Hustler 235

Hustler

H235 Winter 2014

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

Cover Photo supplied by Gary Brown John Reynolds visiting the Soc show stand at the NEC

Editor’s Report I must start my introduction with an apology as to the lateness of this issue. I have once again been dogged with a lack of input for our magazine. This situation has forced us to try a new procedure and schedule this is as follows.

Mid December on doormat - Winter last submission mid November Mid March in doormat - Spring last submission mid February Mid June on doormat - Summer Last submission mid May Mid September on doormat - Autumn last submission mid August Amended cut off dates for reports and articles to correspond so that the magazine hits the doormats at the agreed time.

December Hustler to include: Christmas wishes, taking care of your bike during winter, preparing to store your bike, Stafford and NEC round up, as well as seasonal articles from members.

March Hustler to include: Check list for taking your bike out of storage, nomination forms, events, wake up to spring and the biking season plus articles from members.

June Hustler to include: Nominations, postal voting summer ideas and events pre Invader run up, highlights of trips/camping weekends plus articles from members.

September Hustler to include: AGM decisions, pre Stafford and NEC information, summer round up of events, build up to winter plus articles from members.

Neither the Suzuki Owners Club nor its National Committee are necessarily in agreement with the opinions, views or suggestions expressed in this magazine. Any such opinions, views or suggestions are entirely the author’s and publishing them does not imply the endorsement of the Suzuki Owners Club Copyright Suzuki Owners Club 2007.

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission of the Suzuki Owners Club.

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This will mean adhering to deadlines, ensuring reports are written and relevant to the edition/season. We need to state that all NC, centre secretaries/events submit a report. Highlights of minutes only, if space allows.

The only way that a balanced and interesting magazine can be produced is that the articles that it contains come from many sources. We have to be very careful that any articles submitted are factually accurate and are in no way contentious or provocative not only to save the author embarrassment but to protect the club from any problems or action. At shows we hand old Hustlers to prospective and new members, this we have done for many years. When I Joined the club the old issues given to me where my only source of information to what was going on in the club and were invaluable, even in this modern age of website’s and facebook we have no idea how many people we talk to about the club will look us up on the internet when they get home, a mag in their hand shows an investment from us to them and hopefully they will read it feel inspired by what they read and want to be part of us.

Without the submissions that I receive from the authors whose work is printed in the following pages the Hustler would be impossible to produce, I am so grateful to them. Please feel inspired to send me something, just 10 members sending in half a page with a couple of photographs would help me immeasurably.

Minutes of the AGM and the NC committee meetings are available in either electronic form or paper form. If you want a copy please contact the National secretary either by email or post at the club PO box and a copy will be sent to you. We have decided not to print it here due to printing and postal costs.

National secretary email is ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com Happy Christmas to you and a wonderful new year.

Ed Alan H Editorsoc@rocketmail.com

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From The Chair Welcome to your latest edition of the Hustler, as always Alan must be congratulated for his sterling work as editor in producing such a fine and informative magazine. By now most of you will know me, having met me at various shows and camping weekends, but for those of you that don’t I am on the forum as bugman, I have served on the national committee now for a few years undertaking the role initially of Shows South, then Public Relations and now I Find myself accommodating the role of Chairman.

I would personally like to thank my predecessor Anthony Averns for the work he has done since the EGM in bringing the club back to a firmer footing.

I welcome all new members to the National Committee who either volunteered or where conscripted into undertaking role. If you our members feel you having something to offer then we are still looking for a Public Relations officer and a team to assist Alan H in producing the club magazine and of course more volunteers to help Alby stage and promote the club at the many shows we attend.

I will actively continue with the goals we have set out with the National Committee Tour continuing so we can engage with you our membership whilst keeping a watchful eye on costs. We are nearing the end of the Biking Season with the night’s drawing in and the weather becoming decidedly damper. The last few shows in the diary are upon us with our final promotional activity of the year being Motorcycle Live.

I would like to personally extend a big club thank you to John Measures for becoming a sponsor of the club stand.

Don't forget to Register on our web site

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

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Getting a Grip

By John Measures

Last year, I was lucky to be invited to Silverstone for the British Superbikes as a guest of Pirelli. Along with a presentation regarding their involvement with the BSB, they introduced their new Sports touring tyre, the Angel GT. It then got better when I was offered a set of the Angel’s to try out on the Blackbird.

I will be quite honest and say that I am a fan of the PR 3’s, so the Angel GT had a tough act to follow. I had them on the Blackbird as well as the CBF. I also previously had a pair on my Hayabusa and took this round the Nurburgring reaching 175 mph and then onto Silverstone for level 4 of the Superbike School.

The PR3’s are a consummate all-rounder. They warm up quickly and grip on all road surfaces and in weather conditions. I have never had a heart stopping moment on the PR3’s even when I have taken then to the limit on the track.

They are a comfortable touring tyre and supple enough to adequately soak up uneven roads. Road studs and white lines are really not a problem. Mileage wise, as long as you don’t rag the heart out of them, they will give a good return and they don’t go off up to the time you need to change them.

When I left the tyre specialist after fitting the Angel GT’s, I thought that he had put too much air into the tyre. However, I have been using Rob for many years and knew that the tyre pressures would be spot on. After the PR3’s, they felt like a Flintstone tyre. Hard and with no give. I did about 100 miles riding carefully to properly scrub the tyre in. It was abundantly clear towards the end of the ride and pushing them into corners that they were a much sportier tyre than the PR3’s. As time went on, whether the tyre walls bedded in or whether I just got used to them, they did feel a little more comfortable.

I have now done just under 3,000 miles on the Angel GT. Considering the level of wear, Pirelli’s claim that they give excellent mileage appears to be true as there is load of tread left. What is clear about the tyre is the Pirelli sports lineage. It tips into corners with ease and tracks without any difficulty whatsoever. It is safe footed in the wet as it is in the dry and gives excellent feedback. It seems to have a sharper profile and does react to road studs and defects a little more but in reality, there is no drama. So, comparing the two it is clear that they are both excellent tyres.

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The PR3 is a more comfortable tyre and is brilliant for touring with being sure footed when you push them. They are a little slower to turn the bike but not so that you would notice. For a pillion, they give a better ride. On the other hand, the Angel GT is fun when you want a more spirited ride.

They both cost about the same but Michelin have brought out the Pilot Road 4, so no doubt there are some deals on the 3’s, if you can find a pair. If the 4 is as good if not better that the 3, then it should be the tyre to beat.

Safe Riding.

John Measures

National Secretary National Secretary Report – September 2014 Hello to everyone, I sincerely hope that you have all enjoyed a good summer, we have had some lovely biking weather to take advantage of, many of you hopefully have been able to do so.

It’s an exciting time to be part of an owners club, lots of things on the horizon including the Stafford and NEC shows, many ideas coming together on how we can take the club forward and how we can all work together to achieve this, please keep the ideas and suggestions coming. Those members with internet access lease come and join in the discussions on the forum and let us know what you think.

At the AGM we were asked to sponsor Andrew Carter-Smith, one of our younger members, with his racing career. We have agreed to enable Andrew by ensuring the club contacts are informed that we are sponsoring him and getting all and any help we can, things like tyres, helmets, parts and of course the club members attending race days to cheer him on! Race days are free to attend and it’s a great day out, we will be posting the list of race days on the events diary so please come along and support Andrew!

I look forward to seeing as many members as we can at the shows, please contact Alby if you can help out or display your bike, all help is gratefully received.

Ride safe, Happy Christmas to you all.

Sue

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Events Hello to all Members.

I am Laura Dyer, I was voted in at the 2014 AGM as your events secretary.

For those of you who are unaware the AT an Events have now been made into 2 separate smaller jobs but working together. I would like to thank the previous AT officer for all their hard work and posting most events up until Dec. To date I have posted an additional dozen or so events.

