Category: Innovations & Ideas

Airhawk Comfort Seat

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The official wording is Airhawk Comfort Seating System. Some might just say it’s a cushion. Whatever you want to call it, it gets a lot of positive and very little negative feedback. I usually get by ok with the single saddles on my Lambretta, but for longer distances, like a lot of seats it can get uncomfortable.

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I received mine from SLUK UK in time for my trip to France last summer, so I was hoping for a good result as the trip was going to exceed 1,000 miles.

There are different versions with different shapes made to suit the seat on your scooter or bike. I got the medium cruiser for my single saddle.

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The cushion uses something Airhawk call Air Cell Technology, which basically is a number of air pockets connected to evenly distribute the air into the cushion supporting and spreading your weight evenly over the whole area.

Including is the cushion itself with a zipped cover that has a non-slip base and a couple of straps to connect it to the seat.

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For the best comfort for getting comfortable, you don’t just fill it with air using the valve. I went ahead and inflated the bladder, but then let out a small amount at a time until I got to the right point. This is usually when the cushion is deflated to the point, to where your bum is just off touching the seat of the scooter. Take a number of short journeys until you find the right inflation point.

It’ll feel a bit odd at first, but this is usually because it’s over inflated, but once you get the right point, you’ll not look back. It really is superb and an essential requirement, not just for the long runs. I use it for shorter trips and it merits its use.

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After the trip, apart from the usual aches and pains associated with riding all day. The Airhawk made a huge difference with no pain of the arse! It’ll be on my Lambretta for my tour through England, France, Belgium and Switzerland this summer.

Click here for the range of Airhawk Cushions on SLUK

Scootronics Intelli-Converter

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Anthony Tambs of Scootronics has evolved and improved his Intelli-Converter into a decent box that will charge two devices at the same time.

The unit works with AC and DC supplies. With AC units it will convert to a DC supply to charge devices.

Not only does the Intelli-Converter charge it solves an ongoing problem experienced by many with SIP Speedometers. As published by Scooter Labs UK. Here’s the link to the page SIP Speedo Solution Article on SLUK.

The Intelli-Converter has a single M5 bolt with a flanged nyloc nut for fixing. I fixed mine into my Legshield toolbox, others have used the standard toolbox location. Dual USB points with rubber cover when not in use to protect the connection points.

It’s size is approximately 12cm X 6.5cm X 4cm

Fitting is really straightforward (I even managed to fit it without asking for Anthony’s help which is an accomplishment for me). The Intelli-Converter comes with simple fitting instructions.

The box has a light which flashes to let you know it’s connected and ready to charge. (Handy to know when you’ve an electrical issue and you’ll know if there’s power getting to the box).

There are comments from some who think it’s comparable to the Mod Charger, but they are not the same. The Mod Charger will charge a device, but that’s where it ends. It doesn’t supply voltage the same way as the Intelli-Converter, which supplies a steady 12 volts.

Chaincase Oil Sight Glass by Oiltek

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The Oil Sight Glass lets you check your oil level without having to take out the oil level plug to see if you have enough oil in your engine.

They’ve been around before, but for a while, they always seemed hard to get a hold of, but Oiltek are selling the Chaincase Oil Sight Glass.

The window on this one is made of glass, but they do also come with a plastic window. It also has a piece of alloy behind the glass to make viewing of the oil level easier so you’re not struggling to see the level in the darkness of the engine.

A point to add. You do have to wait for the oil to settle after running the engine for obvious reasons.

You can order them here from Oiltek

Scootronics DC CDI

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Anthony Tambs of Scootronics continues to add to his portfolio of Lambretta electrical hardware and the latest item is a DC CDI.

I spoke to Anthony about its merits.

“It gives a constant spark energy right from tick over to full revs which results in easier starting and much smoother low down power. No LT coil to worry about and it can be used with internal or external pick up. The spark energy is approximately 90 Millijoules output compared to a standard CDI that give out approximately 40 to 60 Millijoules output. The CDI will rev to over 25000 RPM not that you’ll ever get that high”.

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Fitting it is easy enough, You need to drill a hole for the single bolt and an exchange of a few wires, but you do need to add a cut-out switch as the CDI will drain the battery. Instructions are included with the CDI.

I put mine on the right hand side rear frame strut and extended the necessary wires required to fit.

After a couple of weeks riding with the new DC CDI, the Lambretta is continuing to start first kick and revs well through the gears.

I’m not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to electrics, but having spent some time with Anthony’s devices for my Lambrettas, I can trust him more than enough and will continue to use his products. He answers questions quickly and understands not everyone is on the same level with electronics.

Scootronics on Facebook

JB Fabrication Lambretta Engine Test Stand

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This is the Lambretta Engine Test Bed made by Jon Betts at JB Fabrication.

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The frame is painted black and comes in three parts, which fit together with the four supplied nuts, bolts and washers. You also get a bottle for the fuel supply which has an on/off tap and hose included that sits in a holder on the frame.

The welding is very neat and the metal is more than strong enough to hold a Lambretta engine.

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If you have a spare headset that you’re not using, the raised bar that supports the fuel bottle is the right dimension to support one, but it’s not a requirement.

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It may not be an essential item of Lambretta equipment, but if you find yourself building an engine and no spare chassis to try it on, it will save a lot of bother and time having to swap engines. Even if you do have a frame waiting for the engine. It’s an easier way of testing an engine before fitting. An example being, If you find an issue that needs the top end stripping, it’s a hell of a lot easier to do with the engine out the Lambretta.

There’s really not much to it and it’s very easy to put together. Just attach the CDI, fill the bottle with fuel and fire up the engine.

Jon, makes various parts and tools for Lambrettas. He can be contacted on his Facebook page.

JB Fabrication Facebook Page

Scootopia Rear Hub

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Scootopia has produced the Series 2/Spanish style rear hub with studs, GP Cone and shim. This hub is one of a number of “Safer” hubs now available with this one being titled with the “Super Safe Hub” title. They’re stronger with bigger fins and a recess for the locking ring and with locking rings with three holes available, this goes a long way to safer riding on the Lambretta.

 

Monkey Fingers Bungee

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Planning any trip requires luggage of some sort and this always includes working out how to hold it all on the scooter.

I’ve used all sorts of cords and Bungees and they’ve all done their job, but adjustment of standard Bungees usually consists of wrapping the cord over and over to the required tightness and it’s sometimes hard to get it just right. It’s either too tight or too lose. Another gripe is when you need to access your luggage on the road. It’s a task in itself trying to get to something that’s held on with wrapped Bungees.

While planning for my France trip I was on the look out for something better. As stated, I’ve already got a selection of Bungees, some better than others, but I wanted something easier and quicker to use than the standard bungee.  I came across “Monkey Fingers” by Dura Plastic.

They are adjustable from 6″ to 60″ and have a strong hook at each end. Incorporated on the back of each hook is a channel that takes the excess cord that isn’t required. All you have to do is connect each hook to the location of choice, pull the bungee as tight as you deem necessary and loop it back on itself through the channel and it holds tight.

It’s just as easy to undo, you just unhook the cord from the channel. You get the added bonus of not getting whipped in the face from a taught cord slipping from your hand

I have four of these and used them for my France trip of which I had bumpy roads, hot weather, wet weather, a crash and they held the luggage firm without a bit of movement.

The only place I’ve found them available so far in the UK is Homebase.