Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2021 i Scootering

Harking back to my column in the December edition of Scootering, I used the phrase: “It’s gonna get worse before it gets better” in regard to the timing of the Covid vaccine being released, but still facing the juxtaposition of an imminent spike in winter cases. As I write this column, we are at the pinnacle of that spike, and it definitely FEELS like anything resembling happier times is but a distant memory (or as Bob Mortimer would say, not so much a memory… more like fingerprints on an abandoned handrail). However, despite being in the eye of the storm right now, I remain optimistic that 2021 will be a better year for all of us. It may be off to a slow beginning, and not the ‘explosive launch from…

■ Rpm analogue or digital up to 12,000rpm ■ Speed analogue up to 120km/mph/h or digital up to 199km/h or 140mph ■ Storage of maximum speed and rpm ■ Temp display up to 250C or 482F, temp sensor and mounting material included ■ Display maximum temperature ■ Total riding distance up to 99,999 km/miles ■ Total riding distance adjustable (old speedometer reading transferable) ■ Trip odometer A and B up to 9999,9km/miles ■ Riding time A and B up to 99,59 h ■ Average speed A and B up to 199 km/h or 140mph ■ Brightness of the speedometer illumination 5-fold adjustable ■ Reserve indicator (with SIP Fast Flow fuel tap/electric reserve indicator) ■ Operation with external battery possible (if vehicle electrical system cannot provide 12v) ■ Self-learning digital gear…

This information is provided by Stephen Hattersley, of WildWood Legal, a firm of solicitors specialising in claims for injured scooterists. Stephen, a qualified solicitor for 25 years, has been riding scooters for more than 30 years, and has acted for injured riders across the UK. He knows the tricks and pitfalls that insurers use and pulls no punches in his dealings with them. He rides to work every day and understands the challenges you face out there. Q: I slid off my scooter on a cold morning recently and injured myself. It is a known blackspot and the police told me they had asked the council to grit the area but they hadn’t done so. Can I make a claim for my injuries? A: Scooter versus ice usually only has…

While assembling their SIP Pordoi Custom GTS the guys on the team could not get used to the idea of the original horn cover being part of it. The bulbous, obtrusive look of the plastic neck tie just did not suit the envisaged concept. To solve this issue they decided to design and produce their own version of the Vespa GTS/GTV/GT/GTL horn cover to complement the appearance of the scooter. Alongside its flat design they have also remodelled the lower opening and have omitted the chrome trim found on the original design. The most obvious difference between the two is the inclusion of the hexagonal logo badge. The huge oblong-shaped Piaggio logo badge did not suit the scooter, and much less the new, sleek look of the Pordoi horn cover.…

Back in those days EMSA was one of the main organisers of scooter racing and had organised some racing in Scotland at the fabulous Knockhill circuit. Of course anyone who has spent any time in Scotland knows that regardless of time of year you could get any of the four seasons, even all four in one day. In those days searching for a bed and breakfast meant getting magazines or books from WH Smith and I got the UK Bed and Breakfast Guide. I pored over it, found Bowleys Farm and set off with my dad to do the long journey up to Scotland with a trailer and race scooter. Speed cameras were not really a thing back then and the trailer would sit quite happily at 90mph. Waking up…

Name of scooter: The Great Space Race. Keith came across some great artwork and logos for it, the scooter needed a name and this fitted the theme spot on. Scooter model: 1962 TV175. Inspiration for project: Space travel, Jetsons, period sci-fi TV programmes. Time to build and by whom: Around a year by Keith Newman of K2 Customs. Any frame modifications: Extensive subtle trick bits, you really need to study it to find them all, side panel scoops, runner board vents, trick back light, scooped front mudguard, radio antenna horncasting and many more details. Loads of air venting to get fresh air in and out of the engine bay for the local extreme heat conditions. Sppecialised parts: Small trick stainless bits everywhere, headlight and tail-light grilles, brake and kicck-start pedals,…

