Hustler Hustler Spring 2015 H236
H234 Spring 2014
www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk www,suzukiownersclub.co.uk
Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS
Cover Photo Neil Pepin’s Stunning Gixxer
Editor’s Report Alan Hancock (Alan H) editorsoc@rocketmail.com
Last submission date for Issue 237 Mid May
Over the last few day there is a hint of the riding season that is waiting to burst forth. Hopefully with warmer and longer days you will feel inspired to send me articles about rides and trips past and present to swell the pages of our magazine. Fingers on keyboards or pen to paper please, I will take submissions at any time the sooner the better, text as word type files or just as an email with separate JPEG (jpg) photos at the highest quality you can please. As I do not have the software to handle embedded photos in docx or pdf formats. Articles can be on any subject, club or member related. Email me if you have any questions or ideas, or chat with me at the AGM / Invader. Membership Renewals
Here comes summer Ed 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
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. 2
Pricing Confirmed For New Commuter Models Suzuki has confirmed pricing for its new Address 110 and Inazuma 250F models, with the economical commuter-targeted machines priced at £1,799 and £3,999 respectively. The Address 110 defines urban practicality, with its impressive 145MPG* figure, a kerb mass of just 97kg, and over 20 litres of under-seat storage. The stylish new scooter also boasts cutaway footboards, making it easy to stop around town, a rear brake locking system for use when parked, and an ignition cover which aids in security. Performance comes from a new fuel injection system and redesigned piston skirts, while cast aluminium wheels with hollow cores boost handling capabilities. The new scooter comes with an RRP of £1,799 while a number of optional accessories are also available, including a top box, hand guards, and tall windscreen. The Inazuma 250F joins Suzuki’s on-road range for 2015, following the success of the naked Inazuma 250 launched at Motorcycle Live 2012. The new F variant adds a fairing and screen for improved weather protection on longer journeys, all wrapped around an economical 248cc parallel twin capable of 85MPG* while also delivering enough punch for a spirited ride out of town. The Inazuma 250F is available with an RRP of £3,999. Both the Address 110 and Inazuma 250F are expected in dealers in March. *Data resulting from tests made by Suzuki in compliance with WMTC. These tests were conducted by a single pilot with no additional optional equipment. Fuel consumption may vary depending on your riding style, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, the presence of accessories, the load, the weight of the crew and many other parameters. Copied from Suzuki Bulletin
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Chairman Pete Dibble (Bugman) socchairman@rocketmail.com
Well we have nearly broken the back of winter with a meagre 5mm of snow in London that created gridlock on some of the local roads and temperatures are definitely on the up along with the nights starting to stretch out. Those of you that have tucked your bikes up for winter will by now be slowly awakening them, prepping them and getting ready to hit the roads. Alby has already been busy booking Shows to promote the Club and I hope to see many of you at the various locations, and it looks as if we are going to have quite a busy camping schedule through the warmer months. As I have said many times and will continue to say its your Club we are firstly members and caretakers second. If there is any concerns or if you have any ideas please contribute them whether it be Ride outs, Shows, Local Bike Publications unique to your locality tell us. Ed is always desperate for articles, tell us your memories of the past, the early days of the club etc. Also if you would like to help out with the shows and wish to show your Bikes, Email our Shows Officer who will gladly accept all the help possible. That's it for now, Ride safe and keep it rubber side down. Pete
Don't forget to Register on our web site
www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk
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National Secretary
Sue Carr (Queen Witch)
ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com
Hello Everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year, spring is now around the corner so time to look forward to some great weather and amazing biking events! It has been a busy time, lots to do and always planning for the biking season. Here we are at nomination time, I am hoping members are thinking about getting involved with the running of the club, there is a lot to do but many hands make light work, if you can offer some time/skills to the club, please nominate or offer your services, we are looking for enthusiastic members with a few skills to come and help with the SOC National Committee. If you would like a role profile for the posts coming up for nomination then please drop me a line at: ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com There are lots of things in the planning stages including the Invader Rally, shows and camping weekends, looking forward to seeing you all at an event soon. Till next time, ride safe. Sue
Tech Officer
John Carr (jlcarr) techofficer@rocketmail.com
Hello to everyone. I've been very busy over the past few weeks with dating certificates and enquiries from members asking for a bit of help with their bikes, most of the dating certificates have been off road types RM's and a load of TS's, I even had an odd bike that took a bit of digging to get to the bottom of it a T 100. These were only made for 3 to 4 years between 1968 and 1972, they did not come into this country as part of Suzuki's stock and most of these were sold in Japan and Asia.. So since my last report I've done around 25 certificates so things are looking up, Santa must have been good to everyone. As you can see there is an email in the Hustler that came from a grateful member whom I helped out with a wiring diagram for his bike so its hope the trend keeps on going. See some of you at a camping weekend or at a show. John
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Treasurer John Carr (jlcarr) soctreasurer@rocketmail.com
Hello to all in The Club. Hope you've all had a good Christmas and Good New Year. We on the NC have been busy since my last report and as you will see by this report we are doing very well at the moment. I want to put this idea out to all the members. We have been looking at buying the tickets for the NEC for this year, this would give us a bigger stand than we had last year, but I would like feedback from you to give me an idea as to how many of you would actually buy the tickets from us at reduced rate. So could all of you please email me at soctreasurer@rocketmail.com and give me some feed back as to, do we buy the tickets or again look for a sponsor. Back to the important bit a to how well the club is doing. Savings Account. £5.605.94. Current Account. £2677.58. PayPal Account. £456.91. So as you can all see we are doing well, all the bills have been paid but we would not be in this position if it was not for ALL of you and your support, we are still looking at ways to save money but your ideas would help. As we say this is a club run by members for the members and I hope that we are doing you all proud. Regards. John
Membership Keith Ferris (Keith F) membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com
January New 11, Individual 10, Joint 1, Renew 13, Individual 10, Joint 3. February New 4, Individual 2, Joint 2, Renew 17, Individual 16, Joint 1.. Bruce Jennings Stuart Turner Bruce Chainey Suzanne Lucas
5 year badge 15 year badge 15 year badge 15 year badge
Sandy McCracken 15 year badge Sheila Cosford 15 year badge Alan Collings 20 year badge
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Merchandising Officer James Weidenbruch ( Rockhopper ) merchandising@rocketmail.com
A very big hello to all our current members and to all our new members as well. I do not have much to report on for this our first edition of the year other than to say I am continuing to chase up new leads on suppliers and looking at new items to bring to the NC to look at. I am also still sorting through the mountain of leaflets that I collected during my week at the NEC last year. You will see in this edition of the Hustler that we have provided a price list for all of the merchandise we currently sell. Its my intention to try to hold the prices down at what they currently are for 2015 which I am sure you will agree is very good value indeed. I am also putting together a merchandising sales brochure that I want to put forward at the next NC meeting with the idea of including it in every new joiners pack. This is something the club did a very long time ago which produced good results then, so I am hoping it will do the same again this time round. Finally, can I just ask the membership again that if you see or hear of any good offers or ideas for the club shop then please send them in an email to me and I will give them a good look over. Ride safe James
Merchandise James Weidenbruch ( Rockhopper ) merchandising@rocketmail.com
Acrylic Badge Bumper Sticker Car window sticker Cloth Patch Helmet sticker Keyring Lanyard
£1.00 £2.50 £3.00 £2.00 £1.00 £2.50 £2.00
Pin Badge 40th Pin Badge Roundel – Small Roundel – Large Visor sticker Mug Personalised Mug
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£2.50 £3.50 £1.00 £1.50 £1.00 £5.00 £9.50 inc p&p
Clothing to order - all including p&p Baseball Caps Tee shirt Polo Shirt Sweatshirt
£9.99 £9.99 £14.99 £19.99
Hoodies Fleeces Shirts
£22.99 £24.99 £27.99
SOC Woollen Range plus p&p Neck tube Hat Scarf
Bundles: £10 £5.00 Hat & Neck tube £12 £7.00 Hat & Scarf £8.00 Hat, neck tube & scarf £15 To buy club merchandise ask your centre secretary who may have some stock, alternatively visit the club stand at a show or email merchandisingsoc@rocketmail.com
Touring Officer Mark Seager (Darkstar) touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
Hello everybody hope you are all enjoying the cold weather and you all had a great festive period. I have a few trips planned for the coming year these are what i have planned. MAY1-4 weekend in france i have had to change where we were staying because of ill health at les ballastieres best wishes to paul and sue for a speedy recovery.I am now booked into www.loubarre.com plus there is a hotel in town called le royal st pol sur ternoise go to logis.hotel.com le royal hotel. JUNE 19-21 waterloo battle re-enactment i am thinking about going over to mark the 200 years of the battle. JULY 6-11 Rhine in flames arriving monday staying over night on the way sunday due to attending another event on saturday.will stop over on the way back.staying in the rhine valley at Boppard at johns hotel called hotel ohm platt Email jfdurcan@aol.com www.hotelwienhauspatt.de SEPTEMBER 11-13 north wales weekend i am booked into the grafton hotel. 14 craig y don parade Llandudno LL30 1bg do as you please or go for a ride out and enjoy the area plenty of b&b in the area. info@thegraftonhotel.com phone 01492876814. Thats it for now i have another couple of ideas for trips more about those later. Mark
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Events Laura Dyer (LauraD) events@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
Hi everybody. I hope you have all made it through the winter well. Those of you still riding through all weathers I salute you and those making the club ride outs all the better. I have been busy loading the events on to the events boards and its looking like there will be lots going on. The North East, East Mids, Stafford, London and South coast all putting on regular events and ride outs. With Easter fast approaching the Charity Egg runs will be around so find one near you and join in. Going abroad? Members in the club have organised Belgium for Easter, France in May, Waterloo in June, Rhine in July and North Wales weekend in September. These have all been posted. Fancy camping? North East in May, South Coast in June, National Invader Rally in August. Stafford and London in August. What about a Show? Alby is always arranging shows so if you’re interested in joining him or showing your bike contact him through this email alby.white@ntlworld.com I have also advertised Andrew David Mcintyre Carter Smith race dates. One of Suzuki owners club younger members. He has 10 races this season starting on March 8th . Check out the championship National mini-bike road racing championship. I am sure we all wish him luck. Race number 724, go along and find him and his family in the Suzuki Owners Club marques where you can chat if there's time and sign in on the AT sheet. So just a few words left to say, if you’re planning an event do not forget to let me know by email so I can post it. If you want to drum up extra interest please start a post in the ride out section so people can talk directly to the organiser. (you still need to email me to post on the events diary) Please remember you’re new AT sheet with the PLI paragraph on the bottom for signing in. If you have not already received an email of this I have an updated version that I can forward you, just ask. When your all signed in just scan and send to AT officer. This just leaves me to wish you all safe riding. Laura.
