This is a must have for the modern Lambrettista equipping the world coolest office… or home. I’ve seen something similar based upon *cough “another scooter” …but it didn’t have half the cachet of these iconic pieces.
Although you might want to simply display these chairs as a piece of art, you’ll be glad to know they do work as fully functioning chairs.
Each chair is hand built and can be fully customised to your requirements… the model from an LI Series 1 to a GP/DL… the colour, either traditional Lambretta colours or custom colours, and the chrome badges… even the colour of the leather and how it’s stitched. You can even add your own company branding.
They are the brainchild of Jim Piester, founder of Johannesburg (South Africa) based Iconic Design. Jim, who is behind the whole idea, is a Lambretta rider himself (his is the candy orange GP you can glimpse behind the chair, or better in this post), and has been since the age of 16. His background in manufacturing engineering, including a 9 year stint at Rolls Royce and Bentley, have paid off in his attention to detail in the finishing of the final chair.
Jim has other products already in the pipeline, including a Lambretta inspired sofa, armchair and bar stools. There is also a Series One version, including a working headlight… how cool is THAT?
The pricing seems remarkably reasonable too…
£951 +postage for a GP chair (DL/GP or electronic)
£1,035 + postage for a Series Two chair (Li or TV)
£1,100 + postage for a Series One with working headlight (Li or TV)
£1,079 + postage for a Series Three chair (SX, Special and TV)
Compare what you’d pay for the V*spa version… (Google it, I’m not linking to it) and you’ll see how favourably these compare pricewise. Designwise, there’s NO comparison.
Update: Here’s a rather lovely GP200 Electronic version Jim’s currently working on…
Way, way back, (when I first got my Lambretta for a second time) I knew that I wanted a classic waxed jacket. Something like a Barbour International, or a Belstaff Trialmaster. What I didn’t realise was how expensive these two classics had become. I settled for something in a similar style, from another brand (Jack Murphy), and it’s fine. Really. But it’s never been quite right. So I’ve kept an eye on eBay, hoping for a bargain in the Barbour / Belstaff stakes, and missed out on a few bargains. (Like a lovely vintage Trialmaster going for £60!). I’m still looking. But in the meantime, I’ve spotted a few alternatives that I think have nailed the look, and performance of these original classics. This is quite a long post, (the longest since my helmets one!) so stick with it!
Speedwear Deluxe Tradional Wax Motorcycle Jacket
£129 (Amazon)
Manufacturer description:Made in heavy duty twelve ounce black wax cotton. This jacket draws its inspiration from the traditional wax jackets used in a bygone era. Using modern technology to improve the production and quality of a true classic we have produced a timeless piece of motorcycling history attire. We have used traditional techniques and Genuine wax cotton oil skin fabric to produce the “original technical garment.” Attention to detail is key in creating the finest garments available. Each one is conceived to transcend fads and remain classic, therefore having quality and durability. As time passes this garment should become even more unique and evolve with the wearer. The end result is one that is as natural and authentic as you.
User Review: “A very good and stylish jacket at a reasonable price. Having bought a cheap jacket previously which disappointed me because of the quality of the material and the sizing, I was hesitant about buying something similar. However I was encouraged by the previous review which rated this jacket excellent and by the fact that it was made in the UK from specified material. I contacted the supplier to check details of the sizing and found that they responded quickly with the required info. I am very satisfied with the product and the speed of delivery”
My thoughts: Looks the part, great price, and the review seem to bear out the quality of this jacket, one to bear in mind.
Australian Bikers Gear leather Trail Blazer Classic Vintage BROWN Motorcycle Waxed Age Treated Leather
£225 – Reduced to £97.99 (Amazon)
Manufacturer description: The Bikers Gears Answer to the £500 Belstaff Trailmaster – Made in age treated full grain leather (BROWN) Unique hand waxed and oiled finish that renders the garment water repellent – Detachable thermal quilted vest – Full sleeve mesh. Fastened by a buckled throat latch collar – Tightened at the waist by a leather belt passing through five leather belt rings. Closed on the front by a zip and flap with hidden press buttons YKK brass zipper on front and Zips at the cuffs. Jacket has removable soft protectors on shoulders and elbows which meet the requirements of European CE Technical Standard EN 1621-1:1997. Back protector = soft foam also. This jacket has 2 lower, 2 upper patch pockets which are closed by flap and snap buttons. – Jacket have internal pocket.”THIS WILL BE THE BEST £97 YOU EVER SPENT”.
User Review: “This jacket is unbelievable, its heavy, very well made with good protection, at £97 its fantastic value for money and to be honest even at its full price of £225 there is no other motorbike jacket to match it. If your looking for a motorbike jacket don’t look any further.”
My thoughts:Although not a waxed jacket as the others are, this one seemed too good to not include. The styling details look spot on, and, as with a good wax jacket, this will only look better the older and more worn in it gets. There are some scooterists who wouldn’t want to wear leather… but I’m not one of them. I already own one “Aussie Gear” jacket, a high viz, armoured one, which I am very happy with, see my review of that here. I think these guys sell great products at value for money prices, don’t be put off because they seem “too cheap”, they sell quality gear.
