Mean Machine SPECIAL REPORT!
Bitchin’ Vespa
T5 LC
SLE OF WIGHT Quattrini IS GE
PA URE 7-P AT
Greek island
tour
sun, scenery & scooters
FE INSIDE
Mighty Misano
Super Monza ‘total solution’ Lambretta street racer
WIN!
E
BRIDGESTON
TYRES UP FOR
VWD BELFAST SMALL FRAME,
2018 OUR GUIDE
BIG HEART
WHERE AND WHY
ENGINED VESPA
TO THE WHAT,
250CC SUZUKI
GAMMA
Latest news from AF Rayspeed ■ Great Yarmouth & Oddballs Rally reports ■ Croft & Lydden BSSO racing ■ Readers’ Rides ■ essential scooter maintenance ■ Scooter Trader ■ Event Guide ■ Show us your scoots and more…
#376 Octoberr 2017
PLUS
GRABS
WELCOME Editor: Dan Clare Email: dan@scootering.com Publisher: Dan Savage Designer: Charlotte Turnbull, Justin Blackamore 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 advertising team leader: Zoe Thurling 01507 529412, zthurling@mortons.co.uk ADVERTISING DEADLINES The advertising deadline for the next issue of Scootering (November 2017) is Thursday, October 5, 2017 On sale in newsagents Thursday, October 26, 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 October edition of Scootering
W
ith the Isle of Wight now behind us, the feeling that the season’s National rallies are coming to a close is slowly setting in, but thankfully we still have the big blowout at Brid to look forward to. Brid has always been my personal favourite National rally, and prior to my tenure at Scootering, the custom show on the Saturday was THE show our garage wanted to have its scooters enter when we had either worked on or solely produced a noteworthy custom. As editor, the anticipation of seeing a new and exciting custom scooter is even greater. Although we work closely with the well-known and respected sprayers and airbrush artists, to get advance notice of what’s coming soon, I still quietly hope to see a completely new entrant, or unknown private individual come up with something new, not using the usual ideas or techniques… and to present us with an innovative machine which really stands out. Such scooters are the rare items, but if there is a show I expect to see them revealed at…its Brid. So as I go quietly about my
business at this year’s custom show, I shall have a keen eye out for that special something, a scooter which hopefully hasn’t ‘spoiled its entrance’ by being splashed all over social media beforehand. But we’ll see. But before we get to Brid, this edition of Scootering should serve as your fix, our rally reports (IoW, Great Yarmouth, Oddballs, Run to the Severn, Animals Fae Naboombu and more) have all got entertaining tales and gorgeous machines to ogle at. Our feature scooters don’t disappoint either, with the Mighty Misano Monza, and the Chiselspeed engineered LC engine propelling the ‘This Is The Life’ Quattrini Vespa, the understated simplicity of Ghost, and my personal favourite… small frame, big heart, Suzuki Gamma powered Vespa. Oosh! We also present a stunning, image-led, article on lens man Tony Briggs. His images of Liam Gallagher, Ocean Colour Scene and Seaburn Mods are a treat. There’s a tonne more inside, I’ll let you discover that for yourself. 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. . .
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.
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 Stu Smith 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 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.
CONTENTS 03Letter from the Editor
77Greek Island Tour
06Kickstart
82Club Do’s & Events
14Life of Reilly Isle of Wight 22REPORT: Rally
Words 87Scootering & Sounds
A warm welcome to the October issue of Scootering. The front section with all the latest news, views and product reviews!
Superb Quattrini T5 LC custom.
Seven pages of news and photos from the jewel in the scootering calendar’s crown.
32
REPORT: Great Yarmouth Rally
36
REPORT: Oddballs Rally
Sarge brings us the best from the broads.
Good vibrations, mad hatters and oddballs.
Soak up the scooters and the sun on this Greek Island tour.
Your essential guide to the scene – What, Where & When!
The best of words and music as reviewed by Nik & Sarge.
interview with 89An Tony Briggs
Andy Gray brings us a behind the scenes look at a photographer with an enduring passion for scooters and 60s iconography.
94Testing the boundaries
Not your usual run of the mill custom scoots, we take a look at two of the machines from this innovative outfit.
40Visiting Vespa
102Tech Torque
44GTS Makeover
Report: Lydden 106Race Hill
Big Stan presents his guide to visiting the Vespa Museum.
