Lambretta
V-Special
Italian launch
7
Big Rally
review
#374 August 2017
PLUS
Vesparicana 71,000km by Vespa!
From Iron Maiden to the Battle of Britain!
JOE & CO VESPA NORTHERN
COUTURE ERVIEW
EXCLUSIVE INT WITH JOSEF SCHINDLER
GS160 INSPIRED BY
EDDIE
Monza & Adria Lambretta 70th ■ Vespa Tech ■ Clubman exhaust test part 3 ■ BSSO at Cadwell ■ Mod Radio ■ RB 10th anniversary ■ top maintenance tips ■ Readers’ Rides ■ Scooter Trader ■ Events Guide and more…
Editor: Dan Clare Email: dan@scootering.com Publisher: Dan Savage Designer: Charlotte Turnbull Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield and Angie Sisestean Production editor: Dan Sharp General queries and back issues: Tel: 01507 529529 24hr answerphone Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm, 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 (but see page 48 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £49.20. Export rates are also available – see page 48 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 ad manager: Martin Freeman 01507 529538, mfreeman@mortons.co.uk ADVERTISING DEADLINES The advertising deadline for the next issue of Scootering (September 2017) is Thursday, August 3, 2017 On sale in newsagents Thursday, August 24, 2017 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
WELCOME
Welcome to the August edition of Scootering
I
nearly fell off my chair when I read a quote in one of this month’s articles: “You can dislike one of my works from across the car park.” You’ll discover it for yourself in due course but I can honestly say I found the good humour and thorough honesty of that pragmatic comment very refreshing, with all hint of ego left firmly at the door. Bravo, sir. Following on from that gem, another quote which caught my eye this month was from our very own Stan, in relation to his ‘doing the double’ at the Lambretta 70th celebrations over in Italy. It was as follows: “There was understandable anger when two ‘competing’ events were announced, but in hindsight it may have been for the best. I didn’t see any unhappy faces at either rally, it seems the only bad decision would have been to have stayed at home.” I particularly like the sentiment of this comment; it’s very true that some events conflict with one another, attract criticism for various reasons, or appeal to different groups of individuals… but regardless of your
particular stance; the only bad decision is to stay at home! No matter what your ‘thing’…get out and get involved. The final quote which I’d like to reflect on this month is this peach: “All these chaps are trying to do is ENJOY THEMSELVES, which is entirely why they were in the scene in the first place. So, please, let them do that.” The article from which that comment is lifted, Comedy Mod or Recycled Ace Face which you will discover on page 136, will no doubt evoke various emotions and responses, and so it should. But ultimately, the quote above stands out for me personally. I’m not here to please anyone else, and happily bumble through this scootering world in my own distinct style. As the Southern Comfort commercial states, illustrated by a man in pants and shoes walking down a beach… “Whatever’s comfortable.” Anyway, enough of my ramblings, it’s another belter this month… enjoy the issue. Dan
SCOOTERING is published by: Mortons Scooter Media, a division of Mortons Media Group Ltd © 2017 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 Member of the Professional Publishers' Association
S C O O T E R I N G WA S B R O U G H T T O Y O U W I T H T H E H E L P O F. . .
Sarge
With over four decades of riding, rally-going and competing on both Lambretta and Vespa scooters under his belt, he’s still going strong. A key player in the Scootering editorial team since the 80s. Top DJ to boot.
Nik Skeat
Vespa P-range obsessive, well-travelled rally rider since the 80s, and founder of the once notorious Scooterboy World online forum. He’s also a brilliant beer-brewing bearded Scootering feature writer.
Big Stan
80s scooterboy turned long distance rider. Be it local, national or international, he’ll ride anywhere in his quest to bring you the tastiest scooters, best roads, trade interviews and hidden gems.
Stuart Owen
Life member of the LCGB, 100mph LambrettaClub owner and scooter restoration expert to boot. Scooter rider, rally-goer, racer, restorer and author. Reaches the parts other scooter journalists just can’t reach.
Darrell Taylor Dave Oakley
Two-stroke tuning guru, scooter engine building maestro, technical aficionado, and dyno tuning specialist. When it comes to a true understanding of scooter engine top-ends, he is THE man.
