THE DOUGLAS SPORTIQUE
CUSTOM CORNER Project Tigress
A brief introduction
MILAN-TARANTO 1367 miles in five days BLAST FROM THE PAST
Lambretta Harlequin
HOMAGE TO ED
Dom Shurety’s Lambretta Series 2 THE VESPA 100 A (not so) mystery machine
ITALY ON A BUDGET Pete Hughes builds his scooter from scratch in under 12 weeks
SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
ISSUE 118 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
VESPA FUEL LEAK Be safe, not sorry
Issue 118 Dec 2017/Jan 2018 Founding Editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Publisher: Dan Savage Contributors: Gill Beecham; Jon Betts; David Brown; Terry Brown; Davy Burns, Phil Deakin, Jock Dewars; Pete Davies, Dave Dry; Rod Gillan, Bill Guthrie, Annella Linton, Katie Lemsing, Chris Wainwright; Phil Walker, Andy Westlake and Roy Workman. Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Some articles express contributors’ opinions and are not necessarily those of Classic Scooterist. Design: Fran Lovely Production editor: Dan Sharp Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield and Angie Sisestean Divisional advertising team leader: 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 (119) published: January 17, 2018 Editorial deadline: December 1, 2017 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 36 for offer): (12 months 6 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £22.80. Export rates are also available – see page 36 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.
78 CONTENTS 4
Back when we had hair Nostalgic memories from times gone by
9
Mailbox Reader’s submissions, reviews and opinions
10 Scooterama A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
16 What’s going on? A look at the scooterist calendar
18 Rally and event round-up A glance at events that have taken place since our last issue
32 A homage to Ed The Professional Publishers Association
Member
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
Dom Shurety’s Lambretta Series 2
38 Simon’s Douglas Sportique A name,, not a number
42 A budget-build GP With 12 weeks till EuroLambretta, Pete Hughes starts his project…
46 Back in the day The Beachley-Aust ferry, Severn Princess unloads its cargo
48 The Li4 mystery More questions answered
50 Project Triumph Tigress A different sort of custom scooter
W
ith coverage of the Bridlington rally scraping into this issue by the skin of its teeth, the main event calendar for 2017 is drawing to a close. And although there’s a few events and parts fairs still to happen before the year ends, that’s effectively it for this season. It’s been a year of highs and lows, including the loss of some well-known scooterist figures, but this has been balanced by
Adelaide to London on a PX200
58 One of 710
72 Scooters on the Mount The Auto 66 National Hill Climb
74 Curing a Vespa fuel leak A guide to being safe, not sorry
78 Fitting an engine tube gusset 80 Scooter clubs Meet and greet your local club
82 Spartans MK SC
Marc’s rare Cometa 75
62 Maico Mobil MB200 The ‘two-wheeled’ car
66 The Vespa 100 A ((not so)) mystery y y machine e
some fantastic scooter events – I’m sure everyone can relate to this with their own personal experiences. So what does the future hold for the classic scooterist? Well, putting Christmas aside (with all its customary expectations) the New Year starts early for me, as I’ll be tied-up with Scooter World at Newark Showground. Some would argue it’s not a true scooter event and to some extent it isn’t, as it’s part of a much
(Or 1367 miles in five days)
A step-by-step guide
54 Trials and tribulations
It’s that time of year again...
68 Just a quick ride through Italy…
Club profile
86 Scooterist classifieds For all your wants and needs
SUBSCRIBE TODAY SEE PAGE 36
bigger classic bike show. But the scooter halls are run and marshalled by scooterists who raise a substantial amount of money for charity and that’s got to count for something – it does for me anyway. And for the rest of you? By the time you read this there’ll be comprehensive lists of 2018 scooter events plastered on the internet – so you can start planning your year now.
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
3
n e h w k Bac we had hair DO YOU HAVE A NOSTALGIC STORY TO TELL, OR AN OLD PICTURE ✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9
Forty-two years on the road
6LZ ✉ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408
My first legal scooter on the road – SX200, Scarborough 1975 – and my ride now (another SX200, but not the same one). I’m quite proud that I had the scooter on road-going rallies without a break between – so I wonder why I’m divorced and live on my own? (lol). Tony Haig
4
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
TO SHARE?
