THE LLi 125 AN UNDERRATED GEM
THE LAST INDIAN GP200
IN SEARCH OF THE MODFATHER
SPAZIO MUSEO A hidden scooter gem
UK IMPORT
VESPA STAND FEET A SIMPLE COMPONENT OFTEN IGNORED
THE LUNA LINE
50 YEARS IN ORBIT (PART 3)
RED DEVIL
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
THE HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME
RACING THE WAVES THE 1969 BRIGHTON MONDIAL
THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON
SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
ISSUE 124 DECEMBER 2018/ JANUARY 2019
AND A JOURNEY OF ENDURANCE
Issue 124 Dec 2018/Jan 2019 Founding Editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Publisher: Dan Savage Contributors: Rich Addison; Gill Beecham; Jon Betts; David Brown; Terry Brown; Cakeman; Pete Davies, Jock Dewars; Dave Dry; Rod Gillan; John Ronald; Chris Wainwright; Andy Westlake. 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 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 (125) published: January 16, 2019 Editorial deadline: November 26, 2018 (early for Christmas) 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 20 for offer): (12 months 6 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £22.80. Export rates are also available – see page 20 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 abscence of any legal ruling to the contrary – Mortons Media will strive to maintain a neutral position in not disadvantaging either party.
The Professional Publishers Association
28 CONTENTS 4
6
Back when we had hair
Nostalgic memories from times gone by
Scooterama
A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
22 Mailbox
Readers have their say
24 What’s going on?
A look at the scooterist calendar
26 LCGB memories
John Ronald shares a nostalgic moments from the past
SUBSCRIBE TODAY SEE PAGE 20
34 First Indians…
Effingham Park’s contribution to the UK introduction of the Indian Lambretta GP range
40 …Last Indian
A tale of the last ever Indian GP official UK import
44 Spazio Museo
Rome’s hidden scooter gem
Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
A simple component often ignored
59 A holiday to remember The trials and tribulation of the journey to the German Durkopp factory
48 Splash down!
64 Rally Roundup
Part 3 of our 50th anniversary Luna Line celebrations
50 Livin’ La Vida Loca
32 Red Devil
52 Retirement plan
Continuing the unique development cycle of the Model D Lambretta
58 Vespa stand feet
60 Love at first sight
Thames Valley Vespa Club show their riding skills
Chris Richardson’s Mk1 Jet 200
Member
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine?
An underrated gem
46 Back in the day
28 In search of the Modfather
Martin Allen’s Paul Weller PX200 tribute
56 The Li125 Series 1
Self-restoration brings fond memories back for Steve Titterton
Derek Ward’s Lambretta Li150 Special A quick glance at recent events
78 Racing the Waves
The most fun you can have with your clothes on!
82 Scooter clubs
Meet your local club
90 Blast from the past
The 1969 Brighton Mondial
Use or lose them – you could shape the future!
I
magine this scenario: your local club puts on an event; everyone chips in to hire the venue, DJ and bands. The event is a huge success, so you decide to organise another one the following year. However, local pubs and clubs have clocked your success and decide to take a slice of the cake by arranging their own entertainment over the same weekend. These imaginary friends don’t charge admission fees (after all, they’re going to make their money by putting 50p on
every pint, or shot that they sell to you – and this will more than cover their outlay). Your next event goes ahead, but attendance is down. Why? Because many punters have gone to the ‘free entry’ do rather than pay to get into yours – so your club doesn’t cover its costs and members end up losing money. In reality, this scenario isn’t imaginary; it’s just one dilemma BSRA national rally organisers are facing, alongside other localised issues contributing to the problem – and all
this while trying to keep their rally calendar fresh! Something has to give and we’re now seeing the effects of what’s happening with future national rally venues. Some will say this is a good thing, others say it’s not, and some won’t give a toss. Whatever your view, you must accept that your actions could be contributing to the problem (or the cure, depending on which particular part of the fence you’re sitting on).
