NEWS: Passing on

Custom chromer and engraver, Pete Robinson has passed away. The results of his work have been seen on many show winning scooters and custom cars over the years. His funeral took place at Worcester Crematorium on 16 December and was attended by family, friends and scooterists from around the UK. CSS expresses condolences to his family and friends.

This poem, penned by Boots Martin, shows how respected Pete was among scooterists:

I have never seen so many scooters.
Brands I had never heard of; drivers of every age.
Thousands, like a giant school of minnows,
Have come from everywhere
So on this sad tearful day
We think back of you, and this is what we all want to say
Pete we must sadly say goodbye
We know you wouldn't want to hear us cry
A sweeter man like yourself we've never met
In our hearts the things you have done we'll never forget!
The angels came to take the main man of engraving and chrome
Now we are left here alone on earth to roam.
Your time was long, but now it seems too short
So with happy memories now we must resort.
Pete for everyone throughout your wonderful life you had a smile
You loved to sit and talk awhile,
Your talent and skills will live on
We will never forget you Pete Robinson

NEWS: The sounds of Weller

If you are looking for a band for your gig, then 'Sounds of Weller' tell us they are available as a four piece tribute band. Covers they perform include The Jam, Style Council and Paul Weller (also available as a solo act covering The Jam, Madness, Specials, etc). Their rates are good and they will travel.

Visit www.soundsofweller.co.uk or call Sean on 07711 760122 for information.

PRODUCT: New Vespa piston kit

Beedspeed have developed a new Vespa 210cc piston kit for that bit extra power on 200cc standard barrels or to use up old cylinders that have already had their last rebore.

The pistons are 68mm diameter like the Malossi and Polini kits and have two 1.5mm thin piston rings, usually no modifications are needed to the cylinder head as the piston still stops clear of it and the bigger bore size just makes the head more high compression.

The price is £39.99p + post. Full details can be seen at Beedspeed.com

EVENT: Highland Scoot 2010

The very first Highland Scoot was held in 1959 and was organised by the Glasgow Vespa Club. Leap forward to 2010 and the event has been revived by the Gorehounds SC in conjunction with the VCB. The plan is to take the same route as the original 1959 pioneers.

The start will be at 9.30am at the Wallace Monument car park. Due to road traffic laws, there will not be any trials or timings and it will be a social rideout with the plan to enjoy riding a scooter through some of the best scenery in the world. There will also be an evening do after the ride.

To register, send a cheque/PO for £8 with your name, address and phone number to: Graeme McMaster, 30 Westbourne Ave, Tillicoultry, Scotland FK13 6PU. You can also register at one of the Gorehounds SC Sunday meetings at Cape Café/Bar, 1 Corn Exchange, Stirling. You can register on the day, but you must arrive early to allow time to process your registration. There will also be a special commemorative medal based on the 1959 original, but if you would like to receive that, then you will need to register in advance (the cut-off date is 4 April). If you have any questions, ring 01259 752273.www.myspace.com/509633540

HOUSE NEWS: Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine

Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.

Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.

Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’

Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.

www.classic-american.com

NEWS: MBD & Scooter Center agreement

MB Developments UK Ltd and Scooter Center Köln Germany have announced a business partnership agreement. Both companies have worked together for many years and MBD became the official sole UK distributors for Scooter Center Köln’s BGM Lambretta products. MBD has now taken over sole distributorship of all SCK products in the UK for trade and retail, including classic Vespa, mini-maxi autos and classic autos. In return SCK have taken over distributor rights of MBD products in Germany.

If you want to know more, contact Mark (mark@mbdevelopments.co.uk) or Philipp (philipp@scooter-center.com).

PRODUCTS: Scooterface

There’s a new scooter social network site. The guys behind it have been into the scooterist scene for 30 years, so they know quite a bit about the scooter lifestyle. Visit www.scooterface.co.uk and check it out.

NEWS: Marlene Parker – fast lass

Readers may remember the articles we published about Marlene Parker back in 2006, concerning her attempts at breaking the world’s fastest scooter record. We’d hoped to track her down, but knew that she’d moved to Australia, so it became an impossible task.

