MINI SAIA A BRAZILIAN VENTURE
VESPA 152L2 A FORGOTTEN MYSTERY
Lambretta SX200
SCOOTERS & THE NYPD
‘COSMICK CREATION’ GRAHAM’S TV175 S2
‘PRIMROSE’ Sam’s Vespa VBA
EAST HESLERTON ONE, TWO & THREE First Yorkshireproduced ‘S’ Types
SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
ISSUE 125 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019
ONE SCOOTER 7 DAYS NON-STOP RIDING
Issue 125 Feb/Mar 2019
Founding Editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Publishing director: Dan Savage Publisher: Tim Hartley Contributors: Rich Addison; Gill Beecham; Jon Betts; David Brown; Terry Brown; Pete Davies, Jock Dewars; Dave Dry; Siobhan Ellis; Graham Legg; Chris Wainwright; Andy Westlake; Roy Workman. Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Some articles express contributors opinions and are not necessarily those of Classic Scooterist. Design: Fran Lovely Production editor: Dan Sharp Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Group advertising manager: Sue Keily Divisional advertising manager: Zoe Thurling zthurling@mortons.co.uk (01507 529412) Advertising: Emma Buxton-Rockley ebuxton-rockley@mortons.co.uk (01507 529410) Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Editorial address: Classic Scooterist magazine. PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ General queries and back issues: 01507 529529 (24hr answerphone) Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Next issue (126) published: March 20, 2019 Editorial deadline: February 11, 2019 CLASSIC SCOOTERIST (ISSN:1756-9494) is published bi-monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $36 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Postmaster: Send address changes to CLASSIC SCOOTERIST, Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 Email: chris@classicbikebooks.com www.classicbikebooks.com Distribution: Marketforce UK Ltd 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU Subscription: Full subscription rates (but see page 48 for offer): (12 months 6 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £22.80. Export rates are also available – see page 48 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton © Mortons Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without prior written permission. In the event of a dispute developing between two or more individual clubs, businesses, or organisations – and in the absence of any legal ruling to the contrary – Mortons Media will strive to maintain a neutral position in not disadvantaging either party.
72 CONTENTS 4
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Back when we had hair
40 Trials and tribulations
68 From Russia with love
Scooterama
42 Leafy mystery
72 The Museum of Scootering and Lambretta
Nostalgic memories from times gone by
A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
18 Mailbox
Readers have their say
20 What’s going on?
A look at the scooterist calendar
22 Rally Roundup
A quick glance at some of the recent scooter events
28 ‘Mine and unique’
Paul Carter’s outstanding Lambretta SX200
32 ‘Fidelis ad mortem’ The Professional Publishers Association
Lambretta scooters and the NYPD ‘motorcycle squad’
Member
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
36 Mini skirt – Lambretta style The 1978 Brazilian-made 150 Mini Saia
Huddersfield SC – The Luddites
A Douglas Vespa 152L2 gem right under our noses
46 Back in the day
Gold, Frankincense – and a Lambretta?
50 A Cosmick creation
Graham Legg’s Lambretta S2 TV175
54 ‘Primrose’
Sam Muir’s Vespa VBA
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Putting Vittorio Tessera’s museum on the bucket list
76 The LI 125 Series 2 An underrated gem
78 Extreme power
The Lambretta RS 250
81 Every picture tells a story
The VCB at Havering in 1987
58 Ingenuity over adversity
82 Scooter clubs
62 East Heslerton one, two and three
86 Scooterist classifieds
The Argentinian Siambretta
The first Yorkshire-produced Lambretta ‘S’ types
66 Modulations
Christian Wheeldon’s Lambretta Li125 Special
Food for thought? o some scootering is their life, providing escapism from real world mundanity; to others, it fits around their worldly commitments. To all, it’s a lifestyle to be enjoyed, although it can be tinged with sadness (the recent passing of well-known scooterist, Kev Walsh is the latest example). It’s a lifestyle enjoyed mainly by the ‘older persuasion’, but as time moves on, those enjoying its full potential are diminishing in number. It’s a well-debated subject and
James Starrett’s Vjatka (Vyatka) V 150M Elektron
effort has been made to encourage newer generations into the scene. But let’s be realistic; that new generation possibly can’t afford to purchase that classic scooter, thus seeking an economically viable alternative; they also might want to introduce their own style of music into the scene. We need to adapt to changes, accepting them for what they are. It’s easy to be overprotective about what’s right or wrong, but can an arthritic 70-year-old still kick-start his
Meet and greet your local club For all your wants and needs
90 Blast from the past Sprinting on ‘Trip Trap’
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scooter, or change gears properly? Possibly that’s why he’s bought an auto? Should ‘young blood’ be expected to embrace Northern Soul when they might prefer other music genres? Let’s be sensible about this; we’re all individuals and should be treated as such; let’s respect other’s lifestyle choices without denigrating them because they don’t match your idealistic view; if not, we’ll all end up on the endangered species list.