Riding and building scooters since 1983, Dave has been a contributor to Scootering since the 90s. His builds include chops, cutdowns, street-racers, autos and the most infamous custom of the 80s!
Jordan Lewis Paul Green Hard-riding, rally going scooterist representing the Young Guns SC. He might be young in years, but this lad has already covered more miles than most and represents his club at the BSRA meetings.
Vespa & Lambretta scooter enthusiast, BSSO professional and general good egg. Our Paul has a long history of scootering both on the road and on the track, with the breakdown bills and crash scars to prove it.
CONTENTS 03Letter from the Editor
82Club Do’s & Events
06Kickstart
Words 93Scootering & Sounds
A warm welcome to the July issue of Scootering. The front section with all the latest news, views and product reviews!
14Aces High Monza 22Report: Lambretta 70th
Is this Gatch’s ‘finest hour’?
All the news and action brought to us from Italy by our Stan.
Lambretta 28Report: V-Special
Stan gets up-close and personal with the new Lambretta.
32Report: Euro-Lambretta Wee Stevie takes us through his time on the road, and at, Adria.
39
Report: Big 7
Stu fills us in on the good time at the Big 7 rally.
46
Mod Radio
Sarge finds out whether video really did kill the radio star.
Your essential guide to the scene – What, Where & When!
The best of words and music as reviewed by Nik & Sarge.
100Race report: Snetterton Time attack… something a little different to the usual race event!
102Race report: Cadwell Paul Green dissects the racing events at East Fortune in a blow-by-blow back with the BSSO in the 2017 race series.
109Tech Torque
Darrell Taylor unleashes the third part of his much revered Clubman Dyno series.
115Tech Torque
Stu Owen gives us this month’s essential maintenance tip.
120Tech Torque
Dan continues the mighty Vespa Tech series, this month with a P2 exhaust upgrade.
48Subscriptions
123Scooter Trader
51Mailbox 52Show us your scoots
136Recycled ace face?
Buy one now, get your mag delivered to the door, earlier than newsstands, and save money! Readers’ letters and feedback.
The best of our readers’ rides as sent in by you.
Your sales and classifieds section – including Specialist Services & At A Glance. Sharp dressing scooterist Rik Bardsley looks at ‘the old chestnut’ to try and restore harmony to the galaxy.
55Vesparicana
Thought your ride to the Euro-Lambretta or VWD was a long trip? Get a grip man; THIS is a long trip!
67Ten years of the RB
Stu Owen reflects on the performance kit which kick-started a tuning revolution.
72
Inspired by Eddie
It’s always a pleasure to have a Richie Lunt photographed machine adorn our pages, this shows why…
79Northern Couture
What happens when scooters and fashion collide? Rik finds out.
4 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017
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55
104
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98 WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 5
KICKSTART
LONDON-MILAN RECORD
SMASHED
BY 1 HOUR 33 MINUTES!
Among the British Lambrettas being ridden to Italy in June were the Robinson brothers, and they were intent on breaking a record... Setting the scene
The first London to Milan by Lambretta timed record was set in 1960 when Lambretta Concessionaires in Britain sent rider Harold Rowell to the Innocenti factory for the launch of Lambretta’s Series 2 Li range as a publicity stunt. The ride would be in two legs: London to the Channel Ports, and then from there to Italy. The time in between wasn’t counted. Various companies operated air ferries across the Channel in the 60s and that’s how Rowell crossed. His riding time was a very credible 22 hours 42 minutes and no doubt his sponsor, Castrol, was very pleased with the resulting publicity. Then in ’65 a TV200 ridden alternately by Ian Speller and Bob Webb did the trip in 19 hours 35 minutes with Filtrate Oils as the sponsor, promoting the ride as an endurance test for its products. Next, Arthur Francis turned his attention to the record as a way of promoting his tuning skills. In 1967 his sales manager Ken Peters piloted a modified SX200 to achieve a seemingly unshakeable time of 16 hours and 50 minutes. With the demise of Lambretta and the consequent
6 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017
lack of corporate interest in sponsorship, Peters’ record stood unchallenged for 50 years. With 2017 combining the 70th anniversary of Lambretta production and 50 years since the last record attempt it was inevitable that someone would try to set a new time and brothers David and Stephen Robinson stepped forward.
