[LJP]

Hello Team BHP!
I realise I never formally introduced myself, and for that, I’d like to apologise. As a newbie here, I felt it was the right time to finally share a bit about who I am and my journey.
I’m Lijil Kalangot Pooven from Kannur, Kerala, and I’m grateful to be part of this amazing community. My love for machines runs deep, and that passion led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated with automobiles and their intricate mechanics. My dream was always to work in the automobile industry, initially as a service manager, with the ultimate goal of becoming a rally driver.

However, due to the financial limitations of the automobile field, I had to make a difficult choice and moved abroad. Today, I’m based in Russia, working as a Lead Engineer in a natural gas plant construction. Although my career path has shifted, my love for rallying and all things automotive has never waned. Whenever I return to India, I seize the opportunity to train with the talented Gaurav Gill and Fabid Ahmer to hone my rally skills. I also hope to build my own rally car one day, health and time permitting.
Aside from rallying, I am deeply passionate about classic scooters, particularly Lambrettas. I have a particular soft spot for the Lambretta series and hope to add an LD to my collection soon. These iconic machines embody the perfect blend of style and mechanics. The joy of restoring and maintaining these classics is something I truly cherish.
Aside from rallying, I am deeply passionate about classic scooters, particularly Lambrettas. I have a particular soft spot for the Lambretta series and hope to add an LD to my collection soon. These iconic machines embody the perfect blend of style and mechanics. The joy of restoring and maintaining these classics is something I truly cherish.
Here’s a peek at the pride of my garage:
• 1939 WW2 BSA Airborne
• 1960 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1970 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1980 Vijai Super
• 1986 Yezdi CLII
• 1987 Maruthi SB308
• 1999 Bajaj Chetak
• 2004 Mahindra Major CL 500 MDI
• 2015 Toyota Fortuner
I look forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts here, sharing our experiences, and continuing to learn from each other.

[Aditya]

Hi Lijil,

Welcome to Team-BHP. Good to have you here.

Originally Posted by LJP

My dream was always to work in the automobile industry, initially as a service manager, with the ultimate goal of becoming a rally driver.

Many of us have similar dreams. But, only a handful are lucky enough to get the chance to participate in motorsport.

However, due to the financial limitations of the automobile field, I had to make a difficult choice and moved abroad. Today, I’m based in Russia, working as a Lead Engineer in a natural gas plant construction. Although my career path has shifted, my love for rallying and all things automotive has never waned. Whenever I return to India, I seize the opportunity to train with the talented Gaurav Gill and Fabid Ahmer to hone my rally skills. I also hope to build my own rally car one day, health and time permitting.

That's great to know. Never stop chasing your dream. You never know what will come your way.

Aside from rallying, I am deeply passionate about classic scooters, particularly Lambrettas. I have a particular soft spot for the Lambretta series and hope to add an LD to my collection soon. These iconic machines embody the perfect blend of style and mechanics. The joy of restoring and maintaining these classics is something I truly cherish.

I am sure you will be able to help many of our members who walk down the same path.

Here’s a peek at the pride of my garage:
• 1939 WW2 BSA Airborne
• 1960 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1970 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1980 Vijai Super
• 1986 Yezdi CLII
• 1987 Maruthi SB308
• 1999 Bajaj Chetak
• 2004 Mahindra Major CL 500 MDI
• 2015 Toyota Fortuner

That's quite a garage. Do share detailed ownership reviews of these vehicles.

I look forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts here, sharing our experiences, and continuing to learn from each other.

Looking forward to your valuable contributions.

See you on the forum.

[LJP]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Hi Lijil,

That's quite a garage. Do share detailed ownership reviews of these vehicles.

Thanks for the kind words and encouraging reply. It’s truly inspiring to see so many of us share the same passion and dream. Having taken part in a couple of rally sessions, I learned firsthand that rallying isn’t an inexpensive venture especially without a sponsor. It all starts with hard work and a willingness to struggle until someone recognizes your potential. I’m determined never to let myself down, and I hope that one day I’ll be behind the wheel of an INRC rally car.

Restoring old machines is a challenge that demands both effort and patience, yet it’s incredibly rewarding if you truly love these classics. Sourcing parts, dismantling, painting, and reassembling become a joy when you appreciate the simple, sensor free design and the pure fundamentals of engine and automotive theory.

I’m excited and happy to see some of you are interested in my ownership review. I’m sure we all have personal stories to share in this forum, and I’m glad to share mine.

