LML: Why India's 2nd Biggest Scooter Manufacturer Failed? 

My father worked in LML from 1988 to 2016. He always blamed the owners of LML for having cheated the Piaggio family for the downfall, as karma had bit them.

My father was a dealer of LML, we owned an LML dealership from the 90s till the end. I was like a kid at that time. I could feel the pain when the company ended.

Back in 1995 my father bought his first 2 wheeler LML Vespa NV SPL. It was heavier and the build quality was top notch. It used to give a mileage of 45 kmpl. But due to less service centres and unavailability of spare parts, my dad sold the Vespa in 2003 & bought Hero Honda CD Dawn. I still miss that scooter🥺

I still own a 1988 LML Vespa . Bought it brand new from the showroom. Still gives me 45kmpl without fail . Giving company to the 1990 Chetak and 1992 Yamaha RX 100 and the 1957 Lambretta Ld150 .

LML Freedom was so ahead from its competition when we talk about engine refinement. This is my personal experience as my uncle had LML Freedom and my father had Splendor which was no match to Freedom. I remember on Freedom when stopped on traffic signal, I used to open the throttle to double check if engine is really on or off. Very silent engine no stressing.

I still have my grandfathers LML Vespa in tip top condition 😅 , Aj bhi mere frds ladte hai chalane ke liye to kabhi kabhi nikalta hu mai unka scooter 1Lit. petrol + 1 dhakkan movil oil dal ke 😆

I purchased LML NV 150mm (2-stroke) scooter in January 1991 at the cost of Rs.14,900/-. I used it till 2005. It was a very good scooter. I used to service it every four or five months by myself by changing its Oil/Lubricant. Changed its tyres once. In 2005, it was scrapped after completing its registration age. But the scrap dealer sold its engine to one rickshaw owner who fitted this engine in his rickshaw.

My family used to own one or was a sensation. Nice to see you are making videos on our generation legends. Good going bro. Full support ❤❤

LML adreno was probably the first semi fairing bike in India. Even before Karizma was introduced in the market. I think they used to make bikes based on South Korean designs.

In 1994, I used to drive Select Ele... Which was the only scooter in the city... And I had always been center of attraction due to that Dark Blue coloured scooter. I was so fascinated by LML that in 2004 I purchased Freedom 125 cc bike, preferring over Hero Honda passion, And believe me that was a fantastic decision cuz the bike was really competitive even to Yamaha RX 100 in terms of pick up. Very sad that such a good company with such a powerful products has to shut. Hope LML will again hit the market.... There are many lovers of the company.

Good to know LML is coming back. My dad used to own Bajaj though. He had Chetak, then he bought Legend. I still remember the sound Legend used to make ❤

I am using LML Vespa T5 model sense 1992 till today ! The great LML💪

My dad had LML Vespa Select in the 90s in beautiful metallic black. The only time I dreaded sitting on it was when we went to the school to get my results...lol. It was surprisingly comfortable for the rider as well as the pillion. Stable and smooth.

I am from Bangladesh and my first motorcycle was LML Freedom. I love that motorcycle.

My father used to own Bajaj Scooter then he shifted to LML Select 2, Select 2 had a very trendy dashboard equipped with Timex Analog watch and an adjustable sliding backrest . Finally he made transition to Activa.

As someone born in the 1980s I think I might have seen the rise and fall of many companies in my 40 years but reminiscing riding a 4 stroke BAJAJ chetak in those days is still Love.

My dad have LML Energy FX after 20 years now he's safe in my hands damn what a machine i drove 600 km round trip in that bike last month in Kerala the attention i got is unbelievable 💥

My first two wheeler was LML Vespa bought in 1988. It was really smooth and fun driving it. Later on I shifted to Motorcycle and finally to four wheeler. I still cherish those days.

