SUMMER H241
HUSTLER WWW.SUZUKIOWNERSCLUB.CO.UK
Front cover shot Chris and Libby frost. Austin Texas
SUMMER H241 Editorial
Alan Hancock (Alan H) editorsoc@rocketmail.coml
Deadline for issue 242 1st October 2016
This latest issue of the Hustler has given me a few more headaches than normal due to a catastrophic failure with the software that i use to create it. We now have new software which is industry standard and more flexible but unfortunately it is not compatible with the old software, which renders all of my headers and inserts useless. This is why all of the headers are in plain white and very simple. Thank you to all of my merry band of submitters without you the Hustler just would not happen at all. There is so much to read and enjoy i had better let you start your journey through Chain oilers, the new SV650 and two different country wide rides, finishing off in Austin Texas for the MOTOGP. Ride carefully See you at the AGM or NEC. Suzuki Owners Club, Suite 240, Divo House, 29 Belmont Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1QS
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You want a slice of racing history? We get it. That’s why we’re offering you the chance to see our historic bikes and meet the Suzuki team at events throughout the year across the country. Tim - Aftersales Marketing Co-ordinator
Barry Sheene Festival Powered by Suzuki OLIVER’S MOUNT, SCARBOROUGH 23 - 24 JULY
Classic Motorcycle Show
Classic Suzuki Sunday
THE BHURTPORE INN, CHESHIRE 7 AUGUST
SUPER SAUSAGE CAFÉ, TOWCESTER 11 SEPTEMBER
23rd Carol Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOWGROUND 15 - 16 OCTOBER
suzuki-gb.co.uk/vintage-parts/events 3
Classic Bike Live
Motorcycle Live 2016
PETERBOROUGH ARENA 29 - 30 OCTOBER
NEC BIRMINGHAM 19 - 27 NOVEMBER
Chairman
Pete Dibble (Bugman) Chairman@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
This year is going so quick, the days are starting to get shorter and the rain drops bigger and wetter. Loppem was a successful trip, next stop Hamburg! Centre camping weekends are underway with London next on the calendar closely followed by Stafford and then the annual Invader rally August bank holiday weekend. As always I thank you for all your ongoing support of the club but also your National Committee it is very much appreciated. As usual Tink is busy in the background to work out a shows programme for the ensuing year, and looking for help from members, as always your help is very much appreciated and needed in manning the show stand and you are generally rewarded for your time by getting free access and where available camping to enjoy the benefits of attending. Keep an eye on the events diary, NC on the road continues and hopefully coming during the year to a location near you. Until next time keep safe, ride safe, and I hope to see you all soon. Regards Peter aka Bugman
Membership
Pete Dibble (Bugman) membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com Hello to all our Members. Since our last Publication Numbers are as follows. New Memberships 18 Renewals 43 We welcome all our new members and look forward to meeting you at an event, NC on tour or rally soon. Just a quick reminder that if any of your details have changed, i.e. Address, Phone number or E-mail address please contact us so that we can update our records. (Numbers Correct as of ( 19062016)
Regards Peter aka Bugman
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Merchandising
james Weidenbruch (Rockhopper) merchandising@rocketmail.com Greetings to all our members and what I hope is at long last the start of a hot summer for us all. Down here in Dorset the weather is certainly still changeable but I am happy to say the nicer days at last seem to be out weighing the wet cold ones which makes what I want to talk about in this edition, sound a little strange. As many of you will remember last year we took the decision as a club, to buy 100 NEC tickets and sell them so that we had a free stand at the show. The NC met earlier this year and one of the items on the agenda was to look on how we did in 2015 and if we thought that we would do it again in 2016. Well, I am glad to say that having gone through everything we did in 2015, a majority vote agreed that it was still a very good idea indeed and that having done it once already; we had a much better chance of selling out completely this year. So, this is where we find ourselves at the present moment in time, with just under three months to go before this year’s show which to some people may seem like an awfully long time away to start planning an event, but in all honesty its now that we need to sort out posters and contacts so that we have it all sorted by the time tickets go on sale and we start the countdown to the show itself. Having recently received the prices for this year, we have decided the cost to members will be £16.50 per adult ticket (plus admin charge of £1.00 or £2.80 postage if required). Once again we are unable to match Senior and children prices. The cost to the general public for advance adult tickets will be £19.50 each till the 18th Nov. After which they will be on sale at £25 per ticket. Although this is an increase from last year’s gate price of £20, the difference this year is that once inside the arena all of the live features, events and activities will be totally free plus you all stand the chance to win a prize as you enter the show. I think you will all agree that our price for this year is exceptionally good value for money. One big change for us is that we will be selling E-tickets which mean that we can send them out immediately to your computer as soon as payment has cleared. I am also pleased to say we already have our ticket allocation. To make this a complete sell out for the club we need the support from all of the members in not only buying your tickets from us, but also selling the tickets to your family and friends, work colleagues or bike mates. I will at a later date, post the routine for purchasing tickets on the Club Forum so please keep an eye out for that. Posters will be available from myself that you can put up at local bike meets, cafes etc. Could I also ask members to email me the details of any local bike clubs they have near them and any clubs they come across or know of online. Help us to make this year a huge success at the NEC. As always keep me posted on any new lines you think we should look at and maybe sell. Regards James 5
Public Relations
Geoff Goode (Mad Cockney) publicrelations@suzukiownersclub.co.uk As I write this we have had a few dry days but temperatures going from around 10 degrees C to around freezing point. It is good to have some reasonable days without the high winds, but now, as I am sure we are all finding, there are a multitude of things that couldn’t be done due to the weather that need to be done and trying to find the time to do them all in is a real feat. However here’s looking forward to better riding days. One of the things that we, the National Committee, have been looking at is how we can put members in touch with each other. Being a national club we have members throughout the UK and we have new members joining all the time so the membership is increasing. This means that though in some areas we have centres that these new members can join up with in others these may be many miles away and sometimes a few members would like to meet up in a small group locally before taking a further step. The issue is how do we put those members in touch with each other. One thing that we do have to consider is the DPA (Data Protection Act) and as a club we have to comply with that, but even without that as a club we want to look after and respect members privacy. We could just say have a map that shows where members are located without any indication of the actual member. However that map would need to be kept up and from experiences over the years with other organisations these type of things don’t appear to be very accurate as they tend to be forgotten not be kept up to date. Even with a map the member would need an officer of the club to contact the other members on their behalf to see if others were interested. This will probably mean a lot of backwards and forwards and besides being time consuming is not very efficient. What we think is a better solution is if we can forward members email addresses under these sorts of situations. This would also get over the issues where we have members that never, or only occasionally visit the club’s forum or FaceBook Page, and just mainly rely on the “Hustler” for information.
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So how would this work? The way that it is envisaged is that say a member asks if there are any members in their area that they could be put in contact with. If a centre exists our membership secretary contacts the centre secretary/organiser to inform them they have a new member in their area, we also advise the new member of the email address of the centre and meet date. However if nothing is close then we could supply the member with email addresses of other members within a reasonable distance. Upon joining the SOC, by giving all the relevant details members agree that the details can be used for club use, eg: the sending of the Hustler, email updates etc. From past experience there is nothing better than direct face to face contact, a a nice chat over a cuppa and a way to exchange ideas and, most of all, discuss the thing we all love, biking! Once a group, or maybe a new centre, has been established then a member could opt to ‘organise’ the group or centre and be informed of new members in their area. We would appreciate members input on this, particularly if raised on the forum so that a discussion can be had, and if not email your comments to info@suzukiownersclub.co.uk or write to us at the club address. This will enable us to go forward with this in one way or another. Take care and keep your sunny side up.