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
3
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
On the streets
Empty streets and plenty of parking – just two things that have changed around the area I grew up in. Derek Askill
Deja vu After flicking through issue 121 I noticed a picture sent in from a Jim Tuckey; the picture titled ‘Uncle Dave’ showed his uncle sitting on a Series 1 Lambretta at Brixham Harbour – I thought you may like to see a modern update of the picture using my 1960 Series 2 taken in what I think is the same spot Chris Dudley
4
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
Ernie
Here’s a picture of our friend Ian – also known as Ernie. He’s well-known in the north east scooter scene. Along with that is another picture showing him, along with some of his friends, promoting a Cliff Richard concert back in the 60s. They rode all over the north east and received free tickets into the gig for their efforts! Dave R
Unidentified images These images were sent in by Mike Phillips – but we have no information to go with them. If anyone can help out with details please email mauspencer@ classicscooterist.com
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
ARMR Moto Taka Boots RRP: £129.99 ARMR Moto Taka Boots sit towards the lower end of the adventure boot price bracket, but they're surprisingly well-equipped and stylish. Constructed primarily from brown leather, the boots feature ARMR’s Dry-Tech Heat Bonded Membrane, which allows them to be both waterproof and breathable at the same time. They're equipped with reinforced ankle protectors, and a gear shift overlay – in addition to a high grip heat and oil resistant rubber sole. Info: www.tri-motive.com
The original Scooter Dolly RRP: £54.99 (incl UK postage) JB Fabrication developed these stands a number of years ago. They fit via the standard engine bolt and the rear shock mount. And they are ideal for use when you’ve removed your Lambretta engine to keep the scooter upright, mobile and safe. They are nice and wide at the base to keep the scooter stable and HD castors allow it to be moved around with ease. The stands fold flat for easy storage when not in use. Info: JBFabrication69@aol. com | 07810 652929
6
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
Proposed changes to the petrol ethanol content Quoted from the Guardian newspaper: “A report from the UK’s RAC Foundation has found that tens of thousands of popular cars would be unable to use a new fuel that may be introduced to cut carbon emissions. Regular petrol already contains 5% bioethanol, which is produced from plants, but ministers are proposing to increase that to 10%. “However, 634,000 cars would be incompatible with that fuel mixture, known as E10 and proposed for introduction by 2020, according to the analysis. Many are vintage vehicles…”
People with relatively long memories might remember what happened when the witch’s brew that is our current petrol was changed and the lead content was removed, with bioethanol and, quite obviously, other chemicals added to offset this. The net effect was that some two-strokes would not run on this new fuel – especially that sold by the supermarkets. Also obviously, the scooter-riding public will have no say in this change as before. We await the outcome with some trepidation.
Spidi Armakore Jacket RRP: £491.52 Spidi has unveiled its latest adventure touring jacket – the Armakore. A sophisticated and stylish bit of kit, the jacket features a triple layer construction to help you remain in tip-top shape, no matter the weather. Spidi claims that each jacket layer is highly breathable, while its numerous zipped vents on the outside provide plenty of cooling, capacity in hotter conditions. More specifically, the jacket’s outer layer is made from Superfabric panels. In the middle there’s a removable H2Out waterproof membrane. And finally, there’s a removable 100g thermal liner (which can actually be used on its own off the bike). To help keep you safe, the jacket comes with
Forcetech protectors at the shoulder and elbows; there are also pockets which can take both back and chest protection. It’s equipped with numerous pockets too, a connecting zip which allows you to pair the jacket with compatible trousers, and an abundance of straps which allow adjustment. Plus, there’s even a space for a Hydroback drinking system to be fitted – to help you stay hydrated out on the road. Info: www.spidi.com
A dark time for scooterists
Going back in time, these editorial page snippets were a double shocker and a very dark day for the Lambretta enthusiast in the UK at the time – we can imagine the reader spitting his tea out after reading both of these news snippets, which appeared in the pages of Scooter World, August 1970, edition. Obviously neither news items panned out in that way; Lambretta was not taken over by Vespa (lol); and Scooter World magazine limped on until 1973.
