In part one of the KR Automation story yesterday we looked at some of Felix’s Vespa parts. There was also a Lambretta lurking in the workshop, so naturally Sticky took a look and here’s what he found out…
Billet Lambretta casing
After producing what he believes to be the first billet Vespa casing for the El Sidney project, Felix then turned his attention to producing a billet Lambretta casing. Once again, the first example of this vertically-split crankcase reedvalve casing for Simonini cylinders has ended up in Felix’s own Barracuda-themed custom scooter.
On a different wavelength
On this project, his CNC artistry came to the fore with the wavy theme finding its way into the billet side casing, the rear rack, rear hub and even the carbon-fibre flywheel cowling.
Fuel injection system
Naturally, it would be too easy to simply fit a carburettor, so Felix set about making a throttle body and fitting a fuel injection system which I can confirm, works very effectively.
Crankshafts & rods
Felix’s talents even extend to the manufacture of crankshafts and con-rods, not only for his own CNC engines but also other types.
What is abundantly clear from spending time with a man who has CAD designed and produced his own CNC engines for both Vespa and Lambretta is that in manufacturing terms, his only limitations are the number of good ideas he comes up with.
Art of art’s sake?
Art doesn’t need to have a price because it exists for its own sake. Commercial ventures are a different question because people must be willing to pay manufacturing costs that may be very high. The rear hub on his Barracuda Lambretta is a good example. The design theme of his scooter is milled into the surface of the billet rear drum hub in a most exquisite way, but he has no plans to sell these hubs to the public.
I don’t think anyone would be prepared to pay what I’d need to charge.”
Things aren’t going too badly in the world of KR Automation. Felix works a lot of hours but he plays hard too. The next event on his calendar should be the 24-hour scooter race in Zuera. If racing wasn’t enough exertion Felix even planned to cycle there from Germany as a holiday with his girlfriend…
Words and photos: Sticky
KR Automation now available in the UK from SLUK
We’re stocking a selection of popular KR Automation products for delivery direct from us in the UK. First stock arrives this week. If there’s anything in particular you want just let us know. Check it out here.
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