Shows
Trevor Trueman (Tink) shows@suzukiownersclub.cp.uk Hello and thank you to all the members who have helped over the last few months on the shows. We have had a superb turn out for all the shows so far which is fantastic. I would like to thank all the people that have helped out on the shows so far. We are now trying to see if we can get more shows up and running in local areas. If there are any shows in your local area that you would like the SOC at then please get in touch so we can arrange gazebo and merchandise for you. Lots of you already do one day events and police arranged rides but if there is anything else you would like to do in your area if you send me the details I can see if it’s possible. Thank you again Tink Shows Co-ordinator Phone 07890181013 7
National Secretary
Sue Carr (Gofer 750) ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com Hello everyone and welcome to Summer!! As I am writing this the sun is blazing down and it is a perfect day to be out and about in our luscious countryside on 2 wheels, enjoying blowing away the cobwebs and the winter gloom and looking forward to a great summer of fun! We have lots to celebrate this year, a number of members are having ‘big’ birthdays so we wish them all a very Happy Birthday and look forward to celebrating with them. We are also celebrating a major milestone for 2 members a huge congratulations to Guenter Wagner and John Storrie who celebrate 40 years as members of the Suzuki Owners Club, what an achievement! We will bring you up to date news about Guenter following our trip to Hamburg and catch up with John at he London camping weekend, come along and join in the fun! The Invader Rally is well on the way to being organised for the August Bank Holiday weekend, check out the poster in this mag. Also, work has begun on the NEC with the opportunity to pre book your tickets at the discounted price of £15.50, please support your club and purchase your tickets early! Work is ongoing regarding the centres, we have been overwhelmed with members wanting to get together, keep the emails and phone calls coming and we will get you together in small groups for a cuppa, ride outs and a lot of fun. There is still a lot to be done so please bear with us. If any members would like to help out promote the club, do a little admin work or maybe put your skills to use on the forum answering queries or moderating please let us know, all help is gratefully received and appreciated. We have a terrific membership and we look forward to seeing you all at an event in the near future. Keep it shiny side up! Sue
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Treasurer
John Carr (jlcarr) soctreasurer@rocketmail.com Hello to All. The club is doing well since my last report as you will see by the figures further down the page, we have a few shows coming up and a Big Thanks must go to Tink (shows coordinator) as these are free. We have our AGM on the August Bank holiday weekend so we will be looking forward to seeing a lot of members at The Brownlow Arms, High Marnham, I hope we have a good turn out for this, now back to the important bit. Current Account. £2.432,97. Savings Account. £10.456,38. Charity Account. £555. PayPal. £613.65. As you all can see the club is doing a whole lot better now, we are still saving money with getting monies in with the Dating Certificates and Advertising from companies like Suzuki GB and Robinsons. But we still need your help with things like manning the shows stands when we put on shows, as a certain firm says Every Little Helps. With the good members we have and the new ones coming in the club to help out with things, thing are looking up. So let’s keep up the good work and do not forget that we have tickets to this year’s NEC via the club, so get yours soon. Please contact James (Rockhopper) if you want to place your order also out Invader Rally camping weekend, the cost is £5 per person per night,E.G, 3 nights is £15. But if you pre-book before the end of July the cost goes down to £10 per person for the weekend So if you are coming please let us know as soon as possible. Till we meet up at a show or a camping weekend please All Ride Safe. John Carr
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Tech officer
John Carr ( jlcarr ) techofficer@rocketmail.com
It has been a very busy time for me since my last report and at the time of writing this, I have received another 6 dating certificate inquiries. It is a shame people keep on sending them in when the bike is either just a frame or a box of bit’s! If you do need a dating certificate the bike must be at least 90% finished as pictures are needed not just for the clubs records but the DVLA’s as well. A dating certificate is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue so you must make sure your bike is almost complete. We have had a surge in the old GT series of late and a couple of the old A50P , as these keep on coming in this is helping bring your club out of the dark times and closer to the light. So to all those members who would like to obtain a dating certificate please make sure you send me pictures of both the frame and engine numbers as well as both sides of the bike. If you require a dating certificate you can send it via email to this address, techofficer@rocketmail.com. Till my next report, please All Ride Safe. John Carr.Tech Officer. Staffordshire Centre Gordon Thompson (Barmy Burger) socstafford@rocketmail.com We meet up almost every 3rd Sunday of the month (check events list) @ “The Old Smithy” Castle Street, Eccleshall, this venue was chosen as easy access from most points of the compass being near to the crossroad A519 / B5026 of the town.The venue is also ideal as the pub is biker friendly and we usually have the room upstairs to ourselves for the meeting, they also do food and hot drinks.As said the meet is on a Sunday at 12:00 midday, as a centre it is run without a committee on a casual basis so no politics please.Sometimes there is a follow on ride to Norbury Junction where there is a café and pub and of course the canal junction. We are luckily well attended and often have members from other centres. All welcome to our meeting.As a centre we have had several AT ride outs this year and still have our Camp Weekend in August at the Newport Show, contact Tink for tickets to event.We also have our run out to the Ponderosa, up the Horseshoe Pass, Wales, coming up in September, always a popular event and some stunning views and biking roads. Ride safe and see you soon, Barmy Burger aka Gordon. 10
Events Officer
Laura Dyer ( Laura d ) events@suzukiownersclub.co.uk I hope you are all well. My job is at the quieter end of the year with many of the events decided at the start of the year it is merely a case of keeping on top of things and posting anything new that may arise. I know its early but have a think about next years events and if you went to or heard of an event that you may want to go to next year with the club get in touch with myself, or show co-ordinator or your centre secretary and bring it up – remember, you need to attend the event and not just advertise it. As you may have seen from the nomination form in the last magazine events secretary was up for nomination at the upcoming AGM. I have put my name forwards to continue as events officer but am happy to pass the job on if there was anyone else who has also put their name forward. I hope that members will be happy to vote me in if I am the only nominee. This will be the last term that I stand for the events secretary job. I wish all the best of luck with their nominations. That said I am still here for now. So to remind you all of the process for publishing your events is to email me the details of the event you want to attend and invite members to, any shows need to go through the shows officer – tink – at the official shows email. He will follow this up and pass advertising on to me. I will also place your events onto the face book page. I will inform you when your event is posted and request you check for mistakes or alterations, If I do not hear from you I will assume that the event listing is fine. I will not pick up any unauthorised events from the forum boards. Any events posted via the forum that break the SOC rules will be removed by moderators or NC. Its pretty simple really. I hope you all can find the time to meet up with a centre or at the National invader rally. This is in the centre of the country so that its accessible for all. Coming from the south coast myself I have a way to go but its worth it. Music, a band, ride outs, fun and games, good times. Not forgetting the AGM so you can hear about the club and ask your questions- members only and membership cards required. See events listings. See you at some point soon. Laura
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LOPPEM 2016 I had arranged to meet Peter Dibble at Clacket lane services on the M25 at 9 am so I booked the day off but I still ended up at work at 5 am typical. So I ended up running a little bit late. It turned out I was only 10 or so minutes late so not too bad Pete was drinking tea when I arrived. Short ride to Folkestone to catch the train to France but as normal the bloody thing was delayed because of a breakdown, finally we get to France and a steady ride into Belgium we didn’t see any sign of the strike at fuel stations that’s meant to be going on. We got to Loppem in good time to be greeted with a cheeky shot not sure what it is but it was ok, by now it’s getting warm so tents up out of the riding gear and off to the supermarket, we never did find it lol. There is a nice bar at the other end of Loppem with a nice beer garden be rude not too wouldn’t it ? After a relaxing afternoon we walked back to the St Elois bar for sausage and chips and to mix with the other bikers that were there. After a while it was bed time busy day tomorrow Saturday morning was getting quite warm we decided on a train trip up to the coast but after we walked up to the railway crossing we learned that Loppem doesn’t have a train station. After walking back and forth a few times at bus stops we then thought bugger let’s go to Bruges. A short bus trip and we were in this lovely city, after a look around we stopped for some refreshment by a canal and watched the world go by. Lunchtime we had a nice meal in a busy cafe, again next to a canal, we found the bar we went in last year and played pool where I got well beaten by Peter I think I was hustled lol. On the way back to the bus station we went in to the Salvador Dali exhibition, not my cup of tea but quite interesting. We ended up getting a taxi back to the rally site, the taxi was a very nice car and sounded great a v something engine. Once back a couple of beers in a local bar and ready for the evening entertainment a rock band which were good and then for the prize giving. Bed time soon came round what a great weekend thanks to Peter for his great company and thanks to MTC Zelegem for putting on a great weekend we will be back in 2017.