Planning and preparation
“When everyone thought the 2017 Euro-Lambretta was to be held in Milan, my brother and I decided it would be an adventure to attempt the London-Milan speed run,” said David. “When it was announced the Euro was to be held in Adria we decided to do it anyway.” Afraid of creating a competition, planning for the event was conducted in absolute secrecy, even their better halves knew nothing of their plans until a week before departure! Following an alcohol-fuelled conversation in a bar at Bridlington, Scootering agreed to act as official timekeeper and Darrell Taylor was recruited as technical advisor. The plan was to keep the attempt as close to the original records as possible. “It was just us and our scooters. We’d
STEPHEN’S SCOOTER Engine : RobboSpeed tuned (246cc delivering peak power at 6800rpm), Monza 225 cylinder with standard reed valves and cylinder head Misano engine case, 64x125 crank, LTH clutch and slipper. Cyclone 5 Speed gearbox, 20x47 primary’s giving a finaal ratio of 4.35, Tino super safe lay shafft and rear hub. Carburettor: 30mm Dellorto PBPH with Tino breathe sweet filter. Ignition: Varitronic ignition. Exhaust: Taylor Tuning. Wheels: SIP tubeless rims with Dunlop Scoot Smart tyres.
DAVID’S SCOOTER R
Pre-event testing showed a problem!
carry any spares and tools we were likely to need. We had no back-up van and no pre-mixed fuel. Our time includes all fuel stops, fuel mixing, snack and toilet breaks!” said Stephen. The load was distributed evenly with Stephen carrying spares while David carried a litre of gear oil and nine litres of two-stroke. Each scooter also carried six litres of spare fuel. “A lot of thought and planning went into how we’d set up the scooters for expected fuel consumption, economy and likely average speed,” said David. “We also needed to minimise hold ups, purchasing Swiss road tax in advance and buying the Sanef-Tag for the French toll roads. This saved us around 25 minutes over the journey.” Using the old Lambretta Concessionaires’ address of Trojan Way in Crawley for the start and Eurotunnel as the crossing method, a start date of May 30 was set. The route was Calais to Reims, then Nancy, Strasbourg, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Como and finally Milan.
Setting a record
“We were 25 miles into our journey when David shouted over the intercom ‘My scooter’s gone all tight’,” said Stephen, “I thought, FFS – here we go! His front brake
Tino signs the scooter.
had wound itself up to the point it was smoking. We lost 10 minutes messing about with it but it left David without much of a front brake. What a start!” At night it got cooler, quieter and easier. “The only downside was that we couldn’t see any of our timing instruments, which doesn’t sound a big problem but we were keen on gauging our pace,” said David. After riding at good average speeds for seven or eight hours the brothers made good progress but then fatigue set in. “Switzerland is a fantastic country to ride through but as the dynamics of the ride changed things started to get real tough,” said Stephen. “Tiredness was kicking in, the sun was high in the sky and the roads were getting busier. Just as we needed our full concentration, it left us! “We were making stupid mistakes, taking unnecessary risks, you name it we did it. Our average speeds were falling and David all but had a breakdown. He described it as having a demon in his helmet. This only lasted for around 100 miles but it felt so much longer.” Then came the St Gotthard tunnel. “Unbearable is an understatement,” said David. “It was like an oven. All we could do was get our heads down for the ten
Tired riders, happy team.
Engine: RobboSpeed tuned (238cc delivering peak power at 6800rpm), Monza 225 cylinder with standard reed d valves and cylinder head SIL engine case, 62x116 crank, LTH clutch and slipper. Cyclone 5 Speed ’box, 20x47 primary’s giving a final ratio of 4.35, Tino super safe layshaft and rear hub. Carburettor: 30 mm Dellorto PBPH with Tino breathe sweet filter. Ignition: Varitronic. Exhaust: Taylor Tuning. Wheels: SIP tubeless rims with Dunlop ScootSmart tyres.