1939 WW2 BSA Airborne
The 1939 BSA cycle was a gift from a doctor in Kozhikode, who had seen my passion for vintage machines. I had previously bought a 1970 Lambretta from him. This cycle belonged to his uncle, Mr. Raslam, who used it during his military service. After retirement, he passed it on to the doctor, who stored it for 25 years before gifting it to me. I haven’t used it much, but I’ve recently changed the tires. I plan on restoring it myself, as it’s 98% original and I don’t want to risk losing the parts.

1960 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
I purchased this Lambretta as part of a vacation project. It retains most Innocenti components, indicating it was assembled by API. However, if I’m mistaken, please let me know. API started its own production in 1968, which featured minor differences and some parts marked with ‘API.’ Even so, the bearings and other critical components were made in Italy. This scooter is currently unused, as I haven’t ridden it yet.

1970 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
I bought this 1970 Lambretta from the same doctor in Kozhikode as mentioned earlier. Although the initial price was high, I didn’t negotiate because it was nearly 100% original. This scooter was a gift from his father during his medical studies in Trivandrum. As he grew older and could no longer ride it, he decided to sell it, and I was fortunate to acquire it. I restored it myself, replacing all bearings, nuts, and bolts. It quickly became my favorite. The ride is superb, especially at the optimal cruising speed of 40 km/h. Unlike other scooters like the Bajaj Chetak, you don’t get tired because this machine is heavy and offers the perfect riding posture. If properly maintained, it’s a hassle free daily ride. Though parts can be tough to find nowadays, I have enough to last a generation.


1980 Vijai Super
I acquired this Vijai Super from a retired colonel in Kannur. Originally purchased directly from SIL in Lucknow, he took it with him wherever he was transferred, and once he finally settled in Kannur after retirement, I bought it from him when age had made riding too strenuous.
Unlike the Lambretta, the Vijai Super has its own character. I aimed to restore it to a racing spec machine, similar to those seen in the UK. To achieve that, I installed a standard SIL cylinder, electronic ignition kit, racing seats, and a KRP racing exhaust chamber. To complement the chamber’s performance, I switched the carburettor from the usual Jetex (often paired with Mikuni) to a Spaco unit specifically, one from a Lambretta fitted with larger jets. Although this modification slightly compromised mileage, it allowed the scooter to reach 100 km/h with ease a significant performance boost back in the day.
Maintenance on these scooters is minimal; even after long hibernations, they start up effortlessly. However, common issues include blockages in the petrol taps and carburettor due to rust in the petrol tank, and sometimes a timing reset is required if the CB points are affected by fungus.

1986 Yezdi CLII
I bought this Yezdi in Mysore and had it restored by Shama a name many of you already know. Restored to factory specifications, it now serves as my trusty long ride machine. For a smoother experience, it was converted to CDI. I don’t know much about its history; I simply acquired it from Shama with CNV registration and later changed it to Kannur registration for convenience.

1987 Maruthi SB308
This one is an absolute gem. I had been searching for a Maruti SB308 when I came across this factory-painted New Zealand Brown beauty. The moment I saw it, I didn’t hesitate, I knew I had to have it. The natural patina on the car gives it so much character, and while there are a few spots of rust, I prefer to keep it as original as possible.
The only major work I had to do was rebuilding the engine since it failed the pollution test. Otherwise, it was running flawlessly. Since it was a non AC variant, I installed an original Subros AC kit, which worked perfectly. I also swapped out the old roof lining for an Alto’s roof liner, as the original wasn’t insulating the cabin well.
Everything else remains stock from the original Suzuki parts to the factory lights making it an easy to maintain classic. It’s compact, effortless to maneuver in the city, and never fails to turn heads wherever it goes. There’s something truly special about driving this little machine!

1999 Bajaj Chetak
This scooter holds a special place in my heart it was the first vehicle I bought with my hard earned money. I purchased it from a retired military colonel in Kannur, though it was originally registered in Jammu & Kashmir before he brought it down to Kerala. When I got it, it had barely 8,000 km on the odometer, as the colonel had rarely used it.
Despite its low mileage, time had taken its toll, and there were patches of rust that needed attention. I took on the challenge of a complete restoration, bringing it back to life. Now, it runs smoothly and effortlessly, and every ride on it is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Like everyone’s first vehicle, this one is deeply personal, carrying the emotions, experiences, and memories of my journey into adulthood.

