FAST FLOW FUEL TAPS DO THEY REALLY WORK?
HETTY WAINTHROPP INVESTIGATES... SHAUN’S LAMBRETTA LI
A Spanish Eibar with attitude
THE LUNA LINE
PIMPING
50 YEARS IN ORBIT
YOUR RIDE
STRAIGHT OUT THE CRATE
THE HISTORY OF SCOOTER BLING
A VERY SPECIALE VESPA
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YEARS & STILL GOING STRONG
ISSUE 122 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
THE VILLAGE BIKE The tale of a GP200 Electronic
BACK IN THE DAY
SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
SUBSCRIBE TODAY SEE PAGE 48
Issue 122 Aug/Sept 2018 Founding Editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Publisher: Dan Savage Contributors: Rich Addison; Gill Beecham; Jon Betts; David Brown; Terry Brown; Pete Davies, Dave Dry; Rod Gillan, Ashley Lenton; Ben Phillips; 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, Justin Blackamore 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 (123) published: Sept 26, 2018 Editorial deadline: Aug 13, 2018 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.
42 CONTENTS 4 6
Back when we had hair
42 Bad Toro
68 Lebrec Lambretta
Scooterama
46 Back in the day
72 A true shed find
Nostalgic memories shared
A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
12 What’s going on?
A look at the scooterist calendar
14 Rally Roundup
Recent events at a glance
Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
50 Messerschmitt GS150 Richard’s German Vespa
54 The Village Bike
The tale of a red Lambretta GP200 Electronic
26 Anniversary Lunacy
60 Hetty Wainthropp investigates
A tribute to Marco Simoncelli
Devon’s scootering duo
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine?
Dunbar’s Scooter Queen
58 Every picture tells a story
30 The Kittos Member
All the way from France
22 LML No.58
Happy birthday Luna Line
The Professional Publishers Association
A Rat with attitude
34 A brace of Germans The Heinkel A-1 and A-2
38 Something speciale Bob White’s Vespa
1964 Reims Regularity Trial
Shaun’s Lambretta Li 150
62 Trials and tribulations Victor Englebert, Vespa explorer!
64 Pimping your ride
Scooter bling – surely a little-documented subject
‘Project Cometa’ gets under way
76 Fast flow fuel taps How well do they work?
78 The finale
‘Project Tigress’ comes to an end
80 Sealing a rusty fuel tank
Give your tank a treat
82 Scooter clubs
Meet and greet your local club
86 Scooterist classifieds
For all your wants and needs
90 Blast from the past Impressions of the Vespa Rally 200
What’s in a number? More than you might think…
T
here are many significant years that occur during our lifetime; many are specifically significant for personal reasons (in my case that would have been my 16th birthday, as it meant that I was now old enough to ride). For others it could be their 18th birthday, or that 50th wedding anniversary, or possibly even that 65th birthday retirement party. As far as Classic Scooterist goes, we’ve already passed two significant date milestones
– our 10th anniversary of publication and more recently (last year in fact) our 20th. Well, of course, that makes this our 21st year in print. So should we be celebrating this when it’s such a short time period since last year? In the scheme of things you could consider that we are just another year older, but the number 21 has always held some significance; as human beings we have always traditionally looked at 21 as the year that we came of age and transferred from one chapter of our life
into another. And whilst that might not be the case as far as Classic Scooterist is concerned, we can still count it as a significant milestone in our scooter journey through life. There have been many significant changes within the scooter scene since we first published in 1997 – some good and some bad – it’s been an eventful time. Let’s hope that we will still be celebrating in another 21 years’ time.