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n e h w k Bac we had hair
Heading
DO YOU HAVE A NOSTALGIC STORY TO TELL, OR AN OLD PICTURE
TO SHARE?
6LZ ✉ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 ✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9
Classy!
Exmouth ’85/’86
Weston rubbish tip – we had some classy scooter rally sites back then. Bert Badger
Me on my PX125, complete with helmet hair (flattened by my helmet). Cathy Brassett Denslow
Whitley Bay
Brilliant rallies back in the day. Dean Maddison
61 years on The black/white picture shows my mother and father-in-law on their Lambretta LD150 during 1957. Fast forward to 2018 and the colour picture shows the same scooter as it is today. Micky Moore
The three Johnnies Easter 1980
A few of the old gang pictured at the Scarborough Rally of Easter 1980. Steven Ashley
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Picture taken in ’86 or ’87. Was in the Dirty Devils SC at that time. We were returning from Yarmouth and it was a bit wet. Person in the middle was Sean Wilson from Worthing, but I can’t remember who the other two are. Old habits die hard and I still own a Vespa P2 and a Lammie cutdown. Chris Loz Lolly Lewin
Then and now
The first two pictures show my GP as it was in the 1980s; the other two are how it looks now. Russ Watkin
Dressed to kill
This was taken 45 years ago with me wearing my white Ben Sherman shirt and Prince of Wales check baggies. You can’t see them, but my feet were in a lovely pair of bowling shoes I’d got the day before from Top Rank (left them a pair of black pumps with a hole in the toe). Groovy baby! Tony Soulman Stent
Naughty but Nice Anyone got any good pics of the ‘Naughty but Nice’ Lambretta? If so, I’d like to see them so I can see the artwork better – please help. This was my friend Simon’s scooter in the 80s and I also met the original owner Damian Hard at the Bridlington custom show. There’s a story about the history of this scooter, about how it was set on fire and destroyed in ’87. I’ve copied the scooter and added a few extra touches that my mate Simon and Damien both love. David ‘Chubbs’ Corbett If anyone can provide any further information, please contact us and we will pass it on to David – you never know, it might also make a feature for a future issue
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
Overcoming adversity
This picture was taken around two years ago. It was a bit of a worrying situation to be in at the time, but some of us overcame it. David Renown
Brighton ’79
Fuel station in London, overrun by scooterists filling-up on the way back from Brighton. Andy Hillditch
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Groovy baby!
Hippies ride Lambrettas too.
Brooke Ballard
The early 70s
When this picture was taken, the scooter belonged to Andy Moorhouse from Bradford. David Allan
Yarmouth ’86
Rum, Sodomy and The Lash (pictured left) – always loved that scoot… Steve Hyman
Alan’s personal pictures Alan Hurst has many happy memories from back in the day – and he’s shared some of them with us here:
Scarborough Castle Coasters
These pictures (above and below) show Scarborough Castle Coasters on their way to Yarmouth in 1980 – yes, I know there’s some Vespas, but it’s the Old Skool club runs (lol). Kevin Seaward
This was taken about 1969/1970 – happy days! The summer of 1970, wish I could turn back the clock. My lovely wife. This picture was taken in 1975 – still married now.
A bit blurry: LI150, 1968.
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A NOSTALGIC COLLECTION
Melvyn Middleton has allowed us access to some of the pictures in his personal nostalgic collection. Some are captioned, but some have no information, so if anyone wants to fill in any missing blanks, let us know.
Ambling along
Fun, laughter and tears over the years with this lot!
‘Digger’ and friend One of his best profiles ever – wonder what they’re both thinking as they’re both pulling the same face?