HOW TO POST YOUR EVENTS. To have your events posted on the events diary and to qualify for AT points you will need to email me directly with the following details Your centre name, Date of event, Title of event, Meeting time and place, Finish time, Event Details. If you also have a link to the event I can post this too. email me at - events@suzukiownersclub.co.uk I will post your event on the diary page. Feel free to post on the forum in the events section. I will not post on any of the other threads on the boards so if you want to see the event or ride out on a ride out thread or trips abroad or chat about it please feel free to do this yourself. Unfortunately I will not pick up an event from the boards and post it in the events diary on your behalf. You must email it to me for it to go in the event diary.

I will then pass the relevant details to the AT officer who will list AT point events. when you have had your event and members have signed the sheet you will then need to email this to - AT@suzukiownersclub.co.uk There is now a new AT sheet with a minor alteration to it. It is in line with some rules set out by the insurance company. It was discussed at the AGM and I am now actioning it. There is a small box at the bottom of the sheet that as an event organiser we ask you to get you signing members to read as they sign the sheet. It reads as below.

'In signing in on this AT sheet I hereby agree to follow the ride leaders instruction.

That the bike I am riding is roadworthy and road legal and that I will ride within the law. That I will not take any actions that may cause a risk to those in the group or on the public highways'.

I hope you will find this reasonable.

These new AT sheets have been emailed out to the addresses I have. If you have not had one to start the coming season with please let me know and I will forward you a copy for printing.

Looking forward to posting your events in the diary.

Laura Dyer Events Secretary.

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Membership After the a.g.m. it looks like I am back for two more years and thank you all for voting me back in at the a.g.m.. and having faith in me.

Ok that said lets get down to membership details.

July NEW Individual......18 Joint……4 International......1 Total cards issued……23 RENEWALS Individual.....19 Joint……4 Total cards issued……23 August NEW Individual......7 Joint……0 International......0 Total cards issued……7 RENEWALS Individual.....10 Joint……3 Total cards issued……13 September NEW Individual......7 Joint……0 International......0 Total cards issued……7 RENEWALS Individual.....10 Joint……3 Total cards issued……13 October NEW Individual......7 Joint……1 International......0 Total cards issued……8 RENEWALS Individual.....8 Joint……3 Total cards issued……11 November NEW Individual.....18 Joint……1 International......0 Total cards issued……19 RENEWALS Individual.....16 Joint……5 Total cards issued……21 And now the good bit lets congratulate the following members on their service awards Martyn Crawford……………………………….…5 year badge Ian Rudge…………………………………...….…5 year badge George Hands……………………………...…….5 year badge Stephen Sankey……………………………..….10 year badge Paul Wallington. 1 x 5 year and 1 x 10 year (did not get sent a 5 year badge) Antony Skrebys……………………………..…..15 year badge Patricia Bignall ................................................15 year badge Kevin Close..................................... joint 2 x 15 year badges Sam Orr………………………………………….20 year badge I have just issued membership number 33000 to Donald Bailey from Poole. Welcome to the club. 8

Merchandise As always a big hello to all our current members and also a very big welcome to all our new members that have joined us since the last issue of Hustler and the NEC I think to say that this year has been exceptional in lots of different ways would be an understatement, but at least as a club we are still moving in the right direction and that is onwards and upwards. As always of late the major issue for the Regalia side of things has been the funding and the lack of it. As I reported in the last issue of Hustler unfortunately other club purchases and circumstances meant that money for buying stock has had to be used for other things to enable the club to function which obviously had to take priority.

Thankfully though we where able to relax the club purse strings enough to ensure that we had a whole new range of regalia to sell at this years NEC which I know went down very well with both the general public and members alike. New items included a whole new range of standard mugs and also mugs that can be personalised, restocking of our much loved knit wear range and new stickers for bumpers and car windows with new slogans on. We have also restocked on our 86mm club roundel in both the Tri-colour and the Gold/Black design. The previous 60mm size will be sold through and got rid of.

We have also restocked on our club Tri colour metal pin badges and agreed a new standard size of 30mm. To this end we will be selling through any of the old smaller size badges as we come across them. One to still watch out for is the 40th anniversary pin badge that is still available and will not be reproduced once what we have has gone.

Our range of clothing is growing and orders can be made online through the website and I have been assured that a new shop front window is now top of the list for new things to be added to the website.

On a broader note I am in the process of putting together a report on all things Regalia from both the present and past which I am hoping will form the bases of a comprehensive sound argument for the way forward in how we order stock, hold stock and importantly how we not only sell and display what we have within the club, but also to the general public.

I am also looking at our corporate logo and image and seeing what changes can be made if any, but also defining accurately pantone colouring and designs used. Unfortunately inaccuracies have crept in over the years with the designs and colourings and I feel its time we decided just what is allowed or not allowed to run along side what we already know is Suzuki GB’s logo requirements.

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One thing I would like to put forward to the membership is if you see something that you think is a good thing to have, or you like the look of it and you think it would sell well, then drop the link to me in an email and I will make enquires. All that remains for me to say to you all is ride safe and have a very Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year.

James W. Regalia Officer

Membership Renewals Online

By Post

Credit or Debit card via the clubs Secure Server at www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk Or Paypal to suzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com

Cheque or postal order with your membership Number to Suzuki owners Club,Suite 240,Divo house, 29 Belmont road, Uxbridge, UB8 1QS

Please help us keep in contact with you. If your details change contact either by post, online pm or email to membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com including your membership number

Membership rates 1 Year single membership........£25 3 Year single membership........£65 1 year Joint membership..........£30 3 year Joint membership..........£80 Forum only membership..........£10 ( non club member) International membership........£30 3 year International .................£80

Who are Just Helmets?

We have all the latest and greatest helmets from Shoei, Schuberth, Airoh, Suomy, Scorpion, Caberg, Viper, HJC and Reevu and we have ridden in most of the helmets ourselves. You will notice we do not offer every helmet brand available today. We take the time to test and evaluate each helmet line we offer. The bottom line is if a helmet doesn't meet our expectations we don't think it will meet your's either. When this happens the choice of whether or not to offer that line is simple, we don't.

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Treasurer As you can see, the monies we have in the bank are increasing. At this time in the saving account there is £ 5,604.49 and in the current account the amount is £2,339.33. PayPal is £2,266.57 all the affiliations to things like Mag and the BMF have all been payed. If thing go as we they are the club will at some point go from strength to strength and start getting in a better financial position, to try and give some thing back to the people who make his club.

The charity money for Blood Bikes up to now is around £1.700 most of this has come from the shows that's been done up and down the country, and what the members have given over the year. We still need to keep a grip on things and how we spend the money wisely.

As you can see by the paper work in front of you things do look bleak but its not as bad as you all think, I'm just giving it to you all s straight as I can but with a little bit of ingenuity we can see things change lets hope its for the better. I'd like to thank you all for coming here and I hope you've all had a good time John Carr

Tech Officer Hello to All. This report is going to be short and sweet, as the dating certificates side of things has slowed down. Since my last report I've only done about 10, so it looks like a lot of people have not completed there projects. So lets hope it picks up and we get a bit busier next year, I had lots of enquiries to do dating certificates but unfortunately they are not for Suzuki, I've even had them for flaming scooters.

So here's to next year and people get the parts they want for their projects from Santa. LOL. To All in the club, have A Happy Xmas and A Very Happy New Year.

All please ride safe.

John

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Writing something for the Hustler comes round all to quickly. Last time I wrote we had just finished dodging the showers and gales of January. We went to the Excel bike show in London. An average show not that many small stalls.

Alas no Suzuki presence. None the less it seems there is a great variety of new bikes coming onto the market.

We could definitely tell things were on the turn when a dozen members arrived at loomies. To enjoy sitting out in the sun waiting for the yell of “get your hairy a**e in here number 42, your bacon butties getting cold”. Enjoying time to chat to friends and listen to what life has been throwing at everyone. Needing new roofs, new bikes wanted, decorating to do. Gardens to get together, holidays and families. Bike problems and giving everything in the car park a general once over. Its always nice to see those that can make it and great to hear from those that couldn't, its good to know how you all are. Loomies is our monthly meet 10-12 every first Sunday.