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SOUTH COAST Things are rolling along nicely at the south coast centre. Alan and I are still going to Loomies on the first Sunday of every month between 10 and 12 and are regularly organising monthly ride outs. We have been meeting up with other centres members at different events I am, however sad to report that the amount of members coming along to centre meets and events are declining and have been slowly over the last 2 years. The membership of the club has not declined much over the last few years so I am at a loss. If you are in the South Coast area, within 35 or so miles of Loomies - postcodes - BH, SP, SO, RG, GU, PO, RH, BN. we have your email from the mailing list and you should receive an email titles the South Coaster. This gives you bi-monthly updates on our events, what happened on them and what is coming up including other centre camping weekends. I hope that you all receive this and you get a chance to take the opportunity to meet up with us. That being said we went to the London centre for the the tri centre meet. It was a really great that such an effort was made to get together. Thanks to Gordon for putting it up on the boards and coming all the way down from Staffordshire. The summer is truly upon us and the members are travelling all over the world we hope to see some of you locally too. We look forward to seeing you. Laura.
London Centre Hello to All. Us lot at the London Centre have not done a great deal up to now as most of us have been busy with things like work and it’s just making the time for everyone to come together at the same time. We still meet at the White House pub, The Arena, Bennetsfield Road, Stockley Park,Uxbridge. UB11 1AA. Some of us are going on the Hamburg trip this month and really looking forward to it, we went to Belgium in Easter to Kortrijk and what a good time we had, lovely food and some great beers to wash it all down with. The club is looking next Easter to go to Mons and staying in an Ibis hotel, so if you fancy coming along keep an eye on the boards or FB. So to All Please Ride Safe. 13
METZLER ROADTEC 01. The club had a great offer from Metzler for a volunteer from the club to trial their new Roadtec 01 tyres. The call went out and volunteers were sought and I was the lucky recipient. I ride a Suzuki VStrom 650, I use it to commute every day doing a 60 mile round trip and for pleasure at weekends for ride outs and the odd trip out. The Roadtec 01 are a sports tourer tyre which uses new materials, compounds, profiles and tread patterns. Well, had the Metzler Roadtec tyres fitted on the 28th of May, had a look at them before they ended up on the bike and noticed that they felt sticky. I know they have been made with 3 different compounds of rubber, so on they went! First impressions on the ride home from Swallows (South Harrow) with 33 miles to go off I went. They felt strange at first as all new tyres do but after a couple of miles I had forgotten they were on. Around a few bends and they did feel very good even though they are new, on to the motorway and as you know and guess not many bends on there, it was only after I came off the M1 on to the country lanes that they came into their own. They really stuck well on some of our tight bends and I was impressed as to how they felt, but it was the Monday to Friday daily commute to and from work that would tell so 1 day later after they have been bedded in normal service resumed. I found the front felt very light with these on although the backend is great, but I don’t know if it’s the tyre or something else. So a week of dry running not a problem, tyres did what I expected, then the rain showers came and they stuck to the road no slipping or sliding even on the big bend coming from home on to the M1 they stuck doing around 50 mph. So I was happy about that, the next biggest test came with the heavy rain and again they showed me that they could cope with this type of weather. So 3 weeks into this test and I can see and feel that they are a very good road tyre, now comes as to how many miles I can get out of them. As everyone knows at the moment the weather is not good, rain then sun then rain with sun we cannot win, the tyres are coping very well with the changing conditions so 14
I cannot complain. One good thing is they seem to warm up quick so you don’t need to worry about how they handle once you get a mile down the road as I use a few country lanes to get to the M1 they are good around the corners. The tyres are worth the money you pay for them, I would get these again to use on my bike. All I have to do now is see what the average mileage I can get out of them and I will let you make your own mind up if you get these fitted. John Carr. Test Rider..
Membership Rates 1Year Single membership.............................................£25 3Year Single membership.............................................£65 1 Year Joint Membership...............................................£30 3 Year Joint Membership...............................................£80 Forum only Membership....(non club member).............£10 International Membership..............................................£30 3 Year International........................................................£80 15
Tutoro Chain oiler
Well, I was bought by Santa a Tutoro chain oiler for being a good boy (sometimes) at Christmas, so after all the Xmas food it was a sit down with a beer and the instructions. After 5 minutes I had read them through, strange I thought, so I went back to the box to look for the rest of the instructions, but could not find any. So another read was in order and again 5 minutes later, finished so I put them away for that day. Boxing day arrived and as there was not a lot on the TV I had another look at them. Again, a quick glance through, I then decided to go ahead and fit it, so sitting on the garage floor with a cuppa and a box of bits and pieces. After a few minutes of looking as to where to fit the oil chamber, out came the socket set, Allan keys, sharp knife and good old cable ties. Fitted the chamber just next to the rear foot rest but made sure it was above the chain, then sat with the tubing to see what was the better way to run it from the chamber down to the lower part of the chain.That took
all of a couple of minutes to figure out, you have to make sure you make a loop in the tubing so its slightly higher than the centre of the chamber, but you must make sure you use the right end of the tubing as the end that goes above your chain has a small piece of aluminium rod inserted inside, this is to help you when you position the drip end above your chain. So now connected to the chamber after warming the end up with a cup of warm water, it was a doddle to push on. So once you have fed it round and then cable tied in place, you can now fit the drip end of the set. This could depend on what set you get, whether single or twin ends, but the pipe work is still the same.So all set and ready, now just to put in the oil, to do this 16
they give you a magnet to help you out.
