The Speedwear Classic Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket

A while back I wrote a review of several ‘less expensive waxed cotton jackets‘, less expensive than the two big names in the market, (Belstaff and Barbour) anyway. Looking at my stats, it’s one of the most popular posts on the blog.wax_jacket_front3_1024x1024

Well, I thought it was about time I wrote an update. In doing a little online research, there was one jacket that really stood out –  the Speedwear Classic Wax Cotton Motorcycle Jacket.

Described as “The Classic Belted Classic Style Motorcycle jacket, made in heavy duty twelve ounce black wax cotton.  As used by motorcyclists the world over, made using traditional techniques and Genuine wax cotton oil skin fabric. Contrast studs lined with tartan lining. Storm Cuffs .  Breast Map pocket. Roller buckle throat adjustment. Studded front closure with heavy duty zip and roller buckle belt. This is the original Technical Garment that is a great Classic Fashion item for both on or off your bike.” This jacket is exceptional value for money at just £64.99 (at time of writing). Now, I can’t personally endorse this jacket, not owning one (yet!), but the reviews from those that have bought it seem consistently good.

Find it out on Amazon here:Classic Black Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket (Large)

Or check out the Speedwear website for the full range of gear.

Speedwear are a British company, based in the Wirral. They’ve been in business for 15 years, making garments using the finest British waxed cotton available at a great price.

Update; There must be something in the air about wax cotton jackets… as the nice people at Scooterlab have just done a group test on a bunch of wax cotton jackets… all a bot pricier than the Speedwear however. Check it out here.

ProBikeART – Stunning Studio Shots of your Scoot

b16555So you’ve spent a few quid getting your scoot the way you want it… why not spend a few more documenting it for posterity? You could take some snaps yourself, or do it properly (your the kind of person that does things properly, right?), and get it shot professionally in a studio… except most studios are set up to shoot people, not motorcycles and scooters.

That’s where ProBikeArt comes into the picture. Professional studio photography that captures the lines and details of your Lambretta in the best light. Photographer Ian Daisley specialises in shooting classic, racing and cherished motorcycles – but he’s shot a few Lambrettas – as you can see!eg5a9381eg5a9322eg5a9333

A basic studio session costs just £145… including your finished digital images supplied on disk, and a 300x400mm framed fine art print.

ProBikeArt are located near Matlock in Derbyshire. Get in touch with them here.

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All images used by permission, and © Ian Daisley / ProBikeART (www.probikeart.co.uk)

Roman Rozzers Ride

rome_police_lam-1Another interesting scooter spotted on the popular online auction site… Well, I think it’s interesting. It’s an ex-Rome Municipal Police Scooter, complete with original motif. A little different from the standard  LI’s. And it’s a runner. Unfortunately, I don’t think it comes with the copper’s hat.

UPDATE: Luigi has got in touch from Italy pointing out that the coat of arms isn’t from Rome at all, but the city of Acqui Terme, in the province of Alessandria, which is in the Northern region of Piedmont. Thanks Luigi!


If you think it’s interesting too, check it out here.

1971 DL 200 Electronic on eBay

gp_electronic-ebaySpotted this little beauty on eBay. A super-rare genuine (purportedly!) 1971 DP 200 Electronic. There are many electronic ‘clones’ out there… but, with only 500 or so models made, hardly any genuine ones.

The engine is seized, and though complete,  she’ll need a bit of work to bring her up to scratch (a nice conserved restoration, hopefully) but with all the proper Italian paperwork this could be rare opportunity to own one of the rarer and more desirable Lambretta models.

Although not UK Registered, it will be registered on the NOVA System, and you’ll get a NOVA reference number, along with a proper VAT sales invoice and dating certificate from the Lambretta Owners Club / VMSC for you to register the scoot at your DVLA office.
Here’s the eBay link < Sorry, it’s gone now.

Istanbul Trip D

lambretta-johnmockett-dOne of my readers, John, sent me this fantastic pic of him on his Lambretta D150. He was getting it ready for a trip to Istanbul with 3 friends… another D’s and an LD with two-up. They stopped for a while
in Yugoslavia, and even took Franco era Spain in on the way back, stopping off in Barcelona.

“Ian then took off for Copenhagen, and then eventually I came home.
You just sat on the D150, and opened the throttle. It did 55 on the clock forever…
Barcelona to home in 2 and a half days. Rather different to today’s 2 wheeled tourists.”

Quite a trip… quite an adventure.

I love these period pics – if you’ve got something similar sitting in a drawer – wether you rode your Lambretta to Istanbul or just to work… I’d love to see them!