Scootering September 2017

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#375 September 2017

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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 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 (October 2017) is Thursday, September 7th, 2017 On sale in newsagents Thursday, September 28th, 2017 SCOOTERING (USPS:020-245) is published monthly

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Welcome to the September edition of Scootering

L

ast month I picked out three quotes from various articles within the magazine to focus on, as I really felt that they either summed up the issue, or offered some great comedy value. It’s not something I usually do, and I’ll try not to make a habit of it, but…

I have to say, and it is completely by chance, that two quotes from this month’s mag really stood out, and happened to emphasise polar ends of the scene, from eras nearly 30 years apart. The first quote is lifted from the DTC GTS article: “It’s only when good custom built autos start to come along that we’ll know for certain they’re finally embedded in the scene.” I believe that to be a fair opinion, and given that the legendary Maca from DTC has put his name to this tuned-up and home-built GTS, I think we may be turning a significant corner in that respect.

The opposing quote, which in my opinion not only captures a distant era, but also offers a fabulous bit of humour, is taken from Stan’s write-up of the Sentinal custom Vespa. The quote is as follows: “Whether because the superpowers of the day seemed

intent on atomic war or due to the amount of narcotics consumed in the entertainment industry, the Eighties spawned a huge amount of fantasy-derived material.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the custom scene fully embraced the prospect of scantily clad three-breasted warrior princesses riding tigers.” I had to smile when I read that, especially as my former Scooterotica business partner Sean Brady still owns a substantial fantasy art book collection, and has done his fair share of custom scooter airbrushing to that effect! It was an interesting era, and one I still enjoy… not sure about the three-breasted warrior princesses, but you get the idea!

Quotes aside, we have some fabulous stuff lined up this month, a great conclusion to the Lambretta Clubman series, Stan test-rides the Vespa Tech PX125 out in Germany, we have a plethora of custom scooters and rally reports, and a fabulous duo of big-name music interviews. 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

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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

79Ocean Colour Scene

06Kickstart

82Club Do’s & Events

A warm welcome to the September issue of Scootering.

The front section with all the latest news, views and product reviews!

14Bullseye!

The first, and the last, Maca DTS GTS.

22

REPORT: Vespa World Days – Celle

Big Stan brings you all the news and action from Germany.

British Vespa 28REPORT: Days

The controversial ‘Thistlegate’ event gets the verdict from Big Stan.

Cleethorpes 32REPORT: Rally

Stu takes us through the highs and lows of Cleethorpes.

37

REPORT: Llandudno Rally

Jamie fills us in on the wild times in Wales.

Frontman Simon Fowler reflects on the 21st anniversary of the band’s Moseley Shoals album.

Your essential guide to the scene – What, Where & When!

Words & 91Scootering Sounds

The best of words and music as reviewed

by Nik & Sarge.

98Stone Foundation

The band, their music, and gigging with Weller… Simon Wells finds out all.

100Tech Torque:

The epic Vespa Tech series continues, Stan road tests the PX modifications to give valuable reader feedback.

Rothmans Race 102YPVS Lambretta Ten years on, Gunny finally gets his RD350-engined Lambretta finished… well, almost.

41Pinasco Parts Emporium 107 Tech Torque: Lake Como 112 44 Industry big player Pinasco spills the beans about its new product range.

Tech Torque:

Stu Owen gives us this month’s essential maintenance lesson.

Big Stan gives us his guide to this Italian cultural gem.

Darrell Taylor unleashes the fourth part of his in-depth Clubman Dyno series.

48Subscriptions

117Race Report: Anglesey

50Mailbox 52Show us your scoots

120Death Proof

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.

60

Violator

65

Milan-Taranto: A Lambretta Rider’s Tale

A show-winning custom Lambretta 90s original.

Stu Owen interviews Dave Waddingham about his epic journeys.

74

The Sentinal

One STUNNING custom Vespa, see for yourself.

4 | SCOOTERING | SEPTEMBER 2017

129

Paul Green brings us up to speed with a fast-paced and action-packed race report.

Sometimes the simple customs scooters shine through, it’s not all about cheque books.

125Scooter Trader

Your sales and classifieds section – including Specialist Services & at a glance.