March's lunch was to the Departure Lounge café in Alton. Close to some of our members and coming highly recommended. The café has the front end of an aircraft in the garden and the lounge out the back. We rode up with 5 members, avoiding some long standing floods and following diversions through quiet back road, arriving on time at the café to be met by another handful of members and more trickling in as we got settled. A lovely lunch, a catch up. Selling some club merchandise and plugging the lucky squares with just enough time for those that couldn't help themselves to jump on the mini roundabout before we left.

April’s Pioneer run started at the Chalet café being close to our south eastern members we decided to all meet there. Watching the pre WW1 bikes pass, some plodding, some whizzing. A great selection of bikes and all riders proud of the bikes they have restored and are riding. We followed them down to Brighton seafront, having fish and chips and a look at the vehicles.

We joined the club annual trip to Belgium on Easter weekend was in Kortrijk.

Those from the south coast centre all reported that they had a great time and were up for going in 2015 within days of getting back.

May was a busy month we went to Gurston Down for a Hill Climb event held just outside Salisbury. It was a damp and muddy day, none the less we were not to be put off. A good selection of everything going up the hill. Motorbikes sports and side car. 4 wheeled vehicles of every shape and size. A good event to have gone to and watched. Also in May we made arrangements for those from the south coast wanting to do the North East camping weekend to meet up along the way and ride together. A fantastic weekend was had by all. One that I would recommend to any member for a great time and good ride outs.

We also went for a great ride out to Haynes Motorcycle Museum.

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We also went for a great ride out to Haynes Motorcycle Museum. A fantastic historical collection of the story of motor vehicles. From the bizarre to the supreme. All with a story to tell. A museum that is well worth a visit.

June saw the south coast crew hold a camping weekend, the first in a few years. With the free venue of the fox and goose we had our plans in place. We provided breakfast, tea and coffee, so that was the members sorted for getting up and out. A mother of all thunder storms and rain came down on us on Saturday morning but did pass by 11am, so a little later than scheduled we were off to Southsea for the D-day celebrations, through the back roads of Meon and Portsmouth, up over Portsdown hill for a quick break and then down to the sea front. A wander round and then back up the hill for a last minute wander round Fort Nelson. A really good ride out for the day. Thank-you Alan for organising the day. Food in the pub for all then a get together in the marque kindly provided by PK. A short weekend but a really good one. Thanks to those that came and supported us and especially to the south coast crew that were there on hand to help and providing everything we needed to make the weekend a good one.

Check out the events page to see what the south coast crew have coming up soon.

Laura d

AGM I have just returned from the invader rally and AGM and what an inspiring meeting it was. With a few things on the agenda being hotly talked about prior to the meeting there were definitely some questions on the horizon.

The meeting opened promptly with reports. The chairman – reporting that the club was doing well but mostly keeping a steady pace in the economic climate. The secretary reporting that she was incredibly busy with a lot of behind the scenes business that was keeping the website and club running.

The treasurer reported that the club had made incredible savings on expenditure over the last year, mostly due to the thrifty savings and generous nature of the committee mostly giving their time, effort and fuel for free when meeting and running events. With no major expenses in this financial year bar the magazine but that itself was being run at its most efficient publishing costs.

The club was floating at the same level as last year more or less. Its Certainly not making a loss, but again this is down to generosity. The major expense of the NEC show being paid for by sponsors in 2013 as it was again this year in 2014. The membership secretary Keith was pleased to announce a constant and steady uptake of membership, mostly online. He is still enjoying his job of sending out membership packs and welcoming members to the club.

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He is also informing centre secretaries of members in their area with the hope that they will contact and welcome them to meets. He has costed the membership packs and is happy with the costs and quality of what is in them.

On to the election of the new committee. As with hard working clubs the show of new volunteers is often hard to come by. Today seemed a little different.

There was talk of new roles in the club and some long time role holders standing down and with held breaths there were those amongst us wandering if they would ever get filled.

Posts on the committee for election were Chairman, newly elected in was Peter Dibble. Many thanks went to Antony Averns. Membership secretary role was continued to be held by Keith Ferris. PRO officer that was held by Pete Dibble is currently vacant. Members were happy to vote Alan Hancock in for the editors role again. He thanked everyone and asked if they could show their support by continuing to send articles for the magazine.

The Events officers role bought a change this year. After holding the role for a while Elaine Constable stood down and the role was split into two to make it more manageable. A new role of AT officer was bought in the new constitution.

Laura Dyer was voted in as Events Officer and Gordon Flash took on the new role of AT officer. Riders rights was discussed and a vote was taken but eventually with opinions heard Michael Griffiths was voted in.

The biggest thing on the agenda was the new rules. In 2013 the members voted on looking at the rules of the club and rewriting them as they were not solid enough to cope with the nature of the world in current times. There was a sub committee put together to look at this over 2013/14 with a view to putting them out to the members for ratification. This was done and the members got a chance to look at these rules prior to the AGM. The old 5 page rules were built on and a new structure to the club was formed. New roles created, centre structures and guidelines put in place. Jobs clearly defined and the members supported. Despite the new rules being a lot longer, they are more descriptive in how they work and what can be done. It was agreed at the AGM that this document needed going through in great detail and so it was done. Page by page the 50 some members had copies of the rules and as a club we went through. At every section all members were asked if they had any issues they wanted to discuss. Some sections had very little change, some had more detail but the basis was the same and some sections were recreated. These were explained and it seemed that the members were actually very happy with the final results. The main topics that were discussed were. New roles – AT officer, Members representative, Touring officer, Heritage officer . As explained to the members these roles were created to fill gaps in the club and offer a bit of variety as well as making smaller roles that members may be happy to fill as they were small roles, and fill them they did.

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The club was happy to welcome John Measures as members rep being a solicitor this was welcomed, Mark Seager as touring officer offering his worldly advice on going abroad, Ken Read as heritage officer searching out the clubs past for the future.

The explanation of the NC5 was easily grasped when explained, some members expressed concerns that they felt the club would end up in the control of just 5 members. This will not be the case, as explained the NC5 will merely make the day to day decisions of the club but could not action anything alone without the say so of the other NC member votes, which has now grown. So decisions could only be taken with the discussion from all 15 NC members. This was accepted and agreed.

Memberships and awards was discussed.

The 2 big issues here were to do with life membership at 20 or 25 yrs and should life members pay or be free. With the input of life members and centre secretaries it was decided that it was felt fair that life members should be charged a small fee to cover the costs of keeping them as a member. This was voted on and was an unanimous vote that in the current financial position and with the ever increasing financial burden of life members only going to increase that they should be requested to pay a small sum to the club. It was agreed that all life members would be written to and told of this decision. In section 10.1 disciplinary and grievance a discrepancy was pointed out and altered by agreement with members present.

Roles were confirmed, members volunteered, votes made, questions answered and meeting was closed.

As a member I enjoyed being at the AGM, sharing company with keen centre secretaries, life members and NC members. Thanks for a great weekend.

Attendance There were a total of 92 AT events over the year attended by 191 members.

That equated to1083 AT attendances by members covering a total of 68,302 miles for the year.

