It is out of sheer nostalgia that I am writing this review. I doubt if this review will make any difference to any reader, since one one here would actually think of buying an out-of-production 2-stroke scooter, but seeing the large number of reviews on MS, I too thought of sharing my twopence worth of nostalgia.
The Vespa PX150, in it’s Indian guise of LML NV has been existing on indian roads since decades. My encounter with the LML started with glimpses of worn-out old 1980-make LMLs plying in my hometown. A kid back then, I used to make out LMLs by their very distinct engine note, which was very different from the Bajaj scooters. My first close encounter with LML started when my uncle(Dad’s brother) bought one in 1996. Those were the days of renaissance in LML’s shed and they were coming out with lots of novelties(Metallic shades, backrest-integrated storage box at the back and they were also releasing new models like the LML Star). We bought the metallic green shade of the NV Spl.
My initial affairs with the LML were restricted to riding pillion with my uncle and were limited to city rides. He was a very smooth rider and always rode with restraint. After intimately using the LML for ten years, my uncle passed me the keys of the LML in 2006 as he switched over to a Honda Shine. I inherited the LML after I completed my graduation and that was the first ever 2-wheeler which I actually owned.
Although I had driven lots of scooters(including my dad’s 1975 Bajaj Super 150, lots of TVS Scootys, Kinetic Hondas and some shiny new Activas) as well as a fair share of bikes(Lots of 100cc Bajaj’s, HeroHonda’s, some TVS Victors and a couple of newly-launched Bajaj Pulsars), But when I rode the LML for the very first time, I was completely unprepared for what happened - the moment I clicked in to 1st gear and released the clutch, I ended up in a massive wheelie throwing me off-balance. That was my very first lesson - respect the power. I immediately understood why my uncle exercised restraint with the LML(but not with the Shine).
The LML is massively torquey and powerful(Yes, 8.2 bHP doesn’t look very massive on paper, but the torque is overkill). You could actually start from standstill in 2nd gear. Even in the era of 200cc Pulsars and Apache’s and R15’s, it is still capable of thrashing any modern bike in the initial 0-50 acceleration - and it always puts a big grin on my face when I speed off like a missile from the traffic signals and look at the bikini-fairing-laden 160-180-200 cc bikes in my rear view mirror.(Yes, I know - that grin is very short lived, coz the LML loses steam after 40kph and thats when the Bajaj and TVS guys start grinning!)
i have never taken the LML for highways/long rides - actually never got a chance. The maximum I travelled in a day on my LML was around 70kms and the maximum speed I could reach was 74kph(recorded on my GPS, as speedo isn’t working). But frankly, scooters are scooters and they are just that - meant to be used within city limits and city-suitable speeds. The gearing is also specifically targeted towards agility and nimble handling in city riding conditions. The’flickability’ and turning radius of a scooter is something that’s just not possible on a bike. Combined with the high torque, its a breeze to squeeze through any amount of traffic.
Stability is obviously a bit floppy, as expected from all scooters. Wet roads are a big no-no. The tyres are normally grippy and brakes are excellent in dry weather but in rains, even a slight hint of panic braking can cause massive fishtailing.
I wouldn’t comment on the comfort factor here - to each, his own taste. Some love the feeling of hugging a tank between their legs. I love the freedom and open legs. The seating is quite tall, on par with most bikes and the seat is w-i-d-e.(now, tell me a bike which can give a similar seating comfort?). The erect riding posture is was something I am addicted to, even today.(That was the prime reason for choosing the Yamaha Gladiator - which has one of the most comfortable riding postures among bikes). Oh, and the LML had a couple of shock absorbers too.(You didn’t know that, did you?)
Lastly the classic Indian question: Mileage kya hai? Frankly I didn’t bother. I just filled up whenever I hit reserve. But in retrospective, I calculated and discovered that I was getting around 20kpl at worst and 35kpl at best. Not at all bad, considering that I hardly ever visited a service station in ages.(That’s something I can’t afford to do with my Yamaha today - it needs a clean-up every few months to survive & perform). With the LML, it was always "Fill it, Ride it, Re-fill it"! I am sure all the reviewers here would vouch for the reliability of 2-stroke bikes.
Those who are wondering what happened to?first ride - yes, it’s still very much intact and in high-revving condtion, though it’s hidden beneath plastic covers and parked at my hometown. I use it everytime I visit my hometown and that keeps my nostalgia alive. I have some big plans for the LML - thinking of painting it in metallic silver, a-la the new European Vespa scooters and doing some asthetic changes. And my heart knows it - I am never going to give up on the LML. First love is last love!