Ignition systems can also play a part in power, where it is made, and how well. Static timing on an original points and condensor system can only really cope with a certain amount of revolutions per minute, before the points cannot keep up. They have to open and close, being a mechanical part, they can “bounce” at high revs, meaning they do not spark when they are supposed to.
Changing to an electronic ignition is one of the single best upgrades you can make to your Lambretta. One word of warning though, is that almost all systems made on the market today, bar far the most available are made in India, and quality can be at best described as erratic. Poor quality of parts and workmanship can some time determine if you get a kit that will last, let alone work at all. Many suppliers re-manufacture and upgrade kits before selling to the public, so check with your supplier.
There are now alternatives coming on to the market, lighter flywheels, differing timing, but the progress is slow. One such kit called the Varitronic, improves quality and performance to what is currently available from India. The Varitronic features and advance and retard feature, a pre programmed power curve. The advantages of running a advance/retard system is that you can change the timing to suit the speed you are running at. For example if you run advanced timing gives so much more power but at high revs because the spark is so advanced, it will cause to much heat and burn a hole in your piston.
Static timing as found on most electronic kits really is a happy medium, you have to set your timing at a figure that still gives power, but on the other hand can also be run safely. With the variable timing kits, these allow the use of running advanced timing, and then when the revs rise the timing retards making it run not only at its best, but also its safest.
Flywheel weight also comes into play; most standard or electronic flywheels can weigh between 2.5 to 3and above kgs. This heavy weight has its good and its bad points, the heavy weight helps to produce torque once the speed is obtained, plus allowing a slower tick over with out the engine stalling. New lighter flywheels are now on the market which greatly helps in terms of acceleration, but need a higher ticker over. To light or to heavy can also put strain and stress on your crankshaft, in certain circumstances cranks are not unknown to twist or snap under load. Ideally a Lambretta flywheel should around 1.80 to 2.kg.