Active Centres South Coast = 25 events London = 18 events East Midlands = 3 events

North East = 20 events Staffordshire = 12 events Cumbria = 1 event

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Suzuki Owners Club AT Trophies 2014 Male Attendance 1st - K Ferris - 36 events – 2001 miles – London 2nd - K Sole – 35 events – 2664 miles – London 3rd – A Hancock – 33 events – 2090 miles – South Coast Female Attendance 1st – L Dyer – 27 events – 1435 miles – South Coast 2nd – E Constable – 21 events – 1780 miles – E Midlands 3rd – A Carrs – 12 events – 709 miles – North East Pillion Trophy 1st – L Thompson – 24 events - 1743 miles – Staff’s 2nd – S Carr – 22 events – 1505.5 miles - London 3rd – A Roper – 14 events – 680 miles – South Coast Junior Attendance Trophy 1st – L Johnson – 7 events – 310 miles – North East 2nd – J Dibble – 6 events – 326 miles - London 3rd – A Smith – 5 events - 245 miles – E Midlands Highest Mileage Male 1st – K Sole – 2664 miles - London 2nd – A Everest – 2098 miles – South Coast 3rd – A Hancock – 2090 miles – South Coast

Female Highest Milage 1st – E Constable – 1780 miles – East Midlands 2nd – L Dyer – 1453 miles – South Coast 3rd - G Jones – 767 miles – North East Highest Mileage Pillion 1st – L Thompson – 1743 miles - Staffordshire 2nd – S Carr – 1505.5 miles - London 3rd – H Smith – 941 miles – East Midlands Highest Mileage Junior 1st – J Dibble – 326 miles - London 2nd – L Johnson – 310 miles – North East 3rd – A Smith – 245 miles – East Midlands Best Suzuki Best Non-Suzuki Joe Close Collected by Kev John Measures

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GSX-S1000 Models Centre Stage At Motorcycle Live Suzuki did showcase no-less than seven new models at this year’s Motorcycle Live, with the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models taking centre stage.

Unveiled at Intermot in Cologne earlier this year, the GSX-S1000 models utilise an all-new lightweight frame – lighter than the frame of the current GSX-R1000 – designed with agility and nimble-handling high on the list of target attributes.

Both models are powered by an engine based on the famed GSX-R1000 K5 motor, renowned for its low-down torque and midrange power, complimented by a new exhaust system. Power delivery is controlled by a new three-mode traction control system, which can also be turned off completely. The swing arm and Brembo front brakes are lifted from the current GSX-R1000. ABS comes as standard on the GSX-S1000F and is an optional extra on the naked model. They are expected in dealerships in late spring.

Joining the V-Strom adventure stable for 2015 is the new V-Strom 650XT. Lightweight wire-spoke DID wheels improve performance on unpaved roads, while updated styling akin to the bigger V-Strom 1000 Adventure aids airflow to the radiator, further improving performance The V-Strom 650XT uses the same popular V-twin engine as the standard model – which has been the top selling dual-purpose machine in the 650-800cc class in the last decade and comes with hand guards, engine bars and sump guard as standard. It is set to arrive in dealer showrooms before the end of the year.

Returning to Suzuki’s on-road range for 2015 is the Bandit 1250S with the iconic machine on sale in the UK early next year. With the original Bandit models developing a cult following, the latest incarnation uses the newest version of Suzuki’s 1255cc inline four-cylinder engine and gets a styling update to bring it into 2015. After repeated wind tunnel testing, the redesigned fairings, with new radiator shrouds, offer improved aerodynamics, with venting just below the headlights, as well as better wind and weather protection for both rider and pillion.

Text and picture copied from Suzuki Bulletin

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Staffordshire Centre What a start to the day glorious sunshine and warm for time of year.

Just about to set off and received a call from Linda saying that Dave had to turn back home as got a puncture in their brand new tyre, what a bummer.

So wife and me, set off to the meeting place at Eccleshall to let Ian know.

Got there at 10 am and Ian was in car park on his own, asked him to call Linda.

The reply was they had managed to fix the puncture and were on their way, 3 more bikes. Waited till 10.40 and still not there so me the wife and Ian had to set off as we needed to meet up with the East Mid’s group in market place in Ashbourne, got there 10 minutes late, never mind, good turn out, Lainy, Alby, Pete, Andrew and several others.

Ian called Linda, Dave, Jim and Tink to see where they were and had gone to the Markeaton services, so was agreed we got going and would meet up at the Via Gellia café just before Cromford. Ashbourne market was totally full of bikes, all got the same idea, a bit of sun and away we go.

We set off and rode out north on the A515 to Newhaven then right onto A5012, which takes us straight through for Cromford. Just before Cromford is a roadside café so we stopped there for refreshments and another call to Linda to ask where they were, at Matlock Bath was the reply, oh well we will be there shortly.

This was where the group split up, some went back the way we had ridden and the rest of us headed for Matlock Bath. Oh how frustrating it was the short distance from the traffic lights at Cromford to Matlock Bath, it was heaving bumper-to-bumper traffic at walking pace or less. Finally got there and guess what, yes so many there it was a struggle to find a spot to park. Once parked and free to wander did the obligatory chippy order then some had ice creams and then the street walk admiring the hoards of different bikes there.

There was one vehicle that pulled the crowds when it turned up, the easiest way to describe it was a car where the back end boot section was still in place, doors taken off front axle removed and set of forks of bike in front of an enormous V8 may have even been a V12 engine, it did look nice, loads of chrome and finished off very nicely. Then 5 bikes of the Staff’s lot set off south on the A6 to Derby picked up the A38 and had another stop at the American Diner café for more refreshments, very nice banana milk shake was had by me and Dave, mind you at £3.95 I would expect the best.

We set off again and this is where we split up and went our own way home.

Couldn’t have asked for better weather, glorious sun all day, warm at 16c and good crowd of people.

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London Centre Hello to you all out there, hope you all are enjoying the good weather we’ve had and have been riding your bikes.

We’ve been a little quiet this month because most of the London Centre are getting ready for the NEC and of course our Xmas Lunch, What a great week we will have up at Birmingham with all the people up there and members popping in to have a chat. As of our last ride out that was to Duxford Air Museum and what a great day we had and it takes a full day looking at all the old aircraft, even the spitfire Guy Martin worked on was up and around. Let me tell you that is one sight that is very spectacular to see. We must have walked miles on a very hot day and the ice cream was needed. Keith, myself, PkSoc Ken all had a great day out. Pictures on the boards. Our next lists of ride outs will be coming out soon just go to finalise so of the last dates, So till our next meeting Please All Ride Safe.

To Everyone with in the SOC, Have a Happy Xmas and a Very Happy New Year, till we meet up again at any of the club weekends. Stay Safe.

John Carr.

Centre Sec.

Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

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Pit Bike Racing My first race was at Stretton, Leicestershire on the 29th June 2014. The afternoon before the race we all set out in Pete’s van and mum’s car to stake or place track side in the paddock.

Game plan was to get in some practice and set up the bike for the race the following day. The track was already busy with many of the riders already setting up their marquees and gazebos, getting their “workshops” set up for the weekend’s activities.

Practice sessions for each class ran from late afternoon into the evening.

This gave us the opportunity to try different things with our bikes to get maximum performance out of them. The track at Stretton is short but has a lot of complex corners to navigate which I found challenging but great to learn on. I also had good knowledge of the track and it’s nuances as this is where all my training had taken place at this point.

The evening’s practice was going well until the last session. Clouds had gathered and it began to rain. I was already out on track and quickly found the surface becoming greasy and I found the bike sliding as if I was on an ice rink. Rapid learning curve as I had not had any opportunity at this point to practice in the wet. Unfortunately I found myself crashing out of the session as slicks gave me no grip.

On return to the paddock it soon became evident that the kill switch was “dead” so to speak, having been totally smashed in the crash. In addition my foot peg bar had taken on a new angle, on one side. This meant some urgent repairs needed to be carried out before the race the next morning, especially the kill switch as the bike must have one to race. Much as I wanted to work on the bike there and then Mum pointed out that the light was going and rushing a job at this time was not advisable whereupon I reluctantly got into the car and went home for some much needed rest and recuperation.

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Up at 6am the next morning I set out with Pete, Mum and Ryan, who I had asked to come and help with the repairs needed to get the bike ready for practice at 10am. First job was to show Ryan the damage which confirmed the need for a new kill switch. I then joined other riders who were darting around trying to source necessary parts for their bikes. A clutch lever, chain breaker, cable ties. You name it someone was looking for it. Mum was stunned at the camaraderie and trust the riders have in the paddock as anyone asked was glad to help if they could. I, myself, was able to borrow a kill switch from one of the other competitors, who incidentally I met then for the first time then. Big sigh of relief and once fitted on the bike I was ready to go.