2004 Mahindra Major CL 500 MDI
This rugged machine was a recent addition to my collection, and I’ve already shared a detailed review about it on the forum. Originally, it belonged to the DGP of Rajasthan before being auctioned. It changed hands once before I finally acquired it two months later.
I wasted no time in putting it to the test, taking it off-road during my last vacation. To enhance its capabilities, I installed freewheel hubs and carried out proper shaft maintenance, ensuring it was ready for anything.
Now, it proudly serves as a workhorse at home. Everyone in my family loves it not just for its utility, but for the countless memories we’ve created traveling in a classic Jeep. Whether it’s off road adventures or daily tasks, this Mahindra is always up for the challenge. No roads? No problem.


2015 Toyota Fortuner
The crown jewel of my collection, this Fortuner is the most cherished and meticulously maintained vehicle I own. It handles daily driving effortlessly, taking on every journey with absolute confidence.
I opted for the 4X2 manual variant because I didn’t want to risk off roading and breaking expensive parts. While Fortuner parts don’t come cheap, proper maintenance makes ownership easy and stress free. When I purchased it, it had only 52,000 km on the odometer, and it felt almost factory fresh.
The 4X2 setup helps deliver solid mileage, offering around 14 kmpl on highways and about 11 kmpl in the city. Of course, it comes with the rugged character of an off road machine—body roll and all—but that doesn’t take away from the absolute comfort and reliability it offers.
Despite owning several vehicles, this remains my family’s favorite a perfect blend of power, comfort, and presence on the road.

I’m thrilled to share these experiences with you all and look forward to hearing your doubts and insights.

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by LJP

Hello Team BHP!
I’m Lijil Kalangot Pooven from Kannur, Kerala,

Welcome Ligil , I am Justin from Trivandrum

Originally Posted by LJP

Here’s a peek at the pride of my garage:
• 1939 WW2 BSA Airborne
• 1960 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1970 Lambretta LI 150 Series 2
• 1980 Vijai Super
• 1986 Yezdi CLII
• 1987 Maruthi SB308
• 1999 Bajaj Chetak
• 2004 Mahindra Major CL 500 MDI
• 2015 Toyota Fortuner

That's a solid collection! I also own a Lambretta Li 150 (gifted by my friend's dad), a 1985 Yezdi CL II with points ignition, and my dad's Chetak. Would love to read a thread about your classics!

[LJP]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Welcome Ligil , I am Justin from Trivandrum



That's a solid collection! I also own a Lambretta Li 150 (gifted by my friend's dad), a 1985 Yezdi CL II with points ignition, and my dad's Chetak. Would love to read a thread about your classics!

I've shared a brief review of my collection above, but I’d love to put together a more detailed one covering their history, previous owners, my buying experience, and the ongoing maintenance that comes with owning a classic collection. Collecting them is one thing, but keeping them in top working order is an entirely different challenge!

Whenever I'm back on holiday, I make sure to take each one for a spin and sort out any issues as soon as they arise. The biggest challenge in keeping them roadworthy is that they need to be started and driven for a few kilometres every so often, yet I don’t allow just anyone behind the wheel. Only one trusted friend has that privilege, but with his own collection to maintain and a business to run, he isn’t always available.

[deep_bang]

Welcome to tbhp. Great to hear about your classics. I.would strongly suggest to start a thread about them and also add pictures. A picture is worth a 1000 words and after seeing the pictures the description will be even more drool worthy.

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by LJP

Collecting them is one thing, but keeping them in top working order is an entirely different challenge!

I know that very well, as I own a couple of classic two wheelers and a classic car.

Originally Posted by LJP

Whenever I'm back on holiday, I make sure to take each one for a spin and sort out any issues as soon as they arise. The biggest challenge in keeping them roadworthy is that they need to be started and driven for a few kilometres every so often

With ethanol blended fuel, it's not good to leave these classics unused for long periods. Ethanol harms our dear classics badly.

[LJP]

Originally Posted by justin.das

With ethanol blended fuel, it's not good to leave these classics unused for long periods. Ethanol harms our dear classics badly.

I’ve heard that keeping the tank empty and drying it with a cloth is the most effective way to store classic vehicles during hibernation. However, I’m hesitant to do so since it could potentially lead to rust. I assume there must be some threads on this topic in the forum.

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by LJP

I’ve heard that keeping the tank empty and drying it with a cloth is the most effective way to store classic vehicles during hibernation. However, I’m hesitant to do so since it could potentially lead to rust. I assume there must be some threads on this topic in the forum.

Use the vehicles at least once a week. Before reaching home after each ride, close the petcock so that the fuel in the carb bowl is emptied. Ensure the engine gets heated well so that the last drop of fuel is vaporized, keeping the cylinders dry. That’s all we can do to manage ethanol-blended fuel. Using premix is also a good option.