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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n e h w k Bac we had hair DO YOU HAVE A NOSTALGIC STORY TO TELL, OR AN OLD PICTURE
TO SHARE?
cooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 sicsc 6LZ ✉ mauspencer@classics ✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9
80s Yarmouth
60s Southend Mods wanted
I’m looking for original 60s Southend Mods to interview for my book. I’ve met up with a few guys and got some brilliant stories and pictures – but I need more! So if you want to be included in this project, please get in touch by email: originalsouthendmods@gmail.com Andy McAvoy
Twenty quid SX200 Me in 1969. I bought this SX200 for £20 out of the ‘Used Motorcycles’ section of the Evening Echo. I paid £60 for the jacket from Johnsons, Kings Road, Chelsea. This was the first of several colour schemes I had for that scooter. Peter May
‘Seeeaguulll’
Happy memories. Steve Jb
Scooter and sidecar The legendary scooter and sidecar! Susan Young
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Me and Martin in Yarmouth. I’m not sure of the year – I have a terrible memory. I joined the Army in 1982, so it’s probably 1981? Hazel Orzel
SCOOTER GLORY!
Taken in 1997 – blimey, 21 years ago! Simon Kimber
A M A R E T O SCO
CK & FACES A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBA ooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 le, Lincs LN9 6LZ ✉ mauspencer@clas
sicsc
✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncast
M MoT T rumours glow l h hott
SIP shirts video RRP: £ various You can never have enough scooter T-shirts or sweatshirts in your wardrobe. SIP has launched a whole Fashion for Scooterists collection – and presented it in its Lookbook 2018 video. This can be seen online at: https://issuu.com/sipscootershop.com/docs/ sip_lookbook_fashion_2018
The change in MoT regulations that came into force on May 20 is causing the scootering rumour machine to glow red hot. One suggestion is that once the new regulations hold sway, vehicles manufactured prior to 1978 may not require an MOT to be allowed on the public highway legally, but these vehicles – lacking any proof of road going safety – will be deemed uninsurable by the insurance companies. This is a strange rumour, as previously MOT exempted vehicles (those manufactured prior to 1961, that is) were insured quite happily by the
insurance companies. So to put this rumour to rest, contact was made with one of the largest motorcycle underwriters, Carole Nash, whose spokesman said that there’s no reason for this rumour to spread further, as there is no truth in it and pre-1978 vehicles will be insured, despite having not passed the MOT. However, Carole Nash can offer no positive answer on the matter of ‘substantially changed’ vehicles that are not included in this new update of the rules. A classic example would be a scooter with frame/chassis predating 1978 but with a modern
IoM Post Office celebrates Manx International Scooter Rally
The newly issued eight-stamp Isle of Man International Scooter Rally collection features standout moments from the history of the gathering. They include the iconic Vespa display team pictured at Noble’s Park in Douglas in 1958, Nev Frost, who smashed the six minute barrier for the Druidale circuit, and the 1957 Ramsey Sprint when the rally – supported by TT legend Geoff Duke – returned after a year off due to the seamen’s strike. The bi-annual event has huge sporting and cultural significance on the Island, with a history which dates back to the 1950s, and was once described by the chairman of the Isle of Man Tourist Board as “the most important cog in the mosaic of Manx tourism”.
Scooter artwork RRP: £75 upwards If you fancy commissioning an illustration of your own scooter, then Mark Gregory might be the person for you. He’s offering a bespoke service which includes drawing, mounting and framing the picture of your choosing. The artwork can be produced by your preferred method, albeit in pencil, pen, markers, watercolours, etc. All you need to do is send him a high resolution image and he can take it from there. Info: mark@marksmotor art.com / www.marksmotorart.com
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engine fitted (for example, a Vespa GS160 with a PX engine). This sounds like a ‘substantially changed’ vehicle – but is it in reality? Unfortunately, this seems like a ‘suck it and see’ scenario, so only time and the regulators will decide on the true facts of the matter. We shall have to wait and see. DD
AF Clo5e issues
AF Rayspeed has issued a statement concerning the components used in its new Clo5e ratio gearboxes after several gear selector failures. The company says that under some circumstances the gear selector may prove inadequate for the task it was designed for. It went on to say that a new version of the selector will be produced as soon as possible, but in the meantime, the firm will not be supplying any new Clo5e Ratio gearboxes until the failure issue is addressed. Anyone who wishes to return their gearbox will be given a full refund.
