vintage mopeds

moped
shed

Moped Shed celebrates the sports mopeds that fueled the dreams of a generation of 16-year-olds. In the 1970s and ’80s, their unique designs, bold colours and two-stroke engines, louder than your favourite band, were the closest you could get to owning a full-blown motorbike. Buying a Benelli T50 in my late 40s rekindled my passion for riding and restoring 50cc motorcycles. Moped Shed is a tribute to the “sixteener specials” that defined an era of flares and mixtapes, chronicling my attempts to restore a (growing!) collection of sports mopeds, especially Benellis.

What’s in the shed?

Lodged in the cosy confines of my garden workshop, you’ll find a modest collection of 50cc Benelli motorcycles in various states of repair, from the restored T50 that started it all to a uniquely Dutch BS50 on the workbench. Join me as I restore and ride my collection of classic mopeds.

Logo of the Benelli motorcycle company

Timeless Italian flair! Italy’s oldest motorcycle producer re-entered the Sports Moped scene in 1973 with the ‘Turismo’ 50. Read more…

Applying heat to a loosen a stubborn engine casing bolt
Applying heat to a loosen a stubborn engine casing bolt

Moped mechanics

Before buying a vintage moped on impulse a few years ago, I barely knew one end of a spanner from the other. Armed with only determination and a willingness to learn, I dove headfirst into moped restoration. No formal courses or online tutorials, just trial and lots of error! It was a journey marked by grease-stained hands, frustration and the odd celebratory cheer when things finally clicked.

But hey, perseverance pays off, and I reckon it’s time to share the tales of my triumphs, mishaps, and everything in between. So, If, like me, you’re fumbling your way around a moped engine, you may find the tips and tricks on my website helpful. Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and I’ll share my tales of restoring a classic moped.

GALLERY

When I’m not riding or restoring vintage two-strokes, you’ll find me snapping photos of my favourite classic 50cc motorcycles and mopeds.

Explore a collection of my favourite photographs showcasing the magic and style of these iconic two-stroke bikes. From the graceful curves of the Vespa 98 Corsa to the race-inspired Malaguti Olympique, this handpicked selection of my best images captures the diversity and character of these two-wheelers and the stories behind them. If you like what you see, why not follow me on Instagram, where I regularly post new photos and videos?

“They say life’s a highway, but in 1974 if you wanted to get ahead you got a moped.”

Quote from the 2006 film ‘Fizzy Days’

MANUALS

Essential Benelli T50 resources: a collection of manuals and parts catalogues – your guide to keeping your T50 on the road.

moped life

Traditional mopeds have all but disappeared from our roads, made obsolete by new legislation and replaced by bland and uninspiring plastic scooters – a far cry from the racy sports mopeds immortalised by the Yamaha “Fizzy”.

Lost but far from forgotten, these charismatic two-stroke machines are having a revival. Enthusiasts from around the world are coming together in sheds, garages and clubhouses to breathe new life into mopeds from a bygone era of flares, punks and football hooligans, from authentic restorations to one-off custom builds, each a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic two-wheelers.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, September 2020.
Follow me on Instagram

If you like mopeds, check out my ‘Crankster’s Ink’ Instagram page. I regularly update it with new photos showcasing my restoration adventures and iconic vintage 50cc mopeds. Get your weekly dose of moped nostalgia. ​Go to ‘Cranksters Ink’…​

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