Fill the chamber about 3/4 full pop the cap back on and put the magnet on top. This lifts the centre unit that lets the oil come out, open the tap at the side of the chamber by 3 turns, watch the oil flow down the tube and make sure that all the air is out of the system, top the chamber back up and that’s it. The only other thing is to turn back the tap all the way in, then take it out 2 turns. This you can see is easily by the orange dot on the tap and at the side of the chamber. That’s all there is to it, all you have to do is check how much oil is coming out. Turn in 1/4 of a turn if it is too much or the reverse if it’s not enough. This whole thing took me around 40 minutes to fit, took it out for a run and noticed that there was too Much oil coming out, so 1/4 turn back. That is mine set, they reckon you should get around 1000 miles per chamber, but when you get your kit you get a 1 litre bottle of oil plus a small bottle you can fill up and put this under your seat if you need it when you are out, so this is an easy system to fit even for someone who is not very good at mechanics plus you are not having to look for your vacuum pipe work on the engine. Just in case you may cut the wrong pipe! So up to now it’s been good, you can use their oil or if you are stuck then there is always 1 of the rivals in this market.I will keep you all informed as to how thing go over the next months. Till my next report please all Ride Safe and enjoy your bikes. John Carr. Tech Officer.
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NORTHEAST Well here we are middle of the year and enjoying our ride outs. The centre has been busy as usual with rides to St Abbs in Scotland, St Bees in Cumbria, the mining museum in Wakefield and of course our famous camping weekend. The camping weekend was a great success with our resident “suzukioake” Steve working hard on the Friday and Sunday nights with a rock band on the Saturday night. I had the good fortune to get the Saturday off work so took a group over the Yorkshire dales and we played in the snow. Didn’t we Rockhopper. Sundays planned mystery ride didn’t go ahead due too bad weather but we have that planned for late June as an extra event . So we now have the rest of the year to enjoy with the Durham Police Bikewise event and a bike a show at Stanfordham in Northumberland in early August. I will be reporting these events in the next edition. So until then ride safe and enjoy yourselves Kev Close ( north east centre sec )
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Riders Rights A hard subject to write about and keep your interest. So what’s been happening in the last month or two? There has been the Harlow fiasco, where, in my opinion, more was made of it via social media than actually occurred. Yes there was an injunction but after reflection this was re-worded and changed. It also brought to a head a situation where organisations have to be alert to such things happening. We want to carry on riding sensibly and enjoy fund raising events and the like. Road holes are also to the fore and it seems that if a council have not been informed of a hole in the road they may not be liable for insurance claims. So if you see a hole, report it to your local council. Also there have been comments on the amount of manhole covers that do not have a non-slip surface. This is being rectified as most public service companies use the non slip type. One problem they are having is the rogues are stealing the metal tops and the only ones left for replacement , in many cases, are the type that were changed for the non slip. Again report any covers that are not the multi grip type. For many that use older bikes as a ride to work machine there have been rumblings that older machines (30 years and over) must be preserved and maintained in historically correct condition. Does that mean to change from 6v. to 12v. , change to electronic ignition , fitting a stainless steel exhaust, put on modern shockers, takes your old bike off the road as a classic? There are also moves afoot to stop the use of M.O.T exempt cars and bikes being used as daily transport. Yes as an occasional mode. This is something I am working on with my ‘other hat on’ as older vehicles are one of my passions. Just to think at least two of my bikes would have to be inspected for authenticity. This proposed legislation is being vigorously challenged by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Yes the non Brits are represented so our interests are covered. I must add that these regulations are only in the suggestion stage but it is something that we are working on. By the time you read this the ride to work week could be over. I hope you made the best of it and promoted the use of bikes for daily transport. Also try to get a youngster interested in bikes and spend a minute or three with them discussing bike riding and better still get them out on a ride, even if it’s only a short trip. Please don’t forget to let me know if you see any temporary closure notices on Green lanes, B.O.A.T.S. or R.U.U.P.S. It is important!
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August
Events
21st Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF Meeting 12-2pm. 3rd Sunday of every month. A friendly welcome awaits. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 26th -29th National Invader Rally Camping Weekend and A.G.M Brownlow Arm, High Marnham, Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6SG http://thebrownlowarms.co.uk/brownlow/pages/page5.html Fun All weekend. AGM 28th August 11am camping and caravans welcome. Local B&B available. SOC will be in the field out the front of the pub. Simply a great weekend. Details online. camping and party time. Members £5p.p.p.n. NON Members £10p.p.p.n. Friday- disco, Saturday- Live band. 26th Isle of man Classic TT meet up. Shore Hotel Old Laxey Hill Old LaxeyIsle of Man IM4 7DA . Meet in pub 7.30pm onwards. Chance for members to meet up and discuss the event and put faces to names. For further info contact Michael Griffiths 07729 888 631 28th AGM Brownlow Arm, High Marnham, Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6SG 11am prompt start. Come and hear more about the club and its future. In the pub garden. No alcohol to be consumed during meeting. Tea and coffee provided. Membership cards must be shown for entry. 29th Isle of man Classic TT meet up, (again) Shore Hotel Old Laxey Hill Old LaxeyIsle of Man IM4 7DA . Meet in pub 7.30pm onwards. Chance for members to meet up and discuss the event and put faces to names. For further info contact Michael Griffiths 07729 888 631 September 4th Brighton Burn Up – SHOW STAND come and enjoy the spectacle of the Brighton Burn up. Hundreds and hundreds of bikes ride down to enjoy Brighton seafront and Medera Drive. contact Tink - shows@suzukiownersclub.co.uk 21
Events
4th South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX 10am- 12. 1st Sunday of every month. Join us for a chat over breakfast and a cup of coffee. A popular, friendly biker cafe. Contact Laura 07980114208 10th - 13th Llandudno weekend. Staying at the Grafton Hotel. Contact Mark Seager (Darkstar) touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk 11th Stafordshire Centre Ride out to the Ponderossa cafe, Horseshoe pass Meeting at Dobbies Garden World @ Junction of A5/A49 Shrewsbury by pass leaving at 11am contact Gordon Flash - socstafford@rocketmail. com 11th London Centre Monthly meet. The White House Pub, Uxbridge London UB11 1AA 11.30am. 2nd Sunday every month. The White house Pub. Uxbridge, London.Everyone is welcome. Come along for breakfast a drink and a chat. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 11th North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD (pre meeting ride out at 3pm) Centre meet 7.30pm- 9pm. 1st Sunday of every month. North East welcome awaits at the Heather Lad. Come along and have a laugh and a drink with the centre members. 18th North East Ride Out to the Yorkshire Dales Meet at Bowburn 9.30am contact kev close 07949035419 18th South Coast Ride Out to Sammy Millers Motorcycle Museum Meeting at Rownhams Services west bound on the M27. 10.30 for a 10.45 leave contct laura – 07980114208 18th Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF See details for August. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com October 2nd South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX See details for Sept. Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208
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Events
2nd North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD See details for September. Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail. com 8th Staffordshire Camping Weekend. Darley Moor Race Track. The Stars @ Darley. 8th & 9th October 2016 Cost: £5 per day camping Saturday 8th practice day - access - £5 adult, £3 oap contact Gordon Flash - socstafford@rocketmail.com Sunday 9th race day – access - £13 adult, £6oap (prices are advance booking, entry on gate on day will be slightly higher. 9th London Centre Monthly meet. The White House Pub, Uxbridge London UB11 1AA See details for September. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 16th North East Ride Out to Pickering War weekend. meet at Bowburn 9.30am contact kev close 07949035419 16th Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF See details for August. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com November 6th South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX See details for Sept. Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208 6th North East centre Monthly Meet – Heather Lad Quarrington. DH6 4QD See details for September. Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail. com 13th London Centre Monthly meet. The White House Pub, Uxbridge London UB11 1AA See details for September. Contact John Carr – 07768797125
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Events 19th -27th Motorcycle Live at the NEC – SHOW STAND Come along and enjoy the show. 100 tickets available at club offer price of £16.50. First come first serve. The club will be at the show so say hi and enjoy your day. For tickets Contact tickets@suzukiownersclub.com To help on the stand contact ncsuzuikiownersclub@rocketmail.com 20th Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF See details for August. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com
Suzuki Owners Club 2016 NEC Bike Show Tickets Why not take advantage of our great offer and snap up one of our tickets for this year’s bike show at the NEC Birmingham (19th – 27th Nov). The all-inclusive Motorcycle Live ticket means that every live feature and event at the show will be absolutely FREE. That’s eight opportunities to ride a bike, nonstop interactive entertainment, classic, custom and special anniversary displays, celebrity appearances and the incredible FMX Live Arena! Over 33 of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers will be present showcasing not only their existing models, but also their 2017 machinery for the first time in the UK.