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Riders Rights Micheal Griffiths ( Griffo) ridersrights@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
The Bedford 'turbo' round-a-bout is going ahead but with many changes from the original idea. The lane widths are bigger than motorway lanes and all is to be clearly marked well before the junction. Well signed and if you are riding/driving sensibly there should be no problems. Road blockages will cause no hassle to bikers as the width gives plenty of room for filtering. Reading the signs and being observant you will have no trouble. They work well on the continent so lets give it a go. Other turbo round-a-bouts have been postponed due to there being no room for the required lane sizes. So the complaints are being listened to. For those people that move near to a motorsport circuit and wish to have the venue closed because of noise, there is a petition on line to get them to sign a declaration to say they are aware of the noise and inconvenience of living close to a race track. Thus the problems of the past at Mallory will be avoided. This is important as the UK is a leader in racing and the work that is created from the teams in racing and the allied manufacturing of cars / bikes and parts for such activities. Motorway barriers are being slowly altered to make them more friendly to motorcyclists in the case of an accident. The M4 between J17 & 18 is having concrete barriers erected as test cases.. Lets hope none of us are unfortunate enough to hit it to see how effective it is. The CBT is being reviewed and possibly the written test will be altered . Compulsory High Vis jackets are not being made compulsory and the ABS on new bikes is under review. As to the clothing issue, just a personal view. How many people do you see riding with a fantastic helmet, great gloves, jacket with all padding and protection, but at the bottom a pair of old jeans and tatty trainers. It's the legs and feet that usually get the deck first ! ! ! Ride safely and keep it rubber side down. Griffo
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London Centre John Carr (jlcarr) soclondon@rocketmail.com
Hello to all in the club. Like most of you the London Centre has been hibernating over this winter period so not much has been done, apart from the monthly meetings. The only difference is that I now ride a V Strom 650 because my lovely BMW was written off after the crash I had in September, it's a good little bike with plenty of torque in all gears, so after fitting some extras E.G. HID lights, all bulbs now led type, new panniers and rack plus a tank bag ring, its now fully kitted out for those long rides. So lets hope the weather improves very quickly and we all can get out on our bike and enjoy them. Keep it rubber side down and ride safe. John Carr. Centre Secretary.
London Massive.
Yorkshire Centre David Hebblethwaite
gv1400lxe@gmail.coml
Not really much to report from the centre. The bikes have been away for the winter months. We are continuing with the meetings on the second Wednesday of every month. The dates are: March 11th; April 8th; May 13th; June 10th; July 8th; August 12th; September 9th; October 14th; November 11th; and December 9th. There will be ride outs organised , as always, and published in the events guide of the Hustler. All you have to do is attend a meeting or two to get to know the other people in the centre and to get info on our impromptu ride outs that won't be in the Hustler because they will be within that week or weekend. So the Yorkshire Centre is far from inactive as this report tells you/ So come along and meet us we don't bite and without you there will be no centre David Hebblethwaite Centre Secretary.
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Southcoast Centre Laura Dyer (laura d) southcoast@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
Around 9 of us set off from boy blues house for the Reading toy run. This year the event organisers had applied to make it a Guinness world record attempt for the "largest amount of participant on a motorcycle toy run with a toy"What can I say, there were officially 1,735 participant and an additional 592 pillions. I am very happy to say that the world record was made. well done to those that were part of it including us. As we were unable to make the first Sunday of the month for our centre monthly meet we put on a 2nd Sunday Santa special. Donning our Santa outfits we were up to Loomies. Met by a few members it was nice to still be out in December on the bikes and not too cold. Wickham square on boxing day, blowing out the cobwebs. Motorbikes, cars, campers, lorries, steam engines and Proud owners displaying their hard work on them. Meeting in the pub for a hot coffee before another look around and watching them slowly make their way home and the square clears always a nice south coast tradition. January's loomies had lots of members turning up and all on their bikes due to the great weather. Loomies very kindly reserved us a large table. There is a really friendly atmosphere that waits for us at loomies. Our new year get together we were joined by a few London centre members and in total 15 come along. It was really good to see so many. We had a lovely meal and a good time together. The raffle prizes were very kindly supplied by a south coast member with a few members also adding to this. Almost everyone was guaranteed a prize which was super, and to finish it off we had our secret Santa pass the parcel till we got our hands on something we liked the look and feel of. South Coast Annual Attendance trophy awards presented at the new year get together. we ran 28 events in 2014, one of our South coast members likes to sneak off to London centre meets and ride outs and very nearly passed Alan and Myself in the number of ride outs he participates in. This could only be rewarded with 1st place Attendance trophy, so a big well done to PK. Alan Everest came a close 2nd place. Sue Everest winning 1st place ladies and Emma Bateman coming 2nd. The junior trophy won by Callum Cunnungham. A very Big Well done to you all, and thank you from Alan and Myself. Looking forward to the upcoming ride outs to Army Air Museum, Nelsons Diner, Bovington Tank Museum, 1066 cafĂŠ in Hastings and the further afield trips to the north east camping and Belgium. Thanks to all the south coast members who make organising the events all worth it. 12
East Mids Centre Alby White (alby) alby.white@ntlworld.com
The east mids did a lot of charity runs, we did the Bottesford toy run the hamper run, southwell toy run for the Sally Army, the Ashby toy run, the Children in need run from CMC to Radio Derby, which raised ÂŁ1,655.00 We also did the Arnold toy run, so we are about and doing stuff. Now the new year is here I am trying to sort out the ride outs for the east mids centre and also sorting out the show stuff. We have shows already booked and we as a club will try and get a few more booked as we go. lol Please look at the events list as it will be changing as the more shows we book. If you want to put your bike on the stand at a show please let me know. As I do find that I struggle to get members to offer their time for a few hours, to help on the stand for the shows till a few days before, and I have to try and make things happen and I have to disappoint members and that's not right. If you live near a show and you think that would be good for the club to attend please get in touch and we will get the show-stand to you and we can help each other. Give me a ring alby white my number is in the hustler mob 07762242309 or e-mail me at alby.white@ntlworld.com Get your mates interested and you will find you will meet people and have a good time over the week-ends, and you will say I should have done this long ago. The club is going to Loppem in Belguim for the may bank holiday. If you have not been abroad on your bike and want to give it a try give me a ring but you have to be booked in, as there is only 500 places. It will be a great experience for you to ride on the other side of the road, there is lots to see you don't need your bike on the first trip as you can get the bus into Brugge and there is loads to see. It's a lovely couples city, and loads of bars to sit at and have a beer and watch the world go by. There's canal boat rides and you can get a tram up and down the coast which is a great and a cheap day out. Members that have been before will show and help you with info so come and have a go. I think this is my 7th year and enjoy myself. We have the bottesford toy run and the Ashby toy run coming up in march come and say hello as the east mids will be there. Thanks alby
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North East Centre Kev Close (bandit12kev) kevinclose253@gmail.com
People say to me that we have a great centre up here in the North East. Well to have a great centre you need great members. That we have in abundance up here in the north east, nothing could highlight this more than the fund raising night we held in January. Sue Wood, Dawn Maughan and many other centre members supplied raffle prizes and " Suzukioake" Steve Goth on the music. ÂŁ215 raised on the night to go towards our main camping weekend at Whit. So from the bottom of my heart a huge thank you guys, without you this centre would not be the same. By the time you read this the bikes will have been dusted off and prepped ready for the season, some will have been out on club rides already, There is a list of main runs included in this report but apart from these runs we will also be doing " ad-hoc" rides, with members who want to get out and about, aswell as pre-meeting rideouts before the centre meetings. These pre-meeting short runs start from the Heather Lad at about 4pm and return to the pub for the meeting at 7.30pm. The main rides which are listed go from Bowburn services , junction 61 A1 . We meet near the petrol station area and not the entrance into the service's building. Sunday March 15th Rothbury/ Hadrians Wall Sunday April 5th Keswick/ Lakeland Sunday May 10th Knaresborough/ The Sun Inn Harrogate Sunday May 24th Whitby/ Gothland ( part of the camping weekend ) Sunday June 28th St Mary's Loch/ Sami Ling Monastry Sunday Aug 16th Barrow in Furnace/ Walney Island Sunday Sept 20th Squires CafĂŠ Sunday Oct 18th Blyth/ Northumberland Coast All of these rides meet 9.30am leave 10am prompt. except the St Mary's Loch run, this is an 8.30am meeting, leaving 9am due to the mileage to be covered. Aswell as these main rides , Durham Police " Bikewise" event is going to be held again this year. Date for your diary is July 19th. I'm led to believe its an outdoor event and we have aquired metal sheets for the bikes to stand on if we are on grass. If you wish to put your bike on the club stand please let me know and we can make the club stand something to be proud of. If anyone wants a full itinary of the 2015 events list please let me know and I will get one to you. 07949035419 So all thats left for me to do is wish you all a safe start to the new season and keep it rubber side down Kev Close
