L a m b r et ta L i S pec i a L , 1 9 6 5
Australian teacher Peter Townsend, 27, with his Lambretta alongside the 92ft schooner New Endeavour, which he and the young crew were sailing to Sydney, Australia. According to the story which appeared in Motor Cycle on August 19, 1965, “Peter knows the scooter will be very useful on shore duties en route�.
www.scootering.com | 3
CoNteNts 03From the Archive 06Kickstart Back to 1965.
Welcome to the informative front section of Scootering, jam-packed full of useful stuff from news and reviews, products tested, opinions, the latest from the Trade Expo, readers’ letters, music reviews and plenty more besides.
Scooters 90Staff – Vespa Rat Rod
Richie’s winter project is to take a 50s British Vespa and make it a viable paparazzi machine!
92Specialist Services
60
Planning your winter project or resto? Whatever you want, from platers to tuners, engineers to painters, fabricators to upholsterers, you’ll find them all here. Hopefully.
An updated classic – 28 Lambretta Series 1 Scooters – Framebreather 94Staff Original Li Bringing a 1950s scooter onto 21st century roads with disc brakes, modern suspension and a tweaked motor.
Barrie begins a new project to see exactly how much of an old Lambretta he can reuse.
36Chrome refurbishment
97Scooter Trader
A look at repairing and replating old parts, plus the forthcoming legislation that could affect the industry.
44
So, you think you know your Vespas?
A pair of stunners built in Spain that will get both admiring glances and also the Vespisti talking!
50
Vespa engines: the great ‘replace or renovate’ debate
So what do you do with that rusty old barn find you’ve recently unearthed? Have a read then drop us a line with your views...
51 60Cream of the Crop
Club do’s & events
A calendar of scooter related events.
A heavily modified Vespa, all done by the owner to create a scooter that stands out from the crowd.
70
Heinkel 103 A2
So you want a classic 60s scooter that’s both different, yet reliable and easy to use? Trust the Germans then to design something for the people!
78Back to Basics
Gaskets – Sticky shows us how to make them, both at home and at the roadside.
82
Gaskets & sealants
What are they for? What do they do? And what do the experts say and use?
86Gamma Technology Andy takes a look at some modern technology he fitted to his old Li last year.
4 | scootering | MArcH 2015
Classified and business advertising, for all your scootering needs.
110Clubs to Join
A list of scooter clubs across the land, complete with contact details.
Us 115Show Your Scoots!
Yes, they’re all yours and all you need to do is send us a photo (high resolution) with a few words and yours can appear here too.
119The LCGB AGM
A brief report on the meeting, the trophies and the party.
Scooter Touring – 122 Croatia via the Eurolambretta ... or a 20th century history lesson across Europe with Arfur!
1966 World Cup 132Tribute Lambretta
Our cover star Series 3 Li, complete with some trick artwork and details engraving.
138Into the Sunset
WARNING! We’re running out of your wonderful stories folks, so please get writing and send us some more in!
Next Month!
Iggy gets the first ride on a converted twostroke Scomadi, Sticky looks at a rare Japanese classic, and both Barrie and Richie get down to the dirt and rust of their Lambretta and Vespa project scooters!
p34
KICKSTART
By Andy & Sticky
Gogro – future scootering?
W
e at Scootering have done our best in the past to remain open-minded about electric scooters, but no matter how good they are, there remains one unavoidable flaw: they have limited range and take too long to refuel; recharging usually takes a matter of hours compared with a matter of minutes for petrol vehicles. I often thought about how much more practical electric vehicles would be if you could simply swap out your flat batteries for full ones at a filling station. Well, that in a nutshell is the model that start-up scooter company Gogoro has planned, thanks to a combination of mobile phone technology and innovative thinking. The idea is the brainchild of Horace Luke, former head of innovation for Taiwanese mobile phone manufacturer HTC. With investment topping the $150 million mark, the company has the cash to make something like this work. Forget the scooter for a moment – any chimp with a car battery and a brushless motor can make a basic electric scooter – the key to this working is infrastructure. Gogoro’s concept is banks of public GoStations where used batteries are left to recharge. Each 10kg battery is packed with Panasonic’s 18650 lithium-ion cells (as used to power the Tesla Model S car). As soon as your scooter starts to run low on power you are directed via your mobile phone (what else!) to the nearest GoStation where you can deposit your two used batteries for charging and instantly pick up a new pair. It’s quicker than filling a petrol scooter and more convenient than plugging your scooter into the mains; particularly if you live on the 10th floor of a tower block. The other clever part of the scheme is that a Smartscooter buyer doesn’t actually own any of the very expensive batteries, but instead rents their use on a subscription basis, much like a mobile phone contract. This means that battery cost is effectively shared over many refuels rather than paid for up front; as you had to with previous expensive electric scooters. Of course all this would be irrelevant if the Smartscooter was a gutless wonder, but it doesn’t appear to be. A top speed of 60mph and acceleration that betters a 125 petrol scooter means that this thing could actually be quite handy in a city environment. Everything about it is customised for the job; from the aluminium monocoque chassis, to the water-cooled 8.58hp motor with belt drive and energy recovery. One look at the knee-down antics in the
