Subtle looks and serious performance, Richard Frank’s RB225 street racer proves that you don’t need noise to make a powerful statement. So we asked Stu Smith to find out more…
Sc: What was the original idea behind this build?
RF: I wanted to build a Lambretta that delivered proper performance but didn’t rely on looks to make an impression. Something that could hold its own on the road, sit comfortably at speed, and still feel right in everyday riding. The idea was a street sleeper, a scooter that doesn’t give too much away at first glance, but once you’re on it, you realise what it’s capable of. I didn’t want anything overcomplicated or over-styled. Just a clean, purposeful machine that does exactly what it is built for.
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Sc: How did your previous Vespa project, the ‘Grey Reaper’, influence this build?
RF: The Grey Reaper had a massive influence on this. That was running a Quattrini 232, so it had serious power, but what it really taught me was how important usability is. It’s easy to chase numbers, so with the Vespa, I learned where that balance sits between performance and practicality. With this scooter, I wanted to take that experience and refine it. Keep the performance, but make it smoother, more predictable, and something you can ride properly, not just in short bursts.
Sc: Overall, what key elements have you made in the development of this experience?
RF: The biggest lesson is to invest in quality from the start. I’ve tried cutting costs before, and it always comes back to bite you either through reliability issues or having to replace parts later. The other big one is thinking about the build as a complete package. It’s not just about fitting a big cylinder kit or a larger carb. Everything, the crank, gearing, exhaust, and clutch needs to work together. That’s where builds either come together or fall apart. If the setup isn’t balanced, you’ll feel it right away.
Sc: What’s the story behind the scooter itself, and how did the project begin?
RF: The project started when I picked up an Italian GP 125 frame from a mate in late 2022. It had already been sandblasted and came with the original panels, so it was a solid base to work from. From there, it was a full ground-up build over about 24 months. I did everything myself, taking my time to get it right rather than rushing it. That approach made a big difference, especially when it came to making sure everything lined up properly and worked as it should. It also gave me the chance to think through each stage rather than just building it in one go.”
Sc: Let’s talk about the engine setup. What are you running, and why?
RF: The engine is based on an RB225 kit. I chose that mainly because of its reputation for reliability as well as performance. They’re known for being quick, but also for holding together well if they’re built properly. It’s also running a Mazzucchelli crank with an RB 107mm con-rod, paired with a 34mm VHSB Dellorto carb and a CST6 exhaust. The gearbox is a GP200 setup, with 19/46 sprockets and an 82-link chain, and in support of that, I’ve fitted an AF Rayspeed six-plate race clutch. Every component was chosen to support the overall goal: strong, usable performance without compromising reliability. There’s no weak link in the setup, which is important when you’re running this level of power.
Sc: What role did Mick Abbey play in getting the engine where it needed to be?
RF: Mick handled all the porting and dyno work, which is where the engine really came together. You can build a good engine on paper, but it’s the setup that makes the difference. The porting needs to be right, and the dyno work ensures everything is working as it should. Mick’s experience is invaluable in that respect. He knows how to get the best out of a setup like this without pushing it too far. That’s important: you want performance, but you also want something that’s going to last and be enjoyable to ride.
Sc: What kind of performance does your scooter deliver in real-world riding?
RF: It’s producing 27 bhp and 19 ft-lb of torque, which is strong for an RB225. On the road, it’s exactly what I was aiming for. It’ll sit comfortably at 65–70mph all day without feeling stressed, and it gets there quickly. The acceleration is strong and consistent through the gears, and what I’m most pleased with is how it behaves at lower speeds as well. Around town, it’s smooth, responsive, and easy to ride. It doesn’t feel like a highly strung engine; it just works. I’ve seen 80+mph on the GPS, but there’s still more there if you want it.
Sc: The styling is quite subtle. What was the thinking behind the look?
RF: I wanted to keep it understated. I’ve always liked the matte finish I used on the Grey Reaper, so I decided to go down a similar route again. This time, I used a blue graffiti-style rattle can, finished with 2K matte lacquer. It’s a simple approach, but it works well and gives it a clean, consistent look. The decals are inspired by late-’90s Lombard RAC rally cars. I’ve always liked that look, and it ties in nicely with the street racer theme. It’s something a bit different without being over the top.
Sc: How important was the stance and chassis setup to the overall feel?
“It’s not just about power; it’s about how usable it is. That’s what makes you want to ride it.”
RF: Very important. I’ve dropped both the front and rear suspension as low as possible while still keeping it comfortable. That gives it the stance I was after, low, planted, and purposeful, but it still rides well. It’s not just for looks. The setup works on the road and gives you confidence when you’re riding it properly. I also decided against dropped bars this time. I’ve tried them before, and they didn’t do my back any favours, so I wanted something that was comfortable for longer rides as well.
Sc: What were the biggest challenges, and what advice would you give to others?
RF: The biggest challenge was time. Like most builds, it had to fit around everything else. Once the paint was done, I had a week where a few mates came round, and we got stuck in and pushed the build forward properly. That helped massively in getting the bulk of it done in one go. Advice-wise, it comes back to the same thing: don’t go cheap. Stick with quality parts. It might seem expensive at the time, but it saves money and hassle in the long run. And take your time planning it. Think about how everything works together, because that’s what makes the difference between a good build and a great one.
Stu says: Richard’s scooter is a textbook example of a well-executed street sleeper/racer. It doesn’t rely on noise, either visually or mechanically, to make its point. Instead, it delivers performance in a controlled, usable way, backed by solid engineering and clear thinking. What sets it apart is the balance. Every decision, from the choice of engine components to the understated finish, reflects a builder who understands what he wants from a scooter and how to achieve it. It’s quick without being temperamental, refined without being dull, and purposeful without trying too hard. In a scene where it’s easy to go too far in one direction, this is a build that gets it exactly right.
Words: Stu Smith
Photos: Richard Frank
Man & Machine
Name: Richard Frank.
Scooter club & town: Solo rider based in Harrogate.
Scooter model: Italian Lambretta GP125.
When purchased: Purchased as a complete sandblasted frame from a mate in late 2022.
Kit: RB225.
Carb: 34mm VHSB Dellorto.
Exhaust: CST6.
