FREE
Touring
Supplement
Street
Costa
NOVA and V5
Custom Vespa
Sleeper Pt3
Rica
#393 March 2019
PLUS
Grimstead Imperial Dealer-Rep
RAPTOR RAPTURE: FANCY A 450CC GEARED SCOOTER? RALLY 200: SELF-BUILD PROMISE FULFILLED MOT Hits & Myths ■ Scooter Boy Tales ■ Kev’s Chronicles Pt3 ■ Readers’ Rides and Rallies ■ Show us your scooters ■ Letters ■ Scooter Trader ■ Subs Extra Exclusive benefits for subscribers ■ Events Guide
Editor: Dan Clare Email: dan@scootering.com Publisher: Tim Hartley Publishing director: Dan Savage Designer: Charlotte Turnbull Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Production editor: Mike Cowton General queries and back issues: Tel: 01507 529529 24hr answerphone Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat 8.30am-12.30pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 Email: jskayman@mortons.co.uk Subscription: Full subscription rates (see subs advert for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £49.20. Export rates are also available – see advert for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steven O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Thomas – gthomas@mortons.co.uk Tel (01507) 529417 Emma Buxton-Rockley – ebuxton-rockley@mortons.co.uk Tel (01507) 529410 Divisional advertising manager: Zoe Thurling 01507 529412, zthurling@mortons.co.uk Group advertising manager: Sue Keily ADVERTISING DEADLINES The advertising deadline for the next issue of Scootering (April 2019) is Thursday, April 7th, 2019 On sale in newsagents Thursday, April 25th, 2019 SCOOTERING (USPS:020-245) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ USA subscriptions are $60 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to SCOOTERING, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595. chris@ classicbikebooks.com SCOOTERING is published by: Mortons Scooter Media, a division of Mortons Media Group Ltd © 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. ISSN 0268 7194 Distribution: Marketforce UK Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU. Tel: 0203 787 9001. Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton
The Professional Publishers Association Member
WELCOME
Thank you, one and all, for making us who we are
I
t’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone, as I now enter my fourth year with the magazine. It was back in 2015, whilst running the scooter garage Scooterotica, when I spotted an advert for the position of assistant editor. Having had 11 years’s experience in publishing, as well as being the co-owner of a scooter garage, dyno centre, and the UK’s No1 scooter forum, I sent in my application, in the hope that all of the above would be enough to get me a foot in the door. It was. Not long afterwards, I was being interviewed for the position by then editor, Andy Gillard. He gave me a two-hour grilling, leaving no stone unturned as he checked my credentials. Part of the process was for me to give a synopsis of the mag, its problems, and deliver ideas for future editorial features. I must have got something right, because only a week later I received a phone call offering me the job. It took me a good three months to finish off the scooters and engines I had already taken in at Scooterotica, and then I had to inform my customer base that I could no longer service their requirements. It was quite a sad time for me in that respect, being the end of an era, but I knew I was going on to something bigger and better… Scootering magazine! I made my dep-ed debut in the March 2016 edition of the mag, and the rest is history, as the promotion to editor presented itself. The landscape I walked into wasn’t the one I was expecting, but regardless,I got stuck in and have never looked back since. It’s been head down and balls out all the way, paying respect to as much history and tradition as possible, whilst carving my own path along the way. There've been a few small bumps in the road, but they’ve made the journey all the more interesting and worthwhile. I inherited a strong
team that had been with the magazine many years. Mark ‘Sarge’ Sargeant, Dave ‘Nostalgic Custom’ Oakley, Nik ‘Special Brew’ Skeat, Richie ‘The Lens’ Lunt, and newer starts such as Jordan ‘Young Guns’ Lewis. Standing on the shoulder of giants, I added to the mix BSSO racing aficionado Paul Green, 100mph Lambretta Club owner and scooter historian Stu Owen, tuning expert Darrell Taylor, industry journalist Big Stan, travelling journalist Christian Giarrizzo, as well as rally reporters Stu Smith, Jamie Godley, and Serena Chamberlain. Many others have, and still do, contribute on an ad-hoc basis, giving the magazine a highly valued input from a variety of sources, and stop it becoming simply one man’s view of the scene. It would be far too easy for me to sit in the editor’s chair and announce: “This is how I see the scooter scene, so this is how you should see the scooter scene.” That would be a very narrow-minded approach, and would also severely limit the readership. Between the inclusive approach I strive for, the journalistic talent that has been assembled, the supportive team behind the scenes at head office, and you, the Scootering readers, riders, owners, tuners, racers, enthusiasts and general scootering loons, we’ve gone from strength to strength. I encourage constructive critique, search out practical suggestions, and try to include as much reader feedback as possible in the mag, as it helps develop the product and stops things going stale. I’m therefore incredibly pleased and grateful that all our hard work has been so well received by you, the reader, and kept us in the Scootering magazine top slot by a country mile. Thank you, one and all. Anyway, that’s enough of my ramblings. It’s another belter this month, so enjoy the issue. Dan
No matter what your choice of wheels, just enjoy the ride.
WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 3
CONTENTS letter from 03Welcome the Editor
A warm welcome to the March issue of Scootering
06Kickstart
The upfront section with all the latest news, views and product reviews
Scooter: 14Feature Replica Revisited
Some scooters are hard to find, whilst others fall into the category of mythical. This Dealer Special is a beautiful replica of such a beast
21Scooter Boy Tales
Another cracking Scooter Boy story from the annals of Scootering history
22
Riding the Ho Chi Minh Trail Part 2: Gravel Rash and a Difficult Decision
49Kev’s Chronicles
Part 3 of our homage to scooter legend Kev Walsh. This episode takes a look at his brief, but memorable, racing career
54Feature scooter: Nasty
This scooter’s theme was driven by the owner’s love of the band Prodigy. As the definition suggests, it’s something of an extraordinary example
Tech: MOT Myths & Hits: 59Part 1
Nik takes us through the process of MOT testing a scooter, and dispels a few myths
Poland: 70Project Quattri-phenia
Since riding Chiselspeed’s Quattrini demonstrator, Stan's hankered after his own conversion. This summer’s ride to Poland provides the perfect excuse
Last month we left our gang of explorers exhausted, but with 1,000 miles still left to travel. Could they bring themselves to leave Da Lat, Vietnam’s prettiest town?
72Club Do's & Events
Scooter: 29Feature Teenage Kicks
76Scootering Words & Sounds
In retrospect, those who spent their formative years traversing the UK during the 1980s going to National scooter rallies, had the time of their lives. This scooter is the epitome of that era
34Mailbox
Readers’s letters, laughs, feedback and fury – get it off your chest, man!
35Dealer Profile
Whilst many blow their own trumpet and surround themselves with fanfare, these guys fly quietly under the radar. Don’t let their modest demeanour fool you. We visit Anglia Scooters
38
Feature Scooter: Vintage Evil
The Toxic team has produced an off-thewall low-rider Vespa cut-down, influenced by the 1940s/50s, and it will certainly turn heads
42Subscriptions
Get your mag delivered to the door, earlier than newsstands, and save money… cool. Plus, gain access to all the benefits of the ‘Scootering Extra’ subs-club
44
Show us your scoots
The best of our readers’s rides as sent in by you
4 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2019
22
Your essential guide to the scene – What, where and when The best of Scootering words and music as reviewed by Nik and Sarge
Quick One with Richard 78ASearling Wigan Casino provided the soundtrack to the formative years of countless 1970s youngsters. Sarge caught up with leading DJ Richard Searling for a chat on the subject
81VCB Club News Tech Torque: Building 88 a Lambretta or Vespa Street Racer
The official newsfeed from the VCB
Part 6 of our tech guide to building a Lambretta and Vespa Street Racer. This month: Rev counters, gauges, and finishing touches
92
Project Street Sleeper
94
Feature scooter: Never Sleep Again
Dan’s project involves no fancy paint jobs, just a discreet pocket rocket. This month he jumps through DVLA hurdles and endures a visit from SGS inspectors in his quest for a V5
With a paint job inspired by the Nightmare on Elm Street film series, building this scooter caused its owner sleepless nights
Never miss from only £20 an issue Subscribe today on page 42
100Time for Change?
