SCOOTER DETAILS
Name of scooter & reason: The Crossroad’s Demon – this name is just perfect to summarise my state of spirit when I drive; and it’s also a tribute to the band Teep’n Teepatix (ex. Evil Skin) and a nod to my old friend R23. Scooter model: Jet 200 1974. Date purchased & cost: 1990 for £20! Inspiration for project: It’s too difficult to say... so many choppers are as beautiful as they are different... Sometimes just one tiny detail about a chop can give me a big idea for a future project. Everything can be a source of inspiration. Ti me to build & by who: The first idea beginning in 1992, but I finally really did it seriously in one year, just last year! Ninety per cent of the work was done only by me! There is just the fork, which was manufactured by Beedspeed and the frame seat made by Manu le relou. Any specialised parts or frame mods: I made the chopper myself. First, I worked the frame at the highest point by forming and shaping the tubes around the fork until I found the ideal hunting angle. Then I narrowed the steering tube. For the rear frame, I wanted to stay in an extreme style and have the saddle as low as possible! So I only kept the part of the engine mount (40cm) to which I welded another small part of frame to be able to lower the rear shock support to the maximum and put the saddle in suspension. Next, I integrated the rear light to the frame. Then I handmade the part of the brake controls and adapted the pegs, the pedal as well as the hydraulic system. Unfortunately, once this operation completed, I realized that my arms were too short (lol)! So, I focused on the handlebars to rectify the problem: I built a handlebar support plate and I adapted adjustable risers. Then, I formed the tubes of the handlebars in the extension of the tank, also adjustable, in order to be able to define a driving position on demand. Finally, I opted for inverted levers. Next, I built the front and rear mudguard brackets and the passages for the cables. And finally there was the very last operation – I hid the coil HT and regulator inside the frame! Engine spec: Kit: Rapido 225 race and cylinder head stratos, Crank: GP race MecEur 60 x 107, Carb: 28VHST Dellorto, Exhaust: DJ Style, Clutch: Tutto Lambretta Stratos five-plate race, Gearbox: Jet 200, Other: 225 Mitaka piston, LTH reedvalve from RD350-LC. Describe engine performance, power delivery and scooter handling: The chopper has very good road ride-ability and is very pleasant for long distances. Lots of power for overtaking. Of course, my chopper is specially made for the highway! I mean, it’s only possible to drive it in straight line, you can’t ride it on mountain road if you care about life (lol)! Top speed & cruising speed: Top speed 120km, I’m not crazy! Cruising speed, 90km. Is the scooter reliable: Yes, it’s perfect for the road. Paintwork & murals done by: The paintwork is done by M8. Engraving done by: Engraving done by Mr Jason Lock; perfect work and a really nice guy. Is there any chrome: Chrome by Jason Lock engraving and Beedspeed. Overall cost: Maybe about €5000...? What was the hardest part of the project: The frame fabrication. In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently: Yes, made the forks shorter (lol)! Has the scooter won any show trophies yet: Yes, it won best chopper at Big7 and the best of show at Gorges de la Soul Rally. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Yes, my two road friends, Christophe Durif & Nico scoot, but also my wife and my children for their understanding in front of all my hours of absence...