Kolezenski Klub Skuterowy In the September issue of Scootering there was an article about a Polish Lambretta owner ,Wiktor Paul. I had previously met Wiktor, a Lambretta/Vespa owner, at a classic car meet in Warsaw. At that time he had invited me to attend at some point a scooter club meeting in Warsaw. I took him up on his offer and Wiktor and his friend Maciej Wicha met up with me in the centre of Warsaw and took me to their club workshop facilities. I’ve always been under the impression that Poland had only about 12 Lambrettas in total spread around the country, but in their workshop were at least 10, from frames/engines to fully running Series 1, 2 and 3 models, even an SX200. This was a club with…

Name: John Rock. Job: Man-of-the-world. Scooter club & town: Ex-Section 8 SC Cornwall – now Rebellion Scooter Club, Cornwall, formed a few months ago. First interest in scooters: When I was a 15-year-old skinhead and my friends had scooters. First scooter: PK50. Name of scooter & reason: Taboo. Taboo is never talked about and is a cracking TV show. Scooter model: PX125. Date purchased & cost: Two years ago and got it for £600. Full strip down then restart. Time to build & by who: Ten to 12 mouths to build by Darren Ducros at D L Scooters in Cornwall and thanks to Dave for porting and matching and tuning the engine. Engine spec Barrel and piston: 210 Malossi matched and ported. Case: Pinasco. Flywheel: Lightened and balanced. Exhaust: Scorpion.…

Name: Jay Wilson. Scooter club & town: Scunthorpe. Independent rider. First interested in scooters: In the summer of 1984 when I was about 14 years old in the northern seaside town of Redcar. There were scooters everywhere and they looked great! First Scooter: Vespa P125X. Favourite style of custom scooter: Café racer. Any funny stories: Coming back from Brid, me and Terry Johnson called in to a petrol station and filled up. I came out after paying and couldn’t find my keys. So Terry and I looked everywhere, but to no avail. Then about 20 scooter lads turned up and joined in the hunt. By this time I was getting hot so I took my outer jacket off and found the keys in the pocket of the tracksuit top that…

When the T5 appeared on eBay it was obvious that it wouldn’t hang around for long. Unfortunately it was in South London and I wasn’t. Fortunately Brad, a good friend of the magazine, was on hand to look it over. I’ve bought and sold a lot of scooters in my time but there are still plenty of pitfalls to avoid, particularly when buying at a distance. My tips for buying a project machine are: Before viewing the scooter • Do your homework. Identify the correct frame and engine codes for the model you’re looking at, be aware if there are any common faults to look for, or any particularly hard to find parts that should be present. • Understand the market value of what you’re buying, if it’s underpriced ask yourself why.…

Prior to developing this project Andrew was using two scooters, a Lambretta Series 2 and a Vespa GTS. “The Series 2 is a great scooter and I’ve ridden it to numerous rallies and scooter events all over the UK and Europe. The only drawback is that after a while on long journeys it gets a little bit uncomfortable.” To ease this problem, a few years back Andrew bought the Vespa GTS which eats up the mileage and delivers excellent reliability. Having developed into a seasoned rider of both the Series 2 and the GTS (but with a slight preference to Lambrettas) he decided that he would be able to get the best out of both worlds if he could develop an ‘Auto-Lammy’. The ‘Auto-Lammy’ build commenced in 2017 when Andrew…

The group S.M.A.R.T. North-West was set up to find, recover and return stolen bikes and scooters to their owners. It’s part of a network who cooperate with the police and councils. Some S describe them as vigilantes, and while w that may have been true, these groups g are now receiving greater official recognition r nationwide. I sat down with one o of them to find out what they do, and a their motivations for doing it. Here’s what w my contact at S.M.A.R.T. had to ssay… “I got into the group because I was pissed off with seeing scooters constantly c getting nicked. I remember aa stunning Lambretta being lifted, the owner o had nipped into a bank and it was pushed p away by a bunch who hadn’t…

The Total Rejection – The Time Travellers 3rd Will and Testament Prolific Bristol-based garage-punk, psyche-popsters The Total Rejection return with their latest long-player set for release on June 30. Musical inspiration and influences are unashamedly drawn, lifted and liberated from innovative, often underground, acts of the mid-late 60s from both sides of the Atlantic. The Time Travellers 3rd Will and Testament not only continues from where their previous offering concluded, it sees The Total Rejection continue on their upward trajectory. Combining crushing power chords, with wah-wah and tremolo effects abounding, slamming bass riffs, swirling psyche and sleazy garage punk Hammond organ, driven by pummelling, unrelenting, primal drum beats, they deliver a gloriously lo-fi 15 tracks with bags of alt-pop appeal. Topped off with sometimes gruff, sometimes sneering vocals, to…