Staffordshire Centre Gordon Thompson (Barmy Burger) socstafford@rocketmail.com
A brief history of Staffordshire Centre & running a centre meet. For those of you who don’t know me, on the boards I am known as Barmy Burger. For my sins I am caretaker or should say Secretary for the Staffordshire centre of the S.O.C. I with my wife 1st joined the club at the end of 2006, our 1st centre meeting was in January 2007 attending their AGM, where there were 12 members including us. It turned out to be a difficult meet as few if any were willing to stand for position on committee, however there were one or 2 brave souls who did and so we managed to carry on. It was quickly decided by the then committee to move venue to try and improve the dwindling numbers attending the centre meets, this did not improve the attendance unfortunately so was then moved a couple of years later to Eccleshall as was a good all round position for all to meet. It was then decided to move again over to Milford to try and turn around the centre attendance. Unfortunately the attendances were still very poor and the style of leadership may well have been questionable, it certainly was by me and one other. In 2013 unexpectedly the leadership of the centre was relinquished and the centre funds donated to the Air Ambulance with a view to winding up the Staffordshire Centre of the club. This is where I decided to step in and take over the running of the Staff’s centre in November 2013. It was at this point that we were lucky enough to welcome back some of our old members to the fold and they started attending the meetings. It was quickly decided that we needed to go back to meeting at Eccleshall as was best all round geographically, we also decided that a Wednesday evening was not a good time for the meeting and so voted to meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 12.00 midday. Changing the day of the meet proved to be a very good move as we now have good attendance, we have on a regular basis members from other centres turn up which if was mid week on an evening wouldn’t happen. We did have a bit of a shock at the start of the year when out of the blue we found out a week prior to our centre meet that The George Hotel where we meet had been sold and closed for several months.
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Luckily there was The Old Smithy across the road and when approached the Landlord was more than accommodating at having our meeting there. We have been given an area to ourselves upstairs most of the time depending on bookings so couldn’t really ask for a better venue, nothing seems to be too much trouble. At this point I would like to point out to others that would like a centre meet in their area that it doesn’t have to be difficult, so long as no money is involved you do not need a committee as with our centre I am only there as a caretaker to organise the meeting and with the help of the members arrange what we would like to do in way of ride outs or meets. So come on what are you waiting for take a leap of faith and set up a meeting in your area, the NC would be more than happy to help you with this, it doesn’t need to be political just a group of you turning up at a venue with a view to meeting fellow riders and getting out there to enjoy. Gordon
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The Best Touring Bike Ever Made The Suzuki Cavalcade Ronnie & me on our 1988 GV1400GD, In 1983 Suzuki set out to design LX Suzuki Cavalcade in Holland 2007 and build a brand new motorcycle at The 1st European Cade Raid for the touring motorcyclist. First of all they asked people, with Gold Wings, Voyagers and Venturer Royals, what they required from a motorcycle. The main concern with the bikes from Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha was that the comfort of the passenger was not taken into account when designing their Super Tourers. The riders also wanted a bike that handled quite well and was comfortable on long distances. GV1400GTG, this means it is a 1986 model, H on the end would be a 87, After gathering the information, etc. and the last year that the Suzuki Motorcycles of America Cavalcade was built 1991 would be the and the Japanese factory set K model. This bike was built for long about on the design and 2 years distance touring in comfort. later the Suzuki Cavalcade arrived to a huge fanfare at Americade, a All models had air suspension on the big bike meeting where all new rear and non adjustable suspension at motorcycles were shown in the the front. Running gear, frame, swing USA. The response Suzuki got arm and the plastics were the same on after 1700+ had test driven the all models, although different colours Cavalcade was all thumbs up. were used for each model which The passengers & riders said it changed every year of production. All was the most comfortable tourer had king and queen seats but each they had been on. There was no model are slightly different, this will wind buffering for rider or become apparent as you read the passenger. The bike handled very equipment levels of the different well indeed and every one liked models. The Cavalcade has 130/90 the built in radio and comfortable 16 67H tyre front and 150/90 15 74H seats. tyre on the rear. The Cavalcade was built in three versions, GV1400GT; GV1400GD and GV1400GC. The year letter for all the models was added to the end of the model type, e.g.
The three models are 1360cc, 82degree V-four, four stroke water-cooled, DOHC engine. Stroke 66.0 mm, bore 81.0 mm, compression ratio 9.5:1. Clutch is a wet multi-plate type.
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Transmission is 5 speed constant mesh, as usual, 1 down, 4 up. Final drive is shaft drive. The bike has a 23 litre tank that should achieve about 200 miles before refuelling. The engine, as well has being water cooled, has a fan the automatically comes on when the engine starts to get too
Cavalcade Range. This model is the middle range of the three and was built until 1991. The engine casings are chromed on this model This Cavalcade is equipped with factory fitted radio, built by Clarion, with speakers built into the fairing. Microphones for both passenger and rider can be attached to it, as can CB radio, by purchasing the required leads, CB and headsets. As you cruise along with the radio on, the faster you go the radio volume automatically increases and decreases as the speed drops. There are tuning and muting switches attached to the left handlebar light switch control.
hot, above 105ď˝°C, usually this is when at a stand still or in very hot weather such as California. The fan turns off at about 98ď˝°C. The GV1400GT. Bottom of the Cavalcade Range. This was only built in 1986 has most people bought the GV1400GD model. This was the base model of the Cavalcade.
There is a compressor built into the left side of the fairing, this is for pumping up the rear air suspension to the required level. With the engine running, off the main and side stand, on level ground, in neutral and the rider, passenger if there is one, plus the required load in the panniers, all you do is press a button on the left hand fairing to pump up the suspension. When the bike is level the compressor will turn off automatically. It knows when the bike is level because there is a switch attached to the swinging arm and frame and when this switch makes a contact it switches the compressor off. The compressor can also be used to pump the tyres up as there is a auxiliary hose for that purpose.
It has rear air suspension but has to pumped up manually to the desired firmness required for the load that the bike would be carrying. It has a king and queen seat for the comfort of both rider and pillion. The engine casing were polished aluminium and then lacquered for protect against the elements. The passenger had a back rest to sit against for comfort on long distances. The GT Cavalcade has half fairing with no lowers, a chromed engine guard and foot plates for the passenger. There is space for the factory radio/cassette or, as most people did, fit a car radio. The GV1400GD. Middle of the
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seat and lower back adjustment. Adjustment buttons are located on the left inner fairing. 2. The passenger backrest had speakers in the top so they could listen to the radio/music. Passenger controls for the radio are on the top box left hand side. The music can be faded back to front, tuned to stations, volume controlled or music faded. The backrest also has an adjustable headrest built in. 3. The fairing has lowers attached that include foot rests so that the rider can stretch their legs. 4. The lower engine guard has cornering lights built in that come on when going round corners and are activated when the indicator switch is on. So they come on going into the corner and off has you right the Cavalcade. A lot of people have put a switch in circuit so that these lights can be put on whenever needed.