Our Price Is Only £16:50 (Per Adult Ticket) (E Tickets - £1 Admin charge - Printed Tickets - £2:80 Recorded delivery charge)
For tickets or info contact James on 07811407397 or by email to tickets@suzukiownersclub.co.uk 24
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Moto GP Texas Style Libby and Chris Frost go Texan
After experiencing the MotoGP at Silverstone and being rather disappointed with the lack of contact with the top guy’s, especially Jorge Lorenzo, as Lib is a big fan, we decided that if we wanted to meet and greet a few of the riders we would have to do it outside of Europe. So the foundation was laid for the holiday of a lifetime. We had made the decision and we were going for it all in. There followed a look through the options to see which was the best way to achieve the dream. We eventually plumped for a company called Pole Position Travel, whose motto is. Nothing beats being there. So we went for it big time. Austin here we come!! Weekend at the circuit of the Americas booked, flights booked, bus to Heathrow sorted, pets and house sorted and we were ready for the off. All we had to do now was to wait until the 6th of April, which seemed a lifetime away. Before we knew it we were on our way. YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! We arrived in Austin to be met by our driver who was going to take us to the hotel. Great so far as the flight over was over some really spectacular countryside including the frozen Hudson Bay and Dallas just to name a few. On arrival at the hotel after a ten hour flight we were greeted at the door by a very nice young man and we made our way to check in. Hello we are Mr & Mrs Frost. Hello they say, we have a reservation! Ok I will check! Your reservation has been cancelled came the reply. WHAT!!! You must be joking.No it has been cancelled, Oh my god, what now? By this time Lib is starting to lose the plot and I am not much better. 26
Can we use the phone to contact Pole Position please, of course they say. Anyway to cut a long story short we were allowed to stay and so began the weekend of a lifetime! Thursday was a day of rest for us and a chance to explore a bit of Austin (which is a very nice city even though the motto is Keep Austin weird). It is a great place to visit and has a very vibrant nightlife and music scene.
On Friday morning we were picked up at the hotel and taken on the twenty minute or so journey to the Circuit of the Americas. The first thing that you see is the impressive tower which you can go up and get rather a different view of the whole circuit if you wish to. We did not take up this offer as we were too busy with other things that Pole Position had arranged for us. After wandering around the paddock for a couple of hours and managing to get a few pictures and autographs of riders.
Alex Espargaro
John Mc Phee Scott Reading
Jack miller
Valentino Rossi
Then it was time for the VIP village to open so we could indulge in the perks that we had come all this way for. The VIP area was situated directly above the pits and on the start finish straight. While we were upstairs enjoying the action of free practice from the seating area directly above pit lane, Neil one of our two guides from pole position came up to us and asked if we would like to go down into Cal Crutchlow’s garage? What did you just say? Would you like to go down to Cal’s garage? Was the reply from Neil? Of course we do! So off we went down into the paddock and into Cal’s Garage while free practice was going on. We never expected that to happen and what a privilege it was too, speaking to Lucio Cecchinello and the team when they were working on Cal’s bike and having a bird’s eye view to boot. 27
The next thing we knew we were being taken out on to the pit lane wall to watch from there for a while. What a day so far and there was more to come. Next was a walk around the service road inside the track where we were able to get some nice photos.
Sam Lowes
Danny Kent
What a day it was and we were not finished yet! In the evening we were all due to meet and have a few drinks with some guests of Pole Position Travel. So we all assembled in the bar of the Hyatt Regency hotel ready to be collected and driven to the Snake Pit down town, where we were going to meet a few guests for a meal and a few bevvies. As it happens the guests turned out to be rather a surprise and a real bonus for us. We waited to see who we were going to meet and it turned out to be none other than Eugene, Pippa and John Laverty as well as the complete crew of the moto 3 and moto 2 SAC racing including the riders, While I am on the subject of riders we met with this team, we were blessed to meet and chat with no other than Luis Salom the no 39 who was so tragically killed later at Catalunya,
Luis Salmon
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Eugine Laverty
After the meet and greet session with the riders families and teams it was time to enjoy a few more drinks before heading back to the hotel for the night. Saturday began with us being picked up at the hotel as usual and then taken to the track for the day’s free practice and qualifying sessions. This in turn brought a few more surprises for us. Watching the practice and qualifying for the moto 2 and moto 3 races from the Comfort of the VIP lounge from where we had an exceptional view of the parc ferme and the pit back of the pit wall and teams.
Then it was time for the big boys to start qualifying which was rather good for us as we were taken back down to Cal’s garage and were able to watch most of qualifying from inside and have a really close up view of how a full on motoGP team work during this important part of the weekend.Then after the qualifying had finished there was an added bonus with Cal finishing as top satellite rider we then got to actually be there with the team when they went out on to parc ferme to congratulate their rider and we managed to get even closer to the top men than we would have ever have dreamed of Which made Libby very happy indeed as we got rather close to Valentino, Jorge and Marc Marquez. After that we were in the VIP village and we were joined by John McPhee the Scottish moto three rider for a chat which was nice as we had seen John a few time over the weekend and he is a very approachable and likeable young man.
Saturday evening was a free one so we had been in contact with some friends on the MotoGP forum and arranged to meet up at an event in Austin called the Hand Built bike show which meant having to walk through the city centre, which in turn was quite an eye opener as the show was in a suburb and the other side of the freeway which included a first-hand experience of Austin’s weirdo population. In all it was a good small free bike show with some very different types of bike on show.
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Then before we knew it, it was race day. Sunday started early so as to get to the circuit in plenty of time. The weather was rather cold and overcast with the chance of a few showers which would make for some interesting riding and results. We spent the early part of the day as usual wandering around the paddock looking for riders to see and we were not disappointed as usual. There was the odd blast from the past walking about like Kevin Swantz and Randy Mamola.Then it was time for the warm ups and then a parade of the riders around the track.