Universal fit rear disc brake conversion RRP: £ ask Suitable for classic Vespa or Lambretta scooters, this new universal rear brake master cylinder has mounting holes that are oval in shape. This allows for a bolt spacing of between 40mm to 50mm. The kit is supplied with the master cylinder, pre-assembled remote fluid reservoir, bleed bolt, and seals. The kit can also be used on many other machines, including lightweight motorcycles and quads. Info: www.ve-uk.com
PRODUCT REVIEW
Scomadi TL aftermarket exhaust
RRP: £ ask Scorpion Exhausts has added a new fitment for the Scomadi TL 125 Euro 4 to its range of scooter exhausts. Available via VE (UK) in either stainless steel or ceramic black finishes, the system is supplied with all the required hardware for installation included in the box. The exhaust can is also covered by Scorpion’s Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and corrosion, further reinforcing the product’s quality. Additionally, VE (UK) also stocks Scorpion exhaust systems for a range of scooters and light motorcycles. Info: www.ve-uk.com
Airoh Valor Eclipse Helmet RRP: £129.99 Reviewer: Ross Mowbray I’m quite partial to an Airoh lid. Last year I wore their ST701 sports-touring oriented helmet religiously and found myself very impressed with its comfort, styling and versatility. And since I liked it so much, I thought I had better treat myself to another Airoh. This time though, I wanted something a bit cheaper and lower down its pecking order – enter the Airoh Valor. Almost three times cheaper than the ST701, the Valor still comes packed with all you need to help keep you noggin safe out on the road (or track – as it’s actually ACU Gold stamped). And it looks great too. I opted for the Eclipse colourway, which blends flashes of orange across a grey background on its sharp, angular, aggressive-looking shell.
After around 1000 miles on the road wearing the Valor, I’ve got nothing but nice things to say about the reasonably-priced helmet. Okay, so it’s not quite as refined as an expensive lid from one of the bigger players in the helmet game – but it’s not going to be is it? For the money, it’s impressive; it’s quiet, well ventilated with a wide field of vision (with a Pinlock-ready visor) and I found it really comfortable too. Changing visors is also a doddle, thanks to its intuitive locking mechanism, that’ll only take a couple of attempts before becoming second nature. And it also comes with a removable and washable lining, and a micrometric retention system. For an outlay of around £120, I don’t know if you could do much better. It comes in various colours and designs. Info: www.bikeittrade.com
MRK Pro gloves RRP: £49 Reviewer: Mau I’d describe these gloves as being for summer use, so trying them out on a day when the temperature was barely above zero perhaps didn’t show them in the best light. But having said that, I was quite impressed with the way they performed. The shell construction consists of a mixture of polyurethane, leather and neoprene with a polyester lining; other features include goat leather inserts on the fingers, knuckles and wrist area plus a synthetic suede fabric material on the palms. I initially thought that the hard inserts fitted to the knuckle areas might restrict finger movement, but that
Gus Sutton RIP Those of us old enough to remember the Swinging Sixties, will fondly remember their local scooter dealer, and one particular Vespa dealer was Gus Sutton (i.e. A J Sutton, Vespa dealers). Gus was a driven man, and being a Vespa dealer was all the motivation he needed to be good at what he did. With his wife Ann, he created a great dealership that Douglas Vespa was very proud of.
Gus wasn’t a man to be ignored. If he told you something was wrong with your scooter – there was something wrong with your scooter! Gus didn’t suffer fools. He spoke straight and was a good, honest dealer. Sadly Gus has passed away, but his memory will last long with those who knew him. Deepest sympathies to his wife Ann, sons Steve and David, and the family. Norrie Kerr
PRODUCT REVIEW
didn’t prove to be the case (perhaps aided along the way by the elasticised fingers) and they certainly felt flexible and comfortable enough to me. Something else that helped to improve comfort was the aerated 3D mesh back ventilation panel, which on a warm day helps to provide a cool, fresh airflow to your hands (it’s just a pity that the review day in question wasn’t actually one of those days). These MRK Pro gloves have a handy coin pocket in the glove outer where you can keep coins for tolls or parking meters, etc. But I found that one of the most
useful features of all was the fact that they are ‘touchscreenfriendly’, making them easy to use with mobile phones, sat-navs, etc. For someone not looking to lash out a vast amount of cash
these gloves are reasonably priced too, making them an option worthy of consideration if you’re thinking of making a purchase. They are available in sizes S to 2XL in Black only. Info: www.tucanourbano.com/gb/
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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SCOOTERAMA!