The king and queen seat on the GD model has air controlled seating and back rest for the passenger. The controls are on the right hand side of the top box, or as the Yanks say, trunk. Again the compressor is used for this. So as you ride along and the passengers backside is starting to get a little painful, they can either make the seat firmer or softer as is their want. This model also comes with electronic cruise control and, unlike the Gold Wing, this does not hunt when engaged, it is ultra smooth. This control is on the right handle bar switch along with the start button and kill switch. The GV1400LXE. Top of the Cavalcade Range. The LXE has all the refinements of the LX plus a few more extras as standard. These include: 1. Air seat for the rider with
Ronnie & me on our 1987, GV1400GCJ, LXE Suzuki Cavalcade in Wales, 2011 at the 5th. European Cade. Raid.
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There are quite a few extras that could be bought for the Cavalcade. Such as front fork lights, chrome fender trim, chrome turn downs for the exhaust, chrome trunk rack, chrome pannier guards with four lights at the back centre, chrome wrap round bumpers with lights built in and a chrome trunk lighting kit with lights just at the rear. Also factory mud flaps for the front and rear were made. These are no longer available from Suzuki.
USA and just as the Cavalcade was presented to the US market, the USA imposed an import tariff that meant that the Cavalcade was $2000 dearer than the Gold Wing, which was built in the USA so did not suffer the import duty.
Also, even though people said it was better than the Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki tourers, when telling their friends who owned these bikes, that they were going to buy the Cavalcade, they were told that they A tow bar was available from several would not be welcomed on the rides manufacturers. Now there is only if they did. one manufacturer and the rest, when available, are from second Why was it not imported to the hand sources. United Kingdom? Heron Suzuki decided that it would not sell The Cavalcade is the best touring because the Gold Wing was here bike ever built. It was designed for and people would not buy the both the rider and passenger in Cavalcade. This was a big mistake mind. The suspension is very to me. Britain's have bucked the smooth, comfort is certainly the best trend on several occasions. Take I have ever known, especially the the scooter. Vespa were the best LXE with air seats front and rear. sellers all over Europe accept in Britain, where the Lambretta ruled, Handling for such a big bike is the Betamax was the video format in best in the touring class and the Europe but VHS was the chosen Cavalcade is firmly planted on the format in Britain and Betamax road when cornering in wet or dry. It eventually disappeared from has 120hp and a top speed of 112 Europe. mph. Compare that with the 1200 & 1500 Gold Wings whose top speed If Suzuki launched a new Cavalcade was under 100 mph and had I am sure that, if brought to these nowhere near the hp of the shores, it would sell and I would be Cavalcade, indeed Honda only first in the queue. The Gold Wing achieved that with the introduction of 1800 is too expensive at ÂŁ27000 + , the 1800 that has 120hp and a top too heavy at over 800 lbs in weight, speed of 105 mph. even though it has a alloy frame, but most important of all most Gold Why did the Cavalcade not take off. Wing owners, I have talked to, prefer Well it was designed mainly for the the 1500 for looks and sound.
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So come on Suzuki relaunch the Cavalcade. With the few modifications that it needs, such as reverse gear, ABS brakes and fuel injection, it would be more than a match for the Honda. Added to these mods we could have an alloy frame and different materials for the engine, keeping the V-four configuration but making it lighter.
Burgman 650 scooter has a base. It is a tourer in its own rights. Covers long distances in comfort. It must be possible to build a 1300-1400cc touring machine with built in panniers and trunk, semi automatic gear change, as on the Burgman. One can only dream and hope it comes true. David Hebblethwaite
Another idea is to build on the
Tech Talk Dear Sec / Editor Further to my letter H235 re problems over servicing costs I encountered recently as you say decent honest reliable dealers are thin on the ground, but I think I have solved my problem, I have found a local 2 man band who does restoring and confirmed what you said about shortening the chain and he said he would do a service for £30 plus parts which seems very reasonable. So when the sun comes out, hopefully very soon I will get him to sort it out. As I am in my twilight years 87 I have enjoyed many years of motorcycling from 1946 first bike a Reed Panther then RAF service & shared a BSA Empire Star with my mate mainly as a pillion passenger as I sold the Panther. I then got involved with girls and finally got married in 1949. In 1952 I was offered a BSA Bantam 6 months old Knew the history so I was back in the saddle again after the birth of my first I invested in an ex wd BSA M20 combo which I couldn’t get on with so in 1956 I sold it and bought a 1934 Austin Seven. But the yearning to get back in the saddle was too strong so I got myself another Bantam which followed another two. As the BSA closed down I had one of the last Bantam's produced there. Then a Yamaha Virago being sold locally attracted my eye which my first venture into Jap bikes, followed by a Honda and my present bike a 125 Suzuki Marauder which I think is a fantastic bike which unfortunately is no longer available. I was sorting out some photos the other day and came across my first venture into motorcycling, up to almost current. Thanks for all your help. Reg Bayliss
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March
Events 2015
22nd East Mids Biker Egg Run. Station Inn, Hough Hill, Swannington, Coalvill. LE67 8RE Meet at 10am for ride out to the egg run. Dont forget your egg. Refreshments and butties available. contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 29th East Mids Ride Out to Bottesford Egg Run. NG13 0ED Meet at The Red Lion Pub, Bottesfield. NG13 0ED. From 9am. Ride out leaves for the start point at 11am. Egg Run Starts at 11.30am contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com April 3rd Belgium for Easter. Staying in the City of Charleroi. April Friday 3rd – Monday 6th Contact - Alan Hancock editor@suzukiownersclub.co.uk 4th Andrew Carter-Smith race event round 2. Teeside Autodrome, Middlesbrough. Watch Andrew race number 724 in mini bike road racing. Teeside motor sports park south bank road TS6 6XH. Find Andrew and his family track side in the suzuki owners club marques. Say hi and sign in. Contact Andrew – Captaincartyre@live.co.uk. 5th North East ride out to Keswick / lakeland Meeting at Bowburn services junction 61 A1. 9.30am for a 10am leave Contact Kev Close – kevclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 8th Yorkshire Centre meet. New Inn, 419 Denby Road East, Wakefield. WF4 3AX Meeting at 8.30pm till 10pm. 2nd Wednesday of every month. New Inn, 419 Denby Road East, Dunkar, Wakefield. WF4 3AX. Pop in for a chat and a drink. Find out whats going on in the centre and for ride out information, contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 12th London Centre Monthly meet. Botwell Inn, Uxbridge UB3 3ED Meeting at 11.30. 2nd Sunday every month. (unless changed on the boards) The Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex. UB3 3EB Everyone is welcome. Come along for breakfast a drink and a chat. Contact John Carr – 07768797125
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Events 2015
12th North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington, DH6 4QD Meeting 7.30pm- 9pm. 1st Sunday of every month -(moved 1 week due to Easter) North East welcome awaits at the Heather Lad. Come along and have a laugh and a drink with the cente members. Contact Kev Close – kevclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 12th Prescott Bike Festival. Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Nr Cheltenham. GL52 9RD see over 100 rare racing motorcycles in the paddocks, exhibitors, stunt shows, live music. contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 17th-19th Fat Skeletons Blues & Bikers Weekend. Cabourne parva, Lincolnshire. Club stand at the show with Alby. Live bands including The zz tops. Bar, free camping, trade stands, bike show contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 19th South Coast Ride Out to Bovington Tank Museum. Dorset BH20 6JG Meeting at Rownhams services on M27 west bound at 9.45am for 10am leave. Arriving at Bovington tank museum 11.30. Contact Laura Dyer– socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 07980114208 19th Stafford Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF Meeting 12-2pm. 3rd Sunday of every month. (unless changed on the boards) A friendly welcome awaits at the Old Smithy. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 22nd East mid bikers Egg Run. Contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 23rd East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY Meeting 8pm- 10pm. 4th Thursday of every month (unless changed on the boards) Come along and meet Alby for a laugh and a chat. Contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 29th North East Ride Out to Bottesford Egg Run. NG13 0ED Meet at The Red Lion Pub, Bottesfield. NG13 0ED. From 9am. Ride out leaves for the start point at 11am. Egg Run Starts at 11.30am contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com
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2015 Nomination Form All sections must be completed for this form to be officially accepted. Applicants must be a full member at the time of election and must remain a member whilst in office. Signature of the candidate together with the details of the proposer and seconder must be completed in all cases.
I(Print name) ........................................................................................... Of (address)............................................................................................ ............................................................................................................ Membership number....................................... Hereby confirm That I agree to be nominated for election to the following position as a full member of the National Committee of the Suzuki Owners Club. (please tick to indicate the position for which you wish to be nominated). I am aware that if I am elected as a member of the National Committee. I must remain a fully paid up member of the SOC and that if I fail to keep up my membership I automatically remove myself from the position that I hold.