6 | SCOOTERING | MARCH 2015
Above left: Refuelling simply means swapping out your flat batteries for recharged ones at the GoStation. Gogoro video is enough to reassure us that this is not intended to be a dull-as-dishwater eco vehicle, but something fun with dynamics and suspension design to suit. It might be small and vaguely reminiscent of the ground-breaking Sfera – Piaggio Group’s first truly successful automatic scooter of the 1990s – but weight-saving is vital to an electric vehicle’s range. Gogoro claims 60 miles range at 40kph, which is not a lot, but the company also aims to have at least one GoStation located in every square mile of a major city. Unlike previous impractical solutions, Gogoro – or something like it – could finally see electric vehicles making a dent in
If Airfix made scooters…
petrol’s dominance, particularly in urban centres where fossil-fuel vehicles are being banned in anti-pollution measures. Success or failure of this venture outside a few trendy city centres rests on investment in GoStations, and how ubiquitous the company’s battery system becomes. The Gogoro batteries have the facility to run other devices and can be daisy chained together to run larger vehicles such as cars. While I can’t see Gogoro Smartscooters ever being used for runs to the seaside, it’ll be interesting to see if the swappable battery concept becomes a common method of power consumption in the future. Sticky
Improved Vespa Big Bore Pipe Scooter Center Koln has been busy recently, updating its standard looking big bore exhausts for large frame Vespas. Building on the success of the Big Box exhaust which was awarded a ‘Scootering Recommended’ tag back in February 2014, the Sport is manufactured in Spain and designed to work on tuned engines with sufficient port timings and port area – engines that are fitted with kits from the likes of Polini, Quattrini, Parmakit, Malossi or BGM. Two versions of the Sport are available, for either smallblock engines (PX80, 125 and 150, plus older models too like Sprint, GT, GTR), and another for the PX and Rally 200 models. Both retail at €199. SCK is also working on a Touring version of the exhaust for standard and mildly tuned
engines, delivering power and torque lower down. When development has been completed these will be available for the same engine configurations and will also fit Vespas with eight-inch wheels, retailing at €159. For more details visit www.scootercenter.com
SCOMADI REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY The LED rear light unit (RRP: £38.98) is the only Scomadi part that fits onto classic Lambrettas. Based on the plastic-bodied GP design, this lamp can be adapted to any original standard Spanish, Indian or Italian Lambretta LI/SX/GP models running 12v electrics (though the light will be much brighter if you run DC rather than AC). No reflector is included in the lens so retailer PM Tuning (.co.uk) advises the fitting of a suitable reflector. Fitting will involve cutting off the fitted plug and adding your own connectors to match your original loom.
MICRO RATCHET SET FROM LASER TOOLS
NEW CASA IN TOWN
This handy micro ratchet set from Laser Tools features two 80mm long ratchets, one a 1⁄4in drive, the other a hex bit driver — a Ph2 bit is included. Both feature “a super-smooth 60 tooth reversible ratchet drive with a narrow profile head for comfort and ease of access. The tools are chrome plated and polished, well balanced and a pleasure to use”. The set is available now from your local Laser Tools supplier, typically priced at £21.38 plus VAT, but remember to check for the best prices and special offers. More details from www.lasertools.co.uk
Scooter Restorations, the newly appointed Casa Lambretta UK dealer, has just received delivery of Casa Lambretta spares complementing its existing stock of Casa Lambretta products. This includes spares for all popular models from LD and Series 1 to GP, plus the more obscure such as Lambretta 48, French LD, Vega, J-range and Serveta. Also in stock are Casa 185 kits and 42mm Clubman exhausts, as well as accessories for all models. For more info call Scooter Restorations on 0115 927 7277 or visit www.scooterrestorations.com
Editor: Andy Gillard Email: editorial@scootering.com Publisher: Steve Rose Contributors: Sticky, Richie Lunt, Barrie Braithwaite, Sargie, Dave Oakley, Jordan Lewis, Nik Skeat, Bill (LLSC) and Lee Daniels. Many thanks to all other scooterists and clubs that have also contributed to this issue in some way. Cover: Main photography by Andy Gillard Designer: Charlotte Turnbull Reprographics: Simon Duncan Divisional production editor: Val Dawson General queries and back issues: Tel: 01507 529529 24hr answerphone Email: help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk Archivist: Jane Skayman Tel: 01507 529423 Email: jskayman@mortons.co.uk Subscription: Full subscription rates (but see page 34 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £49.20. Export rates are also available – see page 34 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Distribution: Comag, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middx UB7 7QE Tel: 01895 433600 Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton Subscription manager: Paul Deacon pdeacon@mortons.co.uk Circulation manager: Steven O’Hara sohara@mortons.co.uk Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Email: cpark@mortons.co.uk Production manager: Craig Lamb Publishing director: Dan Savage Commercial director: Nigel Hole Associate director: Malcolm Wheeler 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 © 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. ISSN 0268 7194
