Maskes Vespa
on his new
Dutch dealer’s hidden gems
Quattrini
Lambretta kit
Klassiekers
Riding Dirty
Customs trade
spotlight #378 December 2017
PLUS
Max
Ride of the
Valkyries Stunning Apocalypse Now themed custom
PLUS End of
soon sepa ort fr m re
Brid!
INTERVIEW WITH
SPANISH REVOLUTION
THE JAM’S LAMBRETTA RICK BUCKLER INSPIRED THE ABSOLUTE BY GUY TOPPER’S
BEGINNING THE COOLER
New: Scooter Boy Tales ■ Chiselspeed Quattrini exhaust info ■ Darrell Taylor tech advice ■ VWD Belfast guide ■ JB Barrington interview ■ latest news ■ racing ■ your scooters ■ Scooter Trader ■ Events Guide and more…
WELCOME 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 42 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £49.20. Export rates are also available – see page 42 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steven O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Thomas – gthomas@mortons.co.uk Tel (01507) 529417 Emma Buxton-Rockley – ebuxton-rockley@mortons.co.uk Tel (01507) 529410 Divisional advertising team leader: Zoe Thurling 01507 529412, zthurling@mortons.co.uk ADVERTISING DEADLINES The advertising deadline for the next issue of Scootering (January 2018) is Thursday, November 30, 2017 On sale in newsagents Thursday, December 21, 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 to the December edition of Scootering
B
e careful what you ask for, you just might get it. When I sat down to this year’s BSRA meeting at Brid, I knew there had been murmurings across the internet recently, in regard to the National Rallies and the need/want for them to ‘bring something new’ to the table. But, what I didn’t know, was that planning was already afoot for said shakeup and VFM head-honcho Steve Foster would put a question mark over Brid 2018. Once the phrase ‘TBC’ was announced at the custom show, it wasn’t long before the conspiracy theories and rumour mills were in full churn as to why this was happening. I watched as the droves of scooterists vented online, swapped theories, and ranted: “But what about my deposit for the B&B I re-booked!” I kid you not, I spoke to one guy on the night who told me: “We’ve covered our arses, we’ve heard a rumour where next year’s end of season national will be, so we’ve booked both there and Brid again online… just in case.” I nearly choked on my pint, I said: “You’ve booked accommodation at an
event that you don’t know where its happening or what date it’s on?” He replied: “Yeah, crafty eh?” I give up. Anyway, regardless of what happens at the nationals in 2018, it looks like Steve’s bold move will be the catalyst for further variety at all of the rallies in future, and that can be no bad thing. The times are a changing, and thankfully it looks like we are changing with them. Normally at this point, I do a ‘round up’ of the edition’s highlights, but I’m not going to do that his month. I instead want to reflect on one particular page: 130. All I’ll say is this, you think you are having a bad day? Take a read of this one-page Reader’s Ride story and then tell me if you are really having a bad day. And lastly his month, thanks to MSC for placing another humorous cameo appearance in their adverts, I do enjoy them, keep them coming. 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
The Professional Publishers Association Member
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. . .
Stu Smith
Vespa & Lambretta owner, scooter obsessive, amateur home mechanic, rally goer, Mod sympathiser, music lover and general all round good egg. He writes your rally reports, be nice to him.
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.
Jordan Lewis Stuart Owen 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.
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!
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.
Sarge
With over four decades of riding, rally-going and competing on both Lambretta and Vespa scooters under his belt, this former Freddie Mercury lookalike is still going strong. He’s a top DJ too, don’tcha know.
CONTENTS 03Letter from the Editor
A warm welcome to the December issue of Scootering.
06Kickstart
The front section with all the latest news, views and product reviews!
14Ride of the Valkyries
Stu Smith enters the heart of darkness to discover a stunning Apocalypse Now themed custom scooter. Just remember… Charlie don’t surf.
22REPORT: Bridlington Rally
The end of the season finale – Stan brings us his report from Brid seafront.