SCOOTERAMA! The Complete Spanner’s Manual (Lambretta scooters – third edition) BOO REVIEWK RRP: £24.99 (plus p&p) Author: Martin ‘Sticky’ Round Publisher: Fingers In Pies Publications ISBN: 9780954821654 Reviewer: Rich Addison One scooter manual found in many a Lambretta enthusiast’s man cave or workshop is Sticky’s ‘Spanners’ manual. I bought the first edition which is now looking dog-eared from page flicking with oily hands, simply because no matter how long you’ve repaired Lambrettas there’s always something you’ve forgotten, or maybe you just need to refresh your memory on a fiddly job. This technical guide has been a Godsend over the years for many when sorting out problems with their Lambrettas – and the simplified explanations are the best bits of all along with the top tips Sticky has added courtesy of his many Lambretta friends and contacts. Adding a second edition nearly eight years ago made a huge difference when I was wondering how to fix that issue on a Series 2 or Series 1 (Fat Lass) build when these models were added – there was no other book on the market that even came close to Sticky’s manual for descriptions and info on the Slimstyle Lambretta models. Even after the second edition was published, I’m sure Sticky realised there was still a craving by many for more details and model differences and realised that his work wasn’t finished. A lot of ‘home mechanics’ will now welcome this third edition with its refreshing updates and I’m sure it will take pride of place on many workshop or garage bookshelves for reference.
THE THIRD EDITION
Browsing the opening pages, little has changed from the second edition in respect of information (not that it needed to); just clear updates and replacement model photos. One addition is a new chapter colour key chart for the different sections of information within the manual; with 10 different colours on the tip of each page, it’s far easier to find the section you require for the related work you intend to take on.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Something most of us can relate to is the amount of poor quality parts currently on the market. Sticky has touched on this subject of the ‘parts quality minefield’ and gives some good advice throughout the whole manual regarding the purchase of spares. Obviously the rule is ‘you’ll get what you pay for’; cheap internet spares are all-too-often just that – cheap and not usable – or, as Sticky puts it, they “can even be dangerous in fitting to your classic Lambretta”. Personally though, I’m not sure about the latest top tech tip through the introduction of an affordable endoscope for checking internals before a strip-down. Most of us older scooterists will run a mile if anyone mentions an endoscope being placed anywhere near our tools (lol).
8
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
TOOLS FOR THE JOB
The stand-out item in this early section is of course the Buzzwangle* (Sticky’s own creation to speed-up the setting-up the ignition timing). I’m not convinced this will revolutionise the procedure, but it does make the job simpler for the more technically challenged among us.
21ST CENTURY
After chatting with a mate from Sheffield, I bet he wished he’d refreshed his memory with the start of the ‘yellow’ maintenance section. Excellent advice on using modern day fuels here with a ‘New Advice’ logo highlighting comments on the increase in ethanol at most fuel stations, which is causing problems for scooter riders by destroying engine internal rubbers and seals on older machines; the extra amount of ethanol in fuels can also create issues with your two-stroke oil separating after an amount of time – very good advice. As you progress through the manual’s pages, it becomes more apparent that this edition has more than moved with the times of Lambretta building. And Sticky has once again called on many gurus from the Lambretta fraternity for compelling advice and tips, alongside his own vast knowledge gained over the years of riding across Europe and making repairs en route. You could be forgiven for thinking that little has changed on the illustrated pages since the second edition was published, but closer inspection of the tips, ideas and excellent detailed images for each section, provides a lot of help for builders (the side casing pages, for instance, have increased to from five to six). And although the manual feels similar in weight to the former edition, it has jumped-up from 288 to 336 pages, which gives the reader plenty more useful information to help take them through each process of a strip and rebuild. Towards the back of the manual on page 300 there is a modern twist to these information-filled pages – an online video store offering another way of visualising the methods that have been written in the manual. Each narrated by Sticky, the reader can simply scan the relative QR code for each procedure from
their tablet or mobile phone and go direct to a website to view the video in the comfort of their shed or workshop.