A focus Scooter Center’s rather sleek GTS upgrades.
47Mailbox 48Subscriptions
Readers’ letters and feedback.
Buy one now, get your mag delivered to the door, earlier than newsstands, and save money!
Stu Owen gives us this month’s essential maintenance lesson.
Paul Green brings us up to speed with a fast-paced and action-packed race report.
Report: Time 110Race Attack – Croft
A different mix of pistons and petrol from the Northeast.
52
114The future’s bright
54Paperino
123Scooter Trader
Show us your scoots
The best of our readers rides as sent in by you.
A double take on a scooter which is not all that it first appears.
57VWD Belfast 2018
Our guide to the when, where and why for next years big event.
60
The Mighty Misano Monza
A very tidy Super Monza custom scooter.
66One owner Lambretta
Stu Owen looks at a man and machine now 20 years on the road.
70Ghost & Trick
Michelle Mantle and two of the machines from her enviable stable of scooters.
4 | SCOOTERING | OCTOBER 2017
89
A father and son team under the spotlight as they buy, repair and customise a scooter.
Your sales and classifieds section – including Specialist Services & at a glance.
an animal, 128Once always an animal
Stevie Adair’s report from the Animal fae Naboombu rally.
Nostalgic 136Dave’s Custom Corner
Dave Oakley brings us his favourite historical scooter gems – this time it’s early 90s classic Scraid Na Branach ‘Streets of Sorrow’.
138Reader’s Ride
Our favourite reader’s scooter this month.
Never miss from only £20 an issue Subscribe today on page 48
22
70
94 WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 5
KICKSTART
SALT FLAT SPEED ADVENTURE
T
he Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most iconic and unforgiving motorsport venues in the world. Simply getting there is a huge logistical challenge. In August, Mauro Pascoli, Marco Fumagalli and Marco Quaretta plus their support team travelled from Italy in order to set speed records for Vespa sidecar outfits. These three outfits were Dafne 1 (98cc), Dafne 2 and 3 (125cc). Despite meticulous preparation the attempt was dogged by crosswinds, weather and a badly rutted surface. The team managed a dozen runs down the course but as Mauro explained, none of the three scooters reached anything close to their potential.
“We had not been able to test the machines at the altitude required which led to problems with jetting and air flow. The salt’s density also meant constant adjustment to tyre pressures. It’s been very disappointing but we’ve learnt a lot from this experience.” By competing on the salt flats Mauro and the team have already achieved what to many is only a dream, but they aren’t the sort to give up easily. No doubt this isn’t their last attempt and we’ll follow their progress with interest.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW With last year’s kit now over 10,000 miles old, and a review soon to be available after Stan’s latest adventure is complete, his gloves and boots needed an immediate exchange, so here’s what is up next for punishment by the big man… Stan’s old TCX Street boots have given years of faithful service so when the opportunity arose to test the latest generation he jumped at the chance. With full grain leather
uppers, suede inserts and CE approved reinforcements they’re a great option for those wanting a boot that’s safe to ride in and stylish enough to wear on arrival. Gloves are a critical part of any rider’s kit and with winter drawing near Stan’s trying out a pair of Furygan Blazers. Blazers Made of leather and a with all the safety features we’ve come to expect Furygan promises that they’re waterpro oof, breathable and
6 | SCOOTERING | OCTOBER 2017
warm. First impressions are excellent with Stan reporting that “it’s like putting my hand inside a teddy bear”. No doubt it’s an accurate description of the glove’s thermal lining but we do worry about Stan sometimes. For more info: www.nevis.uk.com
BRIDLINGTON
NATIONAL SCOOTER RALLY It’s that time again, the last National of the season, and (in my eyes) the best. The guys at VFM are putting on a night-time spectacular with three rooms of music. Here are some of the highlights: The Northern Soul Elite, Racketeers, The Scandals, Re Eds Vynil Vault, The Bosstunes Bar and much more. Scootering will be there to see the best machines, generate a spectacular magazine report, and of course… enjoy a few beers at the night do. For more details or to get an advance ticket: www.vfmscoot.com
LAMBRETTA GASKETS FROM GRAN TURISMO PERFORMANCE NEW
Gran Turismo Performance, the home of the GT kit and the Intercontinental engine casing, has launched a new line of gaskets specifically designed for the Lambretta. These cover every part of the engine and are available as either full kits or individual items. So why introduce a product into a market where there are plenty of alternatives already available? Well it’s the accuracy of the thickness of the gasket itself. This can, for example, be vital when setting up a top-end, both in getting the squish band accurately measured and the port heights correct. By making sure production quality is kept to a high standard each individual gasket comes out the same thickness. Another important gasket that offers a solution to potential problems is the one for the side case.