Settling off for Ambleside: a young Alan Gardiner (in red shirt) in front of Martin Dixon.
Who’s who?
Can anyone identify themselves?
’Ello, ’ello!
“Honest officer, my scooter couldn’t go that fast”…
Happy days! …They sure were.
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A M A R E T O SCO
CK & FACES A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBA ooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 sicsc
le, Lincs LN9 6LZ ✉ mauspencer@clas
✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncast
MAG wins clean air zone exemption in Birmingham Removable panel hook RRP: £15 plus £2.95 UK postage New from JB Fabrication is this removable panel hook kit for the Lambretta Series 1 and 2 models. It’s designed to allow easier removal and fitting of the rear wheel, especially when tubeless rims are used. The standard hook needs to be cut off and two 6mm holes drilled, so that the new hook can be bolted on. The kit comes complete with stainless steel fixing. International postage rates available on request. Info: JBFabrication69@aol. com | 07810 652929.
The Motorcycle Action Group has won exemption for motorcycles of all ages from Birmingham City Council’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) – after arguing that motorcycles act as net reducers of congestion and pollution in the wider transport system. Birmingham’s CAZ policy was approved by the council earlier this month – and once endorsed by government, the proposal can be implemented with the launch of the zone scheduled for January 2020. It’s the first authority outside London to propose the ‘Class D’ clean air zone model that allows for charging of all vehicles including private transport. The Motorcycle Action Group says it had consistently argued that motorcycles act within the transport system as net reducers of congestion and pollution, pointing to studies that demonstrate that a simple 10% model shift from single-occupancy cars to motorcycles and scooters will yield a 40% reduction in congestion for all road users and result in a 7.5% reduction in CO2, a 5.5% reduction in NO2 and a 20% reduction in particulate matter. MAG director of campaigns and political engagement Colin Brown said: “We are delighted
that our campaign has resulted in the proposal to exempt all motorcycles from charges in the zone. This is a decision that will impact riders, not just in Birmingham, but throughout the country. Birmingham City Council has recognised and accepted our position that motorcycles are net reducers of harmful emissions and thus should be exempt from charges. I have found Birmingham City Council to be informed, serious about its emissions policy development and capable of understanding the science. Credit to the council for taking such a mature view. This decision sets the precedent for all future CAZ proposals in other parts of the country, demonstrating a clear endorsement of the fact that motorcycles contribute to improving air quality.” Lembit Opik, MAG director of communications and public affairs, said: “This excellent result in the West Midlands now has significant implications for the legitimacy of the poor decisions being made in the capital. We will be continuing our efforts to persuade [London mayor] Sadiq Khan to reverse the illogical and counterproductive charging of pre-Euro 3 motorcycles in his Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) due to come into effect in April 2019.”
Vespa Elettrica now on sale
Vespa GTS replacement trim
RRP: £ various VE (UK) has released some new trim options for Vespa GT and GTS owners that allow you to personalise your machine further. The new accessories include a matt black headlamp rim with peak (VE60218-BK), carbon fibre look brake master cylinder covers (VE60331), indicator grille set (VE60332), and for those who want to add a touch of contrast, legshield trims in red (VE60267-R) and white VE60267-W). Info: www.ve-uk.com
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You can now get your pre-orders in for Vespa’s all-new Elettrica scooter – the iconic brand’s first electric machine which has been hotly anticipated since it was first unveiled as a concept a couple of years ago.
The Elettrica kicks-out a fairly meagre 4kW of power, but Vespa claims it outshines traditional 50cc scooters, particularly when it comes to off-the-line acceleration and hill starts – not necessarily a huge surprise, when you consider other electric vehicles’ performance characteristics. Maximum range from the bike’s lithium-ion battery is claimed to be around 100km – while a complete recharge (which must be done with the battery in situ on the bike) will take somewhere close to four hours.