Bridlington, 1990 En route to Bridlington in 1990. John Fred Whelan
Cherokee memories
An old Cherokee club member called Dave Spicer emigrated to Australia back in 1969. Recently we got together again via Facebook and he sent me the these interesting photographs. Graham Bird
Stockport scooterists
80s Exmouth
Here’s a few Stockport scooterists, along with others at Baitings Dam in the Yorkshire Pennines, circa 1978. Geoff Stott
Hartlepool SC
Hartlepool Scooter Club, back in the day… Paul Muldown
Exmouth and Exeter scooterists at an Exmouth rally during the 80s. Sara Drew
My GP
Here’s a picture of my Lambretta GP, taken circa 1992/93. Chris Wood
The Young Ones
Me in the middle, on way to a rally somewhere with my mates (both gone now sadly). We called ourselves the Young Ones SC, along with more mates from Wrexham – but as you do, we found another club by same name on a rally. Funny really, but great times and I’ll never forget the 80s; then it was something special George Cookson
Parthenay ’93
On our way to Parthenay in 1993. It shows Dale Brice, Ali Tibbatts, Neil Iles and myself from my club, Bristol’s Chosen Few SC. I think the actual photo was originally posted by Nicky Hussey and I was tagged in my timeline in 2009. Mark Warrener
Exmouth ’88
That was a long ride at 17 years old. Jonathan Sheard
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
5
Share your nostalgic pictures with our readers
My Lambretta and me
If you have any pictures from the past, why not share them with our readers. Call Mau on 01507 529408, or email him at mauspencer@ classicscooterist.com
The black and white photo is me in 1968 - I was 18 at the time. It was taken outside my house in Golding Rd Islington when I used to have a scooter repair shop in Muswell Hill, London. I was the first in the area to have a stripped-down Lambretta in the ‘60s, The backrest I made from two bent metals and the back was off a lorry mirror. Back then, my mate Trevor Froom also had a Lambretta and my other mate Steven Jones had a fully chromed Vespa; I wanted to find out how much petrol was in my tank, so I lit a match and had a look. Trevor did the same, then Steve Jones put a match to his pride and joy – which then went up in smoke! We just didn’t think about any danger in those days. The other photo shows me at the age of 65 on my GP which I still own, although it’s now in my garage. George Georgiou
Bradford 1980
£300 worth of scooters at the N O S C meeting. Steven Ashley
Good times
The Cheshire Cats, Porthcawl. Brian Williams
Preston
Outside Howard's scooter shop Preston. Paul Waterfield
6
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
1970s Morecambe Trojan SC at Morecambe.
Alan Kay
Great Yarmouth, 1980
This is a selection of pics taken at Great Yarmouth during May Bank Holiday 1980. I remember this rally really well because me and Christopher Keseru took a good kicking while we were asleep in our sleeping bags on the beach. Ian Miller
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
7
x 99, Horncastle,
t, PO Bo ✎ Classic Scooteris
Lincs LN9 6LZ
✉
m
ssicscooterist.co mauspencer@cla
☎
01507 529408
Hanging H i up my mirrors i I’ve finally decided to quit scootering due to ill health with my eyes. I’ve had some good memories, but the best I must say is when I first started as a fresh 16-year-old (Yes you could ride a scooter at 16 then). Your scooter was your first taste of driving and your freedom to get out and about to work, college, night clubs and my beloved Spurs. I used my scooter every day, especially my new Lambretta GP 150 to get to work and to go to college at Burslem (or even college in Birmingham) all the way from my home in Leek – quite a journey those days, two-up along with suitcases twice a week. It was really easy as my GP never let me down in four years in all weathers. In the late 60s/early 70s everybody seemed to have a Lambretta scooter; I remember Burslem College car park was packed with them. It was also a way to get to the city night clubs (Tiffanies, The Inset, Top Rank, Penny Farthing, Apollo to name a few) although you ran a big risk meeting rival gang members (like Leek v Hanley Skinheads always fighting) or even bikers – although I survived and no-one really got hurt. In my later years I was a member of the Golden Torch SC (Burslem), Outer Circle
SC (Milton) LOCAL SC (Leek) and Jesters SC at Leek. It’s taken some time to get over parting with my scooter, but you have to look after your health first. As I said the old days were the best, but at the time it was nothing special just everyday life; now when you think back – WOW we had the good years. I will still buy Classic Scooterist mag as it’s in your blood. To all that know me on the scene, I say thanks for the memories.
