Brighton : 26/27/28 august 2001.

Here’s some pictures of the Brighton Mod Weekender, 3 days of music, clothes, gigs, records, party, scooters, shopping,…

During daytime, it was cool to walk the Brighton lanes and see all these mods and scooters all around. Many scooters were really nice & sharp, the way i like, simple & stylish, without too many gadgtets.

3 nights at the Komedia theater, 2 rooms, in which you can always find a good selection of mixed sounds : R&B, early Soul, Northern Soul, Freakbeat, Ska… Well dressed people, mod or not, the general look was smart and cool. The Dorset Pub was also a cool meeting point before the Club, with DJs playing records

All the activities during the days were at the Volks, beside the Brighton Pier, with live music from  HIGHER STATE, THEE VICARS & MARMALADESKY + market/record fair + The Action original memorabilia exhibition.

On the Sunday was the afternoon Ride out, and a impressing amount of Scooters park outside along the Seafront next to the Volks. We had enough time to see all the different styles and models, there was also a Scooter contest, but none of us were aware of it. The start of the Run was epic, with people going all the way, and quickly after it was going nowhere, nothing was really prepared and it was a little deception.

DJs Program:

NUTS DJ’s Pid, Lee Miller, Chris Dale & Rob Bailey
Friday: Dave Crozier (Mojo 2 Go Go) + Milton Wright Tenner (Hush Club)
Sat: Niamh Lynch
Sunday Mod/60’s room: Rhys & Joe (Horrors), Sarah & Holly (EWO/Double Sight Weekend) & Tomas Solomon McGrath (Pork & Beans)
Northern Soul room Ginger Taylor (Lancs Legend), Jo Wallace (Motown/Soul Satisfaction Comps), Chris Dale (Scenesville/Mousetrap) Nick Hackett (Lifeline/100 Club & Si Bridger

HISTORY OF THE CHICCO SCOOTER

-> Production years 1960 – 1963 – Total production:  3,131.

1959 was a particularly fertile year for MV. Apart from the new products, the company presented two all new scooters at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November. The newcomers were baptized the Bik and the Chicco. Of the two, the Bik was undoubtedly the most interesting from a technical point of view.

It was equipped with a 166cc four-stroke twin cylinder engine with semi hydraulic tappets but, perhaps because it was too far ahead of its time, this model never made it into production. The Chicco, on the other hand, did make it into the MV catalogue, where it remained until 1964. It was a far more traditional machine than the Bik, but this is not to say that it did not possess some interesting mechanical features of its own, like having the driven wheel cantilevered directly onto the gearbox output shaft.

The 155cc two-stroke single engine had no connection with previous MV products and was designed specifically for this model: it had a horizontal cylinder with forced air cooling and chain-driven primary transmission. The body was a pressed steel monocoque structure with a fixed front mudguard. The definitive version was a slightly modified version of the prototype seen at the Motorcycle Show, which had no engine covers. Whilst the styling was not particularly original, it was however harmonious and well proportioned.

The Chicco was put on sale at 57,500 lire ($92). This was a time when 500 lire still meant something!
The chicco, a scooter with a pressed steel enclosure and a most unorthodox engine by MV Standards, had a horizontal cylinder and primary drive via chain. A luggage compartment was created on the left hand side of the bodywork. The scooter was painted ivory white.

(Thanks to the MV Agusta collection)

By Mr . Jean.

The design of the 60s conveys its icons and the scooter is certainly the sign, that in this time, the industry allies the optimism and the careless vision of a future which always seems more pink. It is quite naturally that it becomes then the symbol of a golden youth. It seizes it then to get it as economic way of transporting but also as distinguishing feature of membership in an aesthetic, musical and clothing baptized movement « Mods ». Two big brands of scooters  » Vespa  » and « Lambretta » was surrendered a merciless war to obtain leader’s place of the market. Seen the configuration of machines, it was difficult to reach high powers but Lambretta was the first one both to propose a scooter of 200 cm3 with the TV model. On 1966, Lambretta reveals its new model, more powerful, more elegant than never: the SX200!

Equipped with a disk brake in front and with an improved suspension, this scooter wants determinedly more sports . The drawing of wings follows the movement of an arrow, it seems cut to cross the space time and even… The whole galaxy! The advertisements of time advance the sexy and elitist side of the clientele for which it is intended.  » Lambretta gives you sx appeal  » will say the headline.

It is true that it is magnificent this scoot! Dressed all in white (the unique available color of series), raising its magnificent arrows chrome-plated on sides as well as octagonal headlight encircled by chromium and this beautiful red saddle « oxblood » which brings this touch of elegance as a cherry on it… Scooter! English are going to decline a two-colored version a little later seen the success of this machine to them. Regrettably for the brand, it lands on the market at the worst moment.

Already saturated by the competition and requiring too much raised production costs, Lambretta stops its distribution in 1969! 20.783 produced, delivered units and then… Basta! In a last surge, Innocenti will still give birth to another model of scooter become cult: the GP which the drawing was confided to the famous Italian designer Bertone) and which will still be, after the bankruptcy of the Italian firm, produced in India till the end of the 80s . But if this SX200 became « Saint-Graal » of the collector of Lambretta, it is doubtless that it is the symbol of a generation which did not make that « to dream » about  its dreams but which also lived them through its choices and its utopias.

The amateurs know, that at the moment, it is necessary to pay out 7000 euro to offer itself one of these  » small jewel  » in state of restoration and complete of origin. The absolute best: 2 additional lighthouses « Long range » Lucas fixed to the apron before! Where to pick up one: Euh… Good luck! A good compromise: offer itself a replica with the model LI150, much cheaper. Longevity: as long as there is some gasoline. Has some hope There!.

Spare parts: less complicated than the parts of Vespa, the part Lambretta are still reproduced all around the world. Maintenance: Many specialists in Europe, to begin with itself because nothing is worth the discovery of this beautiful mechanics.

This is the evolution of the Vespa 150 (VBA), presented in 1958, with very few changes. The color is similar to the previous one (metal sky blue). The side sacks are enriched by two aluminum decorations, and the rear light is larger and completely chrome-plated.

This model enjoyed great success, thanks to its elegance and functional qualities ever since its first appearance at the Olympic Games in 1960. Engine: Two-stroke single cylinder engine Bore: 57 mm Stroke: 57 mm Displacement: 145.45 cc Top speed: 87 km/h Suspension: coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels Brakes: drums Tires: 3.50-8