National Secretary Treasurer Events Co-ordinator
Show Co-ordinator Merchandise Technical Officer Signature of candidate.............................................Date...............
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2015 Nomination Form Candidate Name............................................................................ Proposer Print............................................Membership No................
Proposer Signature...........................................Date............... Seconder Print............................................Membership No................ Seconder Signature...........................................Date............... All nominations for National Committee positions must be submitted on this official form and reach the national secretary at the address below no later than 15th May 2015. All Nominees must attend the SOC AGM in person so that successful candidates can take their official roles immediately and to allow the members present to see whom they are voting for. Would all nominees prepare a statement to why they are suited to and what skills they can bring to the role that they are applying for to be printed in Hustler 237.
Return to:-
Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo house 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS
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2015 Racing Calendar Moto GP 29 March 12 April 19 April 03 May 17 May 31 May 14 June 27 June 12 July 09 August 16 August 30 August 13 September 27 September 11 October 18 October 25 October 08 November
Qatar Doha/Losail Americas Austin Argentina Termas del Rio Hondo Spain Jerez de la Frontera France Le Mans Italy Mugello Catalunya Catalunya-Barcelona Netherlands Assen Germany Sachsenring Indianapolis Indianapolis Czech Republic Brno Great Britain Donington San Marino & Riviera di Rimini Marco Simoncelli Misano Aragon Moto Land Aragon Japan Motegi Australia Philip Island Malaysia Sepang Valenci Ricardo Tormo Valencia
2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship calendar: 4-6 April Donington Park GP 17-19 April Brands Hatch Indy 2-4 May Oulton Park International 19-21 June Snetterton 300 3-5 July Knockhill 17-19 July Brands Hatch Gp 31 July - 2 August Thruxton 21-23 August Cadwell Park 4-6 September Oulton Park International (triple) 18-20 September TT Circuit Assen 2-4 October Silverstone GP 16-18 October Brands Hatch GP (triple header)
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Leicestershire Kent Cheshire Norfolk Fife Kent Hampshire Lincolnshire Cheshire The Netherlands Northampton Kent
2015 Racing Calendar World Super Bikes Feb 22 Mar 22 Apr 12 Apr 19 May 10 May 24 Jun 07 Jun 21 Jul 05 Jul 19 Aug 02 Sep 20 Oct 04 Oct 18
Phillip Island, Chang International, Motorland Aragon, Assen, Imola, Donington, Portimao, Misano, Moscow, Laguna Seca, Sepang, Jerez, Magny-Cours, Losail,
Australia Thailand Spain Netherlands Italy UK Portugal Italy Russia USA Malaysia Spain France Qatar
Isle of Man Tourist Trophy 30th May to 12th June Southern 100 6th to 10th July Classic TT and Manx GP 22nd Aug to 4th Sept Ireland North West 200 Ulster GP
10th to 16thMay Main event on the 16th 3rd to 8th August
World Motocross MXGP 28th Feb Qatar 8th March Thailand 29th March Patagonia 19th April Trentino 26th April Europe Netherlands 10th May Spain 24th May UK Winchester 31st May France 14th June Italy
21st June Germany 5th July Sweden 12th July Latvia 26th July Czech Republic 2nd Aug Belguim 16th Aug Brazil 30th Aug Netherlands 13th Sept Mexico 20th Sept USA 27th Sept France 26
May
Events 2015
1st/4th France for May Bank Holiday. A little trip to France with the SOC Touring Officer Mark Segar. One of the clubs many keen tourers , Mark is nipping over to France for a quick stay at St pol sur ternoise. loubarre.com For more details contact Mark Contact Mark Segar Touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk 3rd South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX Meeting 10am- 12. 1st Sunday of every month. (unless changed on the boards) Join us for a chat over breakfast and a cup of coffee. A popular, friendly biker cafe. On the crossroads of the beautiful A272 /A32 you will enjoy both the ride and the meet. Contact Laura Dyer – socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 07980114208 3rd North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD See details for April. Contact Kev Close – kevclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 4th Andrew Carter-Smith race event round 3. Rednal Oswestry. SY11 4HS Watch Andrew race number 724 in mini bike road racing. Rednak Industrial estate, Oswestry. SY11 4HS. Find Andrew and his family track side in the suzuki owners club marques. Say hi and sign in. Contact Andrew – Captaincartyre@live.co.uk. 10th North East Ride Out to Knaresbrough / Sun Inn Harrogate Meeting at Bowburn services, Junction 61 A1, at 9.30 for a 10am leave. Contact Kev Close – kevclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 10th London Centre Monthly meet. Botwell Inn, Uxbridge UB3 3ED see details for April. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 13th Yorkshire Centre meet. New Inn, 419 Denby Road East, Wakefield. WF4 3AX see details for April. contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 17th Andrew Carter-Smith race event round 4. Rowrah CA26 3XU Watch Andrew race number 724 in mini bike road racing. Rowrah Kart circuit. CA26 3XU. Find Andrew and his family track side in the suzuki owners club marques. Say hi and sign in. Contact Andrew – Captaincartyre@live.co.uk.
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Events 2015 17th London Centre ride out to Ace Cafe. Meet at Ruislip Golf Course pitch and putt at 11am. Riding on to the Ace. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 17th Stafford Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF see details for April. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 21st-24th Loppem in Belgium. Pre Book only. Anyone wanting to go must contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 22nd /25th North East Camping Weekend. Heather Lad. Quarrington. DH6 4QD.A Truly Brilliant camping weekend. Hosted by the North East Centre at their centre Meet Pub. a good time is always had by all, Raffle, Music, Suzukioki, ride outs and a great laugh. Contact Kev Close – Kevinclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 22nd Czech Invader Rally. 31st invader rally. This year being held at a new venue. Www.restaurantrumburak.cz/ booking closed 20 feb 2015. 28th East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY See details for April. Contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com June 5th/7th South Coast Camping Weekend. Fox & Goose, Greywell. RG29 1BY Come along and enjoy a short weekend at the Fox and Goose. Free Camping. Food and drink available at the pub. Toilet facilities. Contact Laura Dyer – socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 07980114208 6th South Coast Camping Weekend Ride out. Leaving the Camp site at 10.30am for a mystery ride out. Back before dinner. Contact Laura Dyer – socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 07980114208 7th Andrew Carter-Smith race event round 5. Whilton Mill, Daventry, Northamptonshire. NN11 2NH Watch Andrew race number 724 in mini bike road racing. Whilton Mill, Whiton Locks, Daventry, Northamptonshire. NN11 2NH. Find Andrew and his family track side in the suzuki owners club marques. Say hi and sign in. Contact Andrew – Captaincartyre@live.co.uk.
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Events 2015 7th North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD See details for April. Contact Kev Close – kevclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 10th Yorkshire Centre meet. New Inn, 419 Denby Road East, Wakefield. WF4 3AX see details for April. contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 14th London Centre Monthly meet. Botwell Inn, Uxbridge UB3 3ED see details for April. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 20th /21st Barry Sheen Festival. Olivers Mount, Scarborough. Alby White will be at the show with the Club Stand. He will be looking for members to help and possibly display bikes. Get in touch if you fancy helping out. Contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 21st North East ride out to Barry Sheen Festival. Meeting with Alby on the club stand Meeting at the event to sign in at the club stand. contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com 21st South Coast Ride Out to 1066 café in Hastings Meeting at Petersfield services Mcdonalds at 10am. Riding along the A272. Stopping at Shipley along the way and then on down to Hastings for lunch . Contact Laura Dyer – socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com 07980114208 21st London Centre Ride out to National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull. B92 0EJ Meeting at J2 of the M40 at Beaconsfield services for 10am. Enjoy a good ride and a look round a wonderful museum. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 21st Stafford Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF see details for April. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 25th East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Crown Inn, Awsworth NG16 2QY See details for April. Contact Alby White – 0776224309 alby.white@ntlworld.com
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Popping out for Pizza Mark Seager (Darkstar) touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk
Left work late again always the way when your going away. It didnt take long to pack the bike then off we rode to Folkestone to catch the train to France. The first time in ages no hold ups or road works so we got to Folkestone earlier than planned but we were waved through to the train in fact half an hour early happy days ! We arrived in France in no time at all. Off towards Arras on the A25, that was a quick run then the turn off for St pol sur ternoise and out into the countryside. How many people just pass through this area? Great roads and not so many cars or trucks around, it took just two and a half hours from door to door. we soon arrived at Les Ballastieres to be greeted by Paul and Sue who own this great place. We first stayed here last year and had a great time. After putting the bike away in the garage time for a cold one and a chat with the hosts. Soon it was time for food, we took a stroll into town. we stopped at Le Winstons pub before heading into town to the pizza place. The pizza here is made with filo pastry which is really nice and light not that heavy dough. Well when we got there the place was closed the owners went on holiday! It was in fact a public holiday in France lucky for us the place across the road was open Bruno the owner brews his own beer on the premises it is really nice we managed to get something to eat. After that we found a bar called Le Grillon which turned out to be a great place very friendly people in there we stayed up until 1.30am not to bad since i was up at 3.30am. Up for 8.30 for breakfast which is very good you can order a cooked breakfast if you wish but you must order it the day before. After a chill out we walked back into town Julie wanted to go shopping after a stroll around the park, we went to a roadside bar and watched to world go by i found a drink called ch-ti very nice indeed a local beer. After that more shopping on the way back we found a pizza place that was open so like you do we went in and ordered a pizza and a couple of leffe beer at 8.5 shame Julie count not finish it shame to waste it. A man and his girlfriend came in and sat down his shoes looked like winkle pickers on steroids, a vest with big medallion and a mullet hair do ! The 80s just called it wants its look back.7 bikes roared past making some poor old woman jump out of her skin .after a not so late night it was sunday morning we got talking to a young couple that were heading to Biarritz i suggested a better route than the one he was taking which he did take it was good to see young people travelling abroad by bike. We had a couple showers on the way back but nothing bad. Big thanks to Paul and Sue for another great weekend. We are going in May back in may next year. Mark
Check their website. www.lesballastieres.com
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Specialist Motorcycle Injury Solicitor
“I have been a motorcyclist for nearly 43 years and have been fighting for the rights of bikers for the last 25 years.”