Stef Callear (retired)
The Spanish Eibar factory I loved the article on the Spanish factory in the June/ July edition. So nice to see as the Spanish factory is often under appreciated. I have a few observations to make about that story though. Interesting that you showed a New York State trooper on the Li 150S. I’m not convinced that that one is Eibar, as all of those (from 1971) were much more simple than what was pictured; please find a picture of my genuine machine enclosed and looking at the picture, the configuration seems to match the Lambretta Concessionaires description, which was based on an Innocenti model. Having said that, mine is a New York City Police scooter, rather than State. The first models we really know about were from 1968 and were definitely Li150 frames
with SX 150 headlights, SX 150 engines and Li sidepanels which were produced by Innocenti and painted green and white for New York City Police. The deal was organised by Lambretta Concessionaires. The next major batch was in 1971 and were from Eibar. Apparently the NYPD wanted more from Italy, but BMC had already decided to shut down scooter production, and LC organised production from Eibar. These were all Li 150 Specials (not battery models as suggested) and were specially painted white with blue tinware. In 1973, they ordered more again and these are the blue and white Servetas most commonly known, being Li 150 Specials with floor mats and Li style sidepanels.
Siobhan Ellis
Seen it – done it Hi Mau, Enjoyed reading the write-up on All or Nothing Show in a past edition. I’ve been to see the show now five times and enjoyed chatting to Carol Harrison and many others of the cast. Mine and a friend’s scooters were used for the early London performances...
Martin Heath
New scooter club Can you please tell me how we can register our new scooter club based in West Lothian?
Jimmie
If it’s just a few local friends, then there’s nothing you need to do, although it might get a little more complicated if club membership involves some sort of club subscription or other ways of raising club funds; then you would need to think about forming some sort of committee, as someone would need to be in charge of the money, which might lead to applying for a club bank account, for which the bank may require some sort of official club structure. Once your club is up and running, it may want to affiliate itself by registering to one of the national clubs (the LCGB or VCB for instance, which look after specific marques).
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
9
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
t, PO Box 99, Horncast ist, teris oter ✎ Classic Scoo
Change in age-related MOT exemptions Renegade egade summer gloves RRP: £89.99 The Renegade is a sports glove made from fullgrain leather, with TPU reinforcements at the knuckles and fingers. It features a lightweight polyester lining and perforated leather sections to help keep your hands cool. There’s also stretch panels and elasticated Velcrosecured wrist straps to offer a snug and secure fit. It comes in sizes XS to 3XL in either Black or Black/White. Info: thekeycollection.co.uk
There has for some time been a persistent rumour that the 1960 exemption from MOT test is to be brought forward to a later date. This has smacked of wishful thinking, but it now seems that something has indeed happened. In Great Britain all vehicles manufactured before 1960 are exempt from regular road-worthiness testing. This was decided in 2012; however, a new EU directive intimated a change to the rules around this, with a suggestion that all vehicles over 30 years of age that haven’t had substantial changes should be exempted; but it was left up to individual member states to make their own decisions. This means that, if we want to continue to exempt classic vehicles from regular testing, we’ll need to update UK law to reflect EU law. There has been a consultation that involved similar responses with similar arguments being put forward as previously. Respondents included members of the public, representatives of interest groups, actual owners of historic vehicles and various commercial enterprises. Interestingly not all, as in the 2012 consultation, were in favour of a change and similar arguments about safety of untested vehicles were
aired once again. The outcome, however, is a proposed change of law, such that testing should only be mandatory for vehicles over 40 years old as long as they had not been substantially altered, although no one knows what would constitute a substantial alteration in the eyes of the law. From spring 2018 (May is the suggestion) all vehicles over 40 years of age (pre-1977 in other words) will be exempt from MOT testing and this will be a rolling time frame as the years progress. As this will necessitate a change in the law, the precise time for initiation of this event might well be altered to suit. For scooterists, and to state the obvious, all Vespa GS, SS, Rally and early PXs (or any Vespas of those design types) will be exempt from MOT testing, as will all Italian and earlier Indian Lambrettas. As no official source or response can be quoted, the above has been deduced from various sources, so this smacks somewhat of a rumour. It should be noted that individual MOT stations have had no official communication with regard to this proposed change as of the date of writing this item in early October.