A chance conversation with Bob Webb (who had first-hand involvement with Marlene and her scooter at the time) led to the news that she’d moved back to the UK – but where – possibly Bristol, where she hailed from? If anyone can help locate her, please contact Mau (01507 529495 or mauspencer@scooteristscene.com).

The name Parker would have been her single name, so could be different now. Where are you Marlene? We have some new pictures and want to talk to you.

PRODUCTS: Something for the ladies?

Fancy a calendar with a difference? Look no further than the boys of the A5 scooter club who decided to bare all to raise funds for ‘Help For Heroes’ and other local charities. OK, pictures of the boys lumps and bumps won’t appeal to everyone but it’s all portrayed with humour and dignity – well, most of it.

The Boys of the A5 SC calendar can be bought from the Reggae Got Soul stall at rallies, or by visiting the A5 Scooter Club website (www.a5scooterclub.co.uk). They are priced at £10.

NEWS: 132mph Flying Lambretta

After re-purchasing his championship ‘Kursaal Flyer’ Lambretta sprinter, British Sprint Champion Keith Terry performed a fantastic run at the Elvington Top Speed Weekend on 15 August when he was timed at 132mph in the ‘rolling flyers’ on his first run. Unfortunately, this feat took a toll on his barrel and piston, resulting in a frantic dash back to Essex to try to resolve the problem in time for Sunday’s racing.
The official British National Records planned for Woodbridge on 12-13 Sept have unfortunately been cancelled, so an official attempt on the world record will not be taking place.

NEWS: Bev junior arrives

Regular CSS cartoonist, Ginny, along with partner Gary (Scootering) have a new arrival in the family – daughter Amy-Rose. All here at CSS wish the three of them well. We suspect that this issue’s cartoon (p23) reflects what Ginny has gone through recently.

PRODUCTS: Safety grip

Here’s a great idea to help keep your scooter safe and secure without too much fuss. The ‘Griplock fits neatly over the throttle and front brake grip and effectively immobilise both of them. It can be adapted to fit virtually any machine, motorbike or scooter) in just a few seconds. All you need to do is to choose the correct handlebar grip and brake lever spacer option (it comes with a selection) to suit your particular machine. Because it is light and compact, it is easily just slipped under your seat when it isn’t in use. Once set-up, it takes just seconds to secure, gives you added piece of mind and is a visual deterrent to any toe-rag trying to nick your bike. It is priced at £39 including worldwide delivery. Visit www.grip-lock.com for information.

Paint and plastic polish

Sdoc100 have produed a paint and plastic polish formulated for bike bodywork. Apparently the solvent-free polish will not attack decals, but produces a deep gloss finish on all smooth surfaces, such as painted metal parts (including multicolour and metallic paints). It also claims to revitalise weathered paintwork, plastics, acrylic screens and can even be used on visors (although not mirrored ones). The price is £9.99 including VAT. Call 01256 704909 or visit www.motohaus.com for information.

PRODUCTS: Vespa Super stickers

Vespa 300 Super stickers are the latest addition to the range of accessories for the new model. Available in red, black or white, the stickers are styled to fit the lines of the 300 Super perfectly with a recommended retail price of £49.99. Also new is a re-designed front 'tip up' luggage rack, designed to fit all GT and GTS models which is available from franchised Vespa dealers for £149.99. For information call 0117 972 5552 (www.uk.vespa.com/en_UK).

PRODUCTS: Latest from ScootsRS

ScootRS have several new goodies for the scooterist, including a Lambretta anti-dive hydraulic disc brake kit consisting of a high-pressure cast hub, stainless steel hose and Nissin hydraulics. There’s no price increase over previous kits £175/$289 or £201/$329 for the chrome/polished Superfly version), while regular kits have been lowered £158/£182 ($259/$299) respectively. For the Vespa, a PX 16mm fork hydraulic disc brake kit, follows on their earlier 20mm one (again £175/$289). Their high-end classic seat covers now also include a padded foam insert and range additions include a front seat cover, VLB Sprint style (no grip holes); front seat cover VL1-style (grip holes 18cm apart); and a front seat cover, VBB-style (grip holes 24cm apart). Prices are £24/$39 (also available in leather). See www.scootRS.com for information.