This is being offered in two versions a slightly thicker than standard 0.75mm one and a cork composite 1.5mm option. This will help those who have had their casings welded up on the bottom exhaust stud where the seal is not as good as it was originally, preventing oil leaks. By using the thicker 1.5mm cork gasket this will allow a better gap between where the kick start shaft and top clutch plate sit,
eliminating them from rubbing. Richard Taylor, owner of Gran Turismo Performance, hopes to expand the range even further in the future to also include bespoke fasteners. You can buy these new products either direct from Gran Turismo or their main stockists.
Imminent rally, ride and race dates September 29-30 Aviemore Scooter Weekend Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore October 13-15 Clacton Scooter Weekend Martello Beach Caravan Park For wristbands call Rob on 07840 695245. For caravans call Sue on 01255 820372. October 13-15 Scootermaniacs SC 35th Anniversary Minehead, Somerset Tel. 07802 443545 or FB. October 28-30 Bridlington National Rally
New Clutch Compressor A rather neat new clutch compressor is shortly due to be released. Compact, stainless lightweight and strong, RRP is £30 (plus postage) and it will be available from Tino Sacchi direct from Italy, as well as Cambridge Lambretta, Armandos and Robbospeed in the UK.
BRIDGESTONE UP THEIR GAME WITH SCOOTERING The team at Bridgestone took time out to invite Scootering over to their UK headquarters recently, to give us the lowdown on their range of scooter suitable tyres. The Battleax SC is the weapon of choice for 12in wheel (GTS, Scomadi, Lambretta V-Special etc.) and the BT-39 is the contender for the 3.50x10 ‘classic’ Vespa and Lambretta range. There is even a BT-39SS racing slick for the BSSO boys to try out, but more on that later. In the short term, Stan will be testing out the SC tyres on his GTS300 and Jordan will be testing the 3.50x10 on his Lambretta. As a reader bonus in the meantime, while those two get some miles under their belts and testing done on the tyres, we will be giving away three sets of tyres and TrikMoto jackets, as Bridgestone team up with MotoDirect to sponsor the ‘Show us your scooters’ page for the winner of ‘least crap snap’ (see SUYS on page 52).
WWW.SCOOTERING.COM | 7
KICKSTART
Product spotlight
NEW CASES, 200CC ENGINES, BEARINGS S
AND RESTORED GPS FROM AF RAYSPEED
M
any Lambretta owners are already aware that AF Rayspeed have been supplying the UNI crankcase covers for some time now and that UNI have made a new mag flange and crankcase as well. AF contacted us to tell us they’d had Mr Mittal (UNI) over to work with them on further developments recently, specifically to build up an engine into the new crankcase, mag flange and cover, and then to fit it into one of AF’s restored GPs. Once fitted, Ray took the scooter for testing, all under the watchful eye of Mr Mittal, while he took notes and discussed details that could make assembly easier than standard SIL. The expected retail price for the new UNI crankcase will be £495. UNI are currently working on a number of additional engine components with the goal of being able to supply a complete 200cc engine off the shelf. Obviously the spares will come first, and AF expect to have crankcases and mag flanges in stock and on sale before Christmas. Complete engines will hopefully be available at the end of next year. The restored GP200 scooters are also supplied through UNI and utilise many components made, or sourced, through UNI. Currently the lack of new engines has slowed supply, meaning the waiting list is quite frightening. However, the new UNI
engines will allow AF to increase the numbers and continue to supply fully restored GPs. The Gunmetal Restored GP in the pictures gives an indication of UNI’s commitment to working with us to continue to supply fully restored Lambretta scooters. The following parts on the bike are coming from UNI: Crankcase, mag flange, crankcase cover, head cowl, mag cowl, kickstart lever, electronic ignition, 42mm Clubman, inlet manifold, gaskets, cables, all rubber and plastic components, front hub, rear hub, forks, fork links, fork internals, stand, splash plate, front shocks, rear shock, ignition switch, speedo, toolbox, toolbox door, petrol tank, bridge piece, seat and graphics. Phew! Also smaller components like layshaft top hats, drain plugs too.