Big Stan is out in Italy with Piaggio to test the new GTS300 HPE range... and he is impressed!
per tutti... 108Lui tutti per Lui
The Luna line celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, and our own Italian stallion Christian met a man for whom the Lui is an object of fascination
113Scooter Trader Nostalgic 120Dave’s Custom Corner
Sales and classifieds section
This month’s trip down memory lane from DNCC is the stunning Hard to Handle
108
104
6 WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 5
KICKSTART
MISS IT, MISS OUT The latest developments in motorcycling are to be found at EICMA in Milan. For scooterists, however, the launchpad is closer to home at Newark on Trent.
U
nseasonably warm weather over the weekend of January 4/5 and a record number of display scooters brought the crowds out in force for this year’s Carole Nash Classic Bike show. Part of this two-wheeled extravaganza is ‘Scooter World’, now firmly established as THE venue to catch up with all the latest developments in scootering, question the people behind them and, of course, satisfy those post-Christmas scooter cravings. This year the major developments followed the international trend of electrification, but there was also an intriguing twist on the Scomadi story. As the first major show of the season, Newark also brings out projects old and new, whilst the club displays are amongst the best to be found anywhere on the circuit. This year’s best club display brought together what was probably the largest gathering of ’S’ Types to have been seen in one place since the anniversary celebrations in 2014. If you’ve never tried Newark, make sure it’s in your diary for next year. It’s the only way to start your season. SC
Hydra brake on display.
Genuine Leeds Central Race Team Vega.
Incredible array of ‘S’ Types.
If bling’s your thing…
6 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2019
Farm fresh. fresh
T H I S G P ’ S E L E C T RO N I C Having unveiled their electric conversion at last year’s Vespa World Days, Niall and the team at Retrospective Scooters have continued to further develop the concept. Causing a huge amount of interest was an Italian GP, which had been converted to full electric power. “We’ve refined the swinging arm to the point that it can be retrofitted to just about any classic scooter,” explained Niall. “I’ve even adapted my old NSU.” Although the showground ‘police’ were clamping down on test rides, Stan managed to sneak a quick spin on the GP, finding its 3kw (125cc) motor to have good torque and rapid acceleration, although riding a silent Lambretta may take some getting used to! Where Retrospective’s solution differs from other products is that it can fitted with minimal modifications to the existing frame, and that it’s entirely reversible. “We’re finding the largest demand is for self-fit kits, and we’ll be launching those later this year.” The kit, as fitted to the GP, has a top speed of 60mph with a range of around 100miles. The conversion, without batteries, retails at £2495 with Retrospective’s battery pack costing £850. Depending on user requirements, up to three packs can be fitted, each of which can be charged in situ or easily removed.. www.retrospectivescooters.com
It’s life, but not as we know it.
Hub motor is at the conversion’s heart.
Installation is neat.
Bargain hunt.
MORE MODERN CLASSICS Proudly displaying the full Scomadi range, and more than happy to talk about the brand’s future, was Frank Sanderson. “This year we’re offering the full range of TL and TT models in both 125 and 200cc variants, and also at an advanced stage of development is the electric Scomadi. The prototype is rideable and we’re currently refining the design so it’s more pleasing on the eye. We’ve fitted a 21kw engine placing, it in the 200cc category, and that’s capable of 70mph. We’re quoting a range of 110 km at 50mph, which is more representative of typical committing use.” With several engine options under development, Scomadi has moved to a ‘unitary’ model of frame construction. In simple terms, this means that the front half of the scooter will be common to all models with a bespoke rear ‘cradle’ being produced to suit each application. This, combined
with investment in robotic welding technology, means that Scomadi is in a position to cost-effectively produce a wide range of models. Not content to rest on these laurels, Frank gave Scootering a sneak peek at some exciting designs, but we’ve been sworn to secrecy on those. www.scomadi.com
Electric prototype works, but production examples will be tidier.
Full Scomadi range was on show.
WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 7
KICKSTART RAPTOR RAPTURE Fancy a 450cc-geared scooter? Read on. Scooterists with a long memory will recall that the Scomadi story began with a limited run of hand built conversions from Lambretta frames. It’s a measure of how established the brand has become, that RetroTech Racing is now producing a limited run of, you guessed it, hand built re-engineered Scomadis. As RetroTech’s Dave Wilson explained, these have truly spectacular potential. “Engine conversions are nothing new,” he said. “The problem is that very few have been properly executed. The Raptor is engineered without compromise. The prototype is fitted with a Husqvarna 450 enduro engine, which produces 53bhp, though we’re also developing a cradle to house the 40bhp Gas Gas 250. As we’re only using new Scomadi frames, we’re able to comply with their type approvals, meaning that registration will be a very straightforward process.” As many budding engineers have discovered, there’s more to producing a viable conversion than simply welding in a few brackets. The Raptor features an innovative tank design that’s offset into the unused space behind the right-hand-side panel, and the prototype cush driven rear hub alone cost over £1500 to machine. he prototype for “Although we’ve geared the
100mph, there’s no reason that higher speeds can’t be achieved,” continued Dave. “Initially we’ve concentrated on clicktronic gear change, but there’s also the possibility of fitting a more traditional hand change.” Just like the original Scomadis, the Raptor is planned as a limited run of 30 machines with a target price of £8500, which includes the donor machine. Further details can be found on RetroTech’s g Facebook ppage..
Is this the future of British scootering?
Anyone for a geared 450?
Dave Wilson and his Raptor.
TROPHY WINNERS BEST IN SHOW: Lambretta Series 2 (‘Mad Manx’) BEST SCOOTER CLUB DISPLAY: Team S Equipe BEST CUSTOM SCOOTER: Lambretta S Type (RUO 68H) BEST LAMBRETTA: Lambretta Series 2 (‘Mad Manx’) BEST VESPA: Vespa 50SS (AUM 113E) BEST STREET RACER: Lambretta Street Racer (AUN 627) BEST ORIGINAL LOOKING SCOOTER: Vespa 90SS (UUE 49G) BEST OTHER: Maico Maicoletta (TFS 611)
8 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2019
KICKSTART
TOASTY
RST PARAGON THERMOTECH HEATED WATERPROOF GLOVE As most heated accessories require splicing into the wiring loom, until now, hugging a mug of tea’s been the best cold weather cure most of us can hope for. Fortunately, British motorcycle clothing specialists RST now offer a winter glove with an integral heating element, which is powered by a rechargeable battery tucked neatly into its cuff. From flat the battery takes a couple of hours to charge and then, depending on which of the three temperature settings is used, should deliver over four hours of toasty comfort. With a multi-layer construction comprising a Thinsulate lining, Hypora waterproof membrane and a high-grade leather outer, they promise to make cold weather riding much more comfortable. Other features include touch screen compatibility and a visor wiper on both gloves. At £189.99 they aren’t the cheapest winter gloves on the market, but that’s a lot less expensive and easier than converting a classic scooter’s electrical system. Our Stan will be taking a pair on his travels this year, although he’s unlikely to push then to the extremes of RST’s largest export customer, Scandinavian fishermen. If the Paragon Thermotech’s tough enough for that kind of treatment, they should easily survive the daily commute! RRP: £189.99 www.rst-moto.com
PROTECT YOUR GEARBOX Finding a good-quality gearbox oil for classic scooters can be problematic. Silkolene have come to rescue of Lambretta owners with their ST 90 Classic, which has been specifically formulated for Lambretta gearboxes. Most gear oils include Extreme Pressure (EP) additives, which are good at binding lubricant to metal surfaces, but thanks to their properties, are corrosive to yellow metals. As these include the copper and brass bushes used in Lambretta gearboxes, the incorrect formula of oil can over time, can destroy rather than protect. Silkolene’s Classic ST 90 has been formulated to provide excellent lubrication, whilst eliminating the need for problematic EP additives. Vespa owners needn’t feel excluded, as Silkolene’s ST30 oil also features a non EP formula, and has been specifically produced for manual Vespa gearboxes. With a retail price of around £8 per 500ml, it’s an important investment for both standard and performance engines. RRP: £8 per 500ml www.silkolene.com
Never miss an issue 10 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2019
CNC VESPA LEVERS With their new range of CNC billet levers, SIP promise both a more comfortable ride and improved lever feel. Available in a variety of finishes, they suit most models from small frame to PX, and are available to fit both disc and drum braked models. Usefully, they also have a rated breaking point, which allows riding to continue, even after a light spill. Our sample set is heading for Poland on the 210 Polini, so there’ll be plenty of gear changes en route, with the ergonomic claims tested to the max. RRP: £43.43 www.sip-scootershop.com