I have used LML Freedom, 110 cc motorcycle, very sturdy, smooth, refined and fun to ride bike. Even 125 cc bikes couldn't match up to the pick it used to generate. Lot of thought went into its design as well, but the issue was after sale service and non-availability of spare parts. LML has let down its customers, and it's too difficult now for the company to make a comeback when trust is lost.

My father had Bajaj chetak I learnt driving 2 wheeler through that only which was sold for hero honda splendor ❤

My father had an LML NV and I still have one of its keys❤

LML Vespa NV - my first love. Powerful and comfortable scooter. Loved the design of SELECT II, Star and Sensation. Cool looking scooters of the 90's.

My father used to own till 2012. He bought the Bajaj Discover 100. So many memories with that scooter.

My dad had a LML Vespa Star.Mileage was very awesome (about 60kmpl) it can beat activa easily.Recently he owned Activa 5g.He decided to sell that scooter but I convinced my father. Then he gaved that scooter to me 😊.

I had LML vespa 150 in 1999. It has mileage of 45-50 kms. and very sturdy body and elegance look. After introduction of 4 stroke engine, vespa discontinued production in India. Today I have Activa but Vespa was far ahead in terms of its build quality, better mileage and low maintenance.

This brings so much nostalgia back! My father had LML vespa too.

Lml Vespa NV and select both was my childhood memories. I learn two wheeler riding with these.❤

My father own lml aadreno sports bike it's still nostalgic to hear about this brand 🙂

LML Beamer , Energy , Adreno...... They were worth competing against legends like Pulsar and Karizma. I have found an abandoned Adreno and it is near my college. What do I have to do in order to own it? Any ideas on how do I own an abandoned bike? I don't know the proper laws and regulations so plz guide me.

Owner of LML freedom since 2004, working fine till today with regular service, can't compare it's reliability and built quality with today's 110-125 cc market. Just imagine the vehicle is still serviceable today without having any company authorised service centre, no spares etc. Honestly freedom was way ahead of its time. LML deserve to be in automobile market !

Vespa 150....first my dad used it for 15 yrs and after he passed away, I refurbished the scooter in a Bajaj Dealer and then used it for 19 more years....and sold it for a small amount as it reached its end of life.... I wanted to buy that LML but no luck....

Bhai ji cover the story of Mitsubishi in India

Thanks for making this video...My father had a LML vespa and that is the first vehicle on which I learnt driving. Overall it was my first love. I miss those times when my father used to leave me and my sister in that beautiful machine. Sometimes i used to kickstart the scooter myself. Have subscribed your channel as you have taken be back in time.

One major point missed... Bajaj lost massively by ignoring the progress of Kinetic Honda and it's first gearless scooter. The Chetak should have been modified and not discontinued, but then Bajaj legacy is only based on collaborations, not innovation (think Kawasaki Bajaj, KTM and now Triumph). This gave HONDA a huge advantage when they broke off with Kinetic and Hero and launched their ACTIVA which remains the number one seller.

LML Freedom had the cleanest looks for a 100cc motorcycle. Even the passion didn't come close

I have been the owner of this prestigious scooter since 1986 used for 25 years. I was the only person having this scooter with indicators in Katol and Narkhed Tahsils of Nagpur Dist during the period 1986-90.

I still have my Dad’s brand new 1989 model LML Vespa in top condition. I feel my Dad’s soul when I ride it.

I loved LML Vsepa, especially the Select Variant, which was father's 1st scooter - on which I learnt riding.

I really wish all the best to LML and hope that it eventually comes back to it's former glory one day! Really LML vespa was a one of a kind of scooter. It had looks, it had power, it had that fine, tough metal body, in short it had everything that men want out of their machine..... In those days vespa owners had a different kind of pride for their scooters, and very rightly so.

We bought the second LML Vespa in our town Darbhanga. It was a long waiting period and company used to do a lucky draw 😄. I still remember the evening our scooter came, shiny and can relive the smell of new metal and leather seats. Nostalgic.

My father owned a lml vespa. He passed away in 2016. 😢. I didn't use it afterwards. I scraped it.

