Lambretta Li 125
Series 3

The Li 'Slimstyle' Lambrettas are the prelude to an unexpected Lambretta triumph. All Lambrettas with a large chassis are evolutionary stages of the Li Series 3 (even the Lambretta Series 4 currently in planning is based on this frame and appears to have many parts in common with the DL/GP models).

Compared to the Series 2, the overall appearance of the Li 3 is much more dynamic and slimmer, hence the frequently used designation Slimline. The steering head, cascade, mudguards, side covers, leg shield, footboards and frame are not only much sleeker, but material is also saved during production.

The Li 3 is supplied with two single saddles as standard. A seat is only available as an optional extra. New are the lettering holders at the rear of the frame, in which Li 125 or Li 150 lettering is emblazoned depending on the model. These replace the 'dummy radiator grille' of the previous series. The speedometer of the 125 cc version reaches up to 80 km/h, the scale of the 150 cc speedometer ends at 100 km/h.

The technology under the side covers only changes in the details, which are actually only of a cosmetic nature. New are the SH carburetors, whose float is located at the bottom of the carburetor and not at the side as on the previous MA/MB carburetors. The carburetor is cited for optimized fuel consumption and improved driving performance. The Series 3 engine cover has a new design to match the slimmer sheet metal, as does the kick starter. The intake system and exhaust have also been revised. As far as the chassis is concerned, the tried and tested system has been retained, but the individual components have been redesigned. For example, the rear shock absorber of the Series 3 is slightly shorter in comparison.

Due to the longest production time of all Lambretta models, many changes were made during the production period. Early Li 3 models, for example, adopted the rather useless Series 2 ignition. Later, the ignition with 6 coils and a more solid pole wheel was installed. In 1965, the chrome ring under the handlebars disappeared and the resulting gap was compensated for by a lower steering head lower section. From frame number 94018, the Li 125 was fitted with a more closely stepped gearbox, which was also found in the Special 150 and was known as the Pacemaker gearbox.

In 1967, Innocenti produced an enigma on two wheels, the Li 125 Series 4, so called because the frame abbreviation began with 125Li4. At first glance, there is no noticeable difference to a 'normal' Li. However, a closer look reveals a few differences. For example, the side covers no longer have levers for opening and closing. Instead, they have the locking system of the DL / GP models. The Li 125 plate under the seat has disappeared and been replaced by a Lambretta Innocenti plate, as was also fitted to the SX. The cascade emblem is rectangular and reads Innocenti in blue lettering on silver. The toolbox under the side covers is now made of gray plastic. Apart from that, not much has changed. The only color in which the Li4 is produced is light blue (8070), the interiors are painted in Bianco Nuovo (8059). There is no known advertising material for the Series 4.

All in all, with 143,091 Li 150 and 146734 Li 125 models, the Li Series 3 was a huge success for Innocenti. After the frame abbreviation 150Li3, the frame numbers start with the number 600001. Unfortunately, things are not quite so clear with the 125 Li 3. The first 125 Li 3 start with the frame number 001001, which is retained up to frame number 148,000. Then the abbreviation changes and the frame now reads 125LI4, while the numbers start at 149,000 and end at approx. 150400.

Li Series 3 - 1st version
(1962)

The distance between the screws holding the bridge piece is 120mm (as on Series 2). The side cover spacers are completely made of rubber.

Li Series 3 - 2nd version
(end of 1962 to mid-1965)

The distance between the screws holding the bridge piece is now 132mm. The side cover spacers are held in place by a metal clip.

Li Series 3 - 3rd version
(mid 1965 to May 1967)

The chrome ring between handlebar and leg shield disappears. The side cover fasteners are simplified (from January 1966).

Li Series 3 - 4th version
(September 1967 to November 1967)

The emblem is replaced by a rectangular Innocenti shield. The side covers have no aluminum locking levers. The plate under the seat now reads "Lambretta Innocenti".

Original paint (Lechler)

Grigio '61 (Gray '61)
8068 (*1)

Celeste Iseo (Iseo blue)
8035 (*1)

Sabbia (Sand)
? (*1)

Li 125 "Series 4":

Azzurro Acquamarina (Water blue)
8030 (*1)

(*1) = 1-color paint finish
(*2) = 2-color paint finish, frame color
(*3) = 2-color paint finish, side covers color