and a half mile length and try not to get crushed by HGVs or choked by diesel fumes. After around 36 hours with no sleep and about 600 miles of riding we were not in a good place. By St Gotthard’s Services we were run down and fed up, then we met another British scooterist who was en route to the Euro. He had followed us through Facebook and congratulated us. His enthusiasm spurred us on. I don’t know his name but thanks pal – you were in the right place at just the right time.” With tiredness forgotten and speed ramped up the brothers smashed the previous record. At 15 hours 17 minutes the brothers had hacked an hour and 33 minutes from the existing record and an incredible seven hours and 25 minutes from Harold Rowell’s pioneering effort. It was an exhausting achievement, both physically and mentally, and Stephen and David both deserve their place in the very exclusive club of Lambretta record breakers. Words: Stan Photographs: Jim Rose & RobboSpeed
THANKS TO Darrell Taylor for his never-ending advice and support, Scootering for being the official time keepers and ongoing support right from the birth of our idea. Martin Robinson (our old man) for stirring or interest in Lambrettas. Sally and Kathryn for their support in all we do. Tino Sacchi, for his many years of commitment and development of the products which we used to achieve this. Finally our welcoming party; Martin Robinson, Donna Robinson, Tino Sacchi, Aldolfo Dartagnan, Tim Boardman, Sid Hopper, Tony Bryant, Steve Booth and Jim Rose who stood clock watching, GPS tracking, nail biting, and finally cheering us home!
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KICKSTART GORI CLOSE RATIO GEARBOX
VESPA LAND SPEED RECORD ATTEMPT
The Gori stand at Adria was full of surprises. For many it offered the first opportunity to see the new pressure cast Uni Auto Lambretta 200cc engine case while Giancarlo Gori himself was on hand to publicise the launch of his biography Ho Fatto Tutto Con Queste Mani or ‘I Made Everything With These Hands’. Also showcased on the stand was the RV4S close ratio Lambretta gearbox. Manufactured from steel alloy nickelchromium-molybdenum, which has been specially hardened and tempered, its gears are set at 47-40-37-35, and the cluster 19-17-15-14. This effectively gives a long first gear and close ratios between the rest, right through to fourth. Effectively, this enables the gearbox to realise some of the close-ratio benefits of a five-speed system, while retaining the structural integrity of a four-speed box. Cambridge Lambretta has a very limited quantity of the RV4S in stock priced at £425, while Giancarlo’s (Italian language) biography costs €35.90 and can be ordered by visiting www.youcanprint.it www.gorielaborazioni.it
As we go to press an Italian team is heading to Salt Lake City, Nevada, where they’ll mount an attempt to set a land speed record for a Vespa with sidecar. The team comprises Mauro Pascoli, Marco Fumagalli and Marco Quaretta. The record attempt will be made using heavily modified vintage Vespa ‘wide frame’ machines mated to a bespoke sidecar. Marco Fumigalli has built the engines using standard wide frame casings but in order to deliver the performance required a mixture of Pinasco components with others built to his own specification have been used. Three machines have been prepared, all named Dafne after Marco’s daughter. No land speed category currently exists for vehicles with 10in wheels but creating a benchmark figure is by no means certain. Setting aside mechanical and physical challenges, the salt flats have recently been deluged with rain. As a result it’s unclear if the surface will be dry enough for this year’s speed season. The record attempt is due to take place on August 12 and we’ll keep you updated on the team’s progress.
