Gasoline Royale Classic Vespa Royale flush When you’re gambling on a vintage Vespa, make sure you’ve got all the cards in your hand
Words by MATTHEW SHIELDS, photography by JEREMY BOWDLER As we know, classic Scooters rule and retro rocks, right? So what if you could combine the two? Are you the kind of person that likes the style and looks of classic scooters but would prefer the performance and reliability of modern day machinery? If so you may be interested in what Gasoline Garage have to offer.
The guys at Gasoline have put a spin on building machinery under licence. Instead of building the entire machine from new, they have in fact sourced VBB Vespa chassis, circa 1963, and every other part from around the world and then set about building machines from these classic frames in their own off-shore factory.
 It’s no feeble fit-out mind you. The factory employs more than 100 people over the whole production line and are constantly improving the product implementing quality control measures regularly. In their final form, the guys from Gasoline Garage claim, the machines are 99% new with the only part shared with the old Vespa being the Original chassis. Also, if any part hasn't been sourced from the parts bin on these machines its been manufactured from scratch.
The engine is a T5, 4-speed, 150cc, reed valve two-stroke using an electronic ignition and, as modern as it is, doesn't change the styling cues of the old machine hiding nicely behind the sculpted wheel arches. There are some 24 classic Italian colours to choose from, leather seats (a rider's saddle and a removable pillion seat) are available as an optional accessory, as is a snappy one-intotwo, German-made, stainless steel exhaust system, which gives an unmistakeable note and is claimed to add about 10 per cent to peak power, exclusive to Gasoline.
If you want a scooter with real gears and think that a 1960s Vespa is the answer for you, check out the Royale at Gasolines Workshop - Cafe Head Quarters situated at 344 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst or drop them a line on 02 9020 7184. As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 15/11/2004
Subscribe to Two Wheels Scooter magazine now! |