John Measures
“But the person you’ve most to do with in the long run is your solicitor, and good ones like the one I was lucky to find (John Measures;jminjurylaw@gmail.com) are going to be increasingly hard to find.” Guy Procter, Senior Editor MCN 19.6.2013
Solicitor of the Higher Court Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyer Member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel
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 41 31 4217
Altamate Gixxer Owner Neil Pepin Paint by Altamura Modification’s Steve Jordan Motorcycles
I bought my Suzuki GSXR1000 K2 brand new in 2002 from Motorcycle City in Farnborough, trading in a Suzuki 600 Bandit and an Aprilia RS250. I wanted a bike that would be so good that I would feel that it would be my ultimate motorbike for many years to come - and that is exactly what it has proved to be. It's abilities far, far exceed mine, and I will never be able to use its full performance. Nevertheless, it is nice to know that it could in theory perform so well. When I rode motorbikes in my youth in the mid-1970's, I had always wanted to tune my motorbike then with parts from the newly emerging performance company Yoshimura, though I could never afford to do that at the time. So I decided a few years ago that I would tune and modify my GSXR, and achieve what I had always wanted to do. I have detailed the tuning and modifications that I have had done to the bike, most of which has been carried out by the excellent Steve Jordan Motorcycles in Bookham, Surrey. I was very fortunate late last year that my motorbike was the subject of a 4 page feature in Performance Bikes magazine, with the journalist, Simon Hargreaves, road testing it and the photographer, Chippy Wood, taking some excellent photographs for the magazine article. The final step in the work which has been done on the bike was a brilliant custom paint job by Altamura, who took some great photographs of it in their studio.
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Modification list. Powerbronze double bubble screen• Removal of manufacturer information and warning labels on tank and swinging arm• Altamura custom paint work• Clear headlight lens protector• Scottoiler with dual tip• BikeTek crash protectors (no modification to bodywork to fit)• Suzuki and GSXR logo valve caps• Datatool System 3 alarm and immobiliser• Alphadot security marking• Suzuki rear wheel hugger• Connector for trickle charger attached to battery terminals• R&G fork and swing arm protectors• Yoshimura stage 1 camshafts, with adjustable sprockets• Yoshimura Tri-Oval bolt-on exhaust end can, road legal with ‘E’ marking• Bike Interceptor electronic engine tuning module• Goodridge braided brake lines front and rear• Marchesini Kompe Evo forged alloy front and rear wheels• Carole Nash DNA+ security marking kit• Datatool Trakking GPS bike tracking and recovery unit• HM Quickshifter• Pit-Eck top yoke• MWR high efficiency air filter• Water and oil radiator covers• JS Performance hose kit and fittings• DID chain 530ZVM• Carrillo conrods• Wiseco high compression pistons• Brembo clutch lever• Brembo 19RCS radial brake cylinder and lever• Brembo reservoir kit• Harris adjustable rearsets and carbon heel guards• King Carbon frame protectors• Ohlins rear shock, 46PRXLS - Su149• Ohlins front fork springs• Ohlins piston style steering damper• Sigma Performance slipper clutch• Crankshaft lightened and balanced• Cylinder head ported and polished• Cylinder head skimmed Yoshimura rear paddock stand bobbins• Yoshimura bar end weights• Ventureshield full kit• Gear change indicator•
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Can you remember the first time that you rode a motorcycle ? Easy you say, five, ten, twenty years ago. Not so easy when it was 1945/1946, but nevertheless I can. It was a red 'Calthorpe'. A friend of mine had bought this bike and he asked " do you want to have a go?" No licence, no helmet no anything, but I had a go and was very excited. It, like most bikes of the day had a gear lever on the tank. I have heard people say that they used to find this gearchange difficult but I do not recall any problems. I had several rides because I had another friend who's father gave me petrol from time to time. It only stopped when my friend crashed the bike. The next bike was a green, 250cc B.S.A. again a tank change. This bike was a1930's machine but in showroom condition, someone must have looked after it very well during the war. But that is how I started. At 18 years old I was a conscripted. I had been working as an apprentice motor-engineer at a company called 'Stratstones' in London. We supplied and serviced the Royal Daimlers. I decide not to take deferment and by the end of 1947 I was in the army. I had passed my driving test before I went in the army so after a short driving course I became a 'Driver Mechanic' a D.M. In 1948 I was in the 'Royal Artillery', in North Africa. The Battery Captain came into the billet one day, and asked " Can anyone here ride a motorcycle?" I put my hand up. A few days later I was sent on a course on 'How to ride a motorbike the Army way'. That went very well and so I took over the Battery motor cycle section. This was two BSA 500cc M20's and two Matchless 350cc G3's. It also included six Jeeps. I was now a Royal Artillery despatch rider, I had some small wings to sew onto my uniform left sleeve. (D.R.) or as we were commonly known, Don R's. My main task was to ride daily and take our mail from our old, but very nice, Italian barracks about 40miles to Tripoli the main city of Libya. I collected the mail and newspapers and delivered them back to our barracks. We occasionally did some trials against other 'Mobs'. But these were invariably won by the Royal Signals who had some very good riders. I learned to sail in Tripoli harbour. There were sunken ships there including a white Hospital Ship. I really enjoyed my time in the Army in North Africa.
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In later years I worked in an office, in London. I lived in Kent but worked on the North side of the river Thames at a place called 'Silvertown'. Despite a company car it was far easier to commute by motorcycle, a 'Honda' 350cc. Depending on the weather, by the 'Woolwich Ferry' when fine and by the 'Blackwall tunnel' if it was misty, when the ferry stopped working. Other experiences have been the longest ride that I have ever made in one day in South Africa, we went down to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of South Africa, and ending in Cape Town. On another occasion I had the pleasure of riding across Sydney Harbour bridge with over a hundred other riders. My best motorcycle experience however came later in life. My three sons, all motorcyclists, took me to the I.O.M. T.T. for my 80th birthday. We took our bikes over on the ferry from Liverpool and had an amazing holiday doing a number of laps around the course. Viewing has never been the same since. Those boys are crazy, very very brave but crazy. Tony
Before we left our base, after breakfast, everyone, drivers and co-drivers etc. received a days haversack rations. These were usually cheese or corned,( 'Bully') beef sandwiches. Well here I have been discovered giving mine to some of the local children, they were starving. Army sandwiches were very interesting. I have seen loaves sliced on a machine margarine or whatever spread with a knife but more commonly, margarine melted and spread with a shaving brush, hence when it solidifies you have a bent sandwich.
