Trigger Happy
Jordan finds out how ‘auto ownership’ has benefited the Young Guns SC, and what it means to the wider scene…
For many years, automatic scooters have been regarded as some form of ‘scooter sacrilege’ by certain groups of scooterist. Burly men regarded them as girls’ scooters – conveniently losing sight of the fact that times have changed. Love them or hate them, autos are now a common sight on rallies these days with the GTS effectively becoming the 21st century PX equivalent. Effectively, a fast, reliable and not least of all… modern work horse. Thinking back to the introduction of the PX and the T5 during the ‘scooterboy heyday’ of the mid-80s, modern autos can now do a similar job for today’s scooter riding youth. Many of the machines have the design cues and the classic lines, but, like the PX was back then, they are modern machines and can be bought via dealer finance packages, making them much more accessible and reliable options. The success of the GTS has helped spawn more options for the auto buyer. LML has its innovative PX based auto and then there’s the Scomadi with some sporty models planned. But what do the YGSC members think?
Jamie Lawn, 24 Gloucester Jamie, one of the original members of the BSRA winning YGSC team talks about his recent experiences of Scomadi ownership. “I bought my TL125 back in February to do this year’s National Rallies. Having always had geared scooters, jumping onto an auto felt very strange! Compared to my old Vespas (including Vespa chop ‘Tiger Pig’) the TL handles fantastically. Unfortunately, flat out it only sits at 57mph. But what else could I have expected from a 125 with the aerodynamics of a brick wall? The efficiency of this four-stroke engine though, does mean I have a little more beer money! It hasn’t been fault-free ownership though, the front wheel bearing disintegrated and the rear rack snapped off when returning home from Kelso! Having the dealer and warranty means all these problems have been sorted though. So far this year I’m up to seven long distance rallies with a lot more to go.”
Kirsty Cherry, 25 Banbury, Oxfordshire Kirsty has just snuck into the club before her upcoming 26th birthday... “I have always been around scooters ever since I was born, going pillion on the back of my dad’s T5 as soon as I was old enough. Then I took the interest further by purchasing my own Vespa LX 125 in 2014; I opted to buy an auto as at the time I was riding a PX and all the gear changes hurt my hand too much. I thought that by purchasing an auto, I would have the best of both worlds: the PX for local ride outs and the auto for further afield. I was set on a Vespa, so there was a choice between the LX and a GTS. I went for the LX, as I felt I would be able to handle the weight of that better than the GTS. My first rally on the LX was to the Isle of Wight – I was pleased with the comfort on longer distance rides and how economical it was. On the way there, other members of Banbury Scooter Club commented on how well the scooter went for a 125.”
Scott Millward, 23 Shotley Bridge, County Durham Scott is a veteran of Scomadi ownership… “I was drawn to it mainly because of its looks. I’ve always wanted a Lambretta, but being 6ft 4in it’s a nightmare! I discovered this when sitting on my dad’s Lambretta and the bars hit my knees after not even a quarter turn. I had a chance to test ride my mate’s and with the Scomadi being just that bit bigger, it fits me and is comfortable. However, the engine died horribly! The piston was melted, con-rod snapped, big end exploded and the spark plug smashed to pieces! But this was all sorted under warranty. I love the way it rides, especially on the twisty valley roads. That’s why it’s named ‘Valley Racer’!”
So love them or loathe them, autos make up a large proportion of rally and road going machines. They may not ignite the fires of passion that classic scooters do, but they play an important part in growing our scooter community, keeping the older riders on the road, and getting the younger riders into the scene. Long may it continue.