NEW REAR HUB BEARING TOO! AF have finally released their new rear hub bearing kit. They’ve been running these in their own scooters, and 20 selected customers’ engines, since July last year. The FAG Double Row Angular Contact Rear Hub Bearing is a significant upgrade on the original Lambretta design. It offers far better stability for the layshaft while increasing the load rating. The double labyrinth seal design provides a good seal as well as lower friction than the original garter seal. To fit this bearing you must also purchase the retaining plate to suit. With all this good news comes two provisos. The bearing is 2.6mm wider than the original Lambretta rear hub bearing. As a result the rear hub will sit 2.6mm further out than original. Removing the layshaft cone shim can give
back 1mm. It is important that the person assembling the rear hub checks the fitment. The variation in height of rear hub cone location in Lambretta rear hubs is up to 4mm (this is a massive tolerance). As with all aspects of safety check and if in doubt ask. The second proviso is you must ensure your crankcase breather is not blockked. The pressure holding ability of a labyrinth seal is not as high as the original garter seal. A blocked breather can pressurise the crankcase as it gets hot. Oil will be forced through the rear hub bearingg and contaminate the rear brake shoes. The good news is that once the breather is corrected (and brake shooes replaced and drum cleaned) the seaals will
Never miss an issue 8 | SCOOTERING | OCTOBER 2017
do their job once more. It is not necessary to replace the bearing if this happens. However, it is easy to avoid the problem by ensuring your breather works. The Double Row Rear Hub Bearing is £35. The retaining plate to suit is £6.9 90.
from only
£20
Subscribe today on page 48
KICKSTART
Racing news A GRAND DAY OUT
S
cooter racing happens all over the country and sometimes riders get to experience top circuits, like Oulton and Donington Park with great facilities, as well as the bottom end of the market at circuits such as Elvington or Three Sisters. It has, however, been a long time since race scooters last graced the tarmac at Brands Hatch as it costs a fortune to run a meeting there and is out of the BSSO’s reach. So for many riders, the chance to ride such a famous circuit, even in demonstration laps was too good an offer to turn down. On a weekend which would ordinarily see riders prepping their machines for the next BSSO race, 10 riders instead made the trip to Brands Hatch, to take part in the MSV Festival Italia along with a good few road riders on classic Lambretta and Vespas.
The event is a family motorsports day with a focus on all things Italian and draws huge crowds, featuring vehicles as diverse as classic Formula One cars and, well, racing scooters! As well as the sports vehicles, many other interesting vehicles were on display. Lamborghinis, Fiat 500s, a Simca Abarth! On the scooter side it was fantastic to see Andy Barnes’ original Rallymaster on show and running around the circuit in the parade, likewise a stunning Supertune Low Line in original condition. Given the amount of exotic machinery that was on show during the event – between the Italian food market, funfair, live music and wood-fired pizza oven, the race scooters enjoyed a great deal of attention. Riders played their part chatting with the visitors, and letting kids have pictures on their scooters.
The race scooters were set to do a race demonstration alongside exotic Italian motorcycles including Ducati, Bimota and a 1000cc Laverda. Plenty of smiles at the riders briefing, and the scooter racers were told: yes, it was okay to overtake on the outside and to go out and have fun. Far fewer motorbikes took to the track than were in the paddock but all the race scooters went out. Perhaps the bikers knew what to expect? All of the race scooters overtook race bikes, David Bristow and Justin Price passed all of them – with Stuart Day not far behind on his production class Lambretta! That was
RACING AHEAD Tino Saachi of lambretta.it was in the UK recently and took in the BSSO race at Croft to see his products in use on the track. Tino has been a long-time supporter of the BSSO and its riders, with the Mugello cylinder kit barrels virtually unbeatable in Group 4 and the Super Imola and Super Monza products in Group 6. Tino was guest of Replay Racing and SRP race teams at Croft, and while here Tino has committed to a sponsorship package with up and coming rider Taylor Sturgess, who is in his first year of racing. Taylor started the year in the orange bib that’s worn by newcomers but by mid-season he actually had two race wins under his belt and added a third while Tino was watching! Tino was so impressed with the young rider’s dedication and commitment that he immediately offered to support him in 2017 in addition to the support and sponsorship that is already given by lambretta.it to the BSSO series and its riders. Words & Images: Paul Green
10 | SCOOTERING | OCTOBER 2017
exhilarating and the riders had a ball. The day was made perfect by the great weather, and the reception the scooterists received, both from other motorsports enthusiasts and the public. It was a great day out for the scooterists and racers and the organisers were very pleased with our presence. Thanks to Andy Barnes, Andy Walker, Hodge, Justin Price, Stuart Day, Dan Loder, David Bristow, Stephen Graves, and Jon & Sharon Woods, who made the trip all the way down from Lancashire despite only arriving home from holiday in the early hours of Saturday morning. Words & Images: Paul Green
ISLE OF WIGHT SCOOTER RALLY
WHO DOES IT BELONG TO?
