MARLBORO MAN

Paul’s daily ride is a GP that once sported Quadrophenia tribute paint. Following a terminal engine breakdown on the way to Bridlington, it was dispatched to be finished in a fictional Team Roberts scheme to create a talking point at the showroom. While the paintwork was being completed by Paul Firth its engine was dispatched to Mark Broadhurst for him to work his magic, returning equipped with a TS1 225. A very clean and well executed machine it deserves a place in Scootering simply because it’s the type of scooter that no longer stands out in the crowd.

Think about that for a moment – bespoke seat, Nissin hydraulic front brake, state-of-the-art tuning, updated suspension and a beautifully executed street racer paint scheme. Fifteen, perhaps even 10 years ago it would have graced our cover and picked up trophies galore. Taken to a rally in the 1980s it would have seemed like something from science fiction.

The sad fact is that we’ve become accustomed to excellence and we take so much for granted. The new season’s upon us and there’s never been more equipment available to make our scooters more reliable and powerful than ever before. Get out there to rallies large and small meet friends old and new, but while you’re there step back for a moment and take in the machinery around you. We’re living in a golden age and just like Paul’s daily ride it’s worth savouring.