NEWS: Mortons motorcycle division steps up a gear with Group Editor

Mortons Media Group, publishers of Scooterist Scene, have appointed Steve Rose as Group Editor of their motorcycling magazines. Steve, who leaves the editorship of Bike to take up this exciting new appointment, comes with a wealth of experience, having previously edited Ride and Parker’s Car Guide as well as spells on Performance Bike and Classic Bike.

Mortons Managing Director Brian Hill commented, ‘We are delighted to have Steve on board to bring not only his magazine crafting skills, but also his true biking enthusiasm to our wide portfolio which covers virtually every aspect of two wheeled transport.’

Mortons, the independent publishers based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, publishes fourteen motorcycling magazines, and their on-line counterparts, including the market leading Old Bike Mart, Classic Bike Guide, Scootering and the free distribution newspaper, Motor Cycle Monthly.

PRODUCTS: LATEST LAMBRETTA MUFFLER

Based on the PM25 exhaust system which has a 30 year proven reliability record, the new PM25EV (evolution) keeps the best features from the PM25 with key improvements in line with our latest generation hand crafted performance exhaust systems. Revised performance levels are aimed at improving the low to mid range acceleration thanks to a revised two-piece mid diffuser section.
The systems has an improved rear panel, front runner strut, and kick start clearance with the latest Fat Mamba style gusseting to the muffler mounting plate (integrates with all PM Tuning muffler options). It is available in two versions; PM25EV (£164.95) or PM25EVC show chrome (£224.91). Both are plus VAT. Order securely on line at www.pmtuning.co.uk or phone 01524 850800. Trade enquiries welcomed.

PRODUCTS: ADVANCE/RETARD UNIT

The latest advance/retard unit from Chiselspeed helps achieve better acceleration with more advance at low rpm without the danger of seizure or piston holing when running lots of advance at high rpm by fitting this unit which retards the timing by up to 10 degrees. The unit is adjustable enabling you to tailor it to your machine rather than having to make do with the pre-set unit, giving you the best possible power delivery from your engine. The unit is available from Chiselspeed, priced at £80. Visit www.chiselspeed.co.uk or phone 0113 2811052 for information.

PRODUCTS: GET A GRIP

Worn grips lead to slipping hands which in turn could cause accidents. VE (UK) stock a range of aftermarket grips for the Vespa and Lambretta range of classic scooters ranging from patriotic George Cross grips through to the show chrome Sundance grips. Prices range from £8.81 to £21.05. To locate a VE dealer visit www.ve-uk.com/postcode

PRODUCTS: CUSHDRIVE REPAIR KIT

Available from DL Scooter Workshop is this DRT Cushdrive Repair Kit which eliminates the problem of loose rivets on the Vespa small frame, leading to loss of power and possible engine damage. At £60, this CNC machined product is a sensible upgrade. Visit www.dlscooterworkshop.co.uk or phone 07936 866760 for information.

PRODUCTS: LAMBRETTA SERIES 2 & 3 RACE CRANKS

PM Tuning’s latest race cranks are best served on the latest TS1 and RB kit applications. They are dynamically balanced using tungsten plugs for reduced vibration yielding improved power output. Full circle flywheels improve primary compression for greater transfer pressure during the transfer cycle with reduced crankcase turbulence, ideal for reed valve motors or modified motors with larger transfer areas/passages. Large ‘V’ grooved oil ways help improve lubrication to big end bearing increasing longevity and reliability for motors operated at high loads/rpm. The INA silver cage big end bearing is shimmed to exacting tolerance. Complete with high performance small end bearing. The PMRC0016 version (£99.96) has the same features as PMRC0017/104 (£208.65) but is manufactured with cost saving in mind; same quality con rod and big end bearing assembly as full circle cranks, but counter balanced using a more traditional recessed web method. Favourable for piston timed inlet configuration (most none-reed valve) motors up to 24hp. Order securely online at www.pmtuning.co.uk or phone 01524 850800. Trade enquiries welcomed.