It’ll be available in the majority of European countries at a price of €6390 (which works out at around £6000) – or, alternatively, through Piaggio’s new monthly payment system. If you opt to pay it off monthly, you’ll also get Vespa Care thrown in – which means you get a service at 36 months or 10,000km, a 12-month warranty extension, a regular battery check and road assistance too. The first exclusive models of Vespa’s innovative new electric scooter can be preordered online now. Sales will begin in Europe shortly, before being extended to the USA and Asia at the start of 2019. Info: www.vespa.com | elettrica.vespa.com
The Scooter Chronicles (A Southern Californian Modyssey) Author: Shahriar Fouladi ISBN: 978-1-68405-185-4 RRP: £11 (paperback copy via Amazon) Reviewer: Mau Not to be confused with a threepart trilogy by Edward Beardsley going under the same Scooter Chronicles title, this American book, penned by Shahriar Fouladi, is a fictional story which centres on the Mod revival scene of southern California during the 1980s. And like the original UK Mod scene it centres on the scooters, the fashion and the music of that time. The book also includes a selection of nostalgic images from the 1980s Californian Mod era. Shahriar Fouladi, is no stranger to the media world, having been involved in the film, and TV world, as well as publishing his own superhero comic book series; however, to my knowledge, this is his first ever scooter-related storyline.
To set the scene for the book: the year is 1985 and centres on a young fictional character, Tommy Daniels, who is obsessed with achieving the ultimate goal in his life – to buy a Vespa scooter. Little does he know when he embarks on his search, that he is about to experience three of the strangest days in his life, during which he will meet a string of colourful characters. He is determined that nothing will stand in his way, not even a menacing cop, or the Modette of his dreams – and when he wants something so badly, he’ll put everything on the line to get it. The book is effectively broken into two parts with the inclusion of a separate ‘follow-on’ article called It’s a Way of Life written by Bart Mendoza (lead singer of the American band Manual Scan) who was a prime player in the San Diego Mod scene. Although
BOOK REVIEW
written in an American style for the American market, the main storyline will strike a chord with many a scooterist, wherever they are in the world and everyone will be able to relate elements of it to their own experiences – especially if you are a scooterist of the Mod persuasion. And at only £11 for a paperback copy, it’s well worth a read. Info: www.amazon.co.uk
York Inset Presentation Evening Back in December, 2018, York Inset SC hosted a cheque presentation evening at the Walnut Tree Public House, York, where the club presented a cheque for £1200 to Professor Norman Maitland from the Prostate Cancer Research Unit at the University of York. The money had been raised at the Mods and Rockers charity ride (one of the Inset’s supported charity events) held earlier in 2018. The presentation was made by York Inset member Chris Smith (who has been treated for prostate cancer); he was assisted by honorary club members, Normandy veterans Ken Smith and Ken Cooke. The Lord Mayor of York and his civic party (including several former civics) also attended the event. The evening concluded with an excellent buffet and raffle.
GRAHAM GARRATT, RIP It is with great sadness that we tell you that Graham Garratt has lost his fight with cancer. Graham fought the cancer for five years, but despite this he was always cheerful and smiling. He had been a scooter rider for a long time and had been in the scene since the 1980s. Those who knew him will be able to recount tales from the past and have many happy memories of him, as well as those who got to know him more recently.
Brian Forde Chairman, All or Nothing SC
New Vespa/ Malossi crankcases on the way
VE (UK) has announced the upcoming release of two new Vespa PX200 crankcases from Malossi. Available in both rotary valve induction (VM577245) and reed valve induction (VM577230), the new casings provide the ideal foundation for building your next performance engine, according to VE. The rotary valve crankcase has the ability to reuse the standard SI series carburettors and retain the oil injection system, or can be used with larger carb kits if required. The reed valve crankcase is supplied with a reed valve manifold for carbs up to 30mm in diameter, and has been designed to use a much larger reed block that is equivalent in size to a six-petal block. The crankcases have advantages over the standard item, replacing the M7 bolts that hold the halves together and replacing them with M8 bolts, and reinforced bolt mounting areas for increased strength in critical areas. Furthermore, Malossi has arranged the transfer ports to line-up perfectly with its own Vespa PX200 cylinder kit range. Info: www.ve-uk.com
SIP OPERATIONS BLOG
SIP Scootershop has written a blog about how its warehouse operation works and backed it up with a video. Visit bit.ly/ sipwarehouse to see what goes on behind the scenes.