For the first time, I found out why this brilliant company collapsed. It was so much of a rage in its time, getting right up there in front of our eyes. Thanks, muchly.

My uncle owned an LML - select-II scooter which he bought in 1996. It cost 40K back then. Glossy Marron and Black finish. he maintained it in such a great shape and condition for the 5 years he had it. we all liked it as it was very different in looks, compared to bajaj chetak (this was truly urban) and it had a long seat, entire family can sit (instead of split seats provided by Chetak). He left for USA in 2001 and handed the scooter to his father (my grandfather) who wasn't a very careful man when it came to handling stuff. The performance of the scooter degraded continuously under his usage until the engine seized to work. it was finally scrapped for 2k in 2006.

Thank you for such a wonderful video. Its like a trip down memory lane. All the best wishes for this channel's future. Keep up the good work of bringing such deep researched content

Those Late night Beers and LML VESPA NV, 3rd gear 70kmph tak jana. VESPA WAS LOVE, will always be. Days of 2004-05 wow. My father bought BAJAJ CHETAK in 1990, it was like MERCEDES HOME. Now i drive Alfa romeo Guilia quad in streets of Toronto, but that VESPA RIDE, .....time never comes back SUBSCRIBING NOW

My father is using 2017- 4 stroke(self start) model, superb comfort 45-50 milage and great pickup i lovved it

We had the LML Vespa from 1995 to 2015, was a beast, I still remember it's sound, ride quality and my favourite activity as a little kid was spinning the scooter's front tire when on-stand

Have one 1998 or 1999 model LML Vespa 150 2 stroke. Still in top condition and smooth. Starts in 2-3 kicks even after days of standing.

सर जी, 1998 में हमारे English के लेक्चरार थें उनके पास Cream और Brown Color LML Vespa थी जो की बहुत ही जबरदस्त थी । जो कि बहुत ही जबरदस्त थी । उनका रौब और शानो-शौकत बिल्कुल मैच करती थी Vespa से । कम मेन्टन्स, स्टीक और मजबूत बाडी, आधे kick में स्टार्ट, पिकअप दमदार, Dual tone color और भी बहुत कुछ ... उसके सामने चेतक थकी-हारी सी एक बूढ़े के माफिक लगती थीं । हाँ लेकिन अगर 10 के औसतन हिसाब से बताया जाए तो 10 स्कूटर्स में से 3-4 ही Vespa होती थी, 6-7 चेतक होती थी । कभी-कभार हम खाली समय में अंग्रेजी के अध्यापक की तो बड़े चाव से स्कूटर साफ करते थे जबकि मैथ, साइंस, हिन्दी के टीचर हम पर खार खाते थें क्योंकि उनकी स्कूटर्स हम कहने पर भी साफ नही करते थे । 😅😅😅😅 जिदंगी में नोकिया Mobile, LML स्कूटर, Contessa, Sierra कार, Atlas साइकिल, भीड़ में फिल्म के पहले शो में पहली टिकट निकालना, रावण दहन में से लकड़ी निकाल कर भागना, नदी में से ईंट ढूंढ़कर लाना एक डूबकी में, पान सिंह तोमर की तरह दौड़ में हाथ लहराना । आह.... ना जाने और क्या-क्या खो चुके हैं हम.... जो हमारी पीढ़ी उनके अनुभव को ना जान सकेंगी...

Mine first 2 wheeler was bajaj chetak 4 stroke, but I was a big fan of LML which unfortunately was out of my reach at that time... We friends used to every LML and owners of them used to feel as they possess Rolls-Royce... I would love to see LML revive

Still have it in my garage. What a piece of machinery it was back then. Its my Dad's first scooter and even after 27 years the power and the torque of this scooter is truly insane. I wish i could have gotten the parts for the scooter still ❤️❤️

I had both Bajaj and LML. LML was from another world. To compare, if you ever use the front brake of a Bajaj, will guarantee you with a broken leg or an arm . On the other hand I have applied the just front brakes.No problem what so ever. Safest and smoothest vehicle I have ever driven. I have driven hundreds of times from Delhi to Gurgoan and mostly over 80 kilometers per hour. Those days that was too fast. But loved it

"It's got the power, its got the style." - salute to the legends who remember this ad.