CONCLUSION
As mentioned before, there will be some tips that many would like adding to this comprehensive Lambretta manual even as the third edition hits the bookshelves. But the clear and simple way Sticky has explained the tasks and tips is the absolute beauty of this third edition. It’s more than just a reference guide, it can take you from buying your first Lambretta for restoration, along the journey of rebuild, and finally to the stage of getting out on the road and running-in the scooter. All that can be said is well done to Sticky for a substantial and in-depth third edition of The Complete Spanner’s Manual. There are plenty of helpful additions to improve the knowledge of even more Lambretta enthusiasts across the globe. Availability: https://scooterproducts.com/ and all good scooter outlets ■ NOTE: Sticky’s Buzzwangle tool is currently available only from The Scooter Republic (01633 549282). RRP for the full kit is £89.
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
9
SCOOTERAMA! Special Edition Vespa Helmets RRP: £ various Vespa has added three new helmets to its range of genuine accessories. The two new Yacht Club comes in blue and white liveries, with contrasting graphics and eco leather finishing. Both Blue and White versions will be available in limited runs of 250 in each colour – the issue number printed on the eco-leather chinstrap. The tough ABS shell is ECE 22.05 certified for road use and they are fitted with a polycarbonate 2mm visor as well as a retractable sun visor. Inside, a breathable textile lining keeps the rider cool, and it can be removed and washed as necessary. Also new is the VJ Double Black Helmet, which has a stealthy look and features a combination matt and gloss painted ABS shell, with black chromed edging and black painted steel visor pivots. The VJ also has a retractable sun visor and full length clear external visor. Held firmly in place by a micro-adjustable quick-release strap and fastener, the VJ comes with a breathable microfibre 3D textile lining to keep the rider comfortable in the heat of the city. All helmets are made in Italy and come in size XS to XL. The Yacht Club Helmets retail at £155 and the VJ costs £160. Although tailored to match the Italian manufacturer’s models perfectly, both models will look at home on any retro ride. Info: www.fowlersparts.co.uk
10
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
CLASSIC TWOSTROKE OIL
Gas Bag – Giant Loop Fuel Safe Bladder RRP: £115-£231 The Gas Bag by Giant Loop is a brilliant bit of kit that we’ve come across recently. Essentially, it’s a fuel bladder which has been designed to allow you to pack away some extra fuel for off-road adventures – or for those long road trips where you don’t know when the next chance to fill up is going to come along. Made in the USA, each bag features a fuel-safe welded-film bladder with a black ballistic nylon reinforced container –
and best of all, each Gas Bag is individually pressure tested to ensure it’s ready for use. There are carry handles at each end, with a black plastic screw-down cap for filling up – and when it’s not in use the Gas Bag can be rolled up for easy storage. It’s available in four sizes ranging from one US gallon to five US gallon sizes (for those not versed in imperial measurements; there are 3.78 litres to the US gallon). Info: www.revzilla.com
RRP: £ ask Putoline’s latest classic scooter 2T oil has been engineered to provide complete protection for high performance classic two-stroke engines that use either cast iron or Nikasil lined cylinders. The new formula provides a low soot, fully synthetic formulation to reduce carbon deposits and spark plug fouling. The oil also contains a blue colourant to aid identification of pre-mixed fuel and is suitable for both pre-mix and autolube engines. Info: www.ve-uk.com
MHR Smallframe Exhaust
Fake Arai helmets on sale
Don’t go buying cheap Arai helmets from online auction sites without knowing exactly where and who they’re coming from – that’s the message sent out from helmet company Arai. The top helmet firm posted a message showing an eBay page with what Arai Helmets UK says is a fake Arai RX-7RRS on sale for £106.99 – the usual price for an RX-7V (the nearest equivalent) is around the £600 mark. Arai warned: “IMPORTANT NOTICE! Do not purchase these Arai helmets as they are FAKE! Our helmets are passed to strict EU standards and are designed to save your life! Fake ones are not only counterfeit designed, but can be counterfeit safety standards as well.” If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
