SCOOTER DETAILS
Name of scooter: Adored – based on my favourite band the Stone Roses. Scooter model: 1963 Lambretta Li125 series 3. Date purchased and cost: May 2015 for £1300. Bought as a skelly off Chris Matthews. Inspiration for project: I intended for it to be a sensible runner with a modern twist. Time to build and by who: 11 months (my newbornn son slowed it down!). Built by me at home. Any frame modifications: Decided to go for fibreglass SX panel work. Lighter, won’t rust and surprisingly fitted better than the original tin stufff. Are there are any specialised parts: The rearsets are pretty special – an Adrian Newnham work ofo art. The custom lemon slices were made by Keith Newman. Engine kit: Imola. Crank: Long stroke black mecc crank. Carb: Dellorto PHBH30. Exhaust: TSR Evo with Gianelli can. Clutch: Reedspeed 5 plate. Gearbox: Italian li150. Are there any other unique details we have missed: Where possible all bolts have been swapped for titanium ones. Top & cruising speed: To be confirmed, but hoping to be able to sit at a good 70 all day. Is the scooter reliable: Fresh build – time will tell, but I’ve had a couple of niggly issues and teething problems. Nothing major though. Paintwork & murals/who did them/any stories: I had planned on painting it myself, but the birthh of my son, Milo, but paid to that idea. Originally it was just going to be the base colours which were brilliantly applied by Kenny Bradford but then decided to go ‘the whole hog’ and got Colin Fitzgerald on the job for the air brushing. I love the John Squire art work and I think Colin’s captured it perfectly. Is there any engraving: A little bit on the chain case, air scoop and rear light done by Jason Lock. Is there any powder coating? If yes who did it: All powder coating done by LSN in Castleford. Overall cost: Probably about £6000 all in, including buying it. What was the hardest part of the project: Being a DIY lover, and having painted my T5 so successfully, letting the work go out due to not having as much spare time these days, but it was worth it in the end. Do you have any advice or tech tips for anyone starting a project: Take your time, don’t rush, and if you can’t afford decent components straight away, it’s always worth saving for them. Is there anything still to add to the scoot: Toying with some gold plating. In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently: Ship the paint work out straight away rather than wasting a load of time in my garage. Your favourite dealer: I’ve always liked SIP. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Colin Fitzgerald for the artwork, Jason Lock for the engraving, Kenny Bradford for the basecoat, Alex Isherwood for getting the paint looking spanking, Adrian Newnham, Keith Newman, Trever Emerton for the countless advice, Rob Sidebottom for telling me to “just get on with it” and everyone else that’s given advice.