NEWS: Help for Heroes presentation

On 23 May 2009 members of the Paderborn (Germany) based A33 SC, a club consisting of German and English enthusiasts, presented a cheque to Mrs Sam Robertson, the Help for Heroes German representative, for the sum of €926.45. The money was raised at a Northern Soul Allnighter and a charity rideout which attracted scooter enthusiasts from all over Germany. A certificate of thanks was also presented to Herr Achim Thieme, of the Wintergarden, Sennelager, for his continued support of the club’s charity events. A special note of thanks goes to Jetson’s Lambretta Club, Soul Stylist SC and Cloud 9 SC Paderborn for their constant support. If you are going to Germany, visit www.a33sc.com to find out what’s on or to join us for a few beers.
Ted Perry

PRODUCTS: Aviator goggles

Beginning in 1990, the Anglo-French collaboration between helmet manufacturer Davida and goggle manufacturer Leon Jeantet aimed to develop a range of goggles designed to complement the classic shapes and designs of the Davida helmet.

The launch of the Aviator Retro Pilot T1 &T2 proved an instant success with fans of open-face Jet helmets. One size never fits all however so Phone 0151 6472419, email sales@davida.co.uk or visit www.davida.co.uk for more information.

PRODUCTS: Enrico's Vespa

Reviewed in issue 63, Enrico's Vespa is a children’s book about a young boy called Enrico and his fathers Vespa. Fully illustrated by Elena Pongiglione, designer of most of the official Vespa artwork from the 50's and 60's, the book recaptures the spirit of the legendary Italian scooters.
Inside the rear cover of the book is a fabulous board game with a cut-out sheet for playing counters, with dice designed around the iconic scooter. Available via VE (UK), the suggested price is £19.99. Visit www.ve-uk.com for more information or to locate your nearest VE (UK) dealer.

PRODUCTS: Cheap Public Liability insurance

Every club that wants to attend events has to have its own public liability (PL) insurance. The problem is that PL is expensive - and many clubs simply can't afford it. Now Bikesure has launched a pared-down version of PL that's designed specifically for bike clubs. It has all the cover that a club needs, but costs significantly less.
The Bikesure PL scheme means clubs will pay as little as £110 per year for standard public liability insurance, with up to £1million PL cover. It also covers up to £2,500 worth of club regalia. The 'off the shelf' version of Bikesure's new PL policy will cover a club for up to twelve events per year. For bigger clubs that may attend more events, or want more than £1million PL cover, Bikesure can build a bespoke public liability policy - and Craig Darwin says it should still be cheaper than what's currently available.

For details freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000, email the company at bikesure@adrianflux.co.uk or visit www.bikesure.co.uk

NEWS: Australian National Rally

The Lambretta Club of South Australia (LCSA) is organising the 2009 National Rally in South Australia on 2-5 October 2009 (Labor Day weekend). The event is destined to be one of the biggest Vespa and Lambretta events ever held in Australia. The rally will kick-off in Adelaide with its cosmopolitan pubs, clubs, music venues and cafes. On Saturday, it moves to Barossa. The LCSA is arranging a rideout through the picturesque Adelaide hills to the renowned Barossa Valley wine region. Rally events include pub, winery and other visits/rideouts, plus gourmet food, scooter show’n’shine and two evening dos. A national rally pack will be available guaranteeing entry to all events plus route maps, venues, freebies etc. All orders placed online at www.plsc.asn.au/national.html will be available for pickup at the Adelaide Rally meet and greet, or on Saturday morning.

PRODUCTS: 2009 vintage catalogue

Piaggio have updated their Vespa Vintage catalogue for 2009. Containing over 900 parts and accessories, the catalogue covers models back to the early 1950s. It includes replacement mechanical, electrical and trim items, plus badges and memorabilia.
Every item is identical to the original and is manufactured in consultation with the Vespa Historical Register, the Vespa Club of Italy, the Vespa World Club and according to the drawings stored in Piaggio’s Historical Archive.
The Vespa Vintage catalogue is available to download free of charge from www.vespavintage.com or from Vespa dealers nationwide. Call 0117 972 5552 for information.

