Time was, a classic Italian scooter was the preferred mode of transport for matriculants, pizza delivery boys and philosophy students. No longer: the agile modmobile of old is now an essential alpha-male accessory, treasured by a motley crew of corporate hipsters and petrol-saving 'brekers'. Kevin Sutherland took these portraits of some of Joburg's foremost scooter freaks with their retro paramours
Gerard Habib, president of Johannesburg's Vesparados Scooter Club, rides a standard 1968 Vespa Rally 180, his most beloved toy.
But he has other favourites - not least his Triumph Thruxton. Habib and his gang recently finished a week-long road trip, rolling all the way from Joburg to Durban, via Golden Gate and Clarens in the Free State.
The Vesparados have attracted members across the Highveld, from Boksburg to Potchefstroom.
On any given weekend, you can see this bunch frequenting Zoo Lake Bowling Club, or blasting between Parkhurst and Braamfontein.
Their ranks include characters like "Muslim Boy", aka Sadeka Mohamed, and his close Jewish ally, Neil Meyerowitz.
Sometimes they are joined on their adventures by members of the Lambretta South Africa Scooter Club, and occasionally members of the SteelWings Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club. LS