JG Scooters S mobile dyno
Vespa Modernist Helmet available RRP: £149 Part of Vespa’s 2018 Lifestyle Collection, the Modernist has a demi-jet design that offers all-round vision. Made in Italy, and with ECE-2205 safety standard approval, this helmet is finished in a combination of matt and shiny navy blue with contrasting round decals on each side and a classic-styled eco-leather trim, The flip-up visor is held in place with tricolour-painted aluminium hinges and is long enough to offer protection from wind, rain and dust. The seatbelt-style strap with a micrometric fastener is fitted with a quick-release buckle. There’s also a breathable, 3-D fabric lining, which is removable and washable. The helmet comes in sizes XS to XL. Info: www.fowlersparts.co.uk
Getting today’s highly-tuned engines set up correctly is of paramount importance. Get the fuelling or timing wrong and that engine could become nothing more than an expensive ornament in just a few miles! The best way to ensure this is done correctly is to have it set up on a dyno, normally found in the back rooms of scooter specialists around the country. But how cool would it be to have them come to you? Well thanks to Jonny Gilbert at JG Scooters that’s now a reality as he’s recently started a mobile dyno service. Jonny has been learning his trade helping out at Replay Racing alongside renowned dyno operator ‘Chalky’ and is now in a position to go out on his own. The mobile dyno can be set up in a single garage or even on the driveway (weather permitting) and is ideal for a club or individual session. We recently witnessed a four-bike session at the Rats & Rustos SC with all owners receiving attention and going away happy with Jonny’s service. Q&A So Jonny, what’s your scooter owning history? I’ve owned scooters since 1984,
starting with a Rally 200. To be honest I’ve lost count over the years but I currently have three 1969 original paint GPs. I’m BSSO treasurer, a scrutineer, and part of the Replay Racing race team, so you could say my life revolves around Lambretta! How did you end up in the scooter business? I’ve been part of JPP Lambretta Performance for the last two years alongside Chalky and Paul Green. I got made redundant at Christmas, so decided to take the plunge and make my hobby my job. What made you go for a mobile dyno? I’ve been helping out Chalky at Replay Scooters on his dyno, learning as much as I can; then I decided to get a dyno to take to the race circuits for Replay Racing team to use. It’s much safer for setting-up bikes on the dyno rather than racing round the paddock! Has it been easy starting it up? All I can say is experience counts; it’s not just a case of looking at the laptop and saying all’s good. I treat every day as a school day, as I feel we need to learn all the time. The main thing is the scooter needs to be safe and ride
Madrid bans bikes without environment labels on show during high pollution days
Scooter-print shirts join range
RRP: £ various The British Boxers fashion company has added a choice of scooter-print shirts to its clothing range. The company says that the range is aimed at those who love the regeneration of the traditional design. Info: www.british-boxers.com
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The city council of Madrid has announced that bikes and scooters now have the same restrictions as any other vehicle in the city when its pollution protocols are activated. Up until now, bikes have been free from any restrictions when air pollution reaches a certain level over the capital, but that’s come to an end. The move has already come in for loud
criticism with some Madrid city councillors, complaining that bikes should be exempt from any punitive measure because of the benefits they bring in easing congestion in the city. The fines for riding in the city without the correct environmental classification label displayed will be 90 euros per fine (£79.31), with the rider being offered a 50% reduction if they pay immediately.