Currently a financial consultant and a specialist in arranging finance, Victor Flynn worked as a chartered accountant in financial services in both the UK and overseas for more than 30 years. We asked him to answer some of the most common questions in our postbag. Q. We were promised tariff-free trade, why are we getting bills for customs clearance? “There may be some confusion here between ‘tariff free’ and ‘tax free’. Both involve paying money to the Government, but there are differences. “Tariffs are added to the cost of goods and services by the Government for a number of reasons. This could be for health reasons (alcohol or tobacco), environmental concerns (petrol and certain chemicals) or to discourage imports (to protect domestic industries from unfair overseas competition). They are charged…

West Sussex, 1987 Picture of me from the Eighties; at the time, I was a member of the Talisman SC. Gary Mann Happy days! Taken in 1983 – if only I could go back in time (lol). Tony Lewis Isle of Wight memories Me on my scooter way back in 1983. Graeme Shepherd Wi Wigan in the early Eighties The stuff of legends. David Tootell Stars and Stripes SC Picture taken sometime during the Eighties. Raymond Stewart My first scooter rally A picture of our crew from Morecambe in 1984. Tokey Laarr SHARE YOUR NOSTALGIC PICTURES WITH OUR READERS If you have any pictures from the past, why not share them with our readers. Call Mau on 01507 529408, or email him at mauspencer@classicscooterist.com ✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99,…

Total production: 9541 Capacity: 175cc Power: 8.45CV @ 4800 rev/min Max speed: 61kph Bore x stroke: 62×58mm Carburettor: Dell’Orto SH1/20 Gears: Four-speed with reverse hand-controlled (Teleflex) Tyre size: 4×10 Tyre pressures: 28lb (front), 46lb (rear) Brakes: 3x drum brakes, handbrake and hydraulics on rear wheels Fuel tank capacity: 11.5 litres Claimed fuel consumption: 20km per litre Weight: 362-382kg Overall length: 2885mm Overall height: 1660mm Overall width: 1375mm Colour availability: grey and green…

“It’s fair to say that Les and I knew each other before we met, so to say. Les, Guppy and David Barker were longtime VCB riders and due to me being in Scotland in the early days we didn’t get to meet until many years later. By that time we were too old to remember exactly when we met (tee-hee). “Les was a real comic; he always had a joke and a smile. We enjoyed each other’s company at rallies and also at Luke and Sheila Kitto’s wedding in Torquay while we sipped lots of vino and got the ‘Old Man’ married off. “Looking back now at the older times and what we did, wow – the fun we had together! “Les and Dallas are special people, I send my…

Stu Smith Vespa and Lambretta owner, scooter obsessive, amateur home mechanic, rally-goer, Mod sympathiser, music lover and general all-round good egg. He writes your rally reports, be nice to him. Nik Skeat Vespa Cosa sympathiser, well-travelled rally rider since the 80s, founder of the notorious Scooterboy World forum. He’s also a brilliant beer-brewing bearded Scootering feature writer. Paul Green Our Paul has a long history of scootering both on the road and on the track, with the breakdown bills and crash scars to prove it. A Vespa and Lambretta enthusiast, BSSO professional and general good egg. Stuart Owen Scooter rider, rally-goer, restorer and author. Reaches the parts other scooter journalists just can’t reach. LCGB ‘life member’, 100mph Lambretta Club owner and scooter restoration expert to boot. Rik Bardsley More flamboyant…

Following on from its best-selling Street Ace range, TCX Boots introduces a new urban boot for 2021, the Street 3. Available in two variations, the WP and TEX WP, the Street 3 is the ultimate all-weather boot for street style while maintaining CE-approved levels of protection. The Street 3 WP comes in three colour options, all with a slightly different construction. In black, the boots are made with grain leather with a nubuck finish, while the brown option is full grain leather and the green/brown boots have a suede leather upper. Featuring the T-Dry waterproof membrane and an OrthoLite® footbed with long-term cushioning, the Street 3 WP will ensure riders’ feet remain dry and comfortable all day, while also providing a high level of breathability. For a secure fit, the…