PRODUCTS: Adjustable Lammie shocks

New product from BGM are these adjustable front shockers for Lambrettas which are designed to compliment their rear adjustable shockers and fit with no modifications to the forks or links.
They come with 16 stage easy click adjustment and are designed to be used with normal or uprated fork springs. They cost £181 and are available from BGM suppliers: MB Developments in the UK, Jet200.com in the USA and Scooter Center Koln Europe and rest of the world.

PRODUCTS: Pinasco kits

Pinasco, a name to be reckoned with in the 70s and 80s is back. They have reintroduced their performance cylinder kits for the classic Vespa range. Made from alloy and cast iron, they are available for the Vespa PX 125/200 and the 150 Super/150 Sprint range.
All kits are supplied with cylinder head matched to the cylinder, saving both time and money having your existing head machined to suit the new cylinder. Suggested kit prices range from £189 to £348. Visit www.ve-uk.com for more information, or to locate your nearest VE dealer.

PRODUCTS: Something different

By the time you read this some of you may have heard the new four-track EP from ‘Animal Jack’, a three-piece busking band who play their own mix of Ska, Skiffle, Rockabilly and Jump-Bluesy type stuff. Their music is mostly based on true stories from stripping down Lambrettas in the kitchen to romantic encounters... and even timeslips into the 1960s. They have busked their way around Europe playing on street corners and festivals, but are just as happy to play in the local Launderette or fish’ n’ chip shop.
They have recently finished recording their latest musical contribution called 'I can’t strip my Lambretta down in the kitchen Ska Blues' which they performed at the recent Tenby rally.

The EP has a real 70s Reggae feel about it and could become the ‘catchy’ song for scooterists this summer. Check it out.
Visit http://indiestore.7digital.com/theanimaljackband/ for more information.

Can you see the real me?

The Quadrophenia stage show has commenced its six month tour of the UK. Starting at Plymouth in early May, the tour winds around the country, ending at Coventry during October. Visit www.quadrophenia.co.uk to find the venue nearest you.

PRODUCTS: A Lambretta first

MBD have had special Lambretta drive and large mag seals made from Viton, an improved rubber material with much higher resistance to petrol to prevent seal failure. These single lipped seals are identified by being brown and marked with the MBD Race-Tour brand (double lipped seals do nothing in the crankshaft application).
Other engine seals are not required in Viton as they do not come in contact with petrol. Priced at £3.36 (inc VAT), they are available from MBD (www.Lambrettaspares.com) or any MBD stockist.

PRODUCTS: The MOD years book gets a reprint

When The MOD years was first published in September 2005, it sold out online within 6 weeks. Now, finally, a reprint has been done - and we have new stock in at Scootering HQ - still at the same great price of just £6.99 inc P&P.

Possibly the most enduring expression of a youth culture, the Mod movement has spawned its own fashions, music and a lifestyle that refuses to go away. Mods homes in on the colourful history of the Mod and brings the story bang up-to-date, calling in on the various ‘mod revivals’ along the way. From the lovingly crafted scooters, to the bands who provided the soundtrack to millions of lives via the fashions and people who made - and still make - the Mod scene so vibrant, Mods tells the story like it really is.

• Order The MOD years secure online today!

Hemsby closes

Pontins has closed Hemsby Holiday Camp, the venue for Chelmsford SC’s ‘Winter Warmer’. Robin Quartermain of Chelmsford SC has been quoted as saying that an alternative venue is being sought. It is understood that this will have no effect on the 2009 Camber Sands event.

Motown celebration

It's the 50th anniversary of the Motown Record Corporation and it is hoped that this year will see some mouth watering releases here in the UK. 2009 sees the release of volumes 10 & 11 of the complete Motown singles. Also being released throughout the year are 25 limited edition 7in vinyl singles. Visit www.sixtiesmotown.co.uk for more details.