BUSINESS REVIEW
well on the road. I’d just like to say thanks to Darrell Taylor and Chalky for helping me get started. How does your service work? I’m happy to visit people at their home to set up their scooters. Costs depend upon how far I need to travel, but the Dyno is £60 for the first hour plus parts and my travel costs. I carry a full range of spares and jets to try and cover all eventualities. Info: JG Scooters – Jonnygilbertrb245@gmail.com | 07966 920021
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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IIan T Frankland, RIP The older we get the more we see our peers pass away. I suppose at my age, it’s inevitable that my peers, older friends, neighbours, leave this life. Not the case though with Ian Frankland. Ian was one of the two ‘Terrible Taffs!’ and was the last remaining Frankland brother, after Terry’s passing a number of years ago. My first recollection of the Frankland family, was staying over at the family home, where mum Frankland let me have her
Hood K7 Infinity Men’s Jeans RRP: £152.99 (with free leg length alteration) The Original Hood K7 Jeans were launched 20 years ago and since then they have cemented themselves as some of the best-selling and most respected motorcycle jeans on the market. When released, K7s were the world’s first ‘seamless’ motorcycle jeans (coming without any tell-tale stitching on the outside) and this design remains much the same for the new 2018 version. From the outside the new K7 Infinity jeans look just like any other classic fivepocket western denim jeans, but it’s on the inside that the Hood jeans really stand out. They boast large amounts of the new K-tech ‘Infinity’ Para-aramid (the softest and most comfortable protective lining ever found in any Hood jeans) in addition to a new full Airflow mesh, which helps to offer coolness, comfort and improved protection. The most significant change for 2018 is that the new K7 Jeans are now CE-certified to the new European Personal Protective Equipment Regulation and are rated to ‘AA’ performance classifications. The main changes to reach this classification include revolutionary D3O T5 EVO X hip and knee armour fitted as standard, in addition to new stirrups to stop the jeans riding up in a slide. The jeans come in sizes 30in to 34in; colour options are Stonewash Blue, Midnight Blue, or Black. Info: www.hoodjeans.co.uk
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room to stay over for the night. Such was the kindness shown to a passing Scot, we became good friends. All we had in common was our interest in scooters and scooter sport. Ian was working at R J Wares, and Terry was helping out there too, albeit Terry had his own job repairing vans and trucks. I reciprocated when they came to Scotland. I put them up for a night in Glasgow, what a great pair of guys. Later in life we became competitors, on the track and in business. We had our differences
The Frankland brothers: Terry (left) and Ian (right)
but we remained friends. So it was with much sadness that I learned of Ian’s passing. A younger man than myself, it brought home to me how even more sad it was to lose Ian to cancer. Ian excelled in helping people, and passing on tips and ideas to all and sundry. He was an innovator, someone who could see the end product before he had started to build it. We were team mates in LLRT in those halcyon days of the 70s and 80s. It was all great fun, brought down to earth with the passing of time. Ian has gone, but along with Terry, he will not be forgotten. RIP chum!
Norrie Kerr
Ian’s funeral took place on June 14, 2018, at Gwent Crematorium with a funeral cortège of scooters and motorcycles following behind the hearse for Ian’s final journey. The service was followed by a wake and a celebration of Ian’s life. His family, particularly his sister Brenda, would like to thank everyone for the tributes and kind messages at this very sad time.
Two-track vinyl floor filler When is a Detour Records has announced the release of The Sha La La’s new single, Before I Let You Down Again backed with Hold On. The A-side takes in the band’s familiar influences, only this time taking a detour via Muscle Shoals and Wigan Casino. More info can be found on their Facebook site at ‘the shalalalas’
Instagram Lunacy Anyone with an Instagram account who also owns a Luna line machine (or even just likes Bertone’s quirky creation) might be interested in following the LOC at lunaownersclub – their social media guru, Adam Salvin, runs the account and LOC would like to see more followers – so if you use Instagram, why not join them?
Lambretta not a Lambretta?
When it’s in a House of Fraser store apparently – where this was spotted by Dean Read on an advertising board promoting the new range of Lambretta clothing. The company has certainly done its research well – that should help with sales!
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