28REPORT: Wicksteed
Stu Smith gets up close and personal with scooter legend Kev Walsh at his parts fair.
33
Reader’s Ride: Racing pedigree
Jason Robinson’s Lotus Lambretta – a tribute to one of Formula 1’s most highly respected drivers – is the focus of this Man & Machine feature.
41Mailbox
Readers’ letters, laughs, feedback and fury – get it off your chest man!
42
Subscriptions
44
Amazing paint
48
Show us your scoots
Buy one now! Get your mag delivered to the door, earlier than newsstands, and save money… cool.
Knocking out some amazing paint jobs, Scootering meets Rich Coveney to find out more about the man behind Riding Dirty Customs.
The best of our readers’ rides as sent in by you.
Spotlight: Going 63Trade Dutch
Never heard of Maskes Vespa Klassiekers? Check out this super-cool Vespa heaven.
68The Spanish Revolution There’s too much to say about this crazy S2 Lambretta… you’d best just read it for yourself.
74Interview: Rick Buckler Andy Gray meets up with Rick Buckler, who explains how The Jam’s big hit before they were famous nearly ended in disaster.
the world was 79When young, and so was I
Rik Bardsley meets up with wordsmith JB Barrington to find out more about him, his work and his scooter.
83Club Do’s & Events
Your essential guide to the scene – What, Where & When!
Words 86Scootering & Sounds
The best of words and music as reviewed by Nik and Sarge.
an Italian thing: 88It’s Quattrini MT-210-TV
Christian Giarrizzo interviews Max Quattrini on this stunning new kit, while Stan quizzes Chiselspeed’s Martin Cook about the new exhaust he designed for it.
Torque: Tell me 94Tech about it… stud!
The maestro, Darrell Taylor, is back with an in-depth feature about studs and their link to four-point seizures.
Torque: Lambretta 100Tech performance review Pt 2 Scooter sprinter Stu Owen continues his new series on Lambretta performance.
50French Connection
115Scooter Trader
55Bushmills Baby!
Nostalgic 128Dave’s Custom Corner
Matt Babbington’s left no stone unturned to finish this lovely Baldet Deluxe.
Stan continues his guide to the when, where and why for next year’s VWD in Belfast with a visit to the home of a famous tipple.
56Bitchin ’57 Wide Frame
Neil Castle’s gorgeous ‘low light’ Vespa has all the right curves in all the right places.
4 | SCOOTERING | DECEMBER 2017
44
Your sales and classifieds section – including Specialist Services and At A Glance.
This month it’s The Genesis Racer (that’s a Yamaha Genesis… not Phil Collins).
130
Reader’s Ride
Our favourite reader’s scooter this month. Think you’ve had it tough? Check out Steve Gray’s positive outlook and find out what pushes him on.
Never miss from only £20 an issue Subscribe today on page 42
50
74
63 WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 5
KICKSTART
SCOOTER WORLD EXTENDS AN INVITE
S
cooter World 2018 will not only span four halls at Newark Showground on January 6-7, but will also encompass an outside area developed from the previously popular, ‘Blast From The Past’ bike start-up. So this year will see the introduction of a ‘Sprint Demo’ area (weather permitting), run in conjunction with 100mphscooter and the Robin Hood sprint organisation (limited entry; no bookings on the day). Here spectators can see a variety of bikes in action, as well as listening to Team S Equipe’s John and Norman Ronald commentating on the event and interviewing participants in the new dedicated ‘Sports Pit Hall’. Scooter World is part of the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic event, run by Scootering’s publisher Mortons Media. There will also be a designated Retro Hall which will, as the title suggests, take on a retro theme, including period 60s/70s classic scooters and motorcycles – contact organiser Mau Spencer if you have something of interest. We’re also encouraging people to wear period dress. The weekend will provide the opportunity to
see the new Lambretta – and maybe even the Royal Alloy scooter ranges (subject to their UK arrival); and sticking with the subject of new scooters, you can also see the new dks race team Scomadi scooters currently being prepped for the 2018 BSSO race season. This should provide the opportunity to see the latest 400cc Scomadi scooter in the flesh. Other happenings and fund-raising ideas/competitions will be taking place (including a photographic competition organised by Vespa scooter racing legend Norrie Kerr). Also for this year, the weekend charity auctions will be replaced by a charity tombola where you could win a £200 helmet for the price of a ticket! And lastly, music has always been popular – especially among scooterists – so Mod Radio will be broadcasting from the show on both days (get those requests in now). There’s the regular custom show with trophies and cash prizes too. Among all of this, scooter clubs and privateers will be displaying their bikes, interspersed with dealers’ displays and other stalls – and that’s where you join in with the spirit of things by submitting your
ON SMALL WHEELS RELOCATES… On Small Wheels, Swansea’s classic scooter workshop, established since 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 informed that the kettle is on at all times, just bring biscuits to: 104 Clyndu St, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7BG, with the telephone number remaining as 01792 421846
6 | SCOOTERING | DECEMBER 2017
entries into the show. It costs nothing for clubs or individuals to enter.