Scooters on video
Damper options RRP: £ ask VE’s damper range covers both front and rear fitments for most popular models from the earliest models of Vespa and Lambretta through to the latest autos. They also stock a wide range of performance dampers for those looking for a more refined suspension set-up. The range includes units by Malossi, YSS, Pinasco, Forsa and RMS, with front and rear versions available for many models. Info: www.ve-uk.com
10
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
Scooter Race Network is a new dedicated channel for those who enjoy watching scooter racing. The channel is in its infancy at the moment with a teaser currently available on YouTube at the following link: https:// youtu.be/JgEP2fXoGLI This teaser takes a look at the early days of scooter racing. Look out for Ray Kemp, as well as clips from Mallory
Park, Cadwell and Lydden circuits; scooters still race at these circuits today although modern scooter racing is a very different kettle of fish. By the time you read this, more video tasters should be available online (and possibly even some vlog content – more of this will become a regular feature). Other regular items are also planned for the future.
Relocation for On Small Wheels Swansea scooter workshop On Small Wheels, established in 2007, has recently relocated. The new unit is spread over two floors and has been adapted to continue repairing, restoring and servicing all makes of scooter as before. In addition there is now a dedicated showroom where parts and accessories can be displayed and purchased. We’re also informed that the kettle is on at all times. The new address is 104 Clyndu Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7BG, with the telephone number remaining as 01792 421846.
Layering your scooter’s security With scooter theft on the rise and in the headlines, both the Metropolitan Police and MotorCycle Industry Association (MCIA) have advised riders to
layer their security measures, using more than one device to maximise protection. Scooter theft is a problem nationwide; in the West Midlands a police survey has revealed that only 40% of parked bikes and scooters were protected with a chain, disc lock or similar device. For a complete list of Piaggio’s range, call 0117 972 5552 or visit www.fowlersparts.co.uk To help beat the thieves, Piaggio has introduced a range of alarms and locks offering multiple ways to secure both classic and modern scooters. Prices start from £29 and the range includes options like disc, chain and handlebar locks; it also includes remote control electronic alarm systems.
A HUMOROUS LOOK AT SCOOTERING Scooterist Si Duncan has come up with an innovative new idea for a set of postcards. Based on the ‘Ladybird’ children’s book series, the spoof covers poke fun at various areas of the scooter lifestyle. They are available via www.ikonicprints.com and cost £9.99 (plus £1 postage) for a set of 10 postcards.
Furygan Serpico ja acket £160 Reviewer: Mau In early 2016, Furygan launched the Legend range of lightweight summer jackets and one of the styles available was the Hero Evo. I reviewed that jacket and was quite impressed with it – to the point of it becoming my everyday ‘go to’ jacket. It fulfilled all my expectations for a summer jacket; it fitted well, it didn’t feel overly heavy, and it was comfortable to wear. The Furygan Serpico is the latest incarnation of the Legend range, and is CE approved as PPE (personal protective equipment). It looks just as stylish (in a vintage sort of way) as its predecessor with its quilt-effect shoulder panels and it retains that nice soft and supple feel of the original. The main external component is made out of what Furygan calls “high tenacity polyester”, offering abrasion resistance. D30 CE protectors are fitted to the elbow and shoulder areas, offering protection without restricting comfort or freedom of movement. There’s a pocket for fitting the optional back protector – the pocket is compatible with D30’s ‘Central Back’ (CE level 1) and ‘Full Back’ (CE level 2) inserts, which are available separately. One noticeable addition to the Serpico is a removable thermal padded lining with aluminium inserts which has mesh panels around the armpit area to aid heat dissipation. This raises the level of use from being a summer weight riding jacket
LML spares more readily available If you’ve had problems in obtaining spares for your LML scooter, SIP might have the answer, as the company has just enhanced its LML spare parts range. Visit sip-scootershop.com for more info.
Do you have a question? to something that can be worn on colder days. The lining is secured in position by a simple zip method, so that it can be removed and washed, if needed. The Serpico boasts other features, including a central flap under the main zip which creates a weather barrier. It has adjustable straps on the wrist and waist and six pockets (four inside/ two outside). There are also snap claws so the jacket can be linked to your trouser belt to stop it riding up while riding. It comes in Black only in sizes S to 4XL. Info: www.furygan.com
Can Classic Scooterist help you find the answer? It doesn’t necessarily have to be a technical question and can be about any scooterrelated subject. If we don’t know the answer ourselves, then we’ll throw your question over to our readers to see if they can help. Email scooterguru@ scooteristscene.com with your questions, but don’t expect an instant answer – sometimes these things take time.
