SCOOTER DETAILS
Name of scooter: ‘Old Blue’. Scooter model: GP 200. Inspiration for project: Always had a soft spot for the Rossa 350s of the 80s. Time to build & by who: Surprisingly quick but with me changing bits and pieces it’s only recently been finished. Built by Gary Hancox. Any specialised parts or frame mods: Majority of the mods have been carried out by Gary Hancox of GWH Retro Renovations scooter builders. Engine totally standard apart from pipes and pod filters but totally rebuilt by Mark Wheeler of All2Wheelers Poole. Elite Fabrication of Poole constructed the naked seat frame. Engine spec: RD 350 YPVS Standard. Crank: Rebuilt by Grampian. Carb: Original. Exhaust: Pretty sure these are Jim Lomas pipes. Clutch: C Genuine Yamaha. Gearbox: Shift pro fifitted to selector, Klicktronic solenoid changer. Are A there any other unique details we have missed: m Old Blue looks fantastic with no clothes oon and she’s a damn sight easier to work on nnaked, especially jetting adjustments. This aallowed me to design a seat frame incorporating tthe number plate light and kick start holder and tto use the design of Gary’s frame as a base for tthe set frame. I’m now able to ride Old Blue aas a standard-looking fully clothed scooter or bbollock naked as a cut down/skelly, this makes jjetting adjustments so much easier plus looks ppretty cool showing off her bits! Top T speed & cruising speed: Original Lambretta s speedo is way off the mark so unable to a accurately predict exact speed. The RD350 Y YPVS were good for 100mph+ and I reckon II’ve come close. Cruises nicely. Is the scooter reliable: Extremely now all teething problems have been ironed out. Paintwork & murals done by: Paint code is actually the very same as the R1 which is Deep Purple Metallic Blue and I reckon looks better on Old Blue because of the lack of decals. I was told ‘less is more’ and I really think it works with Old Blue. Overall cost: My wife reads Scootering (Sue Barrett) so... I picked it up at a car boot for just under a grand! What was the hardest part of the project: Paying for it! No seriously, I think it would have to be the cooling, these RD twins produce a hell of a lot of heat. Do you have any advice or tech tips for anyone starting a project: An understanding partner and bank manager. Don’t think you’re going to get a production machine over night with no glitches or adjustments. Prepare to get your own hands dirty and embrace others’ advice. Above all don’t give up. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Gary Hancox of GWH retro renovations scooter builders for a start as his concept of a Yambretta is second to none. Mark Wheeler of All2Wheelers in Poole Dorset – the man’s a marvel with engines. Keith Newman of K2customs who made and laser cut all my Stainless Steel, still love the LUNGS. Elite Fabrication of Poole for fabricating the seat frame and polishing the tank.