Still loving the back to basics aesthetic of The Fido. It may be a bit ‘hipster’ for some tastes, but I’d have one as a commuter any day of the week.
Fido vid
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Author Archives: crocodilejock
Vespa electtrica
I don’t often cover ‘The Wasp’ on here, but there is big news today out of Milan. At EICAMA (the Milan Motorcycle Show) today The Piaggio Group announced what the future may look like for Vespa… and it looks pretty much like the Vespas of the last 70 years (which is a good thing!). But it’s electric. Which, I also think is a good thing.
I know, I know, we all love our smelly old 2-strokes. But that ship sailed a long time ago, and electric is the future. And if you can balance style, performance, range and price you’re on to a winning formula. The Vespa Electtrica is has got the styling nailed –it’s based on the successful current Primavera model.
To quote from the official Vespa site “Introducing the Vespa Elettrica project, the new mobility solution according to the most elegant and beloved two-wheeled brand in the world that takes a step into the future in complete consistency with the values that have accompanied its history.
The Vespa Elettrica will, first and foremost, be a true Vespa, bringing the very latest in electric technology to a vehicle that will retain all the features that have been vital to its success. The style, agility, ease of use and riding pleasure will be the same as the Vespa we have always known, with the addition of technological and innovative connectivity solutions. A perfect mix of excitement, technology and environmental friendliness that only Vespa can create. Like it has always done in its first seventy years of history.”
So not a lot of hard facts about performance, or range then. Or price – though, if on launch the government ‘plug-in’ grant offering a £1,500 rebate on the cost of electric scooters / bikes is still in effect, that will help, big time. They have got the styling sorted. If you like Vespas, of course : ).
It’s not the first time that Vespa has explored the world of electric vehicles, as The ScooterNova blog points out. They are also where I first read about the Electric Vespa, so stay tuned to them for further updates. I’m sure ScooterLab and Scootering will be all over it too.
The official Vespa site is here.
Just a couple of girls on a Lambretta
If you want to take your mind off the US elections, here’s a picture of a couple pretty girls on a Lambretta. You’re welcome.
LC Sidecar Combination
On the Italian eBay site is this rather lovely LC and sidecar combo. It’s €12,500, which bearing in mind the state of the pound, is a little on the steep side. If you’re not lucky enough to live in Italy, he’ll ship it internationally.
Puch Cheetah
Now for something completely different… a Puch DS 60 Cheetah from, amazingly in my opinion, 1960. Why amazingly? Well, to my untrained eye, it looks so much later, presaging Japanese mopeds like the Honda Cub and monkey bikes from the 70s. There’s also a hint of the Rumi Formicino in the styling. Not as curvy and sinuous as a Lambretta or a Vespa, but a very pleasing design – tidy, solid and compact. It was described, back in the day, as a ‘scooterette’ – or ‘baby scooter’. The 59cc Cheetah was the ‘deluxe’ version, with a more stripped down 50cc bike called the Nomad as it’s entry level stablemate.
The Austrian company Puch are perhaps more remembered these days for their mopeds (such as the Puch Maxi), and small motorcycles, and maybe even push bikes (especially BMX’s), but they made very highly regarded scooters in the 1950’s. The Puch RL from 1953 had more traditional scooter styling, and had a good reputation amongst it’s owners, the less than sparkling performance being offset by a reputation for exceptional reliability.
The 59cc 4 speed sports engine on this Cheetah produces 4.5 hp. It’s been restored to ‘as new’ condition with a professional respray (love the silver and bright orange combo!), the engine rebuild by leading vintage Puch specialists in Austria. The aluminium casing, brake drums and shock absorbers are polished to mirror finish. It has a refurbed original seat, new brake linings, wiring, exhaust system, rubbers and tyres. Rebuilt by a restorer rather than a rider, the bike has covered only 3 miles since. The V5 is present and it has 12 months MOT.
The bike is available for sale here:
Original condition SX on eBay
‘Original condition’ may be a synonym for a bit rough. Just as ‘patina’ has become a synonym for what I used to call an RAF scoot – Rusty as F••k. But IMHO there’s a lot to like about this SX. For a start it’s all there… (well as far as I can tell from the pics, barring the rear frame badge, which shouldn’t be a problem). The panels look like they’re a good snug fit. Of course it needs a bit of TLC. And the engine will need a tinker with. Ok, it’s not a 200, but it IS an SX, a genuine one, not an LI dressed up, and it’s not silly money. It’s not cheap… but at todays prices, £3,550.00 looks like pretty good value to me. You could go either way with this one, a ‘conserved restoration’ or a a full nut and bolt shiney shiney job. Your call.
Here it is on eBay
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.
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
So 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!
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.
All images used by permission, and © Ian Daisley / ProBikeART (www.probikeart.co.uk)
Roman Rozzers Ride
Another 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
Spotted 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.
lambrettista.net 