MAN & MACHINE
Name: Francis Fountain Job: Heavy plant operator. How and when did you first become interested in scooters: 1980s had my first go on a Vespa 90, that was me hooked. Loved them ever since. What was your first scooter: Lambretta sx200 cut down. What is your favourite scooter model: Lambretta SX200 cut down. What is your favourite style of custom scooter: Street racer. First rally or event: Dunbar 80s. Favourite and worst rally/event: Kelso has to be my favourite, no worst, all good. What is the funniest experience with a scooter: Me and my wee brother Jimmy had a puncture on his Vespa 90 and we thought we could sort it by filling the back tyre with his mum’s washing. Needless to say the police were involved as his mum reported the washing stolen and we were grounded for a long time. What’s the furthest you’ve ever ridden on a scooter: Aviemore from West Lothian. What do you like about rallies/ events: Having a catch up with everyone and admiring all the scooters. What’s your favourite Scootering magazine feature: Tech corner. If you had to recommend one scooter part or item of riding kit what would it be: Better lighting; it’s good to be seen.
Name of scooter & reason: This Is The Life, as a tribute to my father-in-law Phil Reilly. Scooter model: Vespa T5 classic. Inspiration for project: Always wanted to build a Vespa street racer but never had the time till now. Time to build & by who: Two years, six months. Any specialised parts or frame mods? What & by whom: One of adapter LED headlight, indicators and back light, custom made barrel (water cooled by Martin Cook at Chiselspeed) all lighting bought from America, custom made radiators, custom made exhaust billet two-piece head to suit. Engine spec: Quattrini M200 water cooled. Crank: 57m with Yamaha rod. Carb: 35mm Keihin airstriker. Exhaust: One-off. Clutch: Billet Cosa 10 spring. Gearbox: Pinasco close ratio cluster. Porting & dyno: Martin @ Chiselspeed. Describe engine performance, power delivery and scooter handling: It pulls smoothly right through the power band in every gear, handling is good. Is the scooter reliable: Yes. Paintwork & murals done by: Bob Faulkner from Arbroath. What was the hardest part of the project: Getting all the ideas and a mental picture of how it would look. Advice or tech tips for anyone starting a project: Do a dry build first with all your bits and pieces. Is there anything still to add to the scoot: Maybe a rear disc brake. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Martin Cook and his team at Chiselspeed, Bob Faulkner airbrushing and his team.