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SCOOTERAMA! Sealey 360° rechargeable mini pen light RRP: £ various Sealey’s new LED3607G rechargeable mini pen light houses seven super bright SMD LEDs which provide up to 200 lumens output. This model includes an additional high power 1W LED in the end for use as a directional torch. It features a belt clip with integrated magnet on the back of the light as well as a strong magnet on the base which allows hands free operation. The unique 360° swivel ball joint function enables the light source to be positioned in any direction. The unit incorporates a high quality 1.1Ah Lithium-ion battery for longer life, no memory effect and a much slower discharge than traditional Ni-MH batteries. This model is supplied with a micro USB charging lead. Info: www.sealey.co.uk
Vespa large frame tuning RRP: £ various There’s no replacement for displacement is the oldest wisdom of combustion engine construction – except by even more engine displacement! BFA has taken this principle to extremes and is offering an engine for the Vespa Largeframe models with 306cc capacity. Engine case, cylinder, crankshaft – everything was redeveloped and adapted to the needs of a 306cc highend powertrain. The result is that performance, torque and bandwidth are more comparable to a motocross motorbike than a Vespa. Info: www.sip-scootershop.com
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Call for a renewed focus on drink driving problems
With a new study finding the reduction in Scotland’s drink-driving limit has had little effect on the number of people killed and injured in drink-drive collisions, IAM RoadSmart believes it’s time to put a renewed focus on the hard core of drivers still willing to risk taking to the road after drinking. The University of Strathclyde discovered the lower limit for blood alcohol content in Scotland has not led to a statistically significant overall drop in road
fatalities, especially in peak collision periods at night and at weekends. The lower drink-drive limit of 50mg in every 100ml of blood was introduced in December 2014. The limit remains 80mg per 100ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Surveys of IAM RoadSmart members strongly support a reduction in limit to Scottish levels throughout the rest of the UK.
What machine is this from?
Here’s a quick quiz for all you so-called Lambretta experts. Take a close look at the badge pictured here and see if you can work out what scooter it was on? The winner of this quiz will win… our admiration and respect – because we’re tight. Oh and by the way, you’ll have to wait until the next issue to find out the answer…
TCX Hero GoreTex Boots RRP: £219.99 Reviewer: Ross Mowbray I’m pretty partial to a pair of TCX boots. Over the last couple of years I’ve had the chance to test a few pairs, from fashionstyled boots through to dedicated touring and adventure boots – and I’ve been impressed every time. More recently, I’ve got my hands on (or rather, feet in) a pair of their new GoreTex Hero waterproof boots. Brand new for 2018, Italian footwear specialist TCX has introduced these GoreTex waterproof boots to its ever expanding urban line. In short, the Hero boots are casuallystyled boots with a retro/vintage aesthetic – styled to look just as good on the bike as off it, while offering ample protection too. And they do the job well. The soles offer plenty of grip, the toes and heels are reinforced, and there’s
PRODUCT REVIEW
extra padding for gear selection – so these TCX Hero boots offer everything you’d need from fashion-styled motorcycle footwear. Plus, they’re waterproof too, and have held up in some pretty torrential downpours so far. Arguably most important is the fact that they are packed with all the necessary safety features to keep you safe out on the tarmac, as well as being really comfortable too. They’re easy to put on too, thanks to a small zip on the inside which is sealed with Velcro at the top. And the top quality leather that they’re made from doesn’t take much bedding-in either – so they are comfortable pretty much straight out of the box. In fact, they’re so comfortable, I’ve been wearing them every day, regardless of whether I’m riding or not. They’re priced at the higher end of the scale for what’s widely considered to be a fashion boot, but looks can be deceiving – and if you’re after a pair of multipurpose boots that look fantastic both on and off the bike, and that promise to offer the protection you need out on two wheels, you should take a look at these boots. Info: www.nevis.uk.com
Children’s Vespa-style scooters
RRP: £ various We received this just too late for our Christmas edition, but it would still make a good present for the young scooterist in your life at any time of the year. SIP is offering Vespa GTS Super or a Vespa P-Range children’s scooters, which are replicas of the Italian Piaggio classic and officially licensed – ideal for a kid’s first scooter experience. They are available in five different colours. The self-assembly kit includes: frame, steering column, fenders, handlebar, mirror, seat, support wheels, 12V batteries, charger with EU plug (220-240V), 20cm AUX cable, illustrated assembly instructions (Italian/English) and mounting material. Info: www.sip-scootershop. com
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SCOOTERAMA!