A small island at the foot of the country has for years been the biggest annual gathering of scooterists, but who should lay claim to it?
L
ast month saw the annual August bank holiday pilgrimage by thousands of scooterists to the Isle of Wight scooter rally. For many it’s a tradition that has spanned decades, seemingly the jewel in the crown of the scooter rally calendar. From ferries crammed full of scooters to hotels booked up for months in advance, there always seems to be an air of excitement towards the build up. For the people who live there it gives a timely boost to the island’s economy as pubs and bars rake in a month’s takings over just one weekend. Many local entrepreneurs see it as a golden opportunity by putting on a host of events and in some cases raising their alcohol prices to cash in on the quick windfall. Combined with regular scooter rally organisers, it’s all become part of the fabric that is the rally itself. For years the epicentre has always been Ryde town centre, with this being the place to be. Not only for the weekend’s entertainment but the rally in general; if you’re not based in Ryde then you are not there in some people’s eyes. Over the years due to lack of available rooms and places to stay the rally has spread. Sandown, the next major town along, has seen a big influx of scooterists and has also seen a rise in events put on over the weekend. Likewise the campsite at the speedway track which combines with the main dealer area and has grown hugely. Many scooterists now choose to camp rather than pay the overinflated B&B prices. All this has lead to a diversification of the rally which, with big numbers attending over the weekend of the rally, has never been seen as a problem. However it now seems different factions of scooterists settle in different places during the rally, which has lead to a split among
some, and claims as to who actually controls it or who has the rights to the rally itself. In the 1980s, like any other National rally, it was just another seaside resort that scooterists attended. It did have the status of being held on the prime bank holiday weekend but that was its only advantage. However, thatt all changed after the infamous 1986 riot there which stopped the rally, seemingly forever, after the island’s authorities vowed that scooterists would never return. This is where the claims then start to emerge as to who is responsible for the success it has now become. Though a National rally would still be held, from now on it would be at the beginning of the season. It was thought by the island’s council that not many would bother to venture all the way there for two days in the cold tail end of winter. The prestigious August bank holiday spot was first given back to Torch Promotions who began to hold a rally specifically catering for the Modernist movement. Again the thinking behind it was that these clean cut types were not the kind of people who were going to go on the rampage or start rioting and burning things. As the years went by, the August Mod rally stated to grow bigger as numbers began to increase, swelled by scooterists who saw it as a ‘back door’ route of entry. Slowly the island’s council began to believe that the new breed of scooterists had grown up and were less likely to cause
These clean cut types were not the kind of people who were going to go on the rampage or start rioting and burning things.
12 | SCOOTERING | OCTOBER 2017
trouble. Eventually over time this would lead to them being made more welcome, whereupon the rally started to grow significantly. As it grew, the islanders began to take advantage of the financial opportunity that arose and with the collapse of the NSRA this had given a free hand to virtually anyone wishing to put on an event. With the rally becoming more commercial the Mod side, which was now run by the New Untouchables, decided to move away to an entirely new location. Even so, this didn’t deter scooterists who by now were travelling from all over the world to join in and soon enough it was branded the Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally. It now seems there is a growing debate as to actually who is responsible for the rally still being there, with some even laying claim to it. There is no doubt that it was the modernist movement that got the rally reinstated on the August bank holiday, and that the promoters in the later 1990s that pushed it forward to being the commercial success it is today. The reality though, is that while there are people and organisations who have helped it throughout both the good and bad times, and struggled against nonscooterist commercial vultures, no one can stake an actual claim of ownership. The Isle of Wight scooter rally has always been, and always will be, owned by the scooterists themselves.