Scootering November 2022

It’s embarrassing to admit but after spending years riding around Europe and Asia the dreaded VD has finally caught up with me. I don’t like it, I’m not proud of it and I don’t know what the cure is but I think it’s important to be honest with you. My scooters have spent more time in the back of vans this year than at any point in their life. Yes folks, I’ve contracted Van Disease (you didn’t really think...?) Sometimes there’s been no option. Heading to the Isle of Wight or Cologne with a trade stand means taking a van, but more often than not it’s just that time isn’t on my side. Contrary to what some may believe, Scootering isn’t a huge corporate machine. The number of full-time employees is…

Arai Tour-X4 Let’s start with the obvious… Arai are not cheap, we all know that. I used to sell helmets for a living and while you could often explain the benefits of a premium level helmet to a ‘mid-level’ buyer, and get them to invest in something a bit better, there was also a certain type of buyer who wouldn’t spend more than tuppence on a helmet no matter what. If this sounds like you, nothing I say here will convince you to spend £500-£600 on a helmet, though, bizarrely, the same individual would often spend £600 on a cylinder kit to make their scooter go faster and still not be concerned about protecting their noggin! Strange. Anyway, having owed this Arai lid for just over one year I’m now in…

It’s been four years since Piaggio launched the HPE version of its GTS and the model’s been due a refresh for some time. It looks like 2023 is the year this will finally happen. The new Vespa GTS range will comprise four versions, each of which has its own particular spirit: the ‘entry level’ GTS, the Super, SuperSport and SuperTech. All will be available with a choice of 125cc i-get single-cylinder and the 300 HPE (High Performance Engine). In addition to a promised 14 different colour schemes that include new graphic details, there are two major changes in technology. Firstly, keyless ignition which will start the engine, open the seat and lock the steering column (what could possibly go wrong there?) and secondly, a revised front suspension unit. The latter promises improved…

Q. I was injured in a scooter accident a year ago. My solicitor has obtained medical evidence regarding my condition and we have sent this to the other driver’s insurers. They say that they intend to fight the claim on the basis that I am ‘fundamentally dishonest’. What does this mean? A. Sorry to hear that. The fundamental dishonesty (or FD) argument is one being used increasingly by insurers. If they get a whiff of a claim being exaggerated or not quite what it seems, they will run this argument. The reason for this is that if they win with this argument, they can seek an order from court that the WHOLE claim be wiped out, not just the exaggerated parts. In addition, they often threaten to seek an order that…

While no one will claim it’s the answer to vehicle theft, Oxford’s new combination zip lock solves a lot of problems. Crime prevention is all about ‘layers’ – the more layers we put in place, the less likely someone’s going to be tempted. While most of us understand the need to layer up when leaving scoots parked up overnight, I’d bet that very few of us bother when it’s less convenient. Putting a chain on when nipping to the shop is a pain, and there are other times when locking up is more about convenience; for example not having to carry a helmet around all day or fastening a bag on a ferry trip. Enter Oxford’s lockable zip tie. Before you hit the keyboard it’s a stainless-steel band that’s coated in plastic,…

Having heard of Stan’s recent ‘off’, the team at Kent-based Roadskin clothing thought that he may just be the scooterist they needed to test a pair of their Roadskin Taranis Elite riding jeans. According to Roadskin: “The Taranis Elite motorcycle jeans are our very latest jean and the first to provide the AAA safety rating in a single layer, as tested by SATRA Technology Centre in the UK. This is achieved by weaving the protective Kevlar fibres into premium denim, so they feel and look exactly like a regular five-pocket pair of jeans but give you the peace of mind that comes with wearing AAAs. The Taranis also contains a good amount of elastane for stretch, ensuring you’ll be as comfortable on the bike as off it.” Initial impressions are good, they…