AGV Sport Modular flip-front helmet
T PRODUIECW REV
RRP: from £549.99 Reviewer: Mikko Nieminen The flip-front helmet has traditionally been the helmet of choice for tourers, riding instructors and police officers, but is shunned by many due to it usually being rather bulky and heavy. However, flip-fronts have been loved by scores of everyday bikers, myself included. But now you can forget everything you thought you knew about flip-front helmets, because the AGV Sport Modular is rewriting the rulebook big time. The new lid is compact, light, sporty, and looks like a racingstyle full-face helmet. This is a full carbon fibre helmet with an official weight of 1295g, although my kitchen scales returned a 1382g. Still, it’s incredibly light; my Shoei Neotech 2, which also feels reasonably light, tipped the scales at 1682g, making it 300g
heavier – that’s the equivalent of wearing the AGV with a 10oz steak taped to the lid. When you pick up its box in the shop it feels almost like they forgot to put the helmet in. The lightness is combined with good aerodynamic performance, so the helmet still feels light at higher speeds and there’s no vibes. There’s also an adjustable integrated spoiler at the back, which reduces turbulence and maximises stability. There are the standard chin and top vents for air to flow in and an extractor vent at the back to let it out. The lining is plush, as you’d expect at this price point, and it’s cleverly shaped at the bottom to close as many gaps as possible and keep the lid quiet. The really clever thing about the lining is that it’s reversible, offering either a warm or cool feel and making the lid more versatile. The chin strap is secured with a traditional Double D buckle.
Sealey rechargeable inspection lamp RRP: £65.94 (incl VAT) Reviewer: David Brown Sealey has recently issued its new products catalogue and sent in a rechargeable inspection lamp (model no LED3606) for review. The full title of the lamp is a rechargeable 360 degree inspection lamp 24SMD LED + 3W LED 2x lithium-ion – phew! The lamp comes complete with a USB charging cable, full instructions and a safety manual. There are three lighting settings; the first is a directional lamp that illuminates a small
area, similar to a torch; the second position brings in the 24 super-bright SMD LEDs at a low output; and the third are the same LEDs, but on the high output setting and rated at 1000 lumens. The specifications for battery life range from 15 hours for the first to 12 hours for the low setting and three hours when it’s on the high output setting. The lamp has three powerful magnets (one on the end and two on the back), together with two swivelling plastic hooks. These, alongside the unique
PRODUCT REVIEW
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360 degree swivelling and tilting base, make it possible to hang/secure and direct the lamp in any direction you want. There are state-of-charge indicator lights situated by the USB socket on the back of the lamp. PROS: This is an excellent inspection lamp and can illuminate where others can’t when working on your scooter, together with the ability to also be a floodlight if needed. It also would be a good lamp to take on camping weekends. CONS: The only minor criticism would be that Sealey does not provide a charging plug in the package, but one of these is easily purchased. Info: www.sealey.co.uk
The view from the Pinlockequipped visor is great, with a wide aperture and no distortions. The internal sun visor is also handy, and it’s easy to operate from the left side lever. The visor release mechanism is easy to use and pretty much guarantees that you won’t break your visor every time you do a bit of kit maintenance. The only issue I had was with the shape of the chin guard, which didn’t leave much space between the front of my chin and the helmet. Admittedly, I have a pretty big chin, so others probably won’t have the same problem, but for me it was a niggle. The lid is manufactured with care and high-quality components, which goes a long way to justify the price tag. But the real selling point is its weight and sporty design – together they’re sure to lure a fair few full-face wearers to try a modular helmet. Info: www.agv.co.uk
Bike-Seal Auto-Seal RRP: £43 Running on tubeless? BikeSeal’s Auto-Seal Puncture Repair Kit helps you get back on the road if you get caught out with a flat tyre. It’s a tubeless puncture repair kit which can be used on scooters, bikes, cars, vans, 4x4s, off-road vehicles and even wheelbarrows – pretty much anything with a puncture. It’s compact and lightweight enough to be tucked safely under your seat, in the bottom of your panniers, a topbox, or even thrown into a rucksack. The kit comes equipped with a tin of lubricant, a knife, a needle, a probe, six repair plugs, a Rolson multi-tool (with built in torch) – all zipped up in a sturdy case. The kit has been TUV tested in Germany up to speeds of 186mph – so it’s going to be more than up to the job for the vast majority of riders. And don’t worry if you’re not particularly hands-on; the kit also includes a fairly straightforward set of instructions, to make repairing a puncture as pain-free as it possibly could be. Info: www.bikeseal.co.uk