129Pebble and The Boy

Sharp-dressing scooterist Rik Bardsley takes a behind-the-scenes peek at this upcoming film.

138Reader’s Ride

The reader’s scooter that’s caught our eye this month

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98

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102 WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 5

KICKSTART

SCOOTER WORLD 2018

T

he date is set for the weekend of January 6-7, 2018 for the next Scooter World and if everything goes according to plan it looks likely to be the biggest ever with Scooter World taking all four halls in their block. In a bid to keep things fresh, the format of the last few years will change slightly with various interactive attractions within (and outside) the halls to keep everyone entertained.

Some of the items mentioned below are subject to certain conditions, but here’s what we are working towards:

Scooter clubs & dealers’ halls As usual there will be the normal variety of individual scooterists and clubs displaying their machines, interspersed with dealers’ displays and stalls. There will also be the obligatory custom show with trophies and cash prizes.

Be one of the first to see & test the new Lambretta

The much talked-about new Lambretta range lands in the UK just prior to Christmas. Okay, we appreciated that they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, being a modern auto – but carrying the Lambretta badge makes them an important scooter marque whether you like them or not. So why not come along to Scooter World and see them in the flesh – or maybe take a test ride on our secure enclosed track – before making your mind up. And if you do like them, then you can order one at the show!

Fun sprint

Another addition planned for this year (weather permitting) will be an outside ‘fun sprint’ event run in conjunction with 100mphscooter and the Robin Hood sprint organisation. This will be a limited entry, pre-booked only event (you cannot book on the day) and once all the places are filled that’s it!

To avoid stand disruption to other stands and bikes on display, all entries for the fun sprint will be allocated space in the riding pits hall where they can be viewed by members of the public; the pits hall will also serve as the scrutineers’ area. The sprint participants will also be interviewed by our team of commentators, so you’ll be able to find out more about the riders and their machines.

Scooter tombola

Replacing the previous charity auction run

by Mau in previous years will be a tombola stall with various scooter and bike-related items being up for grabs – so if you pull out a winning number you could win something like a £200 helmet for the price of a ticket – come along and have a go!

The scootter world radio show Negotiations are also under way for a radio station to be based in one of the halls to

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WIN A PAIR OF ‘WATTS S’ BOWLING SHOES FROM M DELICIOUS JUNCTION. The lovely guys at Delicious Junction have teamed up with Scootering to offer a pair of his ‘n’ hers bowling shoes as competition prizes. For a chance to win, simply go to the competition section on our website: www.scootering.com

6 | SCOOTERING | SEPTEMBER 2017

broadcast from the event over the weekend. So if you want to make a dedication, or send a message to someone, this is your chance. And as a show visitor, there’s also the possibility that you may be grabbed for an interview.

Remote control area

Both adults and kids like to have a bit of fun. Although not confirmed as yet, it is proposed to have an area put aside for people to have a go on various sorts of remote-controlled machines – come along and have some fun!

Scooter World takes place as part of the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show over the weekend of January 6-7, 2018.

The event takes place at the Newark Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY. Show entry forms are available via www. classicbikeshows.com

RIDING KIT LONG-TERM REVIEW Having spent the best part of a year putting the Tucano Urbano Gulliver Jacket, Skinsulator gloves, Urbis pant and Caberg Duke Helmet through their paces, now is a good time for an update and review. Starting with the helmet, I’ve got to say I was initially dubious regarding the internal sun visor positioning, as the lower edge ran right across my line of vision.

Thankfully, as the helmet continued to bed in, this improved significantly and no longer became an issue.

The external visor and vent switches are all easy to use with gloves on, and the chin opening mechanism works very well. I can’t say it’s a quiet helmet, because it isn’t, nor does it ooze the quality feel of the big brands such as Arai, Shoei or Shark… but then again, it’s a sub-£200 helmet and you get more than your money’s worth for the £189.99 RRP. It also fares extremely well in the SHARP safety testing, achieving a 5-star rating. On to the jacket and pant: they’re not a ‘complex’ or extremely technical jacket and trouser, but they do what they say on the tin. The thermal liner is more mid-weight than heavy-weight on both, and that sees the garments keep me comfortable on all but the most freezing of days.