Then it was down to the business end of the weekend. We watched the moto 3 race from the viewing area above the pits and it turned out to be a very good opener for what was to follow. The race was won Romano Fenati on the Sky Racing Team VR46 KTM our own John McPhee struggled home in 21St . Next up was what amounted to be the highlight of the weekend for us. We were waiting in the VIP lounge and John the rep came up to us and said I have surprise for you!! Meet me down in the paddock at 12.15, ok we said wondering what the hell was to come! So we chilled for a bit and then all of a sudden John appeared and said we have to go now! So off we went and had to make a dash through the paddock until we came to Luis Salom’s garage where we were ushered through and issued with passes, still not having a clue what to expect we just waited with disbelief at what was going on around us. Next we knew we were crossing pit lane with all of
the mechanics and heading for the starting grid. This is the sort of stuff we only dream of. Walking up the start straight still in almost shock this was amazing to say the least .while walking up Lib asked do we have to stay behind the red line, no came the reply, once the riders have formed we could mingle. Then it was time for the main event of the weekend the motogp boys including Libs toy boy Jorge Lorenzo! Well the race was underway with Mark MThen we were ushered off the track to watch the race from the balcony in the VIP area. The race was won by Alex Rins with Sam Lowes coming in second and Brad Binder third.arquez in front when we were asked if we wanted to go down to Cal’s garage again, so we legged it to the garage and watched the race unfold from there. Well things weren’t going to plan with Call falling off and we were told that if he retired LCR Honda would shut the garage and that would be the end of our chance to get on Parc Ferme again, , but luckily he remounted and the doors were open. With Dani Pedrosa taking Dovi out and Valentino Rossi retiring the result was that Marc Marquez won with Jorge Lorenzo second and bad boy Andre Iannone third and Scott redding sixth as top Brit. So onto parc ferme again to watch the riders come in and the champagne being sprayed. While walking back from parc ferme we actually managed to get a few souvenirs from the pit lane (as in the stickers that are on the floor in front of the garage with riders name and numbers on including Maverick’s ). With that over and the day drawing to a close we headed back to the VIP lounge to regroup for departure back to Austin when we were joined by Sam lowes for a chat and autograph signing session, what an unbelievable weekend!! But it was not about to end there, in the evening we all went out for a bit of a meal and a closing party in downtown Austin Texas. We all got together at the restaurant for some local food and a few drinks. The next thing we knew the whole of the BT Sport team turned up as well and that meant that there was another twist to come, as we were with a couple from the Uk and the guy had a prosthetic leg which he had been getting signed all weekend. The next thing we knew was that the Mrs was walking towards Neil Hodgson to get him to sign it as well.
With that I will leave you with a few random pictures from what was an incredible weekend.And last but not least, a special one considering the outcome a few week later.Well what can say apart from a big thank you to John and Neil from Pole position travel and everyone else that made the trip a trip of a lifetime for us both!The next day we were heading off to North Carolina for another adventure. Thank you Texas for a great time. RIP Luis Salmon No 39 Chris & Libby
SUZUKI BULLETIN
Suzuki has announced details of two new special editions, with a GSX-S1000 Carbon Edition and GSXS1000F Tour Edition now available from the Japanese manufacturer.
The Carbon Edition GSX-S models are available in both the firm’s signature MotoGP blue and the contrasting red and black colour scheme. The blue variant benefits from colour-coded Brembo monobloc calipers, eye-catching fluorescent yellow graphics and wheel tape, and a carbon accessory kit comprising of rear hugger, crankcase cover, clutch cover, and alternator cover. The red and black model gets the same carbon treatment, but boasts red Brembo calipers, white graphics, and red wheel tape. A new Tour Edition of Suzuki’s do-it-all sportsbike is also now available, and sees the GSXS1000F gain a 15 litre tank bag and 12 litre tail pack, taller screen, heated grips, and a silver graphics kit. The Tour Edition GSX-S1000F can be had in both blue or red and black. Both the GSX-S1000 Carbon Edition and GSX-S1000F Tour Edition are available from authorised Suzuki dealerships from August. The GSX-S1000 Carbon Edition comes with an RRP of £9,499, or £9,999 with ABS. The Tour Edition GSX-S1000F retails for £10,299. Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “The GSX-S1000 is a super-naked that already ticks plenty of boxes, thanks to its aggressive styling and the fact it’s powered by the engine from the iconic GSX-R1000 K5. “The new special editions will further stand out from the crowd, with their attention-grabbing graphics and coloured Brembo calipers. The GSX-S1000F is the everyday sportsbike, with a comfortable riding position and weather protection, while retaining it’s GSX-R character. However, we are seeing that a lot of customers are using theirs above and beyond a weekend blast, and are often journeying further afield. “The Tour Edition means that customers that are considering using it for that purpose, can do so with even more comfort and practicality.” For more information on both models, and the rest of Suzuki’s on-road range, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.
Bikes without engines Kev Moseley (Boy Blue As a result of last year’s “Ride For Dad” challenge I was asked to put together a bit of prose on alternative biking. I have been reluctant given this is a motorcycle club but given the camaraderie most people have in the SOC and the support the club and members gives to its members it felt right to tell my tale. As many of you will have started the same way, my biking career started on the push variety. As a child I would have had a trike and a range of other bikes including the infamous Raleigh Chopper and of course the Raleigh racing bike. In the latter years as a spotty Yoof my mates and I thought nothing of cycling the area around Swindon and the surrounds most weekends to watch trains and planes and at least once or maybe more did home to Wootton Basset (now Royal) to watch trains, onto Lyneham to watch the RAF Hercules then finally RAF Fairford in Gloustershire to watch Concord landing and back home in a day. 70 odd miles and we were only about 17 or so. About 5 years ago I had a mad moment and decided to raise some funds for my Rotary Club charity called Life Education Centres. I joined another Rotarian from Banbury and we completed a 355 mile ride in 6 days around all the Rotary Clubs in our district covering Banbury to Hungerford to Heathrow to Uxbridge and all 63 clubs in between. We had a great time and afterwards I was a little jaded but felt reasonably ok. Between the two of us we raised over £10000 for Life Education Centres Thames Valley. Whilst in my head cycling 70 miles in a day at the age of 17/18 was still a good memory, the body was now a lot older and having completed a 45 mile ride to Swindon as the longest ride in my training it was no preparation for the first day of Banbury to Hungerford at 85 miles and two very long hills in the process and to make it even more challenging I did it all on a mountain bike! Jumping forward to 2011 and after a pretty awful Christmas time my father was diagnosed with Alzheimers. 2 years later my mother, his ca rer, then unfortunately fell ill and passed away with cancer quite quickly. All through the initial diagnosis and latterly as his condition has worsened we have been supported by The Alzheimers Society and regularly each month attend the meet and eat group in Swindon where dad enjoys his fish and chip lunch (I do as well). So with this in mind I decided last year to become a MAMIL (middle aged man in Lycra) and enter an organised ride with 32 other strangers to raise funds specifically for The Alzheimers Society. I am sure most of 34