Manufacturer description: The Frank Thomas FTW358 Pitman Wax Motorcycle Jacket features a retro classic styling, CE approved amour at the shoulders and elbows, soft foam back padding (upgradeable) fashionable buckle fastening at collar and waist, removable thermal body liner, chest, waist and hand warmer pockets, adjustability at cuffs and is available in 2 colours.
User review:“Just rode home through a friggin’ monsoon, wearing my new wax jacket. Arrived home totally dry – well, the top half of me. Best £160 I ever spent.”
My thoughts:Frank Thomas is a well known, well regarded name in motorcycling gear, with a reputation for quality. If anybody asked you “Is that a Belstaff” I would be more than happy to reply ” No mate, a Frank Thomas”. Although the website says there are two colour options, I could only find black. Which is probably the one you’d want. Or maybe not, when you read my final review. And the options only seemed to go up to “L” …I’m a “XXL” at least!
Manufacturer description: Fully Breathable 12oz Wax Cotton. 2 Internal Pockets, One With Brass Zipper. Tartan Lining Or Moleskin Lining For That Luxury Finish. Plain Reinforcements area’s to shoulders and elbows. Under Arm Mesh Air Vents. 4 Bellow Storm Pockets Lined With Moleskin. 2 Way Brass Zip, Brass Buckles & Press Studs. Duel Storm Flaps to Front. Body Armour Extra at £30
User reviews:“Brilliant. Quality is superb, faultless. I have a made to measure Aero leather jacket and I reckon your stitching is better. Really impressed with your workmanship. Not so sure about my measuring but I think it will settle in ok…Showed it to my brother who has a proper Mojave and he was well pissed off as yours is obviously better made (and made in England not Italy.) Told everyone I know to order one before you get too successful and the prices go through the roof. Can’t understand why the waiting list isn’t 6 months not 6 weeks. Thanks for the nicest thing I’ve bought for ages”
“I must say mate really top job almost too good to get dirty, the fit is spot on. I have a Belstaff Road Master although nice! IT DON’T COMPARE to YOUR workmanship !! I well chuffed ;-))”
“Got the jacket yesterday; good things are worth waiting for!! Fits like a glove & the quality & workmanship are outstanding. The moleskin certainly gives a luxury finish. Thanks for the extra pocket on the sleeve. It is great in this era of cheap imports, where brand names are traded as commodities & give no guarantee of quality, that a bespoke, made to measure item such as yours can be produced for a fairly modest price.”
Options:As well as the International, they also offer the Roadmeister, a very similar jacket with subtle additional detailing – quilted shoulders and elbows and a stitched seam around the pocket to give a neater shape. And if Black is a bit too square from you, for an extra £15 Claymore offer the jacket in 7 colours to match… or contrast with your Lammie. (Sand, Brown, Chestnut, Olive, Navy, Red and Camoflage for you old scooter boys! Other extras such as body armour, extra pockets, half belts, linings and county flags can all be specced when ordering.
My thoughts: This jacket is a different kettle of fish from the rest, a step up in quality (and a little in price too). Claymore jackets are proudly individually handmade in Yorkshire, England (despite the Scottish sounding name!), While all the other jackets are “off the shelf”, Claymores are Bespoke. All the jackets are produced to order, and can be customised to your particular requirements. This means you might have to wait a little while (6 weeks or so) before receiving your jacket. At the moment, they aren’t taking any more orders until the middle of October. If money was no object, I think this is the jacket I would choose, even over a Belstaff or Barbour, and I would add some custom touches to make it my own.
If you haven’t quite got the budget for one of the big names, or you resent paying over the odds for a brand name, there are plenty of options out there. I hesitate to say “cheaper” as that implies lack of quality, and all the jackets I have reviewed seem to be of a decent standard. You’ll be able to find cheaper jackets out there, but I think you’llb e hard pushed to find good cheaper jackets.
Do you own one of these? Or have you got a favourite jacket that you’d like to see featured? Or better still… are you a manufacturer that would like me to roadtest a jacket over the winter? Let me know at crocodilejock@gmail.com
Geddit… SUITable… oh ok, I’ll get my coat. Anyway, lets plough on… if you’ve got a posh “do” to go to, and your evening suit (or ‘Tux’ as the young folks call them, in the colonial style) is looking a little shabby, you might want to get hold of one of these fine Lambretta branded garments, from MyTuxedo.co.uk. There’s even a special package at £179.99 of Tuxedo, Shirt, Tie and Cufflinks, which is a bit of a bargain. I’ll stick to my kilt… but I’m very tempted by the Union Jack waistcoat, as, when I was a nipper, I was always a bit of a fan of the one sported by Tim Brooke-Taylor in the Goodies!
It’s got to be at least a week since I posted about helmets… so here’s something a bit different from Bell… with a ‘weapons grade’ look about it. More than a open face helmet, the additional “muzzle” is ‘purpose built to guard against the elements’. I know when it comes to helmets it’s not all about looks, but this would look great on the right kind of scooter! Available in military colours; Gunny, Black (Matt & Gloss) and Solid Army Green.
