Two Wheels, September 1980

Would John Citizen Face A Motor-Scooter Without Fear?

Lambretta's on its way back, returning after a break of about ten years, through Laverda distributors Stanco in Melbourne. It was Stanco which originally handled the machines when company founder Stan Evans became known as "Stan the Scooter Man". However shoved a spanner in the works by inundating the market with their light-weights at an ultra-lightweight price. Goodbye scooters.
But now it's hello-time - prepare to meet some very nice people eon scooters, we're advised.
Initially Stanco had two models sent for test and ADR approval. The machines proved to be robust, safe and reliable, the staff of Stanco clocking up 5000km on each.
But heck, why a scooter? Surely we have enough Jap lightweights to satisfy the market?
Not so, according to Stanco manager Ian Cartwright. It's all a matter of image.
Some of the huge upturn in the motorcycle market is attributed to the 35-years-old person who is rejecting the second var for the family in favour of a commuter motorcycle for himself.
That's where scooters come in, and Stanco sold several container loads of Lambrettas it received earlier this year straight off the floor. Now there's more complete with dealer network, full spares back-up and six months/10,000 km warranty.
The agreements Stanco are making with dealers binds the dealer to having a complete spares stock of the normal items and be able to service the machines fully (including re-bores), while Stanco stocks the larger. more unusual parts to be ordered by dealers as required. All this means full back-up for sales.
If you're interested in the Return(ore revenge) of the Lambretta, and see it as an ideal way to commute while retaining your inoffensive, clean-cut image, you can choose from a 150cm2 model at $999 or a 200cm2 at $1209. Stance is at 291 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000 (phone (03) 67-6039).
For Sydneysiders, a further note: The moped Machine, at 72A Oxford Street, Paddington is launching its business with the Lambrettas.