Waterproofing wasn’t an issue, even in the most

NEW

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19-20 August BSSO Race Lydden Hill 19 August Todrophenia Todmorden Cricket Club, OL14 7BS 25-28 August 2017 Isle of Wight National Rally 1-3 September Mersea Island, 25th anniversary 8-9 September 2017 Undercover Festival V www.undercoverfest.com 22-25 September 2017 Woolacombe National Rally 29-30 September Aviemore Scooter Weekend Mackenzies Highland Inn

BRITISH BRAND LEADS THE WAY IN CORROSION PROTECTION torrential downpours (anyone travelling to/from Kelso this year will testify). The only negative on the jacket is that I didn’t like the positioning or size of the air-vent zips – trying to utilise them while riding was not easy. The jacket does have some nice safety features though; I particularly liked the fold-out reflective cuff strips and collar. At £224.99 it’s priced fairly for a jacket with good design, fit, safety features and D30 armour.

The pant, I must say, was outstanding. A great fit, thoroughly watterprooff, fi fitted

A new item, not yett tested, is the Areos, which is a short waterproof jacket for summer weather riding. The new item from Tucano Urbano is made from breathable, windproof and waterproof Polyester outer with taped seams.

The jacket comes with elbow and shoulder armour, and has a pocket for an optional back protector. The jacket’s outer layer includes reflective panels, to increase your visibility in poor light. Available S to 3XL, in light grey or dark blue, it retails at £129.99.

For information visit www.tucanourbano.com

with knee armour and the best bit... full-length zips with storm flap on either side of the pant leg, making entry and exit very easy. For under £100 they were outstanding value. Lastly, the Skinsulator glove, which priced at £39.99 is at the cheaper end of the glove range, is actually a fairly comprehensive glove.

With soft D30 palm insert, visor wiping insert, thermal lining and draughtproof inner cuff, they really did the job.

I couldn’t fault the fit or the quality.

For information visit www.tucanourbano.com

The importance of treating your scooter with a good corrosion prevention compound before winter is commonplace nowadays. XCP Rust Blocker can be sprayed, wiped or brushed on and forms a long-lasting barrier that protects all steel, metal and alloy parts from the effects of rust and corrosion. Once applied, engines, forks, shocks, fasteners, exhausts, chrome and any other metal parts, as well as electrics and switchgear, are completely protected. During accelerated corrosion testing using the salt fog test – a standardised corrosion test method, used to check corrosion resistance of materials and surface coatings – XCP Rust Blocker is said to have outperformed and outlasted all competitor products. Rust Blocker is widely available from motorcycle and scooter outlets or online from Amazon with prices from £14.

WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 7

KICKSTART LAMBRETTA JOINS FORCES WITH MOTOGB Lambretta scooters are now being distributed in the UK by the MotoGB group. MotoGB has started distribution of the scooter brand with immediate effect as the sole importers for the United Kingdom. Lambretta scooters will now be based at MotoGB’s headquarters in Lancashire.

Steve Oliver, general manager of MotoGB, says: “This is a reeal coup for us as Lambretta is the epitome of scootering both passt and present. These machines hark back to a golden era of scootering but today’s Lambretta range is also thoroughly modeern and reliable. These beautiful scooters are not just for the olderr generation, keen to recall the days of their youth, but a Lambretta is also a classically styled machine which is perfect for riders of any age to enjoy, whether they commute daily on two wheels or simply enjoy a ride at the weekend.”

MotoGB is the UK’s largest independent importer and distributor of motorcycles and scooters, including brands such as

Royal Enfield, Benelli, SYM, FB Mondial, Daelim, Hyosung and Keeway. MotoGB is a family-owned company which also has around 10 franchised retail outlets in the North West.

Steve adds: “We want Lambretta dealers and owners both past and present to call us now in order that we mayy provide the veryy best levels of support to them. We will also be looking to appoint pro-active dealers in many areas.”

LONDON TO MILAN 1997 With the 2017 Trojan Way to Innocenti record recently set by the Robinson Bros, we were also reminded of the similar 1997 record attempt to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Lambretta.

