You can’t argue with the popularity of the Royal Alloy range of retro-inspired scooters in the UK. That popularity is likely to increase with their latest models and choice of power…
The large stand at EICMA featured new models, including the new GT range of machines with very different styling to the more familiar RA models. We had a chat to the UK main man, Steve Oliver who explained what engines the scooters were using.
310cc or 350cc?
Piaggio may well have only recently released the MP3 310, Vespa GTS 310 and Beverly 310 but (from what we’ve been told) Royal Alloy are also utilising that very powerplant for their 2025 large-capacity scooters. Steve Oliver said they come out of the same factory as Piaggio/Vespa and that factory isn’t in Pontedera (he didn’t give any further details). We asked a Piaggio spokesman to confirm or deny the claims and were told that they aren’t selling the new engine to anybody else and it is built in Italy.
The RA 125 range has also moved over to liquid-cooled Euro 5+ engines and those also look very familiar with a side-slung radiator. If you’re a Piaggio/Vespa fan you’ll recognise these as the i-Get 125 motor.
Even more interestingly, the RA 350 (which are actually 310cc) produces more power in the RA than it does in the GTS. That’ll put the cat amongst the pigeons…
RA GP350SE
Lambretta fans will recognise the inspiration behind this model with it’s SX-esque panel flashes and dual colour panels. The stripes may confuse things but they’re literally a decal so can be peeled off if the owner doesn’t like them. Colour coded wheels and forks are a nice touch, more reminiscent of the Lambretta model it emulates and the stainless exhaust is a useful addition. Nothing looks worse on a scooter than a rusty, fat and ugly exhaust system. We’re told this scooter produces a little over 27bhp. Indicators have also been moved from the legshields to a more discreet position beneath the headset.
Gran Turismo -GT range | VIDEO
Proving they’re no one trick pony, RA will have this new GT range of scooters in the UK from spring. It’s a complete departure from their Scomadi-based, Lambretta-styled classic machines. It’s fair to say that this one borrows some design cues from another Italian manufacturer (as well as its engine). There are certainly some similarities with the smallframe Vespa Sprint/Primavera when viewed from the front.
The GT is also the first RA to have underseat storage, always a useful selling point for a scooter.
These also come with heated seats and grips on some models.
Three styles
The GT will be available in three variations: GT125S, GT160S and GT125S-R. All with different styling and detailing. The GT125S comes with a very tactile, textured finish which comes from the SUV world and is said to be used for the lining of pick up truck beds, it’s 10 times more resistant to scratching than conventional paintwork. There are loads of colours in the GT – Gran Turismo range, so if pink and green aren’t your thing don’t panic too much.
RA TG 350S and sidecar
This sidecar outfit is quite cool (if you prefer to get stuck in traffic). Based on the latest 350 Tigara Grande, the combo can only be ordered as a unit rather than retro fitted to your existing RA model. The scooter itself has had some chassis modifications and also features a handlebar mounted parking brake (as well as one mounted on the sidecar).
The sidecar comes with RA embroidered floor mat and 48-litres of boot space. The eagle-eyed SLUK reader will also notice this one is mounted on the wrong side for UK riders, don’t fear – British spec scooters will arrive as ‘right-hand drive’ so your unfortunate passenger won’t be thrust into oncoming traffic.
Tigara Grande rustoration
Although any metal-bodied scooter is always going to be prone to rusting, the finish on this RA is deliberate. It’s hard to pick up on the photos but this one has pre-rusted bare metal enclosed in clear lacquer. Up close it looks lovely, although the plastic front mudguard and glovebox are finished in artificial chrome. I suggested colour coding these in a similar style to the rest of the scooter for a more authentic effect.
Series One?
It was always going to happen. RA confirmed that some time next summer there will be an RA Lambretta Series One lookalike. All it needs is a horncast mounted headlight and round speedo borrowed from the GT and job’s a good ‘un.
Show us your motor
If you like to show what’s beneath the bonnet RA can help you out. Their transluscent panels come in a variety of colours, or clear. In real life they do actually look quite good, although I’m not sure how pretty your engine will look after a British winter…
Royal Alloy video
We shot some videos on the RA stand and asked RA CEO, Steve Oliver to show us around the new products. Steve was quite happy to say where the 309cc engines (and 125) were coming from…
Want to see more RA stuff?
Let us know in the comments what you think of their new products and if you’d like to see ScooterLab road testing some of them. Our last RA feature still gets thousands of views. Steve pointed out – UK scooterists aren’t shy about letting their feelings be known towards the brand, good or bad!
