First ride: LML Star Lite

LML Star Lite

Retro scooter with a modern sting to its tail

The Star Lite is the new A1 licence-friendly scooter from LML, introduced as the ‘lively little sister’ of the Star Auto. The Lite has the same 125cc engine as the big sis, but its smaller frame makes it nine kilos lighter, giving it more agility.

Looks

There’s no two ways about it, both the Star Auto and the Lite look more than a bit like the Vespa PX. The Star Lite’s single fork at the front, round headlight and mirrors, as well as its understated classic lines make this scooter a bit of a looker. There are also plenty of LML original accessories, from different seats and screens to luggage racks and protectors, which means that the scoot can take on many different guises.

The controls on this scooter are about as simple as they come: electric start, horn, lights and indicators. A kick-start option is available if you prefer that to the electric start.

Engine

The 125cc engine delivers power smoothly and swiftly. A good twist of the throttle will launch you from traffic lights in a flash.

With urban riding it’s easy to stay with the flow of traffic and filter through slow moving lines of vehicles. Outside the city limits it’s a different story: as well as lacking in top speed (I managed a top speed of 55mph) the scooter also becomes quite shaky at 50mph+ speeds, which pretty much limits this machine to urban use. And fair enough, this is a city scooter after all.

Ride

The Star Lite is light and small, which is great in town, as it makes filtering super-easy.

The single fork makes the front wheel feel a little one-sided and the scooter steers into right-hand turns slightly differently than left-handers. It’s not a problem, just something to get used to.

The suspension is slightly on the soft side, but it does make the ride very pleasant as long as you’re not trying to ride the bike too hard. The brakes are also good, with the front disc brake being great for bringing the bike to a stop quickly, and the rear drum brake perfect for shaving a bit of speed off in corners.

The riding position is very nice, even for taller riders. The seat is lovely and soft, and the handlebar grips are comfortable.

Should I buy one?

This a good-looking retro scooter that keeps things simple both in terms of design and equipment, just as you’d expect from a classic-style machine. At £2,099 plus OTR the Star Lite is a grand cheaper than a Vespa PX; you might not get quite the same quality with LML, but you will have a grand to spend on accessories. Not bad.

Spec:

ENGINE: 125cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder

IGNITION SYSTEM: Electric

FUEL SYSTEM: Carburettor

TRANSMISSION: Automatic (belt drive)

LUBRICATION: Wet sump

SEAT HEIGHT: 820mm

WEIGHT: 103kg

TANK CAPACITY: 7 litres

SUSPENSION: Front: single shock. Rear: single shock

BRAKES: Front: disc. Rear: drum

TYRES: Front: 3.50 x 10 . Rear: 3.50 x 10

CONTACT: lml-scooters.co.uk

Price: £2,099 + OTR (basic model – variants available at cost)

Words: Mikko
Images: Gary Chapman