you would have seen the updates on the boards and I cannot thank the support of many of you from the SOC both financially and in words of encouragement. We completed a 3 day 245 mile ride from Blackheath to Dover and boat onto Calais, Calais to Bruges and finally Bruges to Brussels. Between us we raised in excess of £65000 and my contribution was some £2800 approx. Tired but happy with my achievements, 5 days later I also carried out another 105 mile ride with my wifes training group of BDO’s Reading Office from Bristol to Reading in a day. I had intended to only do half the trip but finished it all. They had been kind enough to allow me to train with them for my ride so it felt right at the time to support them in their ride. Being no stranger to organising and taking part in charity fundraising in the past I have completed 2 tours of Britain in 2008 and 2009 with my good motorcycling friend Alan Almond and his now wife Jo to raise money for Lymphoma Association. These were completed on our Suzuki Hayabusa and me on my TL10000R. Again we had great support and help from SOC members all over the country including bike repairs, guiding and just great friendliness and encouragement. So what happens next?? Well aware that i am not getting any younger and with 60 looming up on the horizon (in a few years) I have for many years had a bit of an itch that has required scratching. I have tried many times to think of a way to achieve a life’s ambition but make it worthwhile to raise money at the same time. Having felt reasonably ok with last years cycling challenges I have decided and booked up for LEJOG (Lands End to John O’Groats) starting on 30th August 2016. Again this is an organised supported trip fully self funded. I have chosen the 12 day challenge but it means it is 1000 miles of cycling. I have been training regularly since the start of the year on my new steed and have so far enjoyed cycling in all weathers (including frost, rain and ice) and winds. After all having booked the ride I cannot control the weather so I should be ready for what the UK and as it is predominately west coast, what the US has to throw at me. I am however hoping that the recent cold and freezing conditions do not manifest themselves in 35
September but who knows. Our route is a predetermined one set by the organisers and based on overnight stops in the following locations, Lands End, Liskeard, Tiverton, Chepstow, Shrewsbury, Preston, Carlisle, Kilmarnock, Inverary, Loch Lochy, Bror, Thurso and John O’Groats. I would welcome seeing any of you on the challenge (not necessarily taking part but if you want to I would not turn you away) but as support and encouragement during the 12 days or even the pub at night for a swift half. The route looks easy when listed like this but I am aware it is 12 days of many ascents, but working on the basis that goes up must come down and I am sure it is the same sea level at both ends it must even itself out. I will of course keep you all informed during the year as to progress with the training schedule and I hope to be partaking in a few cycling events as a part of my training programme. I will also add my fundraising page when it is fully set up. I will be raising money again for The Alzheimers Society and Coram Life Education Thames Valley who I have supported with both of my previous charity cycle rides. As for the GTR1400 well that may have to have a bit of a quiet year this year but I do hope to be back out for some decent runs again next year as long as my butt will allow me. If you are out and about in the North Hampshire area please take care and give me a wide berth especially on the hills but please toot if you see me.
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Last Long Ride As the age syndrome is catching-up I have decided to do one last ‘Long Ride’ and it is to be Land End to John O’Groats. It has been mentioned on ‘tinternet so now the route and dates are listed. The idea is to travel off motorways and a sedate tootle. Pocket Rockets welcome but we are tootling. Each day a prompt 9am start, with bikes with a full tank, an hour or two and then a coffee stop. Lunchtime and again a proper break. Futher riding with a stop for tea and cakes in the afternoon, with the intention of arriving at the accomodation by six pm. Reasonable meal and a bit of liquid refreshment ready for the next day. You never know some maintainance may be needed. On a sunny day there is more than a resemblance of the two main points with their rocky outlooks. A route planned to try to cover most of the S/West, some of Wales, N/West, Scotland , N/East and the Midlands. A chance to meet some old members and get to know some of the newer recruits. Anybody is welcome for the whole trip or just a day’s stage. You could do a couple of days, anything to suit members. So far there are four of us penciled in, the more the merrier. The dates and route are as followes..... Friday 12th. May meet in Penzance for a pie and pint before departing Saturday 13. on a route to Land End then up to Chepstow for the night. This is the longest ride of the trip. Sunday 14th Chepstow to Leyland. Monday 15th. Leyland to East Lothian. Tuesday 16th. East Lothian via Fort William to Inverness. Wednesday 17th. Inverness via Tongue to John O’Groats then to Wick for the night . Thursday 18th. Wick to Perth. Friday 19th. Perth to Durham. Saturday 20th. Durham to Nottingham leaving the last day, Sunday 21st., a run from Nottingham to the Staffs meeting at Eccleshall. The last day being a start time of 10 am so some of the lads and lasies could join in for the last stage and make it a big meeting in Eccleshall as it will be down as one of the Staffs events. 38
As you can see we are staying at many places and sorting accommodaton out will be quite a task so if any of you know of reasonable prices B&B etc. please let me know. I have alrady pencilled in one or two Hostels to stop at so as to keep the costs down . Nothing to stop campers joining in. (Bit old in the tooth for tents now) Also I would like some idea of numbers in plenty of itme as this will make reserving accommodation easier. Then again oyu can always do you’re own. It’s a free and easy break, just the start time will be important as there will be no rushing. Bikes ? Well I’m planning to go either on my Royal Star or 1947 B31 so not on a plastic rocket. Oh yes the mileage, without the journey to Penzance, just over 1900 miles. Yes there will be incidents, flying spanners, missed turnings and hopefully a good laugh or two... Who fancies it ?????????? Griffo
NOMINATIONS The Nominations recieved this year for the expiring roles on the Nc are. Chairman....................Pete Dibble Events.........................Laura Dyer Editor......................Alan Hancock
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MEMORABILIA We have just bought these badges from ebay to swell our small stock of club heritige items. Sadly it is a very limited collection. We are searching far and wide for items to add. Do you have any old badges and Hustlers. If you do we would love to hear about what you have and the memories and stories that surround them. If you are visiting The NEC or a show where the club stand is attending Please bring them along so we can take photos and take notes. If you can bear to part with them we would be very grateful to add anything to the archive. I you fancy it we are in need of a Heratige officer as this role is vacant at the moment. Contact the National Secretary for more info.