MB Scooters has been producing kick-start pistons for years with very little trouble, except for the odd one or two. To identify where the problem was coming from, the team used the cut away side casing and gently offered up the kick-start to work out where the piston connected to the first gear teeth. “We discovered that all the pistons we tested, old and new and from a variety of sources, didn’t connect right,” Mark explained. The issue was found to stem from that fact that the first-gear teeth on all the first gears were cut with a curve and the pistons were cut straight. “This meant that when they connected only the two weak outer edges connected, which left a gap underneath the centre of the teeth where all…

MB Scooters has developed a Lambretta rear shocker mount, which is for the first time made in stainless steel. The item presses in the back of the casing to mount the shocker on. “Not a product you always change, but they do go wrong with threads stripping or being ground away from a seized shocker, or they just pull out,” says MB’s Mark Broadhurst. If you have a later Spanish casing with the longer mount, Mark suggests it’s worth swapping to this type. “It’s easy to fit, just grind off the back tabs, easily press out and back in again and tab over to stop it moving.” Price: £8.65 More info: www.lambrettaspares.com…

Although easily overlooked, handlebar grips are the direct point of control and contact between the scooter and its rider. These grips have an ergonomically optimised shape for comfortable use, while the waffle pattern takes up the design element of the vintage handlebar grips: 125mm, 22/24mm, black, with opening at the handlebar end. Using a high-quality rubber mixture in their production leaves them resistant against colour fade and becoming brittle over time. If you wish to combine these grips with handlebar-end indicators a groove has been incorporated into their design around the closed end to enable a clean cut. Fits: Vespa GTS/GTS Super/GT/ GT L 125-300cc, also for Vespa ET/LX/LXV/S S//Primavera Primavera// Sprint 50-15 50cc. More info: www.sip-scoootershop.com Price: £22.73 7…

Kev’s garage was becoming the ideal workshop for all of us – double in size, a big drive and most importantly… situated in a long cul-de-sac, the ideal proving ground. The road was some 300 yards long, perfect for getting your Lambretta going by the standard 1980s method of bump-start starting. The garage was big too, and soon became a dumping ground for our ever-amassing collection of scooters, most of which didn’t run. The idea was to each get at least one of them going; that way we could attempt to enjoy the fruits of our labours before commencing on the next dozen or so which were now stockpiled towards the back. Kev had finally got his TV175 S2 mobile and to be honest it was turning out to be…

Name: Tim King. Home town: Perth, Western Australia. Job: Greenkeeper and radio/club DJ. Scooter club: Lonewolf SC. First scooter: GS160. Favourite scooter model: Lambretta Series 2, especially the Rallymaster. Favourite style of custom scooter: Stock lookingg with modern trick bits. Funniest experience with a scooter: Had d a girlfriend with a GS whicch had a blowing exhaust. I said I’d fix it so went to Halfords, bought some exhaust cement and clamps, hacksawed the box off to mend and took the scooter with its loud exhaust to where all the scooters were parked. I took off up the road – all the scooterists thought I was nicking one of their scoots and a chase ensued! They were rapidly catching up so I hid and lay the scoot behind a hedge…

No matter if you have the best product or brand in the world it still needs exposure to the public by way of advertising. Not just on a now-and-then basis but almost to saturation point to guarantee any sort of sales success. Advertising isn’t cheap so to make sure it creates the biggest impact, clever use of wording and images is required to get the point over. Lambretta Concessionaires realised the fact and never took for granted their product, the Lambretta, would sell like it did without the right exposure. From the very early days they advertised the Lambretta anywhere they could and, though basic, it proved to be successful. Advertising was based simply around the product itself, such was the popularity of the Lambretta, but as time went by…

