Scootering October 2022

As I type this introduction to the October edition, I’ve still to unpack from our trip to the Scooterist Weekender in Cologne. For me this was the first post-Covid trip overseas and I don’t mind admitting that, combined with the fact that we were travelling as ‘trade’, filled me with apprehension. Much to my delight the only delay we encountered was at British customs on the way out and that was only because the Border Agency chap wanted to take a photo of our scooters for his son to look at. Any anxiety that I’d felt was more than offset by the welcome we received in Cologne. There’s something very special about a German rally but Scooter Centre’s birthday party took things up to a whole new level. So much, that…

Do you have a piece of kit that’s proved itself in action? Whether it’s riding gear, camping kit or a useful tool around the workshop, we’re certain that other readers would love to hear all about it. Drop Stan a line and we’ll print the best ones. stan@scootering.com It’s been four years, seven countries and almost 4000 miles since Stan fitted a Readspeed rear shock to his GP. Feels like time for an update... Based in Stourport-on-Severn, Readspeed is one of those companies that just gets on with its business and in the case of Jerome and the team, that’s developing and supplying the best products they can find. Sometimes that’s big names but as discerning scooterists already know, it’s often the company’s own branded parts that deserve a second look. That’s certainly…

This information is provided by Stephen Hattersley, of WildWood Legal, a firm of solicitors specialising in claims for injured scooterists. Stephen, a qualified solicitor for 25 years, has been riding scooters for more than 30 years and has acted for injured riders across the UK. He knows the tricks and pitfalls that insurers use and pulls no punches in his dealings with them. He rides to work every day and understands the challenges you face out there. Q. What are the new Highway Code changes about, and how do they affect pedestrians? A. The Highway Code changed a few things earlier this year, including the rules on the rights of way for pedestrians crossing a road into which a vehicle is turning. Prior to these changes, you had to give way to pedestrians…

On Friday, August 12, 2022 after sustaining serious injuries in a road traffic accident, Anthony Lewis, aka ‘Tones Bones’, passed away in Leeds General Infirmary; tragically he’d been doing what he loved the most in life, riding a scooter. Tony’s funeral took place on Wednesday, August 31, and prior to the service around 60-70 scooters gathered outside his home to follow the funeral procession to Pontefract Crematorium. At the crematorium the song Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd played while Tony’s coffin was carried into the service. On top of it were flowers from his family and scooter clubs along with his Looney Tunes SC legshield banner. Tony was connected with several scooter clubs including Pontefract SC and Featherstone Spartans and was known as one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ who…

Billed as ‘the UK’s and therefore the world’s finest Who tribute act’, Who Are You are currently playing venues across the UK and taking bookings for next year’s rally season. The band were formed by four huge Who fans, including a guitarist who has played more than 20 arena gigs supporting the Who themselves on recent UK tours. Whether it’s a good night out or a band for your rally, Who Are You will give you the ultimate Who show. Details of forthcoming gigs and how to book the band can be found on their website. www.whoareyou-tribute.london…

For many years it’s been almost impossible to find a 9in tyre, but SIP has now come to the rescue. Originally fitted to some smallframe models and ACMA’s licence-built GL of the 1950s, the demand for these treads is likely to be small but for those running on ageing NOS rubber these SIP tyres could be a lifesaver. So far as we’re aware these are the only tyres available in 3.50-9in as well as 2.75-9in sizes and thanks to the use of modern technology and materials they’re rated ‘P’, or 93mph (150km/h), good luck if you plan on pushing your GL past that point… With their classic tread the compound is said to be good on both wet and dry surfaces while the carcass is suitable for both tubed and tubeless rims. RRP:…