SHOW ENTRY FORMS:
Download from www.classicbikeshows.com Individual/club stand enquiries: Victoria Bean (VBean@mortons.co.uk / 01507 529593) Trade stall enquiries: Rebecca Urry (RUrry@mortons.co.uk / 01507 529436) General scooter club/organisational questions: Mau Spencer (mauspencer@ classicscooterist.com / 01507 529408) Sprint demo information: Pete Newbold (100mphscooter.com@ gmail.com) Scooter World (part of the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic) takes place on January 6-7 at Newark Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY.
SUPERTUNE LTD – ELECTRIC DREAMS Ownership of the Supertune trademark and company has passed from Stuart Owen to new owner Gary Seale. With his business partner Andreas Treuberg in Preston, they have created what they believe to be the first production ready fully integrated electric start Lambretta kit. Initially available as a fitted service from December, the kit is expected in Q3/Q4 2018. Contact Gary 07815 716593 or enquiries@ supertune.org for more info or visit the website www.supertune.org/lambretta-electric-start.php
SCOOTER SECURITY CCTV AT NO MAJOR COST… With the number of scooters being stolen each year rising it’s only right that we try and take as many precautions as possible to protect our investments. The hard work, effort, blood, sweat and tears that goes into our passion is second to none, and then to have some low-life steal it is a position no-one ever wants to find themselves in. There is a wide range of security devices on the market such as, grip-locks, smart-water, CCTV systems, security signs, ground anchors, disk locks, tracking devices, and bomb-proof sheds. All of which can cost from as little as £30 right up to £1000+. While researching the topic of scooter security we discovered an app called ‘AtHome’, which basically transforms your old smart phone or tablet into a security camera for free! Here’s what to do. Search the app
store and find the ‘AtHome’ app (of which there are two – see the attached screen-shot). The blue one is the ‘AtHome Video Streamer’ app, which needs to be installed into your old device, and will act as the CCTV ‘live-streaming’ camera. The red one is the ‘AtHome Camera cloud monitor’ app, which needs to be installed into your current device and will act as the ‘CCTV monitor’. When you’ve found the two apps, visit the below web link, which gives you an easy to understand step-by-step guide as to how to download, install and get the best use out of your new ‘zero cost’ CCTV system. http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/ features/turn-your-old-smartphoneinto-a-cctv-camera-843512 It’s no sophisticated system, but does offer a good alternative to just stuffing your old mobile phone in a draw, never to be seen or used again…
BSRA National Rally Dates announced: March 30-April 2: Whitby May 4-7: Tenby May 25-28: Kelso June 8-10: Big 7 July 6-8: Cleethorpes July 27-29: Exmouth August 24-27: Isle of Wight September 21-24: Woolacombe End of season event: Venue and date TBC!