Royspeed pictures wanted

Do you have a period Royspeed picture in your possession? It can be a picture of anything Royspeed related (scooter, shop or racing picture, etc). Send us a copy of it and you could be in with a chance of receiving a free set of Royspeed stickers produced to the original signwriting spec if you picture is chosen as the best. These stickers are from the only genuine source (www.royspeed.co.uk) and they are available now (£20 UK, £22 ROW) should you wish to purchase a set. The website is also offering a service to signwrite your own panels – using the original signwriter – for only £50 per pair. But for that price you’d need to be able to deliver and collect them to the old Royspeed shop in Hornchurch.
Send your pictures (along with any details) to Mau Spencer via email at mauspencer@scooteristscene.com or post to Mau Spencer, Classic Scooterist Scene, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ.).

Previous news

Successful injunction

Lambretta Licensing Ltd has successfully achieved an injunction against the Motom Company in Italy. Motom are/were the producers of the Lambretta Pato, which has been displayed at many international bike shows and on sale throughout Europe (and sold in the UK under a different name).

PRODUCTS: Scooter Emporium lives!

The Scooter Emporium in the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 is NOT closing, despite what you might hear on the grapevine. In fact, they have commissioned a large warehouse in Essex to hold, among other things, the items from Weston Scooter Parts and only closed the shop temporarily to restock with their new Davida and Turcano product lines.

Marco, the proprietor of The Emporium is at a loss – not to mention a little annoyed – about this rumour and is just about fed up fielding phone calls from concerned fans of the amazing establishment, so the message is: The Scooter Emporium lives and is in perfect health!

PRODUCTS: Corsa seat

Available from VE (UK) are a wide range of Super Corsa seats to suit the Vespa PX, P range, and T5 classic. Supplied in one of 11 colours complete with seat lock and keys.

Priced at a suggested price of £79.76, they are available through any VE (UK) dealer. Visit www.ve-uk.com/postcode to find a dealer near you.

Mod barber wanted

Preparations for the Mod Crop Musical are now well under way and auditions have now closed for the role of Don, one of the leading characters. Production is now well under way for the event which debuts at the Nottingham Theatre Royal on 9 June 2009.

There is however, one post that needs filling backstage and that is the role of barber to the cast, which will all require authentic Mod-style haircuts. If you think you can help out, then contact Mau at Classic Scooterist Scene and he will pass on details.

PRODUCTS: Art of Scooters - now only £5

A new bookazine called ‘The Art of Scooters’ has just been released. It opens up the world of intricately engraved and gold-plated engines, radical scooter engineering and award-winning artwork. Names such as Spirit Walker, Wake, Headhunter, DTC, Alien, Sonic Dream and Future Shock will not only be familiar to you by the end of this read, but also the inspiration to customise your own scooter.

‘The Art of Scooters’ is priced at £6.99 £5 and is available from most branches of WH Smith, by calling 01507 529529, or visiting www.scootering.com
For more information on The Art of Scooters book >>

To buy The Art of Scooters book >

All change stateside

After years of handling British magazines in the USA, Scooterist Scene’s US agent Lee Cowie has decided to hang up his boots. A lifetime old bike fan Lee, and his wife Mary, have been instrumental in the sales growth of all the Mortons titles stateside. Christine Smith, a Brit by birth, but now living in Wisconsin, is taking over. She is the daughter of Motocross legend Jeff Smith and was born in the year that he won his second 500 World Championship.

When the opportunity to buy the Motorsport business came along, Christine jumped at it. With a combined passion for bikes and computers she is perfectly placed to take the Motorsport business into the future. Motorsport can be contacted on 715-572-4595 or by email chris@classicbikebooks.com.

Be careful what you buy

That nice shiny scooter you saw in an internet auction might not be what it seems. That nice spray job could hide a multitude of sins, like a dodgy frame as seen here, turning this Lambretta into a lethal wreck as soon as it got out on the road. Think before you buy!

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