The two-man team of Jim Trewin and Steve Salvin were confident of setting a fast time, and embarked upon the now-iconic journey. Having done their research it was decided to start from RG Agius, the London scooter shop, accompanied by a back-up van, which also acted as the refuelling rig. Once in France the mad dash continued along the motorway as far as possible before branching off on to main roads. Despite all the usual fatigue and strain everything went fairly smoothly until one of the Lambrettas started smoking heavily. This was down to mistakenly filling the scooter tank with diesel during a frenetic fuel stop. Luckily the diluted fuel still allowed the engine to run, albeit with reduced performance and trailing a plume of smoke for miles and miles. Continuing through Switzerland then into the top of Italy, their goal was in sight. The last leg of the journey was hampered by rain but

with the adrenaline pumping, one last push was made to reach the end point in Linate. The total distance covered by the two riders was 744 miles and although done in a slightly different way to more recent attempts, was done in a very quick time of 14 hours and 37 minutes. It was a fantastic achievement and one that will go down in history in its own right.

Here is where it gets a bit complicated though, in how to categorise each attempt over the decades. With the start and finish places all slightly different this can lead to variances in final times. The use of back-up vans and refuelling rigs adds another variable, as does different methods and people involved in timekeeping etc. So what is required here is a bit of lateral thinking regarding the situation. There have now been several attempts made at this record across the eras, all with different machines and accompanying equipment, all in different circumstances with varying start/finish points. But regardless of the differences, the fact is this… anyone who makes this length of journey on a Lambretta, or any other scooter, whether it is over several hours or

Never miss an issue 8 | SCOOTERING | SEPTEMBER 2017

several days for that matter, should be commended on completing such a great feat. Those that have done it in record breaking times, like all those mentioned in the last two articles, will go down in history and should be saluted for what a remarkable achievement they have all made in respect of the Lambretta motor scooter.

SC

Steve Salvin (left) and Jim Trewin (right) congratulated by Chuck Swonnell at the end of the journey to Milan

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KICKSTART

Product spotlight ON TEST

ON TEST

RICHA BONNEVILLE JACKET

S SHARK K EXPLO E ORE-R CARBO C ON

This classically styled ja acket has four exterior patch pockets, waist w belt and buckle collar closure which all add functionality, while the corduroy collar lining, Union Flag detail on thee chest pocket and checked cotton liner add the finishing style touches. Featuring a waterproof and breathable membrane, removable padded liner and five-piece CE approved armour, it’s a comprehensive bit of kit, which looks good, fits well… but more importantly is extremelyy functional in its purpose. e As with all wax jackets, especially ones with body armour and removable thermal liners, it’s got a bit of weight to it – but that’s par for the course with this style of jacket.

RRP: £199.99 For more info: www.nevis.uk.com

ON TEST

RICHA PITSTOP RUCKSACK This is not a ‘handy size’ rucksack for your sarnies, but something more substantial, s but by no means oversized. I think Richa have got th his spot on, it’s a proper bit of kit. It has easy to access outside poockets, and internal stora age compartments an nd pockets in abundance.

There’s room inside for a laptop (if requirred) and an integral/ fold-out rain cove er.

This unit is light, compact, wellpadded and versatile… I like it.

SPECIFICATION N ■ Fluo rain coverr included ■ Volume 40L ■ Chest and waisst buckle closure ■ Two large stora age compartments RRP: £49.99 For more info: www.nevis.uk.com

10 | SCOOTERING | SEPTEMBER 2017

A full-face helmeet? An ooff-road helmet? This liid ooffers the same panoramic vision field as the SHARK Vision-R, is lightweightt V and features a well-dessigned ventilation system for eextreme conditions. It’ss constructed from carboon aramid fibre and multiaaxial gglass fibre, and can be configured with or without peak, goggles or visor p too suit your needs. Initiial feeedback from us is thaat it’s high quality, lightweig h ght, a ccomfortable fit, with low w wind noise, and versatile. We likee.

FEATURES ■ Integrated UV380 anti-scratch sun visorr ■ Quick release visor ■ Two shell sizes ■ Micro lock buckle ■ Autoseal visor ■ Rapid Antifog Systeem ■ Integrated retractab ble wind shield within the chin n cover RRP: £389.99 R Foor more info: www.nevvis.uk.com

ON TEST O

R RICHA TIITAN HOODIE H It’s casual, fits well, lookss goood and more importantlly… it has D30 body armour in n the elbows, shoulders and baack and a cotton outer reeinforced with abrasion reesistant aramid lining.

