SCOOTS & SUITS.
Hi all, sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written a Blog, but I’ve been extremely busy. Here we go, it’s now 2026, Spring in fact, and the start of yet another busy period for myself, more so on the DJ front, which I absolutely love. And the start of what is commonly known as the scooter season. I’ve actually just had a new to me scooter and am so looking forward to getting out and about over the coming months. So scooters is part of this here Blog, the other part is suits, which my last one was from, you guessed it, Modclothin.
So, let’s delve and dive straight in. Scooters, be it Vespa, Lambretta, Royal Alloy or whatever brand, scooters are synonymous with the Mod scene and go right back to the very start of our culture and heritage. Born out of necessity following WW2, designed in a heavily bombed Italy, these small framed bikes could easily negotiate the very rough road surface from bomb damage. (Certainly applicable on our roads currently). Aimed primarily to get people mobile for an affordable price, the Italian roads certainly wasn’t conducive and suitable for cars at that time. Move forward less than two decades to the late 50s and early 60s and these continental 2 wheeled runabouts became the mode of transport adopted by young, working class Mods. Easily maintained, readily available, affordable and highly customisable. These European bikes became the go-to transport for the burgeoning youth movement. Freedom beckoned. The ironic thing? Encased engines and protective leg shields. Perfect for a culture engrossed in image.
The design was perfectly matched to the Mod ethos. The scene may have seen many changes, from different offshoots and subcultures, think 80s scooter boys, the original Skinhead movement and so on. To this very day, the interest in all things scooter is very much alive and well. Be it a retro original or a more modern take, that obsession is still the same. I recently spoke with John Edwards, someone I met at Black Katz Mod Club via The Lounge Lizards Scooter Club of Birmingham. Eddie (as he is known) is one the go-to men on the scooter scene. He can remedy all things mechanical and very often does.
Here’s what Eddie told me, now this copied directly, and is verbatim so please excuse and grammatical or spelling errors.
Hi my name is John Edwards. I have been a MOD and into the scene from 1979. We saw Quadrophenia back in the day. I was hucked. It was at school back in the day we had moped lessons on a Honda melody lol. Scooters came along doing Motor Vehicle Technology MVT. We went to college in Smethwick the 1st 4 periods every Friday morning. 2p on the bus in those days.
The love just went on and on. The music, the clothes Bull ring and Oasis most Saturdays when I could afford it.
In the 90's the scene was slow but always in the back of my mind.
I have worked on bikes and cars all of my life. I got married to by sole mate and she was into Duran Duran but she has loved the scene like me.
“We have done so many things together such as Gearbox Kart racing where we came 5th overall twice. And we won the championship at Chacewater. We moved to Malta in 2006 and soon made friends with some local guys. One of my best mate is John Scooty Barbara. I have a part time garage there repairing and restoration of scooters in my spare time. I managed to find some nice scooters for my collection. We came home in 2020 and settled in Burntwood. I have been helping people out since I came back and made more like minded people and friends. We now fell so welcome with the 3B48 club and the Lounge Lizards. We then found the Black Katz and it totally made us feel unbelievable happy to meet more fantastic people so a big thanks to everyone who has made our journey fantastic and hope there is more to come.”
Eddies passion and dedication is a testament to what this scene is about. Commitment. So, whether you ride a full on lit up 60s model, or an electric start rev and go, remember that what you do is steeped in style and history. But most importantly, enjoy and be safe.
Suits.
Now in this section I’ll be writing directly from my own perspective and experiences. I personally own 26 and growing. I know being a suited Mod isn’t to everyones taste, but it really appeals to me. I wear new and vintage suits, I have no preference. Just as long as they’re sharp, and make me feel sharper when I wear them.
My latest purchase was from Pete Whelbourne at Modclothin located in Melton Mowbray, Leics. Bit of a trek from where I live, but well worth it. A well appointed shop, very smart decor and a brilliant layout for browsing. I chose from a myriad of styles, patterns and fabrics. I went for a wool mix grey background Prince Of Wales check (Brown) with all the classic features, ticket pocket, double vent, cloth covered buttons, frog mouth pockets on the trousers. At Modclothin you can pick and choose exactly what you want. Add anything, or leave something off. I was measured expertly, in a very relaxed atmosphere may I say. Not hurried at all. Every enquiry was made by Pete on all aspects of my suit. So, choices made, measurements taken, payment made it was just a matter of waiting, roughly 4 weeks. Then it was back to Melton Mowbray for a second fitting and see if any alterations were needed. Happy to say that nothing needed letting out! Fitted perfectly. When I wore the suit out (Black Katz Mod Club, March 20th) I got lots of compliments. A lot of my circle of friends shop at Modclothin, both male and female, and they wear some very smart pieces. In fact, each time I ask “where did you get that suit? It’s smart” the answer is usually “Pete at Modclothin”. I’ve had that same answer all over the country. Now, if you want a wide choice of styles, material and patterns then you need a visit to Modclothin, either the shop or website. The range is immense, suits, shirts, shoes, trousers, ties and squares, knitted tops, jackets, you name it, you’ll find it there.
Now I’ll tie this blog up nicely, my new suit is a grey background Prince Of Wales check, my new scooter is a Vespa PX in silver/grey/chrome. Guess what I’ll be wearing and riding? A perfect match.
So, until the next one. Keep on keeping on.