TRADE ADVERTISING
Gary Thomas – gthomas@mortons.co.uk Andrew Bruce – abruce@mortons.co.uk Tel (01507) 524004 Fax (01507) 371075 Advertising team leader Richard Sinclair Email: rsinclair@mortons.co.uk
ADVERTISING DEADLINES The advertising deadline for the next issue of Scootering (April 2015) is Thursday, March 5, 2015 On sale in newsagents March 26, 2015
Free ads, personals, club do’s & events These are all to be booked via the website at www.scootering.com or via post to: Scootering Magazine, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ The next free ads deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2015
www.scootering.com www.scootertrader.com
Member of the Professional Publishers' Association
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
a t t e r b m a L 1 s e i r r e Se mebreath Fra
d e t a d p u n A
c i s s a cl
s, Ian f r e t o o sc cs o g i t n i e d h l t i s s to bu original ae te with e m o c a it he When stick with t ing it up to dexactly r likes to chine and b ts, which is n the ma improveme ‌ subtle e have here what w
CHROME REFURBISHMENT
In the minds of many laypeople, classic Mod scooters and decorative chrome plating go hand in hand, but in truth the relationship to our scene runs deeper than that. Chrome-work is not only vital for vintage accessory buffs and the full custom scooter brigade, but it is still the default finish for many accessories such as racks, even for the modern Vespa line. PE ACOC K S A N D M AG PI E S Chrome plating serves both as a protective and decorative finish to parts that would quickly corrode if left unplated, but it isn’t perfect. One of the reasons for the rise in popularity of stainless steel parts is that it weathers much better than chrome plating. However, stainless can’t match chrome for a perfect mirror-like finish.
Depending on condition, it is often possible to refurbish old chrome parts. The process is labour intensive and time consuming, but for rare and often expensive accessories, refurbishment is often worth the price. This is where Karl Russell’s firm comes in. Quality Chrome is based in the cultural epicentre of Hull. Both Karl Russell and
partner Keith Sprague are long term scooterists with many a smart custom scooter build under their belts, not least of all Karl’s famous PX Levi Stubbs’ Tears. As such, they understand scooter parts and know which bits are on display and which are hidden. When it comes to scooter parts, insider knowledge is a useful thing.
PR E - C H ROM I NG T I P S Exhausts: not many chromers replate used exhausts because they contain contaminants. Quality Chrome can plate used exhausts because the guys have a special vat containing a stripper that cleans out old exhausts over a period of several weeks. However, Karl will not do used Vespa or Lambretta standard type exhausts due to the chambers inside making it impossible to empty them out thoroughly. Repairs: It is preferable for a part to be de-plated before any repairs are made, and those repairs should ideally be in the same metal. 1
The first stage is to catalogue parts as they arrive. Different materials go through different processes, so it is vital to record everything to ensure that all the pieces can be reunited once plated. In the past this often meant laboriously drawing each item, but nowadays digital cameras and computers provide a much faster solution.
For instance, do not use stainless steel MIG wire to weld a mild steel exhaust and avoid brazing. Re-chroming: Get it done sooner rather than later – the worse the part has deteriorated the more it will cost and the worse the final result will probably be. Cleaning: Don’t send dirty parts to the platers or they will charge you much more to clean and plate them. Fully stripped: The platers only want to see the metal that they are plating, so remove any ornamental plastic gems etc. prior to sending. 2
Our test piece is a Vigano horncast embellisher that has been sent to Quality Chrome for replating. The price and the outcome of the plating are very much dependent on condition. An item like this would cost between £60-100 to replate. The price of perfect vintage accessories makes the cost worthwhile.
www.scootering.com | 37
So, you think you know your Vespas?
Spain’s Motovespa 125N and 150S You’ve been to a few rallies, you’ve read a few internet posts, you know your Granny Smiths from your French Golden Delicious when it comes to scooter models right?Well, every once in a while things come along and they upset the whole applecart.
F
or many years all has seemed clear cut in the Vespa camp. Maybe that had something to do with the parent company still churning machines out on a daily basis and them retaining a sense of historic provenance. Maybe it has more to do with the fact that the majority of owners that gravitate towards the Pontedera product simply didn’t care, leaving model variations to a dedicated few.
