Now comes the time of the four-wheeled motor cyclist. Four wheels? But, of course: You have a roadster bike for real motor cycling and a handy lightweight for nipping through traffic queues when riding to and from work. For anyone contemplating this highly specialized business of commuter travel the new Lambretta Starstream is almost the perfect choice. This lightweight scooter is an enlarged version of the well-established 98cc Cento, with monocoque body, sloper, single-cylinder two-stroke engine on a cast-alloy pivoted arm forming the transmission unit with chain drive to the gearbox at the rear-wheel end. The Starstream boasts the further refinement of a four-speed box. As might be expected, such a layout is sparing with the avoirdupois. The Starstream weighs 198 lb compared with 230 lb for the earlier comparible model, the Li 125. Combine this with 5.8 bhp at 5,300 rpm and you've got a power to weight ratio above the average for the class. There are other leading advantages for squeezing through traffic. Maximum width (at the handlebar) measures a paltry 24in, overall length is 67in. A wheelbase of 47in and generous steering lock allow a small turning circle-10ft. Performance, then, should be above average: that's how I found it. The Starstream could leave the mass of traffic behind as it accelerated away. The engine characteristics are just right, the power smoothly increasing from tickover speed to peak revs, and only a trace of vibration through the range. The left-twistgrip gear change was both fast and positive, despite an occasional tendency to engage neutral instead of second when changing down. Clutch action, too, was light on the lever and smooth on the take-up. Flat out, it was possible to touch a speedometer reading of 50 mph under favourable circumstances. On a level road, without advantage of wind, I felt I could carry on all day at an indicated 45 mph. For a lightweight, short wheelbase job with 3.00 x 10 ins tyres, the Starstream handles very well indeed. True, one couldn't throw it around like a motor cycle but the little scooter could be banked over with confidence on fast bumpy bends. Pitching and wheel patter, though not absent altogether, were as insignificant as could be expected from this sort of machine. When using the brakes hard, some care was necessary. Both front and rear were powerful, yes, but the front needed a lot of effort and tended to grab, and the rear locked too easily under heavy pressure. Engine starting was easy, first prod being the usual rule. Fuel tap and choke lever are conveniently located under the duel seat nose. Unlike many two-strokes, the Lambretta could be ridden for 100 yards or so to warm up before releasing the choke. Although a scooter like this is clearly most at home in crowded city streets, the lengthy (900 mile) running in period recommended obliged me to take it out for a 260-mile outing. On country roads it turned out to be no mere toy. Seating and controls proved surprisingly comfortable for a 5ft 8in rider. Lighting was excellent too-though full brilliance was not generated until 35mph in top gear. However, the horn delivered the most sickly squawk I've ever heard. The most willing one-two-five engine was not, however, quite man enough to mix it on even terms with big, fast lorries. And the gear ratios, so well spaced for city travel, are a litle too far apart for romping past crawlers on the long inclines. On the long trip it was possible to make an accurate and meaningful check on fuel consumption. With speeds kept within 40mph, the Starstream covered 83 miles on a gallon of 25-to-1 petroil. Restricted to 30 mph, the succeeding gallon lasted for 95 miles. When the engine was thoroughly run in and the 50-to-1 mixture used, more miles could be expected. A reserve supply is allowed for - enough for approximately six miles. Fuel tank capacity, only 1 and a quarter gallons, seems rather on the skimpy side. Perhaps, because of the slim styling, now fashionable, weather protection turned out to be not so good as expected. Heavy rain flew off the weathershield, on to the rider's lap: overtrousers became obligatory, though a screen would be the best remedy. Over nearly 1,000 miles of test riding, the Starstream needed no attention whatsoever. The simple tool kit is adequate for removing the sparking plug and carburrettor jets and for other small jobs, though it is a pity none of the spanners fits the nut of the front-brake cable adjuster. To sum up, the Lambretta Starstream is a highly accomplished, reliable and well-engineered scooter for ride-to-work journeys. It also willingly copes with country runs. Smoother braking would do most to make this attractive machine even better.