Retro Reviews Archives

A beautiful Vespa GS160 in silver, owned by Matthew Philips.

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New product: SIP GS150 cylinder kit | First impressions

The Vespa GS is without a doubt one of the most stunning Vespas to look at but it needs more performance for modern day riding. SIP have come to the rescue with their new cylinder kit. We had a pre-production version to fit, dyno and ride.

iggy-grainger19 September 2024

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SLUK Discount: Exped Dura four-season camping mat | Product Review

How many times have you bought cheap airbeds in your life? If you’re anything like me, I’d say we go through at least one a year. Our most recent purchase, earlier this year, was your typical Coleman’s double-airbed. You can see it above on the seat of the Lambretta. It…

iggy-grainger2 September 2024

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New twin jaw cable cutters from Laser Tools | NEWS

One tool that all classic scooter riders should own is a set of decent cable cutters. How many of you make do with a rusty pair of pliers though? Cutting control cables to length with old, blunt or the wrong tools is a surefire way of messing your new cables…

iggy-grainger25 March 2024

2024 TCX Hero 2 waterproof bike boots in brown.

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TCX updates popular styles for 2024 | NEWS

TCX are my personal boot brand of choice and I wear them for all long-distance rides. For 2024 some of their most popular boots have been revamped with new styling and colours. Hero 2 First up are the Hero 2, (pictured above). I'm still riding in the original Hero…

iggy-grainger11 March 2024

SIP 4-in1 Vespa tool being used to pull a clutch from a Vespa.

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SIP Vespa 4-in-1 Puller Tool: REVIEW

I love it when you can get one thing to do multiple jobs. Not slippers with mops on you understand; proper manly things like tools. The packaging of this tool is quite clever, allowing it to have four functions; leaving you less to carry in your tool bag. Job 1:…

iggy-grainger31 January 2024

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Zerofit – “The World’s warmest base layer” | REVIEW

Being cold whilst riding, or just going about your everyday winter tasks is no fun, so the promise by Zerofit for "The world's warmest baselayer" sounds appealing. Zerofit is a Japanese company, founded by keen golfer Mr Koji Higashi in 2005. He wasn't enjoying his game during winter so…

iggy-grainger22 January 2024

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SIP Destination vintage style backpacks | NEWS

SIP have just released these lovely waxed cotton, vintage-style Destination rolltop backpacks. The backpacks were inspired by the 19th-century duffel bag design and were made specifically for use on scooters. They're made from 18 oz waxed canvas cotton and strong cowhide leather, which offers protection against moisture whilst looking good…

iggy-grainger8 January 2024

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CNC machined Daley Dipstick for Vespa GTS | NEWS

One sure-fire way to reduce the lifespan of your modern Vespa is to let the oil level drop. With some of the Vespa GTS HPE models it's even more crucial because they drink more oil than other models. The standard Vespa GTS dipstick is quite flimsy (they occasionally snap when…

iggy-grainger19 December 2023

Book promo image for Taking in the view by Mark Bennett, featuring a grey Lambretta GP with 'Solid Air' painted on the side panel.

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Taking in the view – life from a scooter by Mark Bennett | Book review

I'm not sure about you lot but I'm a sucker for a true story, especially if it's about something that I'm quite interested in. I've just finished reading Mark Bennett's brand new 244-page, 70,000 word autobiographical account of his life as a scooterist and enjoyed every page. 50 autographed copies…

iggy-grainger14 December 2023

Casa Performanmce Lambretta Series 1 being ridden in Italy with a 333cc Sledgehammer engine.

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SledgeHammer: CP’s 333cc touring engine for Lambretta | FIRST ROAD TEST

What is it? The SledgeHammer is Casa Performance’s first proper go at a touring engine; as most humans understand the phrase ‘touring’. The CP boys might disagree. Their SST 265 was supposedly their ‘touring’ engine before, but I’ll be honest, not many people would prioritise 100+mph performance over fuel economy…

iggy-grainger23 November 2023