UPGRADED CABLES FROM SIP One of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a classic scooter are its control cables. For some time, Vespa owners have been able to benefit from sets of SIP’s Performance cables, which have been produced to give extended life and increased control sensitivity. Lambretta owners can now benefit from the same technology. With stainless steel inners and PE lined outers, SIP’s Performance cable sets promise longevity and excellent performance. Once the temperature in his garage sits above freezing, Stan will be fitting a set to his GP, and he’ll let us know how they’ve performed later in the season. RRP: £39.88 www.sip-scootershop.com
from only
£20
Subscribe today on page 42
Show us your shed
These days it’s not uncommon for someone to own several scooters. In doing so, it creates the problem of where to put them all…
A
sk anyone who owns a scooter what model it is and often they'll tell you that they don’t own one, but several. Not that there is anything wrong with that, and when finances allow, that figure can easily run into double digits. Owning several scooters is fine, but what about the problems of storage? Where do you house them all? These days when people post pictures on social media of their scooters more often than not it will be at home. Most likely it will be taken in the garage or on the driveway, with several other scooters in the background all neatly lined up. It seems that the cars can happily live life outside the building that was designed to house them. The family car is relegated to the drive while the collection of scooters now takes residence in the garage. It also follows that the bigger the garage the more scooters that can fit in it. Rather than leave enough space, the trend tends to be to buy as many as possible until there isn't an inch of available floor space left. So the next problem arises. Where do you work on them and store all the spares needed? The answer to that is that most times it is the garden shed. This becomes the overspill from the garage, but doesn’t come without its problems. You see, the garden shed is usually meant to keep things such as a lawnmower, kids’ paddling pool and occasionally, when the weather allows, sun loungers. These items are now in the way of the transformation into a workshop facility for scooter maintenance. So a smaller shed often appears to cater for those items. Finally, you have the space required to store your scooter collection, albeit after
explanations to the rest of the family as to why it was necessary. It’s almost like a compulsory land order has taken place and nothing else is allowed to be stored in there. Now comes the transformation and it doesn’t matter if it’s the garage, shed or both. Not content with having commandeered the space, it now seems it has to become a shrine to the scooters themselves, from signs to banners, in fact, anything that acknowledges the scooters’s roots and rich history. Most enthusiasts, whether it be for vintage cars or motorcycles, often do the same. It also has to be remembered that many scooter owners have spent years attending rallies and along the way have collected a lot of memorabilia. The workshop wall is the ideal place to showcase all those past memories. And why not, because scooterists should be proud of what they have achieved, and there is no harm in displaying the fact. Then comes the work area. If space is big enough, then the transformation can be unbelievable. Sometimes the whole area is stripped out and repainted, and a new floor laid, often with an expensive finish. What resembled a place to put the car and store household junk has now been transformed into a Formula One pit garage. All scooter owners are happy to spend decent sums of money on their pride and joy. The same seems to be the case for the storage area. If it’s a bit damp ,then the heating system is upgraded. If the token strip light is too dull, new lighting is installed. New shelving is fitted with a workbench and new tools, just to
Perhaps in future, the magazine should have a section entitled ‘Show us your shed’. I’m sure there will be enough willing to participate by way of sending in photographs. 12 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2019
make it look and feel even nicer. Sitting centre stage will be the hydraulic stand or, if space allows, possibly two. Once the transformation is complete it almost becomes like a second home. with. every available bit of spare time spent in there working, maintaining or preparing a scooter for its next journey. Though sometimes it can get a bit too intense spending time away from the family, just an hour or two working on a scooter in a clean environment can be a great escape from the stress of everyday life. What better on a cold winter’s night than getting away from it all working on what you love doing most? Though it may seem a bit harsh not spending time with a loved one, remember that they will benefit when both of you are out on the scooter the following summer. It shouldn’t be forgotten that the garage or shed at home is how many scooter businesses started up in the first place, many steadily building up trade until it was possible to make the financial jump into commercial premises. Just think over the years how many scooters have been repaired at someone's house and, in doing so, meant those people have gone on to serve the scooter industry admirably. One thing you can never have enough of is space, and when it comes to owning scooters, an abundance of it is required. Seeing how someone has transformed part of their house to do so is certainly a sight to behold. Perhaps in future, the magazine should have a section entitled ‘Show us your shed’. I’m sure there will be enough willing to participate by way of sending in photographs.
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