Having had a love for anything with two wheels and an engine, John’s owned a lot of motorbikes over the years. However, thanks to Kev and Angi Meek he got into scooters about 10 years ago when they took him and his wife Fran to the 2010 Isle of Wight rally where he got the bug. Shortly after returning from the rally John bought his first scooter, an Li150 Silver Special. “I’ve still got the scooter; it’s fantastic but the problem I had with it was that I wanted more power. I’d thought about various kits and engine upgrades but was concerned about the potential effect they could have on reliability.” Power and potential Since joining the scooter scene John’s visited numerous custom shows and events. During that time, out…

Name of scooter & reason: The RB20 Lendl Bike. My youth and the Casual scene. Scooter model: GP150 Lambretta. Inspiration for project: My teenage years and the Casual fashion. Time to build & by who: Five years; myself, Keith Cook, Lambretta Upgrades and AF Rayspeed. Any special parts or mods: Horncast Adidas badge, Adidas rear brake pedal, petrol cap and choke all done by K2 Customs. ENGINE SPEC: Kit: RB20. Crank: RB20 Race Crank 116mm rod. Carb: 30mm VHSH Dell’Orto. Exhaust: PM tuned Fat Mamba Power-pipe. Clutch: AF road six-plate race clutch. Gearbox: Original GP four-speed. Porting work by: AF Rayspeed. CHASSIS SPEC: Tyres: Michelin. Rims: FA Italia. Suspension: BGM Rear. Standard front. Cable brand: BGM. Brakes: Standard, BGM pads, front brake reverse pull kit. Describe engine performance and handling:…

Name: Andrew Lee. Scooter club & town: Mansfield Monsters SC, Mansfield. First scooter: PK 50XL. It was an awesome scooter. It was as slow as a snail but it was a scooter! Favourite scooter model: At first it was the Vespa GS after watching Quadrophenia, but after a while the Lambretta light shone brighter and I’m more favourable towards the S1 and S2, which have grown on me. First ever rally: Skegness 1990 when the police made you feel like an outcast even before you arrived! How did you get there: On my new T5. Favourite rally: I think it has to be Cleethorpes as it’s a fantastic seaside venue and just what a rally should be; good site, good amenities and a cracking ride, well situated and always good…

If this wideframe, 1950s Douglas-made Vespa was flesh and blood instead of metal, it could be looking forward to taking it easy in a few months. Just over the horizon, a few months away, this English-made Vespa will celebrate 65 years since rolling off the Kingswood factory production line in Bristol. Jonny Belcher has a liking for 50s styling, design and music, which obviously extends to 50s-made Vespas. “There’s something about the styling of those 50s wideboy Vespas that really appeals,” he says. One For The Money, Two For The Show Jonny’s interest in scooters dates back to the mid-80s, though it wasn’t until the tail end of the decade when he got his first scooter, a PK50 XL Vespa, and rode, two-up, to his first rally. “I’ve not been…

Name of scooter & reason: Nicknamed Douggy. He’s a Douglas... Scooter model: Frame, panels, headset and seat frame are original 1956 Douglas 42L2. Mudguard is ACMA and the handlebars are Italian. Engine is modern PX. Multicultural model, I would say! Inspiration for project: Love the 50s styling! After two previous incarnations done by myself, I always wanted to spend a little more time and put some extra effort into creating a 50s Vespa that I liked the look of, with what I had. Time to build & by who: On all three occasions, I have sourced all parts and done the building. I have had friends who have helped fabricate metal, weld parts and perform engine modifications beyond my abilities. Ricky Wiltshire, Nick Paolucci and Mark Pitts, I would like…

Name of scooter & reason: Dig Out Your Soul. Oasis tribute to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of a generation. Scooter model: Lambretta GP150. Inspiration for project: The greatest band to walk the planet and too many exquisite Lambrettas in Silhouettes to not do one. Time to build & by who: Ten months by myself, Dale Winney, Dave Kirk and one or two others who liked to interfere claiming they helped. Any specialised parts or mods: Rear rack, flywheel cowl, choke/fuel levers, horncast badge all by Keith Newman, K2 Customs. Engine spec Kit: 198 Imola. Crank: AF 58mm. Carb: 28mm Dell’Orto. Exhaust: Stainless TVR EVO. Chassis spec: Rims: SIP. Suspension: Targaline. Speedo: SIP. Grips: MB TZR Yamaha type. Levers: PM Tuning adjustable. Cable brand: MB. Seat: TSR. Fuel tank…