PINASCO SPLIT TUBELESS RIMS FOR LAMBRETTAS In a recent visit to Pinasco’s Italian development facility, Stan spied a prototype set of their split tubeless rims currently being developed for Lambretta models. The prototype is clearly modelled on Pinasco’s popular Vespa rims and appears to be in the final stages of development. There’s no doubt that these rims will prove popular but their price and release date are still to be confirmed. www.pinasco.com
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KICKSTART
Product spotlight
NEW ITEMS FROM READSPEED The very nice chaps at Readspeed have been busy in their workshops, using the old grey matter to bring clever new products to market. Below is just a taster of a handful of the items, which we will also be putting to the test in the Scootering workshop to see what we make of them ourselves… keep an eye out for that in coming editions. These bits aside, there are rumours of some rather exciting cylinder kits and performance packages for both the Scomadi and the new Lambretta V-Special… but we can’t say too much on those bits just now; all will be revealed in due course! In the meantime, here are the latest items out of the stable. For more info visit: www.readspeedscooters.com or 01299 828037
HERMES: 4-STAGE CDI
HADES: NON-LT COIL CDI
Readspeed’s new Hermes four-stage adjustable CDI is designed to work with all two-pin IDM-based type ignitions (Varitronic, Vespatronic, Casatronic, Parmakit, Malossi, Polini etc.). This plug and play item will work with any Lambretta/Vespa (or automatic) fitted with an aftermarket two-pin variable ignition system, based on the four-pole IDM stator plate. The CDI itself is simple to fit, just unplug and remove your original CDI and replace it with the Readspeed item. However, your ignition will then need setting up using a strobe. The four-stage unit offers an easy, fuss-free way to allow you to alter your advance/retard ignition setting quickly and easily by simply turning the switch to the desired setting. It can be altered depending on your engine’s characteristics, pipe used, or even the quality of fuel. If it’s pinking or overheating for instance, just knock it onto map 1 for extra ignition-retard. If lacking in low-down ‘pre-pipe’ grunt, strobe on maps 2/3 to gain some advance before the powerband. Price: £79.99
Another first from Readspeed. The new Hades CDI is for traditional Lambretta/Vespa electronic ignitions, but doesn’t require a low tension coil to operate! It rather cleverly uses the energy from the scooter’s own lighting circuit instead. So drag out your old Indian/Vespa stator plates, which have failed due to LT coil breakdown, for a solution to a long standing issue. Also perfect to carry as a spare in case your stator breaks on a trip/ rally. The unit has inbuilt retard of just a couple of degree for safety, with straight line map thereafter, so can be used as a safe/direct replacement. Price: £79.99
READSPEED ‘PERFECT FIT’ OIL SEAL PLATE Had problems with an old seal plate being warped, new ‘replacements’ being too thick and fouling crank webs, or even having the seal machined off centre by mistake? Then look no further; these seal plates are machined to give the best possible fit… and for only a tenner! Result. Price: £10
10 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017
HOW MUCH?!
The cost of buying a scooter, certain models in particular, has risen steeply in recent years. This doesn’t go unnoticed by scooter owners, with certain examples picked out to be fiercely debated on social media...
T
he issue of scooter sales prices seems to have engaged both the ‘against camp’ – who are furious at what they see as outrageous valuations, as well as the ‘for camp’ – who think this is fine and acceptable. Who is to blame though? Sellers asking inflated prices or buyers who are willing to pay over the odds? The reality is there are several reasons for either a surge or a decline in market values. Obviously prices are strong at the moment, but what is fuelling it and how long will it last? Back in 1999 I sold an original condition SX200 for £3000. Today, that price would seem like a bargain… but at the time comments were made to the effect that I was pricing owners out of the market. The fact that it only took a day to sell, tells me that this was not the case, and was vindicated by the same machine selling for treble that amount just a few months ago. One of the problems with the asking price stems from when a new record price is established. Just months after my SX200 was sold, similar models were being offered at £500 more. As they also reached their asking price and soon enough the £4000 barrier was broken which a year or two earlier seemed unthinkable. With steady increases year on year, the then 2008 financial crash finally put a halt to the rising prices. Most saw this as the end, and predicted that the cost of buying a Lambretta would now significantly decrease. Almost a decade on and with the economy in a better state, the prediction has not come true and the same models are now reaching five figure sums. The obvious factor is that people are now financially better off and are happy parting with larger sums of money to get what they want. However there are other reasons why
prices keep rising. Firstly is the rarity of the machines themselves, from Vespa GS to Lambretta TV/SX… certain models have always commanded the highest price. As time goes by they are getting harder to find so supply is always going to be less than the demand. The other reason is to look at why people are buying them in the first place. It is presumed when buying the scooter of your dreams it is because you intend to get many years of enjoyment riding it; this is not necessarily the case though. Some people now choose to buy a scooter as an investment, to make money on in the future. Let’s face it, if you have £10,000 in an account a couple of years later you will have practically the same amount. Some people, both scooterists and non-scooterists, believe that by investing in a scooter then it may be possible they will be able to sell it in the same timeframe for, say, £12,000. That’s a potential 20% return on the initial investment. How many banks or building societies can match that? It is worrying, and to be frank, quite a sad thought, to think that these days some people see a scooter as a commodity rather than the iconic machines they are…
We have all been there and heard the same old saying over and over again: I remember buying one of these for a fiver back in the 1970s 12 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017
Above: Iconic scooters, available for a tenner back in the 1970s but being sold for hundreds of times that amount today. Where will it all end?
