Kickstart

The upfront section with all the latest news, views and product reviews!

With lockdown having scuppered just about every scooter-related event in the calendar, a large portion of us have been busy in the shed or garage, getting on with that all-important scooterrelated job. My man cave ‘lockdown therapy’ of choice has been engine building, it’s been a joy to get back at it and wield the spanners again. With that in mind, what better time to take a look at some of the tools on the market available for Vespa and Lambretta scooters. Some of these may be considered ‘bare essentials’, something

I wouldn’t use any other item for (like a flywheel holder as opposed to jamming a screwdriver between fins, etc.). But other tools may be treated as a luxury (say a con-rod holder, where another item may reasonably be used without fear of breaking something). But no matter your level of budget, whether you are a ‘top of the line’ man, or a ‘basics will do’ kind of bloke, one thing I always suggest… is buying from a reputable dealer. Avoid eBay tat from spurious sellers at all costs. Though eBay isn’t the problem in itself if the seller is a known (reputable) dealer… the problem with eBay is that in-between the reputable dealers is a sea full of sharks, touting their tat… tools which will snap in the blink of an eye. Buy cheap, buy twice… better to get it right first time. So let’s take a look at some of the quality tools you may want to consider for your collection, sturdy and robust items which are more than fit for purpose. And if you want to see a practical on any of the items included, keep an eye on editor Dan’s Scooter Factory YouTube channel.

I’ve seen all sorts of cobbled-up ‘get me home’ bodge jobs used on the roadside for this job, but in the workshop… this is another essential. Nothing else will do when setting up clutches on the bench.

Product code: BD06812 RRP: £18.99 More info: www.beedspeed.com

This is one of those tools you just don’t want to be without. Getting those taps in and out of Vespa tanks is a right faff, and this tool IS essential.

Product code: BD14195 RRP: £14.99 More info: www.beedspeed.com