I first got to hear about Groovy Uncle on the Aldora Britain Label Compilations (where you can get a lot of top tunes for pennies… Think Creation Soup or Indie Top Twenty Albums from back in the day). It’s often said that ‘they don’t write them like they used to’. Well… they are wrong. Groovy Uncle does… the whole of the 1960s is here… or rather there… in their music. Everything from Dusty, Pet Clark, Beach Boys, Move, Lovin’ Spoonful, Kinks, Mersey, Manchester, Seekers, Mamas & Papas, Burt Bacharach, blue-eyed soul and a nod to the Motor City. Trust me. It’s all here – and beautifully produced too. No synth sounds pretending to be Detroit. Nope. You want a soulful French horn? That’s exactly what he’ll cart into the studio…

The chances are if you have ever been to a rally or scootering event over the last 40 years then you may well have been in close proximity to, or even bumped into, Alan Bent. You may not have realised it at the time, him being part of a bigger crowd, but rest assured he was most likely there, you just didn’t notice him. Like so many, scooter riding is in his blood and for him, it started out in 1969 by way of a worn-out Li150 and, as he explains: “Costing £5, it was money well spent and changed my life forever.” The scooter for him was primarily a mode of transport but, as so often happens, it soon became a way of socialising. Being involved in the 1980s…

Statement regarding article in Classic Scooterist (January issue) ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ article – an apology I’d like to take this opportunity to make a formal apology to Mr Mark Jackson (Preston Wildcats) regarding my article ‘A Dedicated Follower Of Fashion’ (January 2021 Issue). I would like to state that I am the sole writer of that article, not Mr Jackson, as it may have been interpreted. After writing the article, Mr Jackson had asked me to send him a draft – this I did not do and it is here that I wish to apologise as I now realise that if I had sent him the draft, anything wrong in it would have been corrected and ironed out. I am totally sorry that I did not do this as…

Unfortunately, Technica quotes Max Meyer paint codes and these have been largely superseded (particularly in the UK) by PPG paint codes. As this still causes confusion, what follows is an explanation and resolution to this problem. EXPLAINING VESPA COLOURS For Max Meyer codes, the first digit refers to the number of paint coats required to achieve that particular colour finish (metallics need two coats, so the first digit will be ‘2’). The next three digits were all the same across the numbering sequence for each of the models in a given time slot. They were, in fact, manufacturers’ batch codes each referring to a given manufacturer (‘268’ for Maxi-car; ‘298’ for Bi-lux). This leaves the remaining four digits. The PPG colour index has each paint colour in the Piaggio section…

In this issue, I present to you a couple of trick items from the ever-increasing catalogue of improved parts for your Lambretta from MB Scooters Ltd: CARBON FIBRE LAMBRETTA CYLINDER COWL First up from the South Yorkshire company is this carbon fibre cylinder cowl which, according to Mark Broadhurst, is of fantastic quality, perfect fitting, super light and strong. This latest standard version complements the others previously produced for the tuned cylinders, such as Race-Tour reed valve and the TS1. The design is taken from the original item, so is a straight replacement which will fit the standard carb and exhaust set-up, but can be easily trimmed to fit other aftermarket non-standard items. LAMBRETTA KICK-START PISTON The second item is this kick-start piston (a very small, but vastly important item).…

Over the years, many of us have stuck to the parts and spares that we either like or favour. There’s nothing wrong with that and it’s the usual ‘if it ain’t broke’ scenario. If it works for you and it gets you home, then it’s happy days! However, what we’ve also learned is that tyre brands like Michelin, Continental and Pirelli can now be challenged by Hankook, Heidenau and SIP and that CDIs like the Ducati Energia now have to make room for BGM and Readspeed, which in itself can only be a good thing. Finally, to bring this to a close, I’ve compiled a list of aftermarket brands and suppliers who support the OEM supply: ● RMS (cowlings, switches, fuel taps, badges, grips, etc.) ● FA Italia (hubs, rims,…