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Legalities by John Measures Caught on Camera or You’ve Been Framed Technology is a wonderful thing but to most, it is a dark art. I remember the days when mobile phones came out and vowed never to have one. How things have changed as they have become an everyday tool and not just a fashion accessory. This can be said about the influx of cameras for motorcycles, bicycles or cars. At one point, they were the “must have” for sporting activities or adrenalin junkies. They are used on motorcycles to be able to re-live those wonderful days out on great roads or the occasional track day. However, they are also beginning to have another use which can be a great advantage in the event of an accident. An accident occurs due to an onset of circumstances which lead to an incident where in many cases loss, damage and possibly, injury occurs (loss). The word “accident” is therefore inaccurate as the incident was caused, in most circumstances, due to the fault of one or more persons. Otherwise it is deemed an Act of God” rather than where the incident involved the “Hand of Man”. If an incident occurs where loss is suffered, someone may wish to claim for their loss if they considered they were not at fault. The major issue therefore is not only showing that you were not at fault but that someone else is and as a result of their “Act of Omission”, you suffered loss as a direct consequence. This is the crux of the matter. It is your responsibility to prove that the other person was negligent and that means proving how the incident itself occurred. If you cannot do so, you will receive nothing and have to bear that loss yourself or be left with no remedy to recover compensation for your injuries. The converse situation is that you are being blamed for an accident and have to defend the allegations made against you. We therefore now go to Evidence. What is evidence? This is the means to prove your case and can include; how you say the incident occurred; what witnesses say; other evidence such as marks on the road, damage to the vehicle: or any other payroll evidence that prove that what you say actually happened. In the alternative, there is the evidence of the person you say was responsible and any evidence they rely upon. Your version of events as against the other person is one word against the other. Each have a vested interest in persuading the insurers and ultimately a Judge, that their version is the truth. This can be hit and miss and can create a far from certain outcome.
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Liars can give quite credible evidence and be quite believable. Independent witnesses who are not biassed one way or the other are gold dust and Judges love them. If they can give a focussed and straightforward version as to how the accident occurred, their evidence carries some weight as they have no axe to grind or have no benefit in lying. However, even witnesses get it wrong. Road Traffic Incidents happen in an instant and accurate recollection can be blurred. What can be assumptions soon turn into fact i.e. “the biker was going like a bat out of hell”; “the biker was riding like an idiot”; “the accident was wholly the fault of the biker”; “the bike went through a red light” etc. So what if you know that you weren’t speeding, you were riding safely and you went on a green light. You are really up against it if there are no witnesses or the witness evidence is against you. How do you prove that your version of events is the correct one? One word CAMERAS. I have had an increasing number of cases where camera footage is available showing exactly what actually happened. Liability is admitted immediately the footage is disclosed. Now that is gold dust. If you are just losing your policy excess then that is bad enough when you know didn’t do anything wrong. But if you have suffered a serious life changing injury? Not being able to prove the other driver was at fault is catastrophic. But what if you are being blamed and then having to face loaded premiums in the future when you know you were not at fault? I can go on and give numerous examples when camera footage saved the day and I have not even mentioned the increasing “Cash for Crash” incidents. Remember, they can work the other way, for example, if you have been caught having had a “spirited ride”? You have to weigh up the pro’s and con’s yourself but for me, I now have one on the bike and in the car. Ride Safe. John Measures
Suzuki To Back Sheene Festival At Oliver’s Mount Oliver’s Mount race circuit and Suzuki GB has announced an agreement that will see Suzuki backing this year’s Barry Sheene Festival at the iconic motorsport venue. The event, which will be held on June 20-21, will celebrate the life and career of arguably Britain’s most iconic motorcycle racer, who won two world championships with Suzuki in 1976 and 1977.
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Peter Hillaby, Oliver’s Mount Circuit Director, said, “Oliver’s Mount race circuit enjoyed the many battles over the years that Barry Sheene had with his rivals around our circuit. “Barry wowed crowds for many years and to this day people from around the world travel to see our Barry Sheene memorial on the start / finish line. “We are thrilled that Suzuki will be the title sponsor for the Barry Sheene festival and we’re looking forward to the start of a long term relationship at the venue.” Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies added, “We’re really looking forward to being involved with the circuit and the Barry Sheene festival this year. The guys do a fantastic job of putting on and promoting all of their events. “The opportunity to be involved with the Barry Sheene festival is obviously something that we couldn’t pass up. Barry spent most of his racing career with Suzuki GB and is an icon not only for us, but for British Motorcycling in general. “We’re now looking forward to June and getting the show underway.” Text copied from Suzuki Bulletin
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Memoirs of a born again biker I was one of those that rode both push-bikes and motorbikes during my teens. That is until the dreaded girlfriends took over my life. Sorry girls! In those days, as many will recall, you could have seven sixth monthly provisional licences on the trot with no real need to take the very inferior motorcycle test of the day. (I'll stand on the pavement and watch you ride around the block! If you look OK and do a satisfactory emergency stop then you have passed the test. Now what sort of test was that.) This was also the period when the maximum size of a learner motorcycle was 250 CC. Having said that I had loads of fun on my motor bike, and got all over the place as it was my main means of transport. I always wore a bone dome, other wise known as a skid lid, but my bike clothing was rather scant. Part of the reason was the general non availability of good bike gear, but the main reason was that we just could not afford it, and to be honest it did not enter much into my thoughts. We used to ride all year round even in light snow, ice, and when it was really cold. I, as many others did, when it got really cold wore more clothes, put scarves, etc. around your groin, neck, etc. wherever the loss of heat would be the most critical. In the rain we were perpetually wet right through due to the lack of waterproof gear. I was a lot braver in those days when it came to weather and clothing. My bike was a 200 CC James, I believe it was a Captain, that could go over all types of ground, which I did do, that I would not even think of taking my current motorbike over. However good road holding and stopping, particularly in the wet, was not one of that machine's finest attributes. However it didn't stop me along with my mates doing a bit of “ear olin�, an expression you never hear these days. We would shoot around a corner until the tyres would start to break away and then pick the bike up quickly before we were on the deck. Of course you could not get anywhere near to the angles you can lean a bike these days. It also had a very interesting speedometer. It went up to 40 MPH and then started to go backwards. I can recall hitting the back of a Reliant Robin in the wet when the brakes, and tyres failed to stop me in time. I said earlier that they were not much good, but that was not high in my list of things to think about. I did very little damage to the Robin and the guy showed me some other damage done by somebody else this time to the side of the Robin, but when the insurance claim went through guess whose insurance had to pay for that other damage as well. My insurance company were not interested and just paid out.
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One of the more serious incidents was on Centre Road through "Wanstead Flats, East London. Those that don't know the area, "Wanstead Flats" is a separated part of the Epping Forest within London, and Centre Road goes between Leytonstone and Forest Gate. Anyway I was behind a line of cars flowing past on the left of a stationary car indicating to turn right. I should have been ready for what happened next as there was a sign on the right hand verge "Vehicles Prohibited". As I passed on the nearside the driver suddenly decided to change direction turning left onto the left hand verge straight into me. Managed to stay on until we were actually past the verge and onto the "Flats". Shortly afterwards a copper, hmm policeman, arrived in a noddy car, asking me if I had hurt myself. I thought I was only winded and probably bruised, so he got us to exchange names and addresses and told the driver to forward his insurance details onto me as he didn't have them with him. We then had a look at my bike and the left hand handlebar was bent from the normal 90 degrees to the frame to about 135 degrees, and as I was about 3 miles or so from home he allowed me to ride it home, which was quite an interesting exercise. Can you see that happening these days? Anyway I never got those insurance details even though I chased them up, and decided to fix the bike myself. To us riders of those days this was no big deal, and the authorities then were a lot more relaxed about things. When I got home from the incident I found that there was blood all over my shirt and on closer inspection I found that the clutch lever, no ball ends in those days, had dug well into my left side below the rib cage, but other than all the blood, severe bruising, and broken bleeding skin on my ankle I was OK.. That ankle injury ended up being the longest long term issue from the RTC. For years afterwards it would keep on opening up, and when it didn't I had bits of grit and dirt working out of the skin. A doctor a decade or so later told me that that this normally happens when the top skin heals before the bottom layer has been cleaned and had a chance to heal. A few days after this RTC a friend of a friend of my older brother was taken out on his motorbike by a car jumping traffic lights. He had a very similar injury to me, but unfortunately the lever had gone deeper damaging some of his organs from which he died three days later in hospital. On reflection I realised how lucky I was that my injury was not more severe even at the low speed that the car hit me.