It’s more on the casual side than the safety side, but a great option foor those tempted to ‘n nip out’ in anything less than full-on safety attire.

RRP: £119.99 For more info: www.nevis.uuk.com

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN...

Controversy reigned at the Lambretta V-Special launch in June, causing anger among certain parts of the scootering community. Stu looks at why...

I

f there is one thing that is certain in life it’s the fact that while we can try to predict the future we can never be sure it will actually happen or work out the way we think. So it leads us to the big debate of the latest branded Lambretta launch. If you were participating in the 70th Euro Lambretta in Italy you would have seen it in the flesh no doubt. If not there were several pages devoted to it in June’s edition of Scootering magazine. It was hardly going to go unnoticed as it took up virtually the whole front cover.

As a long time Lambretta devotee, the instant I set my eyes on it the only thought on my mind was the controversy it would create and I wasn’t wrong. Before I go any further I should say that my own view is that it’s not for me. Why? Because, I like the classic design and layout of the traditional Lambretta. Also it’s engineering from an era when the two-stroke was deemed acceptable to society. When looking at this new creation I put my own prejudices to one side not because it didn’t appeal to me but because we now live almost 50 years on since the last Innocenti Lambretta was built, certainly designed. However the torrent of abuse and often quite vitriolic comments that followed several posts of just one picture of this new machine baffled me. The main concern from disgruntled scooterists was that it looks nothing like the original. The reality is though it was never going to and couldn’t even if the manufacturer wanted it to. There are many reasons why that wouldn’t be possible – from what the law now dictates to what materials are used in modern industry.

From a legal point of view the one thing that stands out immediately is the engine.

By the year 2000, virtually no two-stroke engines were being built or newly designed by ‘big brand’ manufacturers and a few years after production of them stopped forever, certainly on a commercial scale. So there was no choice – the new Lambretta would require a four-stroke engine to be fitted. The days of geared scooters are long gone so it should have been no surprise that the engine would be automatic. Again, the law dictates ABS disc brakes both front and rear, indicators, much larger head lamp and rear light.

This list could go on for ages, stating all the requirements that a modern day machine requires to conform to current standards. Back in the Innocenti days none of this legislation existed so of course things were different.

Even though most of us accept there have to be changes in design to conform, that doesn’t mean styling has to be different, or does it? Styling has to change to a certain extent to allow for the much larger lights, for example, but there are other reasons too. The Innocenti Lambretta bodywork was pressed steel construction. Not only was it time consuming to produce and fit but also heavy, adding additional weight, not to mention the painting required and the upkeep to stop it from corroding.

Modern day motorcycle design from a bodywork perspective tends to use plastic – not necessarily because it’s cheaper but because it is far easier to work with and look after. Few manufacturers now use pressed steel construction, certainly not in the western world; production and material costs would be too great.

If you set aside all the requirements on a new machine that the law dictates, the problem most people seem to have is they

The torrent of abuse and often quite vitriolic comments that followed several posts of just one picture of this new machine baffled me.

12 | SCOOTERING | SEPTEMBER 2017

The Grand Prix 200 Electronic the last ever Innocenti built Lambretta. There is no way a modern Lambretta could be built exactly the same, even if we wanted it to be. don’t think it looks like a Lambretta.

How can we be sure that is the case though? Look at the Vespa for instance.

A model from 1971 bears virtually no resemblance to one of today. Why is that?

Because both technology and design move on. If Piaggio was still producing machines like that no one would buy them. You can look at any motorcycle or car from back then and they don’t have much resemblance to their modern counterparts. Let’s face it, by the mid-1980s Scooters India Limited stopped producing the Lambretta purely because it was outdated both from a production and practicality point.

When production finished in Italy everyone was stunned because at one period in time it seemed the Lambretta would be here forever. What it left though was a great legacy, one which all these years later enthusiasts worldwide are still devoted to. That’s fine and I am proud to be one of those people. However if production had continued that legacy wouldn’t be here and there would be both enthusiasts of the old models and enthusiasts of the new ones, just like the Vespa. In my opinion if your interests are purely in the Lambretta we once knew then ignore the new one. Consider this though: if Innocenti had continued to produce the Lambretta, would it have looked like the one that has just been launched? We will never know.

Stu