Other Stuff

The Six Pack

Reviewed September 2008
It may sound a little strange that one can get excited over a ‘simple’ rucksack, but if you’re used to having one cutting into your shoulders and causing your back to ache when riding, then you really want to try the Knox SixPack here. Designed specifically for riders, The SixPack is, “engineered so that the majority of the weight is carried low over the hips to reduce stress on the lower back.” It has a variety of adjustable straps over your shoulders, and across your chest and waist too, so you can tweak it to suit your physique and load. This, to me, is the main feature; I’ve been using it for a few months now and it actually feels comfortable.

The main compartment’s storage capacity is apparently 25 litres, accessed via a 180º zipper, which is protected by an adjustable storm flap. Not massive, but clever packing meant I got everything in, aided by external pockets. Oh, and I packed everything inside in separate plastic carrier bags, just in case. As it turned out rain did seep in a little while riding through a heavy storm during EuroLambretta. Also useful was the helmet carrier on the back of the rucksack to give me two free hands when we stopped.

Other features include a laptop carry-case (which clips inside and I use when riding up to the office), a spare visor pouch and some compression straps for carrying a camping mattress etc. So if you want a a comfortable rucksack to wear while scootering, the Knox SixPack is the one. It sells for £39.95 inc VAT, which I think is a fair price to pay for a decent piece of kit. Contact Planet Knox on 01900 825 825 or via www.planet-knox.com

Andy

Tucano Urbano Termoscud

They’re popular in Europe… in Paris, for example, it seems almost every Vespa PX has a lap-cover of sorts fitted, while in Italy Tucano adverts appear everywhere. There are Termoscud lap-covers on scooters of all shapes and sizes, so why don’t we see more of these practical accessories in the UK? Because in the short term, IE at first glance, they just don’t look cool at all. Thing is, Italians are renowned for being stylish, fashion conscious people, so what’s the score?

Chances are an Italian will also have a large windscreen and maybe a top box on his scooter too, which together with the Termoscud means he can arrive at his destination, pack his helmet and overcoat away and look instantly stylish again. Meanwhile, back in England, any extra style points we gained while riding, have all been lost at the other end as we stumble about in our heavy wet clothing. Yes when I got my first Termoscud some eight years ago now I did think it looked rubbish, but I soon learned that it kept me both warm and dry.

Updated since then, I have the pleasure of the latest version of the Termoscud on my Vespa PX and can report it’s even better then before. It still has a waterproof outer shell made of heavy nylon and a lined interior for extra warmth as well as an anti-theft system by way of a metal ring through which to pass a lock. There is also now Tucano’s patented SGAS anti-flap inflatable system, which consists of a couple of small chambers on either side that when blown up do exactly as they say on the tin, and certainly appear to reduce flapping at speed compared to the previous cover I have. The built-in saddle cover is better than before too, covering pretty much the whole of the Vespa’s seat now, and there are also bits secreted away in pockets, all equating to a tidier cover in all. And that goes for when not in use as well, when it can be either strapped up inside the legshields or removed and stored in a handy little bag.

Available for Vespa smallframes (Primavera and PK) PX (and it can fit the Rally 200 and similar as well), Cosa, GT, GTS, ET4 and LX, plus most popular automatics (including Gilera Runner, Piaggio X9, Yamaha Tmax, Suzuki Burgman etc) it comes with everything you need to fit it, a task that is easy enough and takes just minutes.

Prices start from about £80 depending on your scooter, extensions are available for pillions at about £35 and for a list of UK dealers visit www.tucanourbano.it or call Scootergear Ltd on 0208 835 0222.

Andy

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