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2016/17 SV650 Review After what seemed like a long wait since all the media hype about Suzuki’s latest re-incarnartion of the very popular SV650, it was finally in my excited grubby hands. Now as some may or may not know this little V-Twin over time has gained an almost cult status among enthusiastic owners ( me included ), so to be honest I was not sure what to expect from this road test, but I knew from other reviews it should have me grinning like a Cheshire cat. After clambering all over the bike at the NEC, Sharron pointed out the lack of pillion grab rail, so it was imperative she came along as well to see if the lack of a firm hold on the bike had any detrimental effect. More on this later. The bike was rolled out into the yard at The Two Wheel Centre in Mansfield and all the paperwork sorted. So first impression were it’s a very tidy little bike, not in the style of the transformer bikes appearing from Yamaha and Kawasaki, but a nice proper bike with one of the nicest tail ends I’ve seen in years ( I’m sure a fender eliminator will be one of the first things fitted). The undertray at the rear is incredibly neat and tidy but not very concave, so once you’re on wet and dirty roads in the winter the back of the legs are going to be soaked and filthy, even more so for a pillion, anyway, once sat on the bike it really did feel tiny, more like a 250 than a 650, with narrow bars and a lack of fairing or screen added to this perception, with my feet nicely flat on the floor, a rarity for my 29” inseam it all felt very balanced, unlike my tippy toe balancing act on the V-Strom. Sharron struggled to climb on the back as the rear pegs are quite a bit higher than 42
she’s used to, but not unlike my SV650S, at this point it was looking a little pillion unfriendly, as the seat is also like the shaped brillo pad of a GSXR. While on the subject of GSX’s the instrument panel on the SV is sort of straight from the new GSX-S 1000, giving you speed, revs, gear indicator, current and average fuel consumption and all the other info you may need. Once back at the dealership I noticed it had averaged 60 mpg over the 50 odd miles we’d done. Still, off we go through the morning traffic of Mansfield heading for the swoopy twisty, quiet lanes between Mansfield and Newark, in traffic the bike is very confident with the narrow bars and small size allowing easy filtering and quick changes to avoid myopic, phone using car drivers, as the traffic decreased it was several circumnavigations of the bigger roundabouts to scrub in that side of the very new tyres ( 2 miles) and some gentle cornering on the left handers, now as I’ve mentioned the bike had only done 2 miles before they handed it over, so it was never going to be a “ring its neck” test, more a real world ride, especially two up, with NO GRAB RAIL ( SUZUKI ) !!!!! yes I know there is a panic strap on the seat, but has any human fingers ever fitted underneath one. Now as mentioned earlier, Sharron wasn’t too happy on the back, it was the first time in many years that she actually clung on to me, now this is a person who falls asleep on the back of the V-Strom and used to spend time fiddling with her MP3 player and watching the wildlife on the Chatsworth estate as we zipped along carving the bends on the Street triple ( a well told story, if you’ve never heard it though, just ask her at the next camp weekend or meeting and why I was swearing LOUDLY ) , so it seems the SV really didn’t inspire confidence, maybe it was it diminutive size along with no 43
pillion facilities apart from the never used seat strap, but she was not happy about it. But I think the majority of riders owning this won’t have a pillion. ( or a rally amount of luggage) As other road tests have commented it’s lost none of its zesty, pull from nothing power and all very smoothly delivered, making a nice throaty muffled grumble as it does so, at this point, now with a bit of confidence in the tyres, we start to explore the kind of riding the old SV’s are famous for, dropping it into corners and following a tight line all the way round, now here its even better than the Pointy’s (2003 onwards and Curvy’s pre 03 ) there was none of the squishee, slightly loose feel of the front end, ( different springs sorted this on previous ones), even hitting some slightly dodgy road repairs, it never wiggled its head, just ploughed on round, the back was bouncing about a bit as it was going to be a bit of a fiddle to adjust the preload on such a limited time with the bike. The engine just wants to go, losing none of SV appeal, I had read that it was quite revvy, which I thought may be disappointing for a V-Twin, but with the new engine I didn’t want to take it to the limiter so until I get my hands on one with more miles on, I can’t honestly comment, though I don’t think it will ever be like an inline 4, maybe more a triple, I can only speculate and that exhaust note with the tight handling will encourage the more experienced rider to “give it some”. In saying that I don’t think it will get many seasoned riders on its back to be honest, its definitely not an SV from the old school, where though small the previous SV still feel’s like a proper bike. In my honest opinion, I think though its going to be good fun to rag around the country back roads it really is definitely aimed at the novice rider, with one touch starter button and the anti- stall set up ( which I never even noticed ) and the low seat. Have Suzuki aimed it at the ladies again like the Gladys. Hmmmm sexist I know but it could be thought of in that way. Once back at the dealership I sat down and stared at it for awhile thinking 44
where to spend money on it, I’d start with some Renthal low Streetfighter bars, in fact they’d be in the garage waiting for it to be delivered, ( colour coded, this was a white and blue one, so blue bars) a small screen, just enough to stop some of the headwind, remove that rear mudguard and get even wetter, but jeez it will look sweet with an eliminator, or some clipons, rearsets and a seat hump and you’d have a very pretty Café Racer that will be fun to ride and actually go round corners, instead of sitting outside some trendy Coffee establishment in EC1 surrounded by beards and too much money. Will I buy one ? No. I desperately wanted it to be the half way house between the SV and the V-Strom, but with its size and the lack of any facilities to attach any luggage apart from a tankbag and even if that nice sporty back end looks lovely, it is as impractical as a Gixxer or a ZX6, ( not that stops the determined, I’m off to the TT for 2 weeks camping with my Gixxer 1000 owner ) I didn’t look under the seat for storage so can’t say anything about under there. I will confess, to have been grinning like the Cheshire cat when I handed the keys back, but then promptly went over and tried out the new GSX-S 1000 for size, hmmm now that felt just right, something with proper bars and it won’t get blown over by the wind. The Hedgemonkey.
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THE RUSTY MECHANIC Quite a few of our members use older bikes and good of them as to me the older the better. Yes the new ‘pocket rockets ‘ are quick and reasonably safe in the right hands. Hold the road much better and stop far quicker. The main problem is that they are too quick for safety. How many people go round corners at a speed where they can stop in the distance they can see ? We have all been guilty of this and in the past I was one of those nutters. Reflecting now and I was lucky. The idea of remembering gave me the thoughts of my original motor bike days. Yes an Ariel Leader was the first bike. Not quick but great for wet weather riding. Good work horse for daily going to work. I started racing before I could drive a car and as my parents were against such activities. I had to make-do-and-mend for getting to events. No problems for doing a Trial as the bike could be used for local events. Further distances and a racing bike caused problems. Solved with a 1949 BSA and platform sidecar. A friend was a painter and decorator and used the outfit for his daily work transport. Normally ladders and paint on the platform, but weekends it was me and my bike, spares and tools on the chair. Can you imagine the ‘modern youth’ going a hundred miles to a race meeting on an outfit, getting soaking wet on the way there. Racing then coming back still wet ? As I progressed in age the idea of a car crossed my mind.. Well as a local young lady was showing interest with her pleasures meant I could well need a car. Funds were scarse so an Isetta three wheeler came to mind. Sad to say the three wheel adventure didn’t last long as rain and youth put paid to that. Taking the young lady out on a wet evening , we came round a corner as quickly as you can in a three wheeler, (bit of 46
showing off )there was a big flood on the side of the road. The car was not amused when one of the front wheels went into the water. The other one decided , rather rapidly, to join it's friend. Causing the rear wheel to refuse to get wet and it went into the air. The front two thought the rear was onto a good idea and also went up to be dry. I can assure you the 'sunroof' was not water proof when immersed into 6" of rain water. Ah well another romance was a damp squib. Far better off riding bikes!!! Thinking of sidecars and the good old RAC and AA. breakdown services used sidecars and when spotting a member often saluted. We had a Mark 2 Jaguar with the AA badge proudly on the front (still have the badge) and were delighted when the salute was given. Being the son of a Wing Commander, he always said they recognised his rank????? Well it was a nice thought. So now as age creeps on do I go back to an outfit and give somebody a thrilling ride? All passengers to form a queue behind he bike shed... Sensible folk will walk away. Off for a rest now and decide if I should decant any petrol or sort some oil out for the gearbox. Rusty Mechanic
Rear photo Southcoast camping weekend ride out to Brooklands motor museum 47
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