On race day you given four sessions out on the track, this is split down into one practice, one qualifier and two races. On smaller tracks large groups are divided into groups depending on the numbers and grid sizes, this is usually group A & B sometimes C. In my first race I qualified 9th in B group making me centre of the grid in the first race I managed to get up to 8th position.

Before the second race the weather turned for the worse making the track wet and greasy, I had never trained in wet or greasy conditions before. In the short time we had we had to change the tyres and sprockets. Once again the people in the paddock helped out again by making room in their gazebo so we did not have to work in the rain. We did not have our own gazebo at this meet but note made that this was something we would need for future meets.

Finally, race 2 was announced and I approached the track, wet tyres on the bike, my heart thumping as the adrenaline kicked in, I used my siting lap to get a feel for the track before I had to go for it. I lined up on the grid knowing that this is what really matters as this is the one that will be on television.

As the lights turned to green I got the perfect start giving me a perfect lead into the first corner, by the first corner I had gained 5 positions putting me in fourth. I chased the riders in front for lap after lap before the last corner of the lap. The front wheel tucked in causing the bike to slide out from under neath me. This crash cost me time and I found myself in last place, but I jumped straight back on to the bike and raced after the crowd. Within the following few laps I had caught back up with the pack and just as I passed the start finish line a couple of laps before the last lap I managed to take a few more positions giving me a 9th position finish.

I would like to have got the 4th position or even a 3rd on the podium, but I think for first time out I had an 8th place and a 9th place, in the wet, and I proved I deserved to be there. How do I feel – fantastic!

Can’t wait for round 7 at Whilton Mill.

Photos reproduced courtesy of Andy Walker Andrew Carter-Smith

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January

Events 2015

3 North East New Years Fundraiser and Karaoke: New Years Fundraiser night, disco and karaoke with a raffle. raising funds for the centre's Whit bank holiday camping weekend Saturday 3rd January 2015Heather Lad, Quarrington Hill Durham starts 7.30pm Kevin Close 07949035419

4 South Coast Centre monthly Meet. Loomies, A272/A32. Alton Road west

meon. GU32 1JX : A warm welcome awaits all at Loomies which is located on the A272, A32 crossroads. There is ample parking and a good menu of well cooked fare, available all day. Of course the terrific A272 and A32 running past the front door. We will be sat with a cuppa from 10 till 12 noon. Then take the long way home. laura - socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com

4 North East Centre Monthly Meet, Heather lad, Cassop, DH6 4QD: The monthly meeting of the North East Centre Meeting starts 7-30pm, Kevin Close: 07949035419 11 Eastern Centre Monthly meet at D's Diner off A12 nr Hatfield, Peverel, CM3 2EJ: Meet around 10:00 at D's Diner, just off A12. 2nd Sunday of the month.

More info from Phil Jackman 07725 329062

11 London Centre Monthly Meet, Botwell Inn, UB3 3EB: Where: The monthly

London Massive Centre meeting takes place at: The Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3EB What time: 11:30am Who: Everyone is welcome to come and chat, participate, drink lots of tea and coffee and have fun!! Contact John Carr - 07768797125 14 Yorkshire Centre : 2nd Wednesday of the month Venue: New Inn, 419 Denby Dale Rd East, Dunkar, Wakefield WF4 3AX Meet at 20:30. Dave Hebblethwaite socyorkshire@rocketmail.com or davidhebblethwaite@sccuk.f9.co.uk South Coast Centre New Year Get Together. The Stag & Hounds Harvester, Basingstoke :Saturday Jan 17th at 12 noon. New years dinner. The Stag and hounds Harvester, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6HN. All welcome All are welcome along. we are heading slightly further north for this new years get together. We will be having a secret santa so if you have an unused extra Christmas gift or want to buy something to wrap up not to expensive then that would be great. We will also be having a raffle. We will be doing south coast trophies for the year. we hope to see many of you there to welcome in the new year. family friendly, please feel free to bring your family along even if they don't ride or pillion. Please let me know if you are coming so I can book. laura - socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 18 Staffordshire Centre Monthly Meet. The George Inn, Castle St, Eccleshall, Staffordshire ST21 6DF : 3rd Sunday of the month from midday. Come along and meet Gordon and lois at the Stafford centre monthly meet from midday. Enjoy a chat and find out about more events. socstafford@rocketmail.com 22 East Mids Centre Monthly Meet, Crown Inn, Awsworth, NG16 2QY : 4th Thurs of the month 8.00pm come meet Alby White 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com

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February 1 South Coast Centre monthly Meet. Loomies, A272/A32. Alton Road west meon. GU32 1JX : 10 till 12 noon. laura - socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com

1 North East Centre Monthly Meet, Heather lad, Cassop, DH6 4QD: The

monthly meeting and AGM of the North East Centre Meeting starts 7-30pm, Kevin Close: 07949035419

8 London Centre Monthly Meet, Botwell Inn, UB3 3EB: Contact John Carr - 07768797125

15 Staffordshire Centre Meeting: Gordon Thompson.socstafford@rocketmail.com 22 Southcoast ride out TBA: southcoastevents@rocketmail.com 26 East Midlands Centre Meeting: Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY: Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY :-) 4th Thurs of the month. 20:00 till 22:00

March 1 South Coast Centre monthly Meet. Loomies, A272/A32. Alton Road west meon. GU32 1JX : 10 till 12 noon. laura - socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com

1 North East Centre Monthly Meet, Heather lad, Cassop, DH6 4QD: The

monthly meeting and AGM of the North East Centre Meeting starts 7-30pm, Kevin Close: 07949035419

8 London Centre Monthly Meet, Botwell Inn, UB3 3EB: Contact John Carr - 07768797125

15 Staffordshire Centre Meeting: Gordon Thompson.socstafford@rocketmail.com 26 East Midlands Centre Meeting: Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY: Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY :-) 4th Thurs of the month. 20:00 till 22:00

22 Southcoast ride to Nelsons Diner :socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com

April 3 / 6

Belgium for Easter 2015 City of Charleroi : it has been decided to go to some where new this year. We have chosen the city of Charleroi for Belgium 2015. we are going to Best Western Leonardo Charleroi, 1A Boulevard Pierre Mayence, 6000 Charleroi. (please make sure this is the hotel you choose as there are a few Leonardo hotels in the area but only 1 Best Western Leonardo - please check address. Underground parking available - suggest you request that you require it (small cost)A little over 2 hrs from Calais straight ride. We will be just a few mins from town. 14 min ride from Brussells. close to Mons and other small cities. good luck with your bookings.

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From the Forum

The Way Forward.

Which way does the club go now ? We have many keen members who are trying their best. Do we have monthly, quality events, on a national basis or rather small centres, often neighbours, having something on at the same weekend ? There is the potential to attract people back into the fold if we are positive. To me, and this is only a personal opinion, we seem to be a bit too nice. My roots are from the Southern Hemisphere and the attitude is the glass is half full. No whingeing and feeling sorry, because honestly there is always somebody worse off.

Motorcycling is going through a transition and recently the young people entering the membership of riders, has dropped seriously. More than 20% less new riders last year. We have to keep established riders on board and find out what they would like to do. Many clubs are in the same situation so we need to be a bit more social and a mid-week, once a month meeting, to me is the way forward. Make it fun and encourage others ,non members to join-in. Maybe a mini quiz, best limerick of the month, beer tasting ( the pub landlord will love that ). What do members think ? I've stuck my head above the defences now so let's hear you're thoughts. here and not between members.

That's the bit that was other internet. Yes I've had e-mails and telephone calls and the general consensus is that people want the club to be run by a formal committee... President, Chair, Hon. Sec etc. but the outer sections with no formal committee. Just a contact person that liases with the "top table".. To me this person could be a committee member and keep the HQ news and decisions available to those that are interested.