The Influential Factor relaunched The latest version of Graham Lentz’s book, The Influential Factor (A History of Mod) has just been published. The original version was first released back in 2002. We haven’t seen or reviewed a copy of this latest edition as yet, but one can only hope that any issues with the original issue’s content have been addressed. In the meantime, if you want buy a copy of the 2018 version, then it will cost you £15.99 in hardback format, or £11.99 in paperback; it’s available via www.modhistory.net
RRP: £ various Available for the Vespa Smallframe scooter range, this MHR Racing exhaust has been designed to give the motor optimum power increase at medium and high revs. It has been especially designed for use with the VM315829 MHR 135cc cylinder kit and gives the highest possible power from the highest revs, making it one of the most high-performance exhausts available. A big advantage of this exhaust system lies in its specially designed routing, meaning it can be fitted without cutting the chassis. Info: www.ve-uk.com
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
11
NOV 22, 1948 – SEPT 10, 2018 Mr Lambretta, Mr Walsh, Walshy, or even just plain Kev – no matter how you knew him, Kev Walsh was a man who will be fondly remembered by virtually everyone in the Lambretta world and in most other areas of the classic scootering world.
I
’m struggling to remember when I first met Kev, but memories of the Lambretta 50th anniversary in Milan during June 1997 spring to mind. It was there that Kev asked me if I could help him get the LCGB club stall and merchandise back home to the UK (I never did find out how it all got to Milan in the first instance). From then on Kev and his fellow LCGB committee members of the day became familiar faces to me and we always used to share a few words and laughs together whenever our paths crossed. And not too soon afterwards, when I started South East Scooter Scene (later to become Classic Scooterist) Kev was very helpful with aid and friendly words of advice; that was the measure of the man. Of course, Kev’s history and involvement with scooters – especially the Lambretta marque – goes back a hell of a lot further than our personal relationship. You’d struggle to find many ‘Lambrettisti’ who don’t know the Family, friends and fellow scooterists gathered at Kev’s house on Tuesday September 10, 2018, to give him a send-off to remember. The funeral procession was escorted by around 250 scooterists from his house in Rainhill, Prescott, to St Ann’s Church where the funeral service took place in a packed nave. Kev’s lifelong friend Dave ‘Waddo’ Waddingham gave a moving eulogy. After the service, the funeral procession, again accompanied by scooterists and family, left for St Helens Crematorium. A wake then followed at the Ex Services Club in Rainhill, where fond memories of Kev were shared among those who were in attendance.
Departing for the crematorium after the church service
12
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
legend of how Kev and fellow Widnes Saints SC members turned the LCGB around back in those dark days of scootering and set it on the path to where it is today as the largest Lambretta club in the world – when Kev set his mind to do something, it happened; I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me saying that he could be a bit like a ‘bull in a china shop’ at times, but in the end, he always got the job done, even if he had to go around the houses to do it. Outside of the LCGB, Kev was just as passionate about scooters; his parts fairs are legendary, especially Wicksteed, which he’ll always be remembered for. He was also a founder member of the BSRA, supporting the organisation until his passing. I was one of the first people outside of Kev’s tight circle of family and friends to know about his diagnosis; and while most other people would probably have withdrawn into their own personal world – not Kev, who proceeded to put forward his ideas as to what should happen in relation to his family and
Scooterists arriving at the church for Kev’s funeral
scooter affairs after he’d gone. He was given a lifeline of three months by doctors, but sadly that time was cut short and although by now everyone knew the inevitable was coming, the end came sooner than expected – less than a week before a planned ‘goodbye meeting’ for Kev was due to take place. Unfortunately this left many people unable to say their final goodbyes. So this is my final goodbye to you Kev; it was a great pleasure for me to know you for the last 21 years of your life – just wish it could have been for longer. Mau On behalf of Classic Scooterist and all our readers, our condolences go out to all Kev's family and friends.