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The well known and still existing "59 Club" and "the Rev" were always in the local papers and "Motorcycle News" of the day. This was situated a few miles from me in Hackney and though I never went to it I know others that did, and I am pretty sure my older brother went, though I had not much to do with him in those days. I think my mum and dad would have gone up the wall if I had attended let alone joined the "59 Club" as it had a bit of a reputation. There were plenty of greasy spoons in those days to go to on your bike around London and Essex, but if you went anywhere else or to a pub you were likely to be thrown out. Many of us will remember the signs in pubs and other places; "No Leather Jackets", "No Bikers", etc. You ended up with a split personality; one dress attire and personality for going to the pub, cafe, etc., and another when on your bike. Thankfully things have now changed but so has, unfortunately, the average age of riders. I was lucky with having parents who never tried to stop us children from doing anything legal and my mum particularly wanted us to get the most out of life. So getting a motorbike was not an issue. We always did our own bike servicing, maintenance and where required rebuilds of the engine, etc. There were always companies with components at a reasonable price, and if not you made them. In fact I was even doing the same on the few friends that had cars before I even learnt to drive. These were the days of pre-unit motorcycles and we used to get through a lot of dry clutch plates so we always had a set on the shelf. Until we two older boys started servicing our own motorbikes we never knew that our dad used to ride. He gave us advise on servicing and maintenance, but often It was best without due to him not having the best of tempers and being a bit moody. He subsequently went out and bought an old BSA which he stripped down and rebuilt, though I don't recall him ever riding it. My dad never passed a driving test, other than that prevailing in the RAF in WWII for trucks, as he was driving and riding before the test came into operation and so just received a license to drive or ride various categories of vehicles. That is until he went on the buses and had to take a PSV test to get the category added to his licence. Who can remember those earlier license booklets that were a bit bigger than a credit card and issued by your local authority? These were the days when bikes, particularly British ones were unreliable, leaked oil every where and the lights were on a 6 volt electrical system so you could hardly see anything. Electrics outright were pretty awful and prone to failure. Many a bruised or cracked ankle from the kick-back from the kick starter when you tried to start the bike. These days we just press the starter and the bike starts but in those days it could take several minutes, and you had to make sure you didn't flood the carb or spark plug. Every trip was an expedition as you never knew if you would get there , or back, and 50 miles was a long trip. A mate of mine had a 350CC single cylinder four stroke, an Ariel I believe, that was forever breaking down.
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Every time we went out together for a ride we took with us, tools, gasket material, red Hermetite, etc. We got a dab hand at stripping down the head of his bike, sorting the problem, making gaskets, and rebuilding by the roadside. We got to the point that we could do this and be back on the road within 2 hours. Access to the engine was much easier in those days as well as the engines being less complicated. The first wheelie I ever did was completely unintentional. The guy down the road needed some parts for his motorbike so I offered to take him. Don't forget that these were the days that you could take a pillion rider when you are riding on L plates as long as the pillion had a full motorcycle licence. In those days I weighed about 10.5 stone; how I wish I did now, and he weighed 14 stone or more. At Walthamstow Central there is a humped bridge over the railway line with traffic lights just over the top. We stopped behind traffic at the light, but going up the hump, and when the traffic started to move I dropped the clutch and accelerated with the result with all this weight on the back of a light bike the front shot right up into the air and he almost dropped off the back. I had to throw all my weight as far as is possible, and as quickly as possible over the front to bring it back down again. I never had the chance to see the other vehicles drivers faces but I bet it was a sight that I wished I had not missed. He never rode pillion with me again. I wonder why? During this period the first Japanese bikes started to arrive. These were single cylinder, four stroke, 125's and 175's. They were well made, did not leak oil, did not break down as frequently as British bikes, were more economical, and the 125's were faster than most 250's of the day. There were detractors however. My dad didn't like them for instance and said they were Jap built meaning inferior, probably due to the fact that this was only a couple of decades after WWII, and the bikes would not last as they revved too high at a similar speed to the now out of production Manx Norton's and other race bikes of the day. Little did he know. These days most bike rev higher than the old Manx Norton's. We used to have one bike shop close to where I lived in the East End called Rivetts that specialised in British bikes. Virtually opposite them was a cycle shop called Reads who decided to take on a Honda dealership, and I used to walk past ogling at these good looking, for the day anyway, Japanese bikes. You could see Rivetts clientèle gradually migrating across the road. ( Rivetts eventually gave up on motorbikes and concentrated on motorcyclist clothing, before eventually disappearing a few years ago. Reads also disappeared, but I don't know exactly when as by that time I was living on the west side of the country.)
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You could see that unless the British motorcycle industry picked up their game they were on the way out, especially as the Japanese were virtually giving away their product to break into and take over the UK market. Unfortunately that did indeed prove to be the case, accompanied by some rather bad government decisions at that time. These days the British marques have either been purchased by others, mainly overseas, for their own product, or gone into realigning their target away from motorcycles into things such as small industrial engines, fire fighting equipment, etc. The Ariel marque I mentioned earlier was purchased many years later by the company behind the Atom car, one of the fastest cars around, and used as the company name, but they do intend to bring out a bike at sometime. Triumph and Norton have been reborn, but with completely different people behind them.
Tech Talk Hi Alan, I was very interested in Mr. Reg. Bayliss' article published in 'Hustler' in the last issue Like Reg. I am mature, 85 years old and I ride all through the year. I bought my 'Inazuma' in July 2013. Last year, 2014, I covered a total of just over 3,630 miles at an average of 89 m.p.g. The first service was due at 600 miles and cost £176.52 The second service, in June 2014, at 3.000 miles cost £183.78 The third service, probably in April 2014, at 6000 miles will cost, an estimated £266.84. So in less than two years, servicing will have cost me around £627.14 One of the main reasons that servicing is so dear is that you must have the valve clearances checked every 3000 miles or 'severe engine damage could result'. This hints, I believe, at experience by Suzuki, with valve recession in these engines. It does seem odd that with such a crucial measurement required every 3000 miles the design of the bike means that measurement takes about one hour as It entails removing and replacing quite a lot of bodywork and of course the measurement and any adjustments. Tony
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Tech Talk Good afternoon John I am a long standing member of the Suzuki owners club, membership number 16351.last year I came across a Suzuki FZ 50 that had been stood in a shed for over 15 years. I have had it stripped down and cleaned it up , the engine runs sweet however I have a problem with the Horn, Indicators and stop light they will not operate via the switch. All wires have been tested and appear not to have any breaks in them. I have tested all the bulbs and horn and they are all ok. May I ask if you or anyone in the club could point me in the right direction as to aid my repair? and also if anyone as wiring diagram for my bike. My bike as an ignition switch that has 8 wires in a 9 pin connector....... thank you in anticipation.............. shiny side up......... Paul Greenfield...........(Chesterfield) Hi Paul. Here's a file of the wiring diagram for your bike, I hope this helps. If I can be any more help please email me. Regards. John Carr. Tech Officer. Suzuki Owners Club. John Thanks for the reply it as been a great help and my project is now legal for MOT. However I just got to repair seat pan and get it recovered... Thanks once again for your help on this matter and also for the time and hard work that you and the rest of the commitee put in for us all in the Suzuki Owners Club. all the best .......... shiny side up............. Paul Greenfield......
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Life’s a gas As most of you are aware petrol is changing. Originally , in the early 1900's it was rather dodgy as to what you got for your engine. Then again the engines varied so much then and a compression ratio of 4 to 1 was nearer the norm. Hit and miss for the next twenty or so years saw the Germans start to get a more regular type of mixture and in the late 20's we had the National Benzole Mixture. The main ingredients were paraffin and Benzine. Setting the standard for most to follow. Shell in the early 1930's had a Summer and Winter petrol. Different octane, though octane levels were not standardised until approx. 1932. The recession slowed down the work on petrol but the internal combustion engine improved at a good pace. War time and fuel was produced at a fantastic rate. Most motorists were limited to a couple of gallons each month whereas the Bomber command used , at the peak, 20 million gallons a day. Thirsty things those Lancasters ! ! ! Things progressed rapidly and 1950 saw Premium and Regular grades using a standard octane. A little later Super grade was introduced and many of the older members will remember the early advertising jingle "Super shell with ICA gives more go for what you pay ". Esso were not backward and they had the "The Esso sign means happy motoring" song . Putting a Tiger in your tank meant you could have a mock tigers tale to hang in your car window. Modern engines with mainly fuel injection have not helped the cause for of old bike and car engines. Clean air acts and suggested pollution levels caused many changes. Hence we now have the 'E' fuels coming on line. With the percentage of Ethanol being either (E) 5% or (E) 10% causing havoc with old fuel lines, fibreglass tanks, old rubber gaskets etc. The old tank liner melts beautifully with the E fuel and leaves a lovely gue in the carby. Another problem the ethanol based fuels cause can be floats swelling and sticking. Not nice but that is how it is. By 2020 it is extremely doubtful anything but ethanol based fuel will be available. What about the old bikes ? There is still an abundance of 98 fuel with no ethanol but for how long ? Continental motorists now have E5 and E10, 95 and 98 octane E free. Those going to Finland please note only E5 and E10 fuel is the only option available. The VMC and Federation of Historic Vehicles, plus many other vintage and veteran motor organisations are following the changes keenly. They are pushing hard for none E fuels to be continued in production. If not we may be limited as to when and where we use the aged machines. Is this something our Riders Rights should be following closely ??? Rusty Mechanic 47
2015 INVADER RALLY & AGM Come along and join Suzuki Owners Club at their flagship event. This years available roles National Secretary Treasurer Events Officer Shows Officer Merchandise Technical Officer 44
To be held at The Brownlow Arms High Marnham Newark on Trent NG23 6SG Friday 7th August to Sunday 9th. ÂŁ5 per pitch per night to members and forum members.
Friday and Saturday entertainment. Prize raffle. Great company. Saturday Ride out tbc. Sunday Agm at 11am no entry without your membership card.
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