Street Machine Photography
It's always been a side hobby of mine to photograph anything petrol or gear related over the years. Mostly cars, however it was upon moving to Southeast Asia many moons ago, I was stuck by the quint little mopeds that can be spotted all around. Now the retro scooter scene is bigger than ever, with manufactures rolling out retro machines such as Honda's Supercub or Kawasaki's W175 left and right.
This shot was stylized with an early iPhone 3G model and app!
Singapore circa 2009. Modern Vespa clone (likely China) with spare wheel accessory on the side pannier, front glove box, and top box. Practical to the max. Ready to take on the city with ease.
Original shot
*Even tho it looks retro, if I'm not mistaken it's a China special. They can actually be quite
Part One - Old Times
Well, not that old. Most are definitely post 2007, until 2012 in these shots. Back then I had early version of Instagram and still some of them may be on that account (
Part 2 will feature the other half of my 'collection' (of photos, the bikes are all completely owned by random strangers!)
Thailand, around 2007. Deliberately shot 'artistically blurry'. As you would on those old iPhones back then hahaha ...
What appears to be or might be made up from a mix of parts old and new, but legit, Vespa, in very striking gold and lots of chrome and custom parts. Shame I couldn't find the other shots of this, so long ago.
Location of the above, on the above, front whatever you call that bit of a Moped.
Under 150cc only!
Aside from a few, my main focus is on the humble all persons transport of Asia - The mighty moped. Of course with Euro versions like the odd Vespa. Step through, or otherwise classic small bikes are also represented. Each one I've done my best to identify with a bit of online research, with some probable unknowns.
Krabi Thailand c2008. Cat attempting to work out how to ride a Honda Dream. Meow.
What's your favorite?
For me the Honda Supercub wins every time. With an incredible after market presence, these little beauties can also be tweaked up to the hearts desire. I'm on the lookout for a broken one to restore - they've been around for decades!!
Bkk Chic
Here's a Super Cub I found earlier. SO stylish it hurts. We must be in Thailand, Bangkok to be exact.
A very tidy (possibly not that old, or is it?) Vespa loyally awaits it's owner's return at the Skytrain station - Bangkok.
A very lovely Honda Julio. A model launched as a fashion statement line in 1998
What a funky little scooter
This shophouse somewhere in Bangkok I'm sure were just showing off. Or some shrine to the mighty Vespa?
Bangkok, Thailand. Vendors still use Vespas as they are the only thing able to carry a 100kg load without trouble through the city. Even though they cost double that of a local or Japanese brand. This isn't just a ratty bike for fashion - it's a working original probably with a million km. Vespas are legendary, a post-war Italian design to be used for hugely economical and traffic beating deliveries. They're the pickup truck of Mopeds. Look it up!.
Devon, England. A very unusual looking and very far back motorcycle, perhaps 1940s when they really were not very good. Lol.
Now this one is a joker in the pack ... it's pink, and electric!
Another angle of that funky Supercub seen earlier
Rat Rod style, on the beach. It's a Vespa, I still see around.
Shoot Photos, Not People.
See you in part 2 folks. Meanwhile, get out and shoot some photos or videos or whatever it is thee kids do these days :)
Good day ladies!