Happier times: Kev with his daughter Lucy
“The family have been overwhelmed by all the support and messages at this sad time. Thank you to everyone for giving dad a wonderful send-off and joining him on his last ride.”
Lucy and Louise Walsh On behalf of the Walsh family
Here’s a small selection of the tributes sent in to us: “As I get older those friends who are around me are passing to a bright new place: Heaven SC. Personally I always feel when a friend passes away, that they get the send-off a decent person deserves. Today is no exception. We’ve lost a ‘one-off’ with the passing of Kev Walsh. Kev knew the time had come; the big ‘C’ had got him, and his time was limited. He laid-on a bash to be able to see people who loved, liked, or thought well of him; sadly his passing came sooner than expected. Here was a man who took every challenge with pleasure. When the LCGB was in trouble many years ago, Kev and the Widnes Saints SC took the reins and turned things around, big style. Kev was a guy who was ‘all-scooterist’; he didn’t do half measures. You may not agree with him, I didn’t always, and he could move the goalposts sometimes, but it was always for the better. From the moment I first met Kev, I took to him, and our friendship blossomed. He penned articles for my magazine, Scooter & Scooterist, under the title ‘The Walsh Beat’. He’d bang his drum, about many subjects – and the man took issues seriously. He fell out with people, but not for long; he was always honest enough to say sorry, if he got under your skin. No-one can say that Kev sold anyone short. He was far too honest to do that. He leaves behind family and friends who will miss him dearly. A wonderful dad and husband; our sympathies go to his family. Both my wife and I are sad today, we’ve lost a good friend, and it hurts. Rest in peace Kev.” Norrie and Janet Kerr
“It was with a great deal of sadness that I learned Kev Walsh had recently passed away. I’ve known Kev for more than 40 years, since his involvement with his club (Widnes Saints) and the very popular hill climbs at Baitings Dam in Yorkshire during the 1970s which I enjoyed competing. All of us at the time were also eager to find out what the outcome of talks between his club and LCGB President Mike Karslake would be, and by the late 70s a revamped national club appeared with Kev at the helm and also the editor of the ‘New JetSet’ magazine. At the time he was keen to involve the sporting side of scootering and in 1981/82 and ’83 the club offered to sponsor me in my attempts to set new British
scooter speed records, something I’ve always been grateful for. Typically, all Kev wanted in return was a few sprinting articles for the club magazine! Of course he didn’t run the club singlehanded, but he was the face of the LCGB for many years and I’ve no doubt that without his hard work and dedication the club would not be the driving force in scootering that it is today. All those years ago, Mike put his trust in Kev and he never once let him down. I hope both of them are enjoying a bit of scootering together.” Frank Osgerby Five-time British scooter sprint record breaker
“RIP my lovely great friend; I’ll never forget you and the many happy memories we made. Thank you and bless you Kev for the many happy years and friendship we shared together.” Dave Waddingham “Sadly another icon passes into the annals of scootering’s great history. We raised a glass to you at the Belgium rally old friend.” Steve Foster and the VFM Collective “I was sad to hear the news that Kev Walsh had died. It was entirely due to him that I returned to scootering after a 28-year gap. I visited Nigel Cox’s Lambretta Museum in 2000 and was bitten by the Lambretta bug again. I found Kev’s phone number and phoned him saying I wanted to get back into scootering again, but was worried that I was too old at 48! Kev replied: “How old have you got to be Steve? It was that phone call that returned me to the greatest scene I could ever wish to a part of. It was all down to one man – Kev Walsh. I met him several times over the years and we always had a good chat; I’ll miss him. RIP Kev.” Steve Shields
The eulogy, as read at the funeral service by Kev’s long-time friend Dave ‘Waddo’ Waddingham NOTE: the pictures included with this obituary were supplied by Kev himself or sent into us since his passing; while every effort has been made to credit original photographers, we’re sure that given the circumstances, they would have no objection to them being used in this tribute to Kev – a man who has left the scooter world with a rich historical legacy.