Lambretta TV/LI Series 1 (Includes Italian and English text) Author: Vittorio Tessera | Publisher: Giorgio Nada Editore | ISBN: 978-88-7911-715-9 RRP: £30 | Reviewer: Dave Dry When a book is written by the world’s greatest living authority on a subject, it becomes a ‘must buy’ for enthusiasts. Vittorio Tessera’s latest volume, ‘Lambretta TV/LI Series 1’, is a classic example of a master class of technical literature. The story starts with Innocenti’s sporting pretensions being eclipsed by the groundbreaking Vespa GS150. The Lambretta shaft drive engine with its three-speed gearbox (its design having its genesis in 1947) had reached the end of its development cycle by the late 1950s; so Innocenti’s Centro Studi under the iron fist and strict leadership of engineer Pier Luigi Torre set about planning a ‘GS beater’. Unfortunately, Torre’s single-mindedness and refusal to listen to suggestions of even modest deviations from his pet project resulted in the contradiction of both a beautiful, luxurious and fast scooter and a deeply flawed concept in the shape of the Lambretta TV1 engine. No expense was spared during the project’s realisation, including the chrome plating of as many fixtures and fittings as possible, an eyecatching ivory paint finish (including forks and suspension dampers) and its crown of thorns – a fiendishly complex engine that ticked all the performance boxes covered by the Vespa GS – like a horizontal 175cc cylinder engine, chain
Vittorio Tessera, the book’s author
Prototype Series 1 that was never built
BOOK REVIEW
driven through a four-speed constant mesh gearbox delivering power to its 10in rear wheel. Engineer Torre’s ‘Super Luxury Lambretta’ proved to be an expensive flop with a short production run of just over 10,000 units. The complex power unit lacked practicality, needing ‘atomic engineer expertise’ when worked on; and its high showroom price made it only saleable in richer export markets. So engineer Torre was moved sideways to develop a 500cc outboard motor as punishment! Now being given a free hand, the Centro Studi produced the legendary LI engine that served as a power unit until the end of twowheeler production with only relatively minor upgrades. This engine had the same basic geometry as the TV1, so could utilise the same frame and running gear, thus saving on further development costs. The LI engine with its horizontal cylinder, four constant mesh gears and chain final drive would initially be manufactured in both 125cc and 150cc versions as the Li Series 1. The book has an interesting anecdote about the origin of the ‘LI’ name; previous Lambrettas had been sequentially lettered ‘A’ then ‘B’ up to and including the model ‘F’, often with the prefix ‘L’ for the non-open frame type examples (ignoring, for the subject of this argument, the models ‘E’ and ‘F’ that had no ‘covered’ variants requiring the ‘L’ prefix). Despite there being no record of an ‘LG’ or an ‘LH’, the next sequential letter was deemed to be ‘I’ – hence, the new model’s ‘LI’ name. This possibly Italian logic was gleaned from a contemporary recorded interview just to prove a point. Other revealing archive information in this book is that one of the original Series 1 design suggestions was to incorporate a turning front mudguard. This option was side-lined as it aped the Vespa look too closely, so a fixed front mudguard was the final design choice. This turning mudguard design (a Spanish legal necessity) was later offered to the Eibar/Serveta factory for use
on Eibar Series 2 models. Secondly (and this might go against the grain for many Lambretta ‘anoraks’) is the mention of the frame/ engine numbering sequence. There was no deliberate matching on the production line; instead Innocenti referenced engine numbers not frame numbers when recording production (another bubble bursts in Lambretta fans’ memory banks). Turning to the section on LI development, the 125cc model was to be sold as a cheaper variation for less-wealthy customers with many cost-cutting ploys initiated - the opposite to the rationale behind the TV1’s luxury ‘take’ on things. The speedo (not then a legal necessity for 125s in Italy) was optional; sidepanels were unadorned by embellishers; and footboard foot runners were stamped-out ally (as on the old LD model preceding the Series 1). If this wasn’t enough, rubber legshield beading wasn’t fitted, with the small gap between the top of the horncast and the legshields being hidden by a purpose-made rubber/plastic filler piece (later seen as a step too far). The legshield surround and associated ally end pieces were later retro-fitted free of charge for those interested. For the entire LI range, a smaller front hub was considered (an idea dropped in favour of model conformity and cost). Another cost-cutting design dropped before production was a three-speed gearbox. This book is brimming with previously unseen photographs, drawings and details of the dearly missed Lambretta scooter and its huge factory – the largest employer in Milan during its heyday. Many thanks to Vittorio Tessera for sharing his stunning expertise in this beautifully produced volume.