I think the Gloss Black looks particularly impressive… in a slightly scary way!
In my last post about helmets, I somehow neglected to mention Davida, as one of my readers, biker chappie and blogger The Ham & Eggs was quick to point out. And although I still think of Davida as a relative newcomer to the helmet market, they have been making quality, stylish helmets in the UK for over 30 years. They also are made to satisfy some of the Worlds strictest safety standards, which is nice. Based in the Wirral, England Davida still hand build their helmets, using the best quality material available. Check out their website here.
Their now iconic Davida Jet isEuropean Standard ECE R22-05 certified, and ACE Gold Approved for racing. It comes in a wide range of styles (below are some of my favourites), and can even be tailored to match the paintwork of your scooter. Custom designs can also be accommodated, and their design team will discuss the appropriateness of your design for a helmet.
Look what turned up at EuroLambretta in Avignon. I’ve seen it all now.
I’m not going to comment much on this, and the guys at Lambretta Club de France are going to post a full picture set soon… so just sit back, check out these few images and have your mind blown.
I think the technical term is Paramotor. Powered paragliding (PPG). Powered by an open framed Lambretta. My gob is smacked. My ghast is flabbered. Amazing. I want a go… I think!
While researching (I use the term loosely) my helmets post, I came across these rather nice tan gloves on the Heritage Helmets site. Now, I don’t always agree with slapping a Lambretta logo on stuff, but I think these look pretty good, perfect for Summer riding. If we ever get a Summer that is.
They’re £34.99 inc. Free UK P&P, and also available in black.
EDIT: I was given a pair of these gloves for my birthday yesterday, and my first impressions are really good. Stay tuned and I’ll write a full review after I’ve worn them for a wee while!
UPDATE: I felt this post was a little short on full face helmets… and the one type I did post was $900. So I put a shout out on the LCGB Forum for recommendations of classic looking, full face helmets. Ktmh5 recommended a classic Bell lid, link here, which is nice, but maybe more of a motorsports drivers helmet.
More to my taste, were these from Biltwell, which I was sent to by vegansydney. Proper old school looks, and a nice range of open and full face lids. Prices are more pocket friendly too… the fullface “Gringo” model (DOT approved), coming in at a pocket friendly $149. I’m particularly fond of the “Gloss Hazard Orange” Gringo. The Gingo is only shown with bubble visors, (which I love on an open face helmet), but am not sure about on a full face. Thoughts? The open face Bonaza helmets look purty too… from class white, to matt black and metalflakes. Something to pretty much match any Lambretta then. Check out the Biltwell site here.
So what other options are there? Tons. Too many to mention… but here are a few ‘honorable mentions’, that might appeal to us Lambrettisti out there. Before you jump down my throat and get all health and safety on me, this is just about style, and not about safety. The vast majority of the helmets are open face, and riders can have strong opinions about that. That’s fine, let me know in the comments.
Firstly, I’ll kick off with some “official” Lambretta branded helmets from Heritage Helmets (the same people who make the Trojan ones). You’ll have seen these online and in the mages, and I think they actually look pretty good. You can get them for about £150 from the Lambretta Store, amongst other places.
Next, and I’m sorry if you are not in Brasil (I wish I was), are the helmets from COOT, (Which in case you didn’t notice is SCOOT with the S dropped off). Nice helmets, you can choose from “Ska” “Bluebeat” or “Acid Jazz”. The names themselves will give you a feel for the site. Classic looking open face helmets, and they use a very nice SX in their publicity shots, what’s not to like? Find out more here.
Finally, for now, I’ll round off with the “Rolls Royce” of helmets. Les Ateliers Ruby. As far as I can tell this is a boutique Motorcylists shop in Paris (edit: Apparently Atelier means “Workshop” or “Studio” especially one used by a designer. So we’ve both leaned something). And they do sell lovely skid lids. But they ain’t cheap. They start at €550 for an off the peg “Pavilion” (or €880 for a visored “Belvedere”) and from €710 for a “A la Carte” option from their online helmet design feature. For the truly loaded you can design your own helmet from scratch. New to the range is the fantastic full face Castel, which will set you back €930. But it is a thing of beauty. Now, I think a open face lid sets off a Lambretta rather well, (unless you’ve got a really fast one), but these full face helmets are a bit special, and would compliment any classic scoot. If you could afford to ride your pride and joy after shelling out for one!
So, that’s my rather brief and uncomprehensive, not to say unrealistic look at helmets. And really, safety and fit should come before style. But I’m rather unqualified to judge that, just make sure before you buy yours that it meet all the relevant standards, and it fits. So, what do you wear? Have you got a favourite lid you think I should feature? Know any other classic looking full face helmets? Let me know.
This is a must have for the modern Lambrettista equipping the world coolest office… or home. I’ve seen something similar based upon *cough “another scooter” …but it didn’t have half the cachet of these iconic pieces.
lambrettista.net 