Letter from the editor

A warm welcome to October Scootering.

Finally it’s started, albeit only three pages, but it’s started… the new Vespa tuning and upgrade section! It’s been on the cards for months now but there’s been so much going on we’ve not had time to collect the necessary scooters, components and data until now. It’s been noted that the magazine has been ‘Lambretta heavy’ for the past few editions, which is not something we planned, it’s just happened to work out that way with the volume of stuff coming in.

So although we’ve wanted to get more Vespa items in sooner, it’s a bit like turning a big ship around – these things take time. But the good news is, it’s started, and it’s something I’m passionate about. I’m a tuning enthusiast through and through, so the prospect of spending my days fitting new tuning items, measuring before and after figures, road testing and reporting couldn’t be more appealing. I’m sure the information we convey will help you guys out there decide what bit n’ pieces you might like to fit or upgrade on your own machines too. It won’t just be tuning items either; we will cover as much stuff as we can, from racks and luggage, to speedos and sat-navs – this month’s introduction starts on page 114 if you want to get stuck straight in.

Vespa upgrades aside, the month has been as hectic as ever, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the 10-page IOW special, and the abundance of other rally reports we’ve put together for you; nine different events are covered in this issue alone. We have six lovely feature scooters lined up, my favourite being the cover scooter ADORED – not only because I’m a Stone Roses fan, but also because of the fabulous airbrushing from Garage Artwerks and the club setting for the photoshoot. It all makes for a great feature. The usual suspects have got some interesting columns this month too, although Bodger seems to be unusually unhappy this month. I’m sure you’ll see what I mean. Anyway, it all adds up to another belter. Enjoy the issue.