Hi Chris, this one is turning into a good discussion! To pick up on a few of your comments, about the modern two stroke engines, I was under the impression that there was a cut off date beyond which no more will be allowed to be manufactured, my guess is that all the old used engines will be at a premium. The modern engines are already finding there way into the rear of Heinkels and schmitts much to the horror of folk like myself, its inevitable because for many its an easy option and usually improves the performance of some of the cars, our argument is that if you do not like the characteristics of a classic vehicle , buy something else and pass the car on to someone who appreciates it for what it is. Engines never really wear out to the extent that they cannot be rebuilt especially if you are determined and can spend money on them, thats why most vintage cars still have the correct motors in them, its usually cars of lower value that end up with replacement engines in them and its my hope that as the classic microcars get older and rise in value the owners will preserve there integrity. I dare say some will disagree but thats my take on it all for what its worth. You raise an interesting point about whether an Inter is underpowered with the Yrdal 175, my latest car is still unsorted as regards the tuning etc so is nothing to go on but as I remember my old one it wasnt so much underpowered but suffered much for only having three gears, it shot up druids hill at Brands Hatch at the TG500 40th anniversary bash with just me in it but when I drove it two up at Story Germany it desperately needed another gear between second and third on the steeper hills. Its lighter than a schmitt and half the weight of a Nobel so I would say its quite usable with the 175 motor. The reason why the one you saw in France was struggling is probably more to do with the fact that we cant get the oversized pistons and bore the barrels out, they are an odd shape[ this applies to the earlier L49's, the AJ55 can be run with a yamaha piston, my old car had a rebore and new piston hence quite good performance] Most L49's are running on original pistons and are getting pretty worn now, I think this is why my Torpedo is a little sluggish as well. Its my intention to get a batch of pistons made at some time. About the TG500's, they can certainly shift! However most owners will agree that the engine build quality was very poor and they were not produced long enough to develop it. Have you been in touch with Club Ydral? I was a member for a while but naturally the news letter is in French and the main thrust is motorcycles so I allowed it to lapse. I would love to hear the results of your research on ydrals, I hope you get further than I did! Cheers, Bob