something to own, ride, fix, restore and take pleasure from. So is the government to blame with its policies over the years creating a subculture due to zero per cent interest rates? Possibly so, as the frustrated public invest in anything that can get a decent return. This effect has driven the classic bike and car market to new highs when selling over the last few years, so this is an important fact to look at with regard to the current situation. If you plan to invest this way, remember: it is a gamble and the price can just as easily drop leaving and ‘expected investment’ in the red. We’ve all heard the saying: I remember buying one of these for a fiver back in the 1970s. Well those days are gone and venting your fury at someone who is selling one for thousands of times more than that will not change anything. The reality is if anyone does own a rare Lambretta or Vespa then its human nature to get as much as possible for it. If someone is willing to pay the price asked then why not do so? I did notice this week that a rare 1965 Ferrari could be the first car to fetch over 100 million dollars in auction, let’s hope this is not the case for the Lambretta or Vespa world in years to come. Stu
Aces High
Gatch’s Finest Hour? The Battle of Britain is one of history’s defining events and it was a logical choice for David Hallaway’s custom LML…
Ta aking flight
“Liike many kids I grew up makking Airfix models and d reading The Victor,” said David. “As I grew up thiss turned into a genuine admiration for ‘The Few’ who had fought in the Battle off Britain. When I deccided to produce a full blown n custom scooter it was the only theme that interrested me.” When David started to look foor an artist to turn hiss ideas into reality two thingss became obvious verry quickly. “Finding a new an ngle on the RAF theeme was difficult, I didn’t waant to duplicate what had been done previously,,” explained David, “also the prices I was quoted were eye-watering, I knew I’d have to pay but I also wanted to ride thee scooter when it was finished d.” At this point David was pointted in the direction off Gattch h, the prollific and d disttincttive Hallifax based d
artisst. “When David said he wanted a Battle of Britaain theme I almost hung up on him,” said Gatcch. “It’s been done so many times but when he outlined his idea I thought we coould make it work.” Like many in the world of scoootering, David is a man n of broad musical tastes. On ne of his favourite albu ums is Iron Maiden’s 1984 opus Powerslave and particularly the track Aces High. With lyrics writtten from the perspective of an RAF pilot fightting in the Battle of Britain, it’s grown to be one of the band’s best known songs. Often used to op pen their live concerts it’s ussually prefaced by quotes from Churchill’s ‘Fightt them on the beacches’ speech and the sound of aircraft. “I exxplained to Gatch that I wanted to replicate the track on the scooter, showingg the conflict from a piilott’s perspecttive.””
Man and machine – Dave with his pride and joy.
What at first seem to be a series of individual frames are actually representations of a cockpit canopy’s frame. The effect combines elements of 1970s comics, Commando books and the original artwork from Aces High’s cover sleeve. “The leg shields were Gatch’s idea,” said David, “and the original artwork looks like it could have been created by Gatch so it fitted his style perfectly.”