Majority of "grass roots" members and riders don't give too figs for the rigmarole of officialdom. They just want to get out and have a good time with their mates. Putting a good few clicks on the clock.

So come on lets have some feed-back. It would be nice to hear what you think.

Griffo.

We hold the clubs future in our hands, help us mould it further into a progressive and fertile place to grow. Let us know how you feel by finding the thread on the forum, contacting the committee via email or post at the PO box or me (ed) editorsoc@rocketmail.com.

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Classic Suzuki’s at the Super Sausage Cafe

We been for a ride out today to "Classic Suzuki Sunday" at Super Sausage café on the A5 Between Towcester and Milton Keynes. As well as some excellent food at the café there was a really good turn out of bikes, and along with the ex race bikes that Suzuki GB brought to show there were some interesting Suzuki’s parked in amongst the visiting bikes.

John and Diane

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London Camping Last minute change of plan car now packed with camping equipment and not bike as the dog had to come with us and not stay with son as planned. This could be interesting as dog never been in the tent before!!! The weather was kind to us warm and sunny just what the doctor ordered. Friday was a chilled out evening catching up with old friends having a beer or two or even three in the marquee. Saturday morning and the majority decide on a ride out to Hell Fire caves which was interesting. While a few stayed behind to gossip and enjoy the sunshine as you do. After lunch it was off to H CafĂŠ to ponder the sights of other bikes and also visit the bike shop next door. The evening found us in the pub enjoying a disco provided by Pete. 70s & 80s was the theme and one or two dressed up for the occasion. Well done PK. A good time was had by all even the dog. Sunday found us deciding to go to the pretty Cotswold village of Bourton on the water. It was a picture postcard or chocolate box picturesque. Some stayed a while, we decided to do a whistle stop visit of Oxford. Once again the evening was spent in the pub doing a quiz. The dog (Pringle) was not much help !!! All too soon it was time to pack away the tent away and say our fond farewells and head for home. Pringle was a very good boy all weekend and was spoiled rotten. He can come again not sure about his owners. So thanks to the London centre yet again for providing a wonderful weekend. Your hard work paid off and please can you do it again next year.

Lois (Barmy Burger’s better half.

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27 28

North East Centre Hi Everyone , by the time your reading this the biking season will be gone and your looking at the dark winter nights remembering all those rides you had this season.

I know some of you are hardened riders who ride all year round but I for one am a coward when it comes to the wet and the cold and my bike stays firmly in Wackers garage ( thanks mate AGAIN ) I'm writing this in early September with the very recent trip I took with Gary Brown ( RXDC ) fresh in my mind.

We took a ride north of the border to see the Kelpies and the Falkirk Whaled wasn't a club ride as such but one that I decided to do and asked Gary to come along with me for company. It was one of the best days out on the bike I have ever had , we met some of the old Scottish members, Andy, Joyce, Mick, Carol, James and Kirsten who stopped by to say hello. Afterwards they headed north to the Cairngorms while myself and Gary had a good look around the Kelpies before heading west just a few miles to see another impressive sight, The Falkirk Wheel, an engineering masterpiece. from there we headed south to the Sami Ling Monastery and then home via the A7 and A69. a fantastic day out with superb company.

Thanks again Gary.

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Enough of what I've been up to and more about the centre activity. We've had a tremendous year again with trips far and wide and fun events at the Heather Lad. We started the year off with a " New Year Fund Raiser " with our resident " Suzukioake" entertainer Steve Goth raising money to pay towards our main camping weekend in May. We then had a run in March to Swaledale and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. In May we had our main camping weekend event and we had Steve entertaining us over the weekend as well as a rock band called Dirty Love who we fantastic.

The weekend ride out went up to Keilder and we had over 20 bikes on the run, the weather turned wet on the Scottish Border so we turned back into much better weather and it didn't spoil the day. The weekend was a great success and I would like to thank everyone who made the effort to come to see us over the weekend. Later in May we had a run over to the Lakeland Motor Museum and then in June we had a run to Eden Camp near Pickering.

Early August saw us in Edinburgh and mid August we were down in the Skipton area.

September's meeting is our annual presentation night and this years centre winners were AT winner Steve Goth, Ladies trophy Alison Carrs and the junior trophy went to Laura Johnson who also won the National Junior trophy and we presented her with that award as well. Well done to you all.

Our ride out in September was to the Gold Cup races at Olivers Mount Scarborough and the last ride of the year for our centre will be to Whitby in October. Both of these event will be reported on in the next edition.

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I know this may seem a bit early but I need to formally state the North East Centre will be holding its AGM on February 2015. at the Heather Lad, Quarrington Hill, Durham 7-45 prompt. If you wish to stand for the post of Secretary, Treasurer or Events Co-ordinator please forward this with a seconder to me no later than Jan 10th 2015. Kevin Close 11 Fleet Street Bishop Auckland Co. Durham DL14 6HQ. You need to be a fully paid up member of the club and so does your seconder. I will be standing for re-election. Also if there is a particular point or issue you need to address then please forward this to me to go onto the agenda by the 10th January.

All items must be on the agenda as there will not be a " any other business" part on the agenda. The centre has myself and George Frater as co-secretary which is a little confusing and no official treasure so I feel its about time it was sorted out. Also I could do with some help with the coordinating of events. The roles are as easy or as hard as you want them to be and of course you wouldn't be on your own doing them. Remember it's your centre, have a say in how its run. I'll leave you now and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Kev Close

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Here and Now Part 2 Here and Now. Sunday (Somewhere in urban Hampshire) 40 years later.

I tip-toe downstairs, to the sultry sounds of my wife’s nasal ruminations, and on opening the Kitchen blinds, observe that yet again it has been tipping it down all night. (This is the south of England after all). No breakfast this morning as it is the South Coasts Sunday Ride out to somewhere interesting, and we are meeting in Southampton at our usual branch of a famous fine dining establishment.

I put on my Heine Gerriche Gore-tex trousers and jacket with all the built in body armour and safety features to enable me to survive a Nuclear Holocaust.

(Jacket and trousers, £30 each, from the BMF show at Peterborough last year, paid for with my Lotto winnings from the night before). I was caught out in the tsunami that hit the south coast last week and still got home from Oxford, Bone dry. Next I plug my full face helmet into my laptop to pre tune the radio stations I want to listen to. I go to the Kitchen to get a raw potato, stopping halfway, remembering that I now have a Pinlock visor. I don the helmet, pair it to the sat nav. And after a quick admiring glance in the hall mirror confirms that I do indeed resemble Robo Cop, I leave the house and enter the garage to greet Sexi Suzi (great granddaughter of Suzi). I manage to get my leg over Sexy Suzi, ruefully reflecting that I don’t get my leg over as often as I used to (Mainly due to a Hip Replacement). I turn on the ignition, and a message in my helmet informs me that NASA has approved my desired route, and the dash on the bike illuminates, through what resembles a combination of the Northern lights and a discotheque, Text messages inform me that it is 11 degrees C, risk of ice in 30 miles, tyre pressures are optimum, depth of surface water on road is 3 inches, fuel is good for 180 miles, Tesco are doing a Bogof on toilet rolls and I have chosen the wrong colour of underwear this morning.

Pausing for a senior moment, to try and remember if I have got my toolkit, I then remember that I have my AA card, for Home start, Breakdown (both Mechanical and Nervous), Get you home or desired destination, Relay, ShotPutt and Discus. The tool kit is obsolete now as I wouldn’t have a clue what to do anyway if this bike broke down. The sat-nav tells me I am now late setting off, so I set the Traction Control to Wet and with the Metzler tyres, know that I can easily make up for lost time despite the state of the roads. I set off, hoping to break the journey with a cup of coffee at our normal club meeting place, which is famous for its all day breakfasts (order in the morning, and it takes all day to arrive). Down the A31, just past Alton, only to find the road to Farringdon closed due to the loading problems on Noah’s Ark. So it’s carry on down the A31, I notice a dove circling above looking forlornly for an olive branch protruding from the Ocean that used to be known as Hampshire.