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
13
GOLDEN MEMORIES
Most of the memories seen here were shared by Kev himself in the years before his passing:
Norrie Kerr and Kev, shortly before his passing
Celebration time with Waddo and other mates “Here’s a picture (right) of me at the New Brighton Gymkhana/Sporting trial put on by Brian Morgan of the Wirral Vespa Club (or some name like that). The event saw me winning my one and only trophy in scooter sport as ‘Best Newcomer’, competing against the likes of Norrie Kerr, Bob Young, Bob Roper and Luke Kitto. I competed a couple times on this scooter in the Tour of Wales with memorable moments like going up a mountain in Wales on the Vespa – only to be passed by Bob Roper. I nearly got off – I thought I’d stopped! On my last time in the Tour though, I dislocated my collar bone and decided to retire from really competitive sport (such as the Tour of Wales had become) in one piece. I continued to use the machine for navigation road trials and as daily transport, with one noticeable time being when the Vespa was parked in the work bike shed and someone asked me what the ‘map reading’ board was for. When I explained it was used when negotiating a route, they asked: “Which way do you come to work!?” Eventually I sold the machine to a friend and bought a very special Lambretta…” Kev Walsh
Sharing a joke with Vittorio Tessera
Nigel Ashbrook (Widnes Saints SC and former LCGB treasurer) with Kev at the LCGB’s 70th Anniversary Dinner
14
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
ENJOYED THIS PREVIEW? THE BEST ACTION IN TRIALS AND MOTOCROSS
DIRTb bike ke
VELO MAC MA S SPECIAL PECIAL NORTON RT RTON INTER AJS SCEPTRE SCEP E SPORTS! SCEPTR SPORTS POR ! PORTS
CLASSIC
#48
ISSUE
Forty-eight Autumn 2018
OCTOBER 2018
No. 330 October 2018 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 31/10/2018
MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR
3.60
Running, Riding & Rebuilding Running, Rebuilding Real RealClassi RealC Classic C lassi Motorcycles
BOXER CKS TRIC
HOW THE LEGEEND BEGAN
SUPERMAC’S TRIUMPH DRAYTON
PRINTED IN THE UK
PLUS MOTO MEMORIES TECH TALK MONTESA COTA 200 BULTACO MATADOR AN HOUR WITH: GERRIT WOLSINK
£3.60 US$9.99 C$10.99 Aus$8.50 NZ$9.99 PRINTED IN THE UK
HOME, JAMES!
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
#48
001 Cover_OCT.indd 1
AT THE CASTLE
DRUMLANRIG 2018 D 20
WINNER
SUPER PROFILE: ARIEL’S HT3
GREEVES ESSEX TWIN BUYING GUIDE // STRIP YOUR TWOSTROKE // BSA B31 RESTORATION // MALLE MILE // CAFE RACER CUP // SHETLAND CLASSIC // THE CLASSIC TT // MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA
CLASSICS
65 PRE65 PRE
PRINTED IN THE UK
R 2018 ISSUE 174 OCTOBER
N48 2018 US$15.99 Aus$14.99 NZ$18.99 UK£5.50 UK Off-sale date 15/11/18
BUY SELL RIDE RESTORE
13/09/2018 10:34:50
001 CDB Cover_048.indd 1
02/08/2018 14:53:55
001 Cover_174.indd 1
03/09/2018 10:18:26
•SINGLE ISSUES •SUBSCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE
www.classicmagazines.co.uk
ENDOFPREVI EW
I fy oul i k ewhaty ou’ v e r eads of ar ,whynot s ubs c r i be,ort r ya s i ngl ei s s uef r om:
www. c l as s i c magaz i nes . c o. uk