My father had both LML Vespa and Bajaj Chetak❤ I have my childhood with these legendary scooters

My grandfather had a workshop just for lml. So me and my dad know these scooters more than 90% of indians. They were like the best of the best

I used the LML SCOOTERS in my late college days LML ALFA, SELECT ELECTRIC START AND VESPA DZ WERE MY FAVORITE and the comfort and mileage of these were awesome

Thank you for making the video. My father still has a LML Vespa T5 which he bought in 95. Can you please make a similar video on the SIL ?

I have driven LML Vespa NV model for 15 years . No complaints . It was a solid product.

LML Adreno semi fair bike aur Adreno FX fully faired India's first 4 valve bike bhi ayi thi early 2000 me.

I love LML Star 4S automatic. Good Luck for LML and EVs

मेरे पास आज भी बजाज स्कूटर है और मैं उसे बहुत प्रेम से चलता हूं 35 वर्ष हो गए हमें उसे चलते हुए आज भी वह बहुत शानदार चलता है हमारे पास और दो गाड़ियां हैं जो मैं कभी कभी चलाता हूं लेकिन बजाज स्कूटर को मैं डेली चलाता हूं

High premium and lack of competition during the days of licence permit raj.... Once market was opened up new players came in to the forefront. This was also happened to Ambassodor, Fiat, Standard etc.

Good old memories. Born in 1980. My family owned both Bajaj Chetak & LML Learnt driving on LML (1989 manufactured) Both these machines are still with my family. LML in my posession in working condition

My father owned LML NV Spl. I still miss it a lot, was a workhorse and very reliable.

My first New scooter LML Vespa T5 is still in running condition with tacho meter serviceable clocking at 65000

My dad had LML Star. It was so solid and made Chetak look like a joke. I used to go upwards of 80+ kmph and never felt scared. In Chetak above 60kmph it was scary. I used to race Suzuki samurai with LML Star and always win.

I love this scooter and I am so happy to see your video from dhubri Assam I'm proud that I had a lml vespa in the year 1993🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Still a proud owner of LML NV SPL 2Stroke scooter. I have even driven that scooter to Manali from Ahemdabad . Still starts in a single kick after tilting , if you know what I mean. Only legendary scooter owners know the magic of tilting 😉.

maine recent hi apna freedom restore karwaya. chasis pura sadd gya tha par engine 7 kicks me start ho gya after 4 years, bht yade h freedom ke sath meri

LML vespa - first to introduce backrest for pillion since they placed the stephnee tryes close to rear tyre. I still remember the built quality when i was kid. I won't be able to move the handle bar. Big backlight. Big headlight. How strong the centre stand sounds when opening up. Also plastic plate on stepnee tyre. Suspension was wow. No roads. Bad roads. Awesome

I love that star euro one. Bohot classy aur thoda old school lag raha hai. Only Blue Star Euro can fix my depression now.

We have been a vendor of Bajaj scooters since 1972~74 and of LML since its entry in the scooter segment. Bajaj was/is run by professionals, whereas LML was run by Baboos. These Baboos had more ego problems. Keeping vendor(s) waiting for no reason was their epitome of happiness, and not providing them with a glass of water (forget snacks) was their pride. They never had much technical competencies. So they were more interested in personal interests. At Bajaj, no vendor spent more than one hour unless for a critical discussion. All the vendors were treated with respect and hospitality. I/We have witnessed the collapse of LML and are not surprised about it.

Still have LML NV in top notch condition.Its 2 stroke engine still have same burst of power after 23 years.

I want video on these two vehicles 1. Why is Honda Activa the most successful? 2. What made CD 100 or splendour the most successful bike ?