BSRA CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS Well what a surprise this championship turned out to be. Neither of the first two contenders turned up at Bridlington, meaning that the floor was open. This however didn’t mean that the winners weren’t worthy in any way. The results for BSRA Championship 2017 are: Best Supporting Male: Jason Ude 1st runner up: Scott Southon 2nd runner up: Jamie Lawn Best Supporting Female: Vicky Swinge 1st runner up: Nadine Ridge 2nd runner up: Ann Murphy Best Supporting Club: London Lambretta Club
A big thank you and show of appreciation for all of our sponsors: Tucano Urbano, Lexham Insurance, Crusader Promotions, Jim Moulder Putoline Oils, Mark Knapman, Mansfield Monsters, VFM, VCGB, LCGB, SWSC & Dougie Bond at A Touch of Glass for the fab trophies You can get in touch via the BSRA webpage or via the Facebook page if you decide to sign on for 2018 either as an individual or a club. You don’t have to sign the whole club up, just those who are likely to attend the Nationals (minimum of 4). It’s done on a percentage of attendance and you are automatically signed on as individuals. There has been a lack of interest from clubs over the years so it would be great if a few more signed up for 2018.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING Don’t worry, it’s not too late to stock up on scooter themed goodies. Kilmarnock Vespa dealer Go Full Throttle has created a unique range of greetings cards perfect for sending your greetings to scooterists at home and abroad. Priced between £1.90 to £2.50, they all have a message inside and can be personalised free with a name. Created in-house they’re only available from Go Full Throttle. www.gofullthrottle.co.uk
WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 7
KICKSTART
Product spotlight ightt SCREAMER XA7 ALARM DISC LOCK Scooter theft has reached epidemic proportions, so it’s time to fight back! Oxford’s new Scoot XA7 disc lock is not just tough, it’s loud too. If it com mes under attack, it will blast out an ear-splitting and disoorientating 110dB alarm. It has a USB-recharg geable CR2 battery, a handy lock button and a motion and shock sensors. Key features: ■ Loud 110dB alarm m siren ■ Three keys include ed ■ USB rechargeable ■ Press once to lock ■ Hardened 7mm locking pin For more info: www.oxfordproducts.coom
CRAZY MONKEY – THE SLOTH THROTTLE ROLLER FOR VESPA In addition to the already available and well known quick action throttle rollers of various manufacturers, Crazy Monkey Deevelopment has reinvented the principles of fastening the th hrottle cable by removing any moveable parts like trunnions. Th he Sloth, as the device is known, combines the advantages of qu uick action throttle rollers with an integrated cable attachment. No more trouble with tiny trunnions or unreachable areas in nside small sized handlebars, just put the throttle cable inside th he roller, fasten one easily accessible screw and you are done. Vaarious Vespa models are supported and two different throttle rooller sizes (type A/B = 40mm; type A2/B2 = 45mm diameter) arre available. The Sloth is made from durable plastic polyamide. Avvailable for Vespa PK, PX & V50 Sp pecial and Vespa Large & Smallframe with round headlight (like 50N, SS50, SS S90, V90, V100, PV, ET3, Sprint etc). Prrice: €24.99 each (including tax) an nd available at Scooter Center Köln orr Crazy Monkey Development (ssales@thecrazymonkey.rocks).