The budget 125
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Police crackdown on drivers with poor vision
Drivers stopped by the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the West Midlands police forces were recently were required to undergo a roadside eyesight test to assess their ability to read a vehicle registration plate from 20m. Those pulled-over during the campaign had to submit to the test, as it’s an offence to refuse when requested to do so by a police officer. Even those who struggled with the test, but passed, were made aware that they could still be reported to the DVLA who may then require a further medical report. ‘Cassie’s Law’ was introduced in 2013, after 16-year-old Cassie McCord was killed in 2011 by a driver who had failed a police eyesight test just a few days before, but who used a legal loophole to continue driving.
Replica seats
Back then, the police had no powers to immediately suspend a licence for a driver who fails an eyesight test, but ignores advice not to drive. However the law has now changed and nowadays police forces can request urgent revocation of a licence when they believe the driver presents a severe risk to the public.
Super Corsa seats
Clarke Micro multifunction jumpstart/charger RRP: From £59.98 This small and lightweight portable lithium-ion power pack from Clarke acts as a charger, torch and will jump-start a vehicle with a flat battery. The Jumpstart Micro 350 can be used as a jumpstart for scooters or motorcycles with a flat battery – providing it’s got a starting current of 200A and a peak current of 400A. Plus, there’s a lithium-ion power pack with two USB 5v ports and 12v/19v outlets for phones and computers, and there’s even a 1W LED torch built-in too. Thrown in with the charger, you’ll
The most recent data for contributing factors to UK road crashes from 2014 shows that around 0.2% of accidents were due to uncorrected or defective eyesight. More common factors were travelling too fast for conditions (7%), poor turning or manoeuvring (16%) and failing to look properly (45%).
RRP: £ ask VE (UK) has introduced these two high quality replica seats. The Pegasus styled seat is available in a dark brown vinyl with contrasting panels and piping. Fitted with a wide seat strap, it’s constructed with a metal base and a seat release catch. This seat can be fitted to LI Series 1/2/3, SX, TV Series 1/2/3, and GP models. For those who like something a little sportier, the Gori-style extralong Ancillotti seat is finished in black vinyl and has a metal base with seat release catch. This seat can be fitted to LI Series 2/3, SX, TV Series 2/3, and GP models. Both seats include a new four-hole seat catch plate. Info: www.ve-uk.com
RRP: £ various Made in Italy, Super Corsa seats offer a variation to suit everyone’s taste, all of which are supplied with locks ready
to fit to your scooter. Colours are black, red, black with white stripe, red/white/blue, and red/white/green. Info: www.ve-uk.com
also get a range of connectors including a vehicle auxiliary cable, a mains charger and a four-in-one device adaptor for phones and tablets, etc. Clarke claims that the device can be used around 20 times on a single charge – and it’s small enough to fit into a vehicle glovebox (or under most motorcycle seats) Info: www.machinemart.co.uk
Putting vulnerable road users first The needs of vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, children and older people must become a priority in local planning processes if the level of road deaths and serious injuries is to be addressed, according to a new strategy. RoSPA has published a document – Safe and Active At All Ages: a national strategy to prevent serious accidental injuries in England – and among its recommendations on road safety, the document calls for particular attention to be paid to lower
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speeds in built-up areas, and the promotion of active travel as a positive option. The document also calls for pedestrian training for children at Key Stages 1 and 2, the collection of work-related road accident statistics and help for employers to manage occupational road risk. It also states that self-assessment tools to enable older drivers to stay on the road safely for longer should be promoted, and that there needs to be more action on young driver safety.
The strategy aims to achieve a stepchange in the delivery of accident prevention programmes across England, promote safe and active lives and reduce the burden of serious accidental injury on society. Its 25 recommendations for action address the major dangers faced by people across their life course, from birth to older age, and wherever they may find themselves – in their own homes, at work, in education, on the road, or during leisure pursuits.
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