SIP speedometers have revolutionised the speedometer market since their first appearance in 2010. Features that were previously only possible with many additional instruments have been integrated into one – and with maximum understatement. Now they are available in two additional versions also for VNA-VNB vehicles as well as for lamp-bottom/ wideframes from V30 to VL. The latter design also fits many ACMA and for example Motovespa vehicles and the like. The speedometers need 12v power supply, as these vehicles provide only after conversion to PX, Vespatronic or SIP performance ignition. Those who want to stick to their original 6v on-board electrics, however, can still power the instruments using an external battery. For this purpose, a charge level indicator is available in the tachometers, which reminds the user to charge the…

The range of standard air filters are designed to replace the OE filter element and are available in either a flat sponge configuration, or dedicated panel filters for certain Maxi scooters. Both styles of filter utilise a special fine sponge material to remove smaller particles compared to the original filter, while maintaining a higher flow rate of air through the filter. Furthermore, certain models of scooter can benefit from the Double Red sponge filter, which uses a second even finer sponge layer to remove microscopic dust particles. This provides extra protection to the engine from airborne contaminants. Over and above the standard replacement range of air filters, Malossi offers a vast selection of styles and sizes of performance air filters, catering for most scooters and lightweight motorcycles. More info: www.ve-uk.com…

An aluminium, CNC milled, black matt anodised, magnetic fuel-filler cap to suit all modern Vespa models, Piaggio scooters and Maxi-scooters. Every time you have to refuel it’s the same procedure, where can I stick the filler cap? It either gets slung into the overfilled helmet storage area, ends up rolling around the floor of the petrol station or, worse still, even gets occasionally left forgotten somewhere on the petrol pumps! The solution is now here in the form of the new SIP magnetic fuel filler cap, from the SIP Series Pordoi range. Fits: Vespa ET2/ET4/LX/LXV/S/Primavera/Sprint/946/GTS/ GTS Super/GTV/GT 60/GT/GT L 50-300ccm 2T/4T also for Aprilia/Derbi/Gilera/Piaggio. More info: www.sip-scootershop.com Price: £31.06…

Sports-oriented shock absorbers noticeably improve the suspension of every Vespa to which they are fitted. A fact many Vespa GTS riders can confirm, due to the hopelessly inadequate standard set-up at the rear as well as the front! No matter whether you intend to have a comfortable solo ride, with a pillion or even for stiff race-oriented purposes, the extensive adjustment possibilities only add to the well-considered attributes of these vital components. The technical finesses of a 14mm damper-rod, hardened manufacturing materials and an additional guide cup for the upper damping rubber guarantee a noticeably increased stability of the suspension when compared with the original items. Tech spec: CNC machined aluminium adjustable shock absorbers. Continuously adjustable spring preload. Progressively wound springs. 20 adjustable rebound settings. Nine adjustable damping settings (front…

Is it a classic? I’ve just read Stu Owen’s item in December 2020 issue regarding what makes a classic scooter. I was interested in his quote that a T5 is now a classic; in the first lockdown I started a restoration of a E-reg T5 that had lived behind the shed for 10 years. With great plans and ideas I got halfway though the rebuild, gave up and purchased a Scomadi for the money needed to get the Vespa up and running the way I would have wanted it to look. I would be interested to know why the T5 is now held in high regard as I saw it as an ugly duckling and was changing the whole look of the scooter before I passed it on in favour…

Name of scooter & reason: Screwed Up/Nailed It. First reason: Screwed Up/Nailed It is a tribute to my dad’s job. He was a bench joiner, he is still alive and he loves it. (Est 1941 is the year he was born.) Second reason: Screwed Up because 11 years ago I was knocked off my scooter and now have my ankle ‘screwed up’ as I have it fused. Third reason: Nailed It – because I think I have and it looks awesome. Scooter model: 1960 Lambretta Series 2 and a 2009 Vespa 250 GTS. Inspiration for project: Always wanted a good-looking auto project from seeing the first one completed by Ferdy back in the day. Any specialised parts or mods: Gilera Runner wheels, additional three inches added to the frame loop…

