« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2013, 09:56:30 AM »
Not technically up on the Vespa unit. It certainly goes well enough when in good order. I believe it is Vespa. Quite a few examples have been oiled incorrectly despite the fitting of an oiling measure as standard It seems folk miss understood this device or just plain ignored it! One downside is that it has only three speeds.
The Goggo is pretty much a twin Ilo engine, which was then developed a little. It has much in common with the other German two strokes of the time and is pretty detuned. Its real advantage is the gearbox is nice, big and chunky - just like the Sachs isn't. It works well and very rarely gives probs coming complete with a full diff unit. John Bannell found the only real weakness was the quality and tolerances of the clutch assembly. He therefore created a modified set for his fuel injected Coupe. If its good enough for John then its good enough for me. The Goggo always sounds and goes better on a dual exhaust system, not easy to obtain. They then sound a little like a Tiger but without the whistle from the dynostart mounted fans.
My feeling is that the Goggos worst element is the swing axle rear suspension. This limits its cornering speed in exactly the same way as Mk 1 Spitfires were terrifying. Up to a point radial tyres make things better but then 5.20 by 10 do not fit straight on. Some modification is needed. However the radials extra grip and softer construction takes more power to push. Being a looney I chose cornering for belting round lanes. None the less over a certain limit the handling is, eer, unpredictable. John dispensed with swing arms in favour of 126 rear suspension tailing wishbones and double jointed drive shafts - an off the shelf part. I have not had experience of this modification but I would expect the power to be able to be put on much earlier in a corner and a skid to be very much more predictable. Thus overall speed would be greatly enhanced and economy improved unless pressing on.
Looking at the Dart it is clear that the fastest way of driving it is the old fashioned Finnish flick and then a power slide round the corner as in 50's sports car racing. Not greatly received on the public roads as an acceptable way of attempting to break the speed limits! So for all its looks the Dart is handicapped by the swing arms unless your on private roads.
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Messerschmitt set, Goggo Darts, Heinkel 175, Fiat Jolly, Autobianchi, Fairthorpe Electron Minor, Borgward, Isuzu Trooper
Citroen BX 17TZD & GTI 16v
Held - MG Magnette ZB & 4/44
For sale - Vellam Isetta, Bamby, AC Type 70, Velorex, Church Pod, Reliant Mk5, KR200, Saab 96, Bellemy Trials, Citroen BXs