IMPROVED HANDLING HANDLIN FROM VE Obtaining the best possible road handling from a scooter doesn’t just come down to tyre choice – a well maintained suspension system also makes a dramatic difference. VE (UK) stocks a complete range of standard replacement and performance dampers for automatic and classic scooters. Their standard 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. Designed to replace the original factory fitted units, they ensure that road handling is not compromised due to tired or worn out parts. VE (UK) also stocks a wide range of performance dampers for those owners who are looking for a more refined suspension set up on their machine. They offer the ability to fine tune the feel and support offered by the damper when cornering or when carrying extra luggage. The range includes units by Malossi, YSS, Pinasco, Forsa, and RMS, with front and rear versions available for many models. To view the complete range of suspension products available from VE (UK) visit: www.ve-uk.com
Never miss an issue 8 | SCOOTERING | DECEMBER 2017
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KICKSTART
Clothing spotligh ht NEW STYLES ADDED DED TO SCOOTERING CLOTHING RANGE E Our new range of Scootering clothing has received a very warm rece eption we are pleased to say, to the extent that we have added a whole bun nch of new garments, styles, designs and colours to the range. The already popular range of hoodies, sweatshirts, polos and T-shirts is still going strong, and are still available to order as long as demand remains high. The new styles are just an extension of what’s already available, and they look good too! If you haven’t checked out the new Scootering clothing range, go online now to: www.scootering.com and click the ‘clothing’ link to see the full range of garments, styles, colours and designs. Oh, and it’s not just for the blokes, there is a full range of ladies’ and kids’ styles too. SC
10 | SCOOTERING | DECEMBER 2017
CHEQUEBOOK SCOOTERING Recently the term ‘chequebook scootering’ has been heavily debated on social media. Does it really exist though, or is it just a myth?
D
uring the 1980s scooter scene there was a surge in the number of custom scooters being built. It didn’t matter whether it was a Vespa or a Lambretta, the competition was so intense. The more owners wanted to outdo each other the more money was spent. The rivalry was fierce but it was natural and healthy in developing the custom side of the scooter scene. This was the decade where we first started to see commission scooters built to order. It was also the first time that chequebook scootering was mentioned. What did it mean though and why was the phrase bandied around? At a time when you could buy a good second hand scooter for a few hundred pounds to see some of the high-end custom scooters costing several thousand certainly raised a few eyebrows. It must be remembered though that some of the work being produced was exemplary. Not just the paintwork but the chroming or engraving, most done to the highest standard possible. The skilled craftsmen producing the work were professionals in their own right so their time was always going to come at a price. No one ever questioned the standard of the scooters being produced and I’m pretty sure anyone who was there at a rally or show stood in awe looking at each and every one. What started to bother a certain element of the scootering community was that the owner’s only contribution to these magnificent creations was that they funded them. While it might have looked that way, this didn’t mean that it was entirely true. These creations required several skills already mentioned and there was no way one person would be able to do them all. A custom scooter always
It doesn’t matter how much a scooter costs or how much a person is involved in the process of building it. What matters is that someone had the idea to do it in the first place.
requires the input of several people and always will. It might be that part of the problem was the amount of money being spent. To some, it seemed excessive and to a certain extent, those that were spending were seen to be careless. Did it matter though? It was their money and they had earned it so it was up to them how they decided to use it. The fact that they chose to spend it customising a scooter at least meant they were putting investment back into the dealers that as scooterists we all needed one way or another. Another thing to remember – although huge sums were being spent it didn’t raise the price of scooters in general. Far from it as many of these machines lost money when sold on. So now it brings us up to the present and gone are the days when a custom scooter cost a few grand. It’s quite easy for it to be in the tens of thousands with some owners having several built. So yet again
I think there is a certain degree of envy by some who are less bothered about the scooter that has been created than they are by how much money the owner has to spend on it.
12 | SCOOTERING | DECEMBER 2017
the term ‘chequebook scootering’ raises its ugly head. If a person owns a scooter whether it is a Vespa or a Lambretta they most likely have a vision of how they want it to be, their dream scooter. So they pay someone to do the paintwork, the engine, chrome and engraving, fabrication and finally the person who rebuilds it. One fact remains – the idea came from the person who owned it, and that was not paid for. The initial idea is the most important part of the process. Even if you do most of the building yourself but pay someone to do the paint then surely that in a way is partly ‘chequebook scootering’? I think there is a certain degree of envy by some who are less bothered about the scooter that has been created than they are by how much money the owner has to spend on it. Does it really matter? As long as people keep investing in the scene, that is what really matters. Over the last four decades, there have been some iconic custom scooters built, undoubtedly some costing more than others. Without them though the scene would have been a lot less exciting. So next time you’re looking at a custom scooter whose owner had no physical hand in creating, remember that without them it would have never happened. Chequebook scootering, it’s all a myth in my opinion.