Mystery machine
One of our standard questions is ‘What was the hardest part of the build?’ For Aces High it could have been deciding what the base machine was. This is David’s first scooter and it’s had a few incarnations, including being fully ‘modded’ with lights and mirrors. When asked what type of machine it is David shakes his head “I bought it as an LML150, but it was one of the first imports. All the casings are stamped ‘Piaggio’ and on the V5 it’s a Vespa so you decide!” Having conducted the rebuild David’s club-mate Tony Lewis is convinced that it’s an LML. “The wiring was a nightmare so it’s definitely LML,” he explained. “Why they felt the need to change the proven PX loom so radically is a mystery. There’s so much wiring behind the horn-casting that it’s almost
16 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017
G AT C H , S U C H A S H Y B O Y Yorkshiremen aren’t known for holding back an opinion but Gatch’s opening remarks even took me by surprise: “There are a lot of people out there that don’t like my work and I’m fine with that,” he began. “There are some great artists out there at the moment but photo-realism’s got to such a point that it’s hard to tell who’s painted it without looking for a signature. You can dislike one of my works from across a car park!” Gatch Rivet, which is possibly not his real name, has a style rooted in street art. He’s self-trained, a scooterist and huge fun to talk with. “Each to their own, but personally I think that if someone’s got £15k tied up in a scooter that looks like a pikey’s caravan and they’re afraid to ride it, they’ve missed the point entirely.” He continued: “My typical customer is a rally going scooterist
who wants something distinctive. If they ask about chroming and engraving I tell them to get down the powder coaters and use the money they’ve saved on having a good time with the scooter!” Gatch’s turnaround times are fast and his prices are very affordable. “No one should be afraid to ride a scooter because of paint,” said Gatch. “I use solid colours and a very hard German lacquer. The effect isn’t as deep or lustrous as other lacquers but it’s easily repaired. If one of my works is dropped I can usually fill any scratches and go straight over the top. Try doing that with candy paint!” There’s a real need for affordable, repairable, distinctive and rideable machines. I get the feeling that Gatch is pleased when one of his machines wins a trophy but he’s happiest when he sees them being ridden.
MAN & MACHINE Owner: David Hallaways Club: Pontefract Scooter Club, VCB. Job: Publican. First Interest in scooters: I’ve always had the itch, loved the clothes and music but finally bought this scooter around three years ago. I’d had motorcycles before that. Funny experience: Around 30 of us went to Scarborough and one of the lads said he knew h a shortcut to Peasholm Park. We snuck through some bollards and ended up riding through an open air cafe, actually in between tables. The management were going to chew us up but the customers started clapping and taking photos. Favourite dealer: Chiselspeed. Iron Maiden artwork provides a twist.
Scooter Name: Aces High Type: LML 150. Inspiration: A lifelong admiration for Second World War RAF pilots and love of Iron Maiden. Paint: Gatch. Engine: Malossi 166, PM Pipe, SIP rims, YSS shocks. d Specialised parts: Rear mud flap and side stand by Mel’s Weld, VBB rear light. Build by: Tony Lewis at Bones to be Wild Tuningg. o Hardest part of build: Getting the floor runners to fit, I don’t know what they were made for but itt wasn’t a PX! Is it reliable: So far it’s been exceptionally reliablee.
Memory lane for readers of Warlord!
David’s motto could be ‘ridden not hidden’.
WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 17
Drum brake has been retained with Makino shoes providing extra stopping power.
Yorkshire Air Museum staff loved the mud flap.
impossible to fit it all in.” Mechanically the engine’s been completely overhauled with a Malossi 166 top end and a PM Tuning exhaust. “We haven’t GPS’d it yet but it’s very quick with loads of torque and, so far has been utterly reliable. I’m very pleased with it.”
Cheque please
Custom scooters have been part of scootering ever since someone first strapped on a pennant. Unfortunately in the eyes of many the financial investment that’s now required to create a trophy winner places them beyond reach. Aces High was awarded Best Vespa on its first outing at the YSA pre-season ride out but the entire build cost little more than the refurbishment I’ve got planned for my P2. David proves that with a little imagination and sensible budgeting it’s possible to create a distinctive machine that’s enjoyable to ride. To butcher Churchill’s famous words “Rarely in scootering has so much value been delivered for so little.” Words: Stan Photographs: Gary Chapman
YO R K S H I R E AIR MUSEUM Scootering would like to thank the Yorkshire Air Museum (YAM) and particularly Ian Richardson its communications manager for giving us free rein during the photo shoot. One of the UK’s premier aviation heritage sites, YAM is situated around 15 minutes from the A64 and although it’s a great ride out destination in its own right, it also makes a perfect rest stop for those attending the East Coast Nationals. Visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.org
18 | SCOOTERING | AUGUST 2017