Variables
Model variations from the opposing Lambretta have long been celebrated if not always appreciated; pressed steel horncast of early LDs, differing horncasts and light units on TVs, and GP parts on SXs all add to the delicious fabric that Innocenti has
woven. That, together with fewer factories and shorter production runs kind of made things easier. If you choose to ignore the South American machines slowly beginning to surface in Europe. And the stranger Indian satellite factory products too… For the majority of Vespisti though a Series One GS 160 should never have a legshield toolbox, a 150 Super surely didn’t have autolube and an SS always had ignition switches and square horncast badges… right? Well no. As with any incoming or outgoing models there’s an overlap period when items are being phased out and the workers on the production lines simply fit whatever part is available in the store racks. When you come to subsidiary foreign market companies manufacturing machines under licence in their own plants, the whole concoction becomes a whole lot more flavoursome and infinitely more interesting.
www.scootering.com | 45
The lcgbagm
LCGB BSM 2014
TrophieS awarded
The LCGB AGM is always a welcome event in January, and a great excuse to break the self imposed hibernation after Christmas. Besides the serious stuff and the social occasion, I always look forward to getting my hands on the list of the upcoming year’s events, and most specifically finding out where the Coast to Coast starts and ends. Anyway, Lydia and I set off from Cumbria early Saturday morning to avoid being late. Most car journeys for me can be like a guided tour of the various places I’ve broken down, and the trip to Doncaster was no exception. Once we had checked into the Travelodge and prettied ourselves up, it was straight to the Earl of Doncaster for the meeting. As soon as we walked through the doors we were bumping into familiar faces from all corners of the country. When Andy Vass started to chat me up, I decided it was time to go upstairs to the meeting. There are a couple of interesting changes this year, especially relating to the BSM Club Championship. Basically, the LCGB has adopted a three-tier system for clubs considered to be small (10 or less members), medium (11-20 members) and large (20 members or more), with the top three from each tier receiving a trophy. I think the change is a very good move; it keeps the competition open, fair and competitive. Last year, the LCGB chose to support Cancer Research UK and raised an amazing £12,000. This year, another charity was to be chosen from the three candidates being proposed by members – Alzheimer’s, RNLI and Asthma. By a show of hands, Alzheimer’s was adopted as the LCGB’s chosen charity for the forthcoming year. The meetings can get a bit long-winded from time to time and I think
Lydia was starting to adopt a siege mentality. However, to our surprise it was done and dusted after 50 minutes! So we all piled out of the Earl and into the Comrades Club next door... Scooterists always find the cheapest pint! After a pint or two and much chatter about engine failures, we headed into town to meet some of the YGSC for a Wetherspoons tea, and a more few beers. Before we knew it, it was time to stagger back to the Earl for the evening do. If you haven’t been before, it is a fabulous art deco venue and you really do appreciate its splendour far more in the evening. The real highlight of the AGM is the trophy presentations. Winning the BSM really is one hell of a feat and fair play to the winners. This year there were eight male winners, which is pretty extraordinary! With 1000 people signing on and nearly 70 clubs, the competition couldn’t be more fierce. The most impressive statistic is that these 1000 members alone covered about one million miles! Once these formalities are over, the music is cranked up and the party really gets going! I honestly think that the AGM has some of the best mix of music you can hear at a scooter do. Mod, punk, soul, ska and a good mix of alternative indie sounds, too! As the night was drawing to a close, Oops Up Side Your Head had everyone sat on the floor doing the moves! All in all a quality event as usual, and far more fun than the name suggests! Words: Jordan Lewis Photos: Jordan and Ann (With thank to Craig Standeven, LCGB BSM Controller, for crunching the numbers!)
LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP 1st: Hayley Owen 2nd: Sue Moffat 2nd: Donna Robinson 3rd: Debbie Kelly 4th: Sarah Stokoe 4th: Ann Murphy 5th: Sheryl Walker MENS CHAMPIONSHIP 1st: Martin Robinson 1st: Darren Ashford 1st: Jon Ashford Smith 1st: Diddy Barker 1st: Andrew Vass 1st: Martin Watts 1st: Chris Canavan 1st: Chris Butler 2nd: Dominic Wake 3rd: Chris Allison 4th: Eden Bakewell 5th: Karl Horton 5th: Jack Bentley CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st: Indecipherables SC 2nd: Lincoln & Newark SRC 3rd: Wisemen SC 4th: York SC 5th: Darlington SC 6th: Louth Scooterists 7th: Modrapheniacs SC 8th: Doncaster Hunters SC 9th: Warsop Sinners SC 10th: Skellow & Carcroft SC In 2014 the BSM championship saw 994 LCGB members competing. There were 102 female members and 892 male members, and there were 69 clubs who affiliated to LCGB. Using the mileage figures which members fill in on the signing on sheets, around 1.1 million miles were covered by members travelling to and from BSM events on Lambretta scooters!
www.scootering.com | 119