Made in Kingswood, Bristol, coinciding with Westinghouse Brake and Signal taking control of the Douglas factory, the Vespa 42L2 was launched in 1955. Described as ‘a new type of Vespa’, the 42L2 replaced the GL2, which had a monocoque frame/chassis that was the same as the then-outdated 1949 design. Boasting a newly designed chassis, the 42L2 Douglas Vespa also encompassed several other changes and upgrades to its elder sister models. Early Piaggio wideframe Vespas had the front headlamp mounted on the front mudguard. Collectively referred to as ‘faro basso’, (translated as low light), their location on the mudguard was prohibited by British road traffic regulations of the early 50s. Therefore, the first three Douglas Vespa models, Rod Model, G Model and GL2, had the headlight legshield mounted; 42L2 was the…

Since the first aftermarket cylinder kit was launched, and created a revolution in the scooter tuning market, there has been an ongoing development and delivery programme bringing us ever-improving tuning goodies. Scooter owners are no longer reliant on just using cast iron cylinders and a hand file in an attempt to gain more power; the world of purpose-built bolt-on kits became a reality and has made the whole job much easier. Since that time there have been dozens of kits, cranks, carbs and exhausts made available, but when it comes to choosing the right one for your scooter it can be a very daunting and confusing task knowing which option to use. Perhaps there is even now an excess of items? So we at Scootering have been busy putting together…

Name: John Henderson. Scooter club & town: Scunthorpe Silhouettes. First interest in scooters: Early 80s when Scunthorpe Road Rats and Pathfinders rode around our estate. First scooter: TV175 purchased for £50 at 16 in 1982, sadly never ridden (legally). Favourite rally: Scarborough, always well attended and regarded as the mecca for northern Scooterboys for years, decent pubs and always something on. What do you like about rallies: The ride there and back (if it’s not snowing) with our club, although the ride back usually ends up in a free-for-all and if you’re not packing a TS1 or similar you ain’t keeping up! Meeting friends old and new, the social side and obviously alcohol. Favourite Scootering magazine feature: Readers’ Rides. Favourite custom scooter of all time: It has to be a…

It’s hard to discuss anything relating to Brexit without sounding political, but we’re going to try. The fact is that, whichever way we cast our vote, January 1 saw the biggest changes to customs procedures in decades. There’s no doubt that there have been cancelled shipments, delays in transit, missing parcels, additional costs and unexpected bills. However it’s also fair to say that everyone’s still finding their feet. As consumers we’ve become used to instant answers and rapid delivery; unfortunately until things settle down we’re all going to need some patience and understanding. The good news is that there is a way to avoid most of the problems and costs associated with customs clearance and that’s to support your local scooter shop. In order to keep you on the road…

One of the things that has always drawn me to the scooter world is the passion and determination of the people involved. Last year was a testament to that with scooterists finding alternative ways to feed their passions with the likes of virtual events and music radio shows; let’s also not forget that it provided the opportunity to carry out restorations, rebuilds and other fettling of those beloved classic machines – it will be interesting to see all the new projects that emerge once the latest Covid lockdown is over. That said, it might still be a while yet before the vaccination system gets into full swing and things slowly get back to normal and although some clubs and individuals have already started planning and releasing details of their events,…

A recent survey by IAM RoadSmart shows that most road users aren’t convinced over some of the proposed changes to The Highway Code. Out of 3600 poll respondents only 23% feel that cyclists should be allowed to ride on pavements. And 73% think it should be made compulsory for cyclists to wear a helmet. Some changes were well supported with 63% backing the idea that cyclists should move over to allow traffic to overtake, especially on busy roads, to avoid causing traffic congestion. Visit www.iamroadsmart.com to view full report.…

Titles such as Scooter World (with its features starring tuner Arthur Francis) and the somewhat staid Scooter & Three Wheeler battled for sales with the cream of the crop – Practical Scooter & Moped. TOP SHELF MAGAZINES Not the most inspirational title, Practical Scooter & Moped did have an eye-catching full colour cover and was produced in a large format that leapt off the shelves and into the hands of an eager young scooterist audience. One cover upset some of the more conservative scooter faithful by featuring a parka-clad and helmetless Scooterboy in full flight on his Vespa. This cover was thought to promote a bad image of the folk who rode these small-wheeled machines, provoking howls of horror from those hoping and praying that the entire beach fight at…