Copyright © 2001 by Lambretta Club of Scotland. All rights reserved.

Problem

Snapped throttle cable.

Actual/common cause

Misalignment of the pulley at the bars/sharp bends in the outer/wear & tear.

Solution

Route the remnants of the inner cable through the petrol rod hole (having removed the grommet) and, in the absence of a better alternative (spare-wheel holder etc.) wrap it round the gap between headset and frame and tie off. Leaning your knee outwards will increase the revs.

Complications

On standard carbs, you may have to bodge the cable with solderless nipple(s) to retain it in the 'claw' as bending the 'claw' will weaken it.

This is a very tricky bodge to get just right but it will amaze you how quickly you get the 'feel' to control the throttle.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't want to ride like this for any distance, particularly in town traffic.

Right-footers will find the temptation to put the foot controlling the throttle down when coming to a stop a real hazard!

If tying around the headset, the cable could damage your paint. Employing a rag will help but be careful it doesn't restrict the bars from turning.

Podgiest bodge

Stripping some electrical cable will reveal copper wire that could be used as a head or exhaust gasket