Hi Chris,
Early batches of French LD 125 Mk 1’s were imported Italian models. Here is a useful link that may help you to identify a French or Italian build:
http://www.ilambretta.co.uk/FrenchLambrettas.html
For Italian LD,s with an inspection flap on the right side panel (as your sitting on the Lambretta), opening the inspection flap allows access to the carburettor and fuel tap located on the fuel tank. The fuel tap turns the Lambretta on and off.
French LD’s did not have an inspection flap. Instead, they had a long rod / fuel lever that comes out of the frame and near your feet. Turning the fuel tap rod would allow you to open or close the fuel tap and therefore switch your Lambretta on or off. Without this, you would need to remove the side panel to switch the Lambretta (Via the fuel tap) on and off.
Additional Information
Fuel tap references – If searching online to aid with pictures. Search for
Lambretta 99097121 or Lambretta 99097110 (Mk1 – this is for an Italian build with inspection flap and or without side panels at around £25/£30, available at various shops)
Lambretta 08171061 (150 D without side panels)
Lambretta 12171056 ( Mk2 / Mk3 available at various shops – Obviously not yours and to aid with image description – The fuel rod to switch on and off is located on the top of the frame in between the seats)
French Fuel Tap and Rods & Taps. – Unfortunately, I have not yet managed to acquire a parts manual or part numbers for French LD,s or find one online to link to. Most parts are the same as Italian builds. When I do, I will publish it on the Parts Manuals area. However, for an image, Cambridge Lambretta Workshop list a French LD Fuel Tap here. I’m not sure if it’s the correct one, but it looks correct. http://www.lambretta.co.uk/shop/fuel-french-p-6455.html
I have also found an image and attach it to this email (Also seen below this News Post), that may help, if you have a French LD and do not currently see a Long Rod & correct Fuel Tap system installed on your Lambretta at the moment. If the rod is missing and you have a different fuel tap installed, to that shown in the image or of similar design shown at Cambridge Lambretta Workshop, it may be that the previous person had to remove the side panel to switch the Lambretta on and off.
I hope that this is of some help.
All the best
John
Note: I have added the response to the News Post area as well, in case this reply email is sent to your Spam / Junk area and you do not receive it.
Image attached of a French LD Mk1 Fuel Tap with the Fuel Tap Rod to switch it on and off, with the rod being located on the outside part of the frame, by your legs.
