, could a bit more clearance be made here, or strengthened there, or some holes here to fix ancillaries.

I was perhaps assuming that the supplier/manufacturer might not want to fit their own bodywork, and would look to make the existing panels, legshields, horncast, front mudguard etc all fit from stock. One area that could do with improvement is the method of securing the rear footboards, and this might include alterations to the frame.

Would it be better if the whole top pressing of the frame could be unbolted?

[compass]

Some improvements can be made regards rear bracket for side panels on loop, as that rear bracket is a right pain in the arse when trying to change rear tyre, especially on a series 1.

[HxPaul]

Some improvements can be made regards rear bracket for side panels on loop, as that rear bracket is a right pain in the arse when trying to change rear tyre, especially on a series 1.

Series 1 panels are the same as series 2,check this thread out,read from the 4th post.viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5510&p=45907#p45907

[Phil D]

Im all for improvement but
At what point does a Lambretta stop
Being a Lambretta and become a modern copy- sorry but it's ridiculous once you put a copy engine In
a copy frame it's a copy.
The Emperors new clothes springs to mind.

[Digger]

+1

[Fast n Furious]

How long is a piece of string?

[Toddy]

How long is a piece of string?

However long you cut it

[Ranburetta]

Is this the answer?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/lambretta-fra ... 2607506194?

[Knowledge]

Blimey, some one has put a lot of work into that, but it only looks suitable for building a (very tidy) skelly.

Lovely work though.