Niche performance scooter maker Italjet has announced a new UK distribution plan replacing former supplier MotoGB. In a surprise move, the firm hasn’t gone with a traditional bike importing firm, but has signed a partnership deal with Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger, a veteran scooter journalist and businessman. Grainger has long been a stalwart of the step-through, leg-guarded, foot-boarded, automatic two-wheeled world, and will be working closely with the Italian factory to bring the brand back to the UK.
The firm says it will initially operate on a pre-order basis, with the full range of scooters delivered directly from the factory to buyers within two to three months. Grainger’s role seems more akin to that of an agent and marketing guru, with his deep roots in the scooter scene helping the brand get on display at shows, events and rallies. Grainger will also be working to develop a model for demo-ride availability across the full range of Italjets – and there are a lot of new bikes to get onto the market. The firm has recently launched a series of interesting models, using technology from partner firms in China, including the Dragster 700 Twin, Dragster 459 and 300 variants (pictured above), and a cool retro Roadster 400 scooter.
It’s not clear what role traditional bike dealers will play in the new arrangement, and the initial information makes no mention of servicing or warranty coverage. But the firm says this is a “soft launch” of the UK operation, with more details to follow.
“I feel honoured to have been asked to front Italjet’s return to the UK,” said Grainger. “An original Italjet Dragster was the first ‘modern’ scooter I ever owned, back in 1999. Since then, I’ve owned many of them, from standard to customised. I’ve raced them, sprinted them, and ridden them to scooter rallies all over the UK.
“I’ve followed Italjet’s story for a very long time and have always wanted to see the brand properly represented again in Britain. At Italjet UK, I want to use my lifelong connection with the scooter scene to help bring these machines back to where they belong. This is not about operating like a faceless corporate distributor. Italjet is a niche brand for people who want something different, and I will work hard to deliver the level of honesty and service that customers deserve.”
Ian Grainger
07790 677125
[email protected]
www.italjetuk.com