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I arrive nice and early at the Restaurant at the end of the Hedge, (nod to Douglas Adams for that one). The place has only just opened, but there is a queue a mile long, (which says a lot about how good the wives of Southampton are at cooking breakfast) so I opt for just a cup of coffee. I get my drink, and go back to the bike parking area to wait for the other club members, noticing there is not a single drip tray to be seen. It has started raining again so I go back inside to wait.

The first member to arrive is Ernie, and although I haven’t seen it, I know he rides a Gixer, as he is bent double, his head looking up at ceiling and his hands upright in front of him, cos at the age of 70 it takes him a long time before he can stand up normally again. Next to arrive are Ian and Samantha, whom I get up to give a welcome hug. The moment I put my arms around Samantha, I drop to the floor writhing in agony, feeling like I’ve been tazered, Samantha holds out a hand to help me up and the same thing happens again.

Samantha realising what’s happening, apologises profusely, and explains that at the risk of being called a wimp, has decided to wear the heated vest, she made after reading an article on how to in a recent copy of Hustler which got water damage in the post, and she couldn’t read the bit about what to do with the 2 wires with bare ends, so just tucked them into her gloves. As I sit down to recover, (surrounded by a blue halo, emanating little sparks every now and then, and my hair resembling my old friend Buffer’s) we all become aware of an increasing volume of noise that sounds like a large low flying Helicopter.

Just as the helicopter appears above the restaurant, in walks Frank, surrounded by what appears to be a big fluorescent yellow balloon, and behind him on the end of length of nylon tape from his waist is a fully inflated life raft. After saying his hello’s, Frank explains that he hadn’t intended on coming today, but as the weather forecast on South Today was predicting a Cyclone was going to hit Dorset, he decided he would be safer with us in Hampshire. So he donned his new motorcycle airbag vest he got very cheap on eBay, and set off for the Restaurant at the end of the Hedge. As soon as he hit the rain in Hampshire, there was a large whoosh and the airbags deployed and the life raft popped from his waist belt, moments later the Air/ Sea rescue helicopter appeared above and followed him all the way here. It was only when he got off his bike he noticed that the label on the vest actually read Marine not Motorcycle. And that it had an automatic search and rescue beacon. Ten minutes later to the track of I’ve got a silver machine (Hawkwind), blasting from his bikes audio system, Adrian with his partner Natalie on the back of his Bandit, arrive at the restaurant.

The weather is now getting quite lousy, so the ride out is abandoned, in favour of a belated Christmas lunch at a nearby Toby Carvery. Ian programmes his sat-nav to enable him to be lead rider, and we all make our way out to our bikes.

10 metres from my bike and it starts up of its own accord due to residual current that is emanating from my body( now there’s an idea for the future, Remote Electronic ignition), although I do think that would be Pointless.

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We set off and after several hours of following Ian all around England, we finally arrive at the carvery, 2 miles from the restaurant at the end of the hedge. After lifting Ernie off his Gixer, we pile in to the carvery with Samantha telling us that she had warned us about Ian’s sat-nav inputs.

Ian is mumbling something about “Hedge End/ Walls End, what’s the difference?” Once seated, the waitress comes over to takes our drink order. I give a wry smile to myself as she says “Hi my name is Maggie.

How may I help you?” (Right age, just 40 years wrong). While eating our meal a young lad comes up to me and explains that he has just passed his bike test, and is wondering what sort of bike he should get. After discussing various models, I mistakenly ask him what is involved in taking a bike test these days. By the time he had started explaining Module 17 (Risk Assessment prior to wiping your visor), I had lost the will to live, but managed to keep it together by thinking back to my test, which consisted of turning up at the test centre the day after my 16th birthday, upon where the examiner told me to ride 4 times round the block and at some point she would hold up her clip board and I was to perform an emergency stop.

After my 5th time round the block she was nowhere to be seen. So I got off my bike and went into the test centre, where she was sitting drinking tea out of a plastic cup and smoking a cigarette, whilst talking to another examiner. She sees me and exclaims oh dear! I’d forgotten about you, winks and says quietly “Early onset dementia you know” “Still you’re back in one piece, so that’ll be a pass then”. And over the next 40 odd years, I learnt to ride a bike.

I am awoken from my reverie by Ernie who has announced that as it now nearly midnight he has to get home and take his medication. This is the cue for all of us to leave, so we say our goodbyes and I contemplate asking Maggie the waitress, if she would like me to walk her home, but remember this is 2014, and I am more likely to end up walking into a Police cell. I go out to my bike (this time I get within 3 metres before it starts up), and set off for home. As I am leaving Southampton, a message pops up and tells me I only have 40 miles of fuel remaining, at the same time the sat-nav displays a list of 25 all night petrol stations within a 5 mile radius( more disturbingly it also lists numerous cash points as well). I choose one and fill up. As I am paying the Zombie like cashier, a spark escapes from my glove, which seems to bring him briefly back to life. I decide that I had better ring home, so tap the Mobile button on my helmet, getting no response I reach into my pocket only to find my phone is just a lump of molten plastic (S!*T). Nearing Bordon, I get a message telling me it’s time for a pee break, and the sat-nav displays a list of suitable bushes within a 1 mile radius. As I am tending to the call of nature, I am suddenly illuminated by a bright fluorescent yellow light. I look up and see 4 police bikers approaching. After establishing that I am not a zombie they join me in attending to the call of nature (it seems they have the same sat-nav as me).

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They inform me that Southampton is in flames, after an explosion at a petrol station which they suspect was due to an uprising by a load of Zombies, so they had better escort me safely home. On arriving home, surrounded by Hi-Vis yellow and blue flashing lights, I see my wife standing at the door, who immediately launches into a verbal assault, screaming “Where on earth have you been until time of night, how dare you come home looking like a Sunday Bar B Q, what are the neighbours going to think with the Police turning up outside our house?, I’ve been worried sick about you, etcetera, etcetera. She is about to give me a slap on the face, but I am still quick for my age, and swerve around in front of her. At which point I drop to the floor writhing in agony, as one of the police, seeing what my wife is about to do, fires his tazer at her, but as I swerve, hits me instead.

I lie on the ground thinking, “oh what the hell, I wish I was 40 years younger. Surely life was simpler back there and then”.

The Watcher

34

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Member

Local Focus with National Backup Part of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd. Office: 0116 2882227 Mobile: 07442011690 e-mail: jminjurylaw@gmail.com Web Site: www.jminjurylaw.com 3517

Tech Talk Dear Sec As I am 86 and not computer literate would you pass this on to Alan Hancock or Tech advisor for their opinion. I have been a motorcyclist since a kid of 18 and over those years I have serviced my cars and bikes, but everything today is so hi tech I have to leave it to the experts. I have always dealt in the past with a small friendly independent dealer and the guys I dealt with had been with them many years and have always given good service. On phoning them for my bi annual plus MOT ( I only do under 1000 miles a year) was told Steve is not with them anymore and under new owners and could not book me in for over a month in which time the MOT expired. So I had to go elsewhere, I had the service which was £150 plus MOT, it failed on a sticking rear brake cable, cost £48 plus fitting, total bill came to £248 which came as shock. I was also told my chain was at full adjustment and needed replacing plus chain wheel and cogs. I asked if the chain could be shortened as in my early days you knocked a link out, he said you cannot do that. My bike is a 2004 Marauder which I have owned for 10yrs has given excellent service and I would like to go on a little longer. The bike has just done 8000. I was also told the brake pads were worn and would need replacing which was done only 2000 miles ago. The previous dealer the bill only came to £100 with MOT. I would value a second opinion on this.

Yours Sincerely

Reg Bayliss.

Dear Mr Bayliss.

Thank you for your letter on the 03/08/14.