Lessons learnt:- 1) LML failed to collect tacit knowledge from Piaggio. It did not take advantage of Knowledge spillover. Nothing in hand for the doom day. 2) LML failed to invest to innovate in the evolving twowheeler market when there was time to do. Literally Missed the bus. 3) Despite having good production facility and engines, poor marketing research and study of target consumers, it failed miserably to connect with the millennial audience and hence lost the game. I hope this time they do things right. High hopes,expectations and nostalgia. All the best LML.

Secondhand LML E spl scooter था मेरे पास सबसे पहले scooter चलाना सीखा वो भी LML ही था, मेरी SCOOTER मैंने एक समय में ५०० km की ride भी बिना किसी थकान या तकलीफ के पूरी की (नागपुर से मैहर, सतना ) उसके बाद शहर के आसपास के सभी जिलों में LML ही 😘😘। इस SCOOTER के बाद HONDA ETERNO 150 ठीकठाक हैं मगर LML की ride व ROYALNESS अन्य कोई नहीं दे सकता। LOVE YOU LML 😘

I still have bajaj super scooter 2000 model But the problem is hard to find mechanic & it's spare parts.. I wish bajaj & chetak again launch scooters coz they have low maintenance

Used to own a LML Supremo. A really good scooter

In year 1995 I purchased LML NV model and used upto 2010. It has a heavy metal well balanced sturdy body and no problem bike with bright head light. I love it.

My father bought for me LML Adreno after I passed class XII in 2003. I still have that and it is still running. I don't get spare parts and that is killing my bike.

I still have a 1988 LML. Would love to see a geared scooter once again

Future of Kanpur industries was linked with LML. Every Kanpuriya want the company to be revived again.

Maine 90s mein LML se hee scooter chalana sikha tha. I can relate it. Thanks for this info

I have Vespa 150 & Bajaj Chetak LML Vespa NV is still there but not in working condition. So if LML will be launching new scooters then it’s my request to launch that LML Vespa shaped scooters.

I was very much emotionally attached with the design.if comes in market I will surely buy 1

There was a time as I remember,when studying in Kanpur,the city had big big hoardings like KANPUR THE CITY OF LML.Now the changed slogan for Kanpur is,KANPUR BOLA NAMASTE INDIA.

I purchased LML NV , my first Two wheeler in the year 1988. Being a Medical Representative at that time I used it very extensively for my touring. The braking system and Lighting was fantastic and above the rest at that point of time.

Lohia Machines Ltd lml freedom DX Mere ghar mein hai abhi tak acha chal raha hai 🔥🔥🔥

बहुत बढिया बात बताई सर lml का स्वागत है धन्यवाद सर

My father had lml for 15 years.I live lml scooter. I drive it many times.what built quality.

Don't forget that LML and Bajaj's Scooter market was 50% Shattered by TVS Gearless Scooters before 2000s. Then Rest 50% LML and Bajaj Chetak Scooter market has been Destroyed by Honda, Suzuki Gearless Scooters after 2004

Absolutely Correct, please LML should launch the SELECT model

Still, I am riding the LML NV 150 (Model 1989) which was purchased by my father in 1990. I can not give it up though I committed a serious accident in 2009.

we are still having LML FREEDOM and it's Fantastic ❤

I am an college student and I still use my father's lml freedom even after so many rules and regulations of no plates and what not still I use that and it runs really fine and I wish lml would re launch their lml freedom also

My father was a dealer so i have seen most of the scooters and bikes from close by. LML tried lots of innovative things also .

I have to say that you are doing a great job. Just stay true with facts with solid research and neutral story telling of facts and keep going 👍🏻💪🏻. That's the type of media our country need.

I have Proud for having both in my stable...NV And Select ll.

I have got two Bajaj Super's bought in 1993, 1994 and still using with full vigour..

I ,in my young age used to drive LML vespa. It was rugged ,stylish 2 stroke scooter. I still cherish those sweet memories & would still like to own one.