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
11
SCOOTERAMA!
Beat Scene ’65
Keihin twostroke carbs RRP: £ ask VE (UK) stocks a range of Keihin type universal 2T carbs, which are available in 24mm, 28mm, and 30mm. The rubber mounted carbs fit any 2T machine and are particular suited to Vespa and Lambretta scooters when being tuned. They come supplied with carb rubber, fuel hose and clips, and jubilee clips. The 24mm version uses a 28/30mm carb rubber increasing the number of inlet manifolds to choose from. All sizes feature a D-shaped polished slide with the 24mm version also sporting a power jet. VE (UK) also stocks a wide range of jets, cable choke conversion, and spares. Info: www.ve-uk.com
£9.99 (UK post free) Reviewer: Mau A new limited edition compilation CD aimed at lovers of scooter lifestyle music was launched at the 2017 New Untouchables Brighton Mod Rally in August. That album (catalogue no. AC002) has been released by Alley Club Records. The CD, entitled Beat Scene ’65, covers all aspects of Mod, soul, ska, R&B garage, psych and more, all reflected in the sounds of ‘yesterday, today and tomorrow’, as brought to life by bands such as The Baron Four, King Mojo, The Sha La La’s and many more. If like me you were around in the 60s (or even if you just appreciate the 60s style of music), then you’ll enjoy this CD. And many of the tracks on this album – although modern recordings and
PRODUCT REVIEW interpretations – would fit perfectly in the various genres of music that were around in those heady days. It’s an album that’s well worth buying. Info: www.alleyclub.co.uk
Good news for Vespa wide frame owners If you’re the owner of a wide frame ‘fenderlight’ Vespa and you’re looking to inject a bit of life into its aging engine, then the latest catalogue from SIP might help you in obtaining those special parts that you need. The 52 page catalogue is printed in English and is now available online via SIP’s web shop. Visit: bit.ly/wideframecat2018-en.
Malossi transmission
Vespa V-Stripe helmet RRP: £139.99 Vespa V-Stripe helmets come in five shades; all feature contrasting coloured stripes, plus an Italian flag shield graphic and Vespa logo. This demi-jet helmet is approved to the current ECE2205 safety standard; it has an ABS shell and is secured with a microadjustable seatbelt-style quick-release strap. It’s fitted with a breathable, hypo-allergenic textile lining. There’s three visor options to choose from (standard and shaped short visors, plus a long version). The helmet comes in sizes XS-XL. Info: www.fowlersparts.co.uk
12
WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
RRP: £ ask GTS 300 owners looking to refine performance are well catered for by Malossi. The firm’s transmission range includes a performance variator assembly, Kevlar drive belt, and the Delta adjustable clutch kit. This kit will further enhance performance when fitted with the Malossi cylinder kit with V4 head; it will also enhance the standard machine’s performance. MULTIVAR VARIATOR: gives an overall increase in performance, with an improved top end speed, and better
acceleration. The variator is supplied as a complete kit with rollers, variator driven pulley, pulley bush, sliders, and back plate. KEVLAR DRIVE BELT: offers several key benefits over standard belts, with increased grip, increased time between services and reinforced layers to increase belt life. DELTA ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH KIT: allows a full range of adjustment for optimal tuning of the engagement point in the rpm; it’s supplied with a matching clutch drum. Info: www.ve-uk.com
Lammie cables RRP: £ ask These new Italian manufactured cable sets are Teflon-lined to allow unhindered movement; they are available in either a black or grey casing. Each set include the following: cables gear (2x), clutch, front brake, rear brake, choke and speedo. The set is suitable for Lambretta GP, Li3, SX and TV3 scooters. Info: www.ve-uk.com
Wanted: Mods & Rockers One of the halls planned for next years Scooter World event at Newark Showground in January 2018 will be a ‘Retro Hall’ covering the Mods & Rockers period. We’re looking for both scooters and motorcycles to display in the hall to give it that retro feeling. If you want to display your bike, please contact Mau (mspencer@ mortons.co.uk) in the first instance. Those wearing period dress are also welcome in the hall (and if you catch the Scooter World crew’s eyes, you may receive a special bonus).