I’m sorry it’s taken some time to get back to you, but I’ve had to do a bit of digging about this subject with a few of our members and they All say the same.

It sounds like you’ve been ripped off by this firm, with things like your brake pads, these should last you around 6000 mile as you are not a person who uses your bike every day. As for you chain these normally last around 30.000 miles, with every day riding and as you’ve said the bike has only done 8.000 miles.

The problem now is most of the good dealers are disappearing and we are being left with the sharks, the rear brake cable sounds about right as the cable would be around £20 to £30 new and if they’ve only charged you around £10 to £15 to fit that’s not to bad.

Your chain is the other problem by MOT standards the chain can only have a spilt link in is the bike is below a 250 CC as these motor bike of today put out a lot of Brake horse power, and nobody wants a chain to come off while riding.

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Tech Talk As you did not give me a size of your bike I’m assuming it’s a 400cc machine, the problem with having to go somewhere else, as you stated your normal dealer could not book you in for over a month and you had to ring around to find someone who could help you out. That could have been your problem, they knew you were desperate to have your bike MOT and service at the same time so they played on this. Your bike would only need a service at around every 8000 mile and that would only be oil, filters and plugs and that should be around £50 to £60 for the cost, It might be an idea to book your bike in early at your normal dealer then you know you are getting the service you want. Hope you keep on riding, and any more problems you need some help with I’d be happy to help out just drop me a letter in the post.

Yours Sincerely.

Mr J L Carr. Tech Officer.

Suzuki Owners Club.

Club Officers Chairman:- Pete Dibble (Bugman) socchairman@rocketmail.com

Editor:- Alan Hancock (Alan H) editorsoc@rocketmail.com

National Secretary:-Sue Carr (Queen Witch) Shows:- Alby White ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com alby.white@ntlworld.com Technical:- John Carr (JLCarr) Techofficer@rocketmail.com

Events:- Laura Dyer (Laura D) events@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Treasurer:- John Carr ( JLCarr) Membership:- Keith Ferris (Keithf) membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com soctreasurer@rocketmail.com Heritage:- Ken Read Heritage@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Touring:- Mark Seager (Darkstar) Touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

AT Trophy:- Gordon Thompson (Barmy Burger) Public Relations:- Vacant AT@suzukiownersclub.co.uk socpublicrelations@rocketmail.com

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Toy Runs

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Reading Toy Run 2014 (to Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade) Well we dusted off our costumes for the run It was time to take the bikes out for some fun We were off to Reading Toy Run On a cold but drying day To meet up with the rest, we’re on our way So here it is Reading Toy Run Everybody's having fun Delivering the toys and gifts another cold days run There were plenty of bikes there to be seen And the meeting place was bursting at the seams We set off towards Barnados Riding slowly down the road The crowds turned out, appreciation showed So here it is Reading Toy Run Everybody's having fun Toys and gifts delivered now Its dry and here’s the sun What will the Guinness man say When he tots up all the bikers Ah ah With gifts finally delivered to the staff It was time to have a cuppa and a laugh When the man from Guinness stepped up with the certificate unfurled For the largest toy run witnessed in the world So here it is Reading Toy Run Everybody's having fun Look to next year again For another worthwhile Run So here it is Reading Toy Run Everybody's having fun Look to next year again For another worthwhile Run “WE’RE RECORD BREAKERS”

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Aepcs ltd Ealing: 0208 848 3300 Slough 01753 439 242 High Wycombe: 01494 611 116 Staines 01784 849 077

About Aepcs Ltd We are specialists in general pest control (rats, mice, cockroaches, wasp nests, ants, etc.) and all types of bird control and proofing.

We can carry out work on a job work basis or on regular routine treatment / inspection basis. Our experienced surveyors will carry out free inspection, survey and estimating service. Very competitively priced.

Pest control surveys and treatments. Our technicians are trained to eradicate problems by identifying the source of the problem, any necessary proofing and change of management of good housekeeping and best practice of treatments. We do not just throw pesticides at the problem.

Full range of bird control and proofing, including netting, sprung wires, point system and flying a bird of prey. High level roof inspections, surveys and repairs. High level working from hydraulic platforms. Staff are IPAF certificated.

Rope access (abseiling) specialists. Trained and work to IRATA standards.

http://www.pestserviceslondon.co.uk/ Aepcs Ltd is a sponsor of The SOC NEC show stand 40

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Halsall Racing To Run Official BSB Effort Suzuki GB has announced its partnership with Halsall Racing for the 2015 MCE British Superbike season.

Having agreed terms just last week, Suzuki is delighted to confirm that it will entrust the company’s BSB effort going forwards to Halsall Racing, competing on the GSX-R1000 with a two-rider line-up next season.

Suzuki GB General Manager, Paul de Lusignan, commented, “We are very pleased to agree terms with Halsall Racing for next season. With the obvious enthusiasm and professionalism of team owner Martin Halsall combined with the unrivalled experience of Jack Valentine as Team Manager, we believe we have a strong foundation to build on for next season and beyond.”

Having already taken delivery of 2015 GSX-R1000s, Halsall Racing will commence development with the assistance of Suzuki Motor Corporation, with the first test planned in the new year.

Team owner, Martin Halsall said, “We entered into BSB with clear objectives.

We always intended to be here long-term, but our ultimate goal was to represent a manufacturer at the highest level.

“While our agreement with Suzuki meets that objective, this is really the beginning of a new future for us as a team. I would like to thank Suzuki for the faith they have put into everyone at Halsall Racing and look forward to the season ahead.

Team Manager Jack Valentine brings not only a wealth of racing experience, but particular experience of Suzuki, having managed both World and British Superbike teams for the brand.

He added, “It’s fair to say that this deal is like coming home for me. I know the team at Suzuki well and I also know what the GSX-R1000 is capable of.

“We have a great team of engineers at Halsall Racing and with the support of Suzuki and the knowledge I can bring from my previous experience, I’m confident we can hit the ground running at the start of the season.”

Pictures and text copied from Suzuki bulletin

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That Moment !!!

How to spoil s super ride ??? Quite easy if you like to do your own servicing and try to save a few pennies. To cut a long story short. I had a ride to the local Suzuki dealer and bought a couple of oil filters at the discount price. Happily rode home and started the service. Drained the oil , even found a new sealing washer. Started to take the old oil filter off then the "Oh bugger moment". The confounded filter cartridge was turning in its base !!!!! Heck, blimey and golly gosh flashed through my mind (as if ). How the Jiminy cricket do you get at the filter base to undo it ? There was just no room to get arthritic hands through the exhaust pipes.. Double bugger !!!!!!!

Tried a tap or two with a long screwdriver but that would not help the seal break.. Images of removing the fairing (GSX 750F) exhaust manifold etc. flashed through the mind. Sit and think came next, so the coffee was brewed and ideas flashed back and forth. Looking at the new filter there were holes all round. Make a spanner to fit these.... Easy. Next problem was how to cut off the spinning can. Long screwdriver again and "taping stick".. A couple of trapped fingers and a cut thumb later it was off. Oily paper everywhere. Just got to get the base plate of the filter off. Easier said than done as this thing was stubborn...

Got it in the end and the "special" spanner worked. Plate came off and the rest is just history. Yes oil applied to the rubber of the new filter so it should not "stick" again.. All sealed, no leaks ,oil topped-up and a test ride confirmed "jobs a gud un"...............

For the technical minded the base of the spanner was 34mm outside diameter tube with a couple of 4" nails welded on. Cut down to 22mm one side and 20mm the other. The reason being you could see one side in then wangle the other to fit a hole on the opposite side. A good torch helped to see the thing fitted. A bit of thought and you can beat most problems .

The Rusty Mechanic Filter with case removed

"Tool" with cut off nails

Job completed

Rear Photo Soc Advert as published in the Nec magazine Original photo supplied by Kev Close

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SUZUKI OWNERS CLUB www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Est 1973

The only thing missing is you.

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