It has to have some kind of advance. If not, that would be a problem.

Really? I recently spoke with a friend who used to repair mopeds as a hobby, and it seems like the small-displacement 2-stroke Asian moped engines don't have a centrifugal advance either. Apparently that's why changing the spark timing (via the points plate) on a 2-stroke has such an effect on the powerband. Maybe it's just a 2-stroke thing.

...so I've got a 1972 Leggero (65cc) that's been in my family since new. It has about 600 miles on it, and it's in pretty good condition. I acquired it about a year ago, and it's pretty much been sitting around since I've had it.

This brings me to my question... The issue is that the thing is brutal for me to ride. It's can be pretty slow off the line (really need to feather the clutch), but the power picks up as it winds up. On top of that, in 3rd gear the thing will hardly accelerate. If you're trying to go up any sort of incline at all, it will actually slow down. 1st and 2nd seem fine. I should mention that it's hauling my 6'3" 220lb self around. I'm wondering whether this is pretty typical (I know it's a small bike), or whether there is some sort of issue. I can't imagine that this is normal, as my grandfather (bigger guy) rode the thing in the 70's.... Although maybe that explains the low mileage.

It's got a new plug and points, gapped and timed. Carb is cleaned with new seals, dialed in per the manual. The battery is fully charged as well. The bike usually starts on the 1st kick.

Just looking for others' opinions, as I've yet to even see another Leggero in person, much less ride one for comparison. Am I expecting too much of this little thing? I rode a Yamaha Razz 50cc scooter in college, and that moved me around just fine.

Thanks in advance.