Hustler 240 web final by Editorsoc

H240

Hustler Spring 2016

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Cover Photo From the forum gallery 2405david’s stunning Gsx1170

Hustler 240 Spring 2016

Editorial Alan Hancock (Alan H ( Ed)) Editorsoc@rocketmail.com

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

Editor’s Report I am like many of us preparing my bike a B12 for the coming season. Both wheels are freshly powder coated and sporting shiny new bearings. New rubber is next on the list, but what to choose as there are so many good tyres available then brakes etc. My faithfully B6 has taken me through the winter and kept me smiling. On to the Hustler what a brilliant collection of articles I have for you in this issue. The Watcher returns, Rusty talks oil and Geoff adds volts to name a few. Its only with your input that makes our club great, please have a think about what you can do to help. Write me something to publish, put some time in on a show stand and spend sunny day chatting about motorcycles and we all love to do that. How about asking the National sec about where other members are near to you and meet up with them to ride out or just for coffee and chat. We are starting the build up to the AGM and there are many roles available including editor. If your article didn’t make this issue it is safely stored for a future issue. Ed

Last submission date for Issue 241 4th July

Neither the Suzuki Owners Club nor its National Committee are necessarily in agreement with the opinions, views or suggestions expressed in this magazine. Any such opinions, views or suggestions are entirely the author’s and publishing them does not imply the endorsement of the Suzuki Owners Club Copyright Suzuki Owners Club 2007. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission of the Suzuki Owners Club.

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Chairman Pete Dibble ( Bugman ) chairman@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Well we are already 3 months into the year and typical for March we are having periods of prolonged cold weather with even snow falling, perfect for those brave souls travelling to Belgium for Easter. My team, your National Committee, are all doing sterling work beavering away in the background with the day to day management of the Club as well as organising this year’s events programme. Your help and support is needed to assist Tink with this year’s shows programme, and we are 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 Tour 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

Shows Trevor Trueman (Tink) Shows@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Hello as the 2016 season is taking shape this would be a good opportunity to clarify the shows listing procedure. If a member is notified of an event/show that they would like to attend as a ‘Host’ or to arrange as a SOC event/show stand/ride out, in the first instance please discuss with the Events Secretary and/or the Shows Co-ordinator with details of the event/show including date, location and main organising body. Once the details have been passed to the relevant NC member the event/show will be contacted and assessed. Once this has been completed and the event/show has been agreed the Events Secretary will post within the events diary. The Shows Co-ordinator will then arrange passes and stand staff. Following this the event may be publicised by the members attending/hosting or manning the show stand. Thank you again Tink Shows Co-ordinator Phone 07890181013

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National Secretary Sue Carr (Gofer750)

ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com

Hi Everyone, Welcome to Spring and the start of a fantastic biking season! There is so much to do this year that we are all going to be spoilt for choice, which camping weekends to attend? Which events to go to? Trips abroad? Take your pick! It is going to be a fun packed year. Part of the fun will include the Invader Rally and the AGM, this edition of the Hustler has the National Committee positions up for re-election and nomination forms in, please have a look and see if there is anything you would like to get involved with, for more information please drop me a line. Maybe you do not want a full position, in that case please offer help and assistance, it all helps so the club can run smoothly! We are always looking for additional help with many tasks and events, creating a shows team so we can attend more events would be brilliant, please consider if there is anything you have the time to help out, remember it’s your club, it’s a great club, let’s make it even better! Keep an eye out on the forum and Face book page for offers and discounts and a little something extra in your email or post box in the very near future, a little teaser get everyone thinking! If any members need assistance or have any queries/ideas/suggestions please let the NC know, we are contractible via post, email or on the forum, we look forward to hearing from everyone. Ride safe, have fun and I look forward to seeing you at an event during the year. Sue aka Gofer750

Touring Officer Mark Seager (Darkstar) touring@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Now things seem to have settled down at work I can plan a few trips. I have spoken to Hugh from Sierra Alma touring www.sierraalma.com Spanish touring holidays it looks and sounds really good and the club will benefit too.I might be able to get out there and try it out .So if you get stuck for a holiday idea why not give him a go. April 29-1May Diksmuide Belgium to see the WW1 sites in the area if weather bad I think a tram trip up the coast to Oostende might be in order. I will be leaving Friday late afternoon for this trip. July 16-21 Hamburg staying at the hotel ibis Hamburg ost I'm leaving Saturday morning stopping overnight in Holland on the way and on way back I'm not as young as I used to be ! I'm looking at Nijmegen for the overnight stop. I have some other trips in mind for later in the year more information next time or check on the club forum.

Treasurer John Carr (jlcarr) soctreasurer@rocketmail.com

This report takes into account all the monies that were used between the previous report up to the present day, so as you all can see we are getting a healthy amount in our accounts. But let’s not be fooled by this, it would not take long to go though our money if we go mad on spending it on daft things. As you all know we had a great NEC show and that really put us in the limelight of a lot of people within the shows community and dealers. All our bills have been paid up to the time I am putting this report together, the only other big lay out is the Hustler that will be next month, we are still looking for new stock to put on the stands so if anybody has any idea’s please get in touch with any of the NC or James (merchandisingsoc@rocketmail.com). Monies in accounts as of the 06/03/16. Current. £2015.79 Charity. £555.24. Savings. £8454.29. PayPal. £ 220.33 So as you all can see our accounts are looking a lot better than a few years ago, I know that Tink (shows Co-ordinator: shows@suzukiownersclub.co.uk)will be asking everyone to keep their eyes open for free shows for us to do so please let him know of a show in your area. So email him if you have an idea for a show. Till next time please All Ride Safe. John Carr.

Membership Pete Dibble (Bugman) membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com

Hello to all our Members. Since the Last Magazine Publication. New Memberships 19 Renewals 24 We welcome all our New members and look forward to meeting you at an event, NC on tour or rally soon. (Numbers Correct as of 09/03/2016) Regards Peter aka Bugman

Merchandising Officer James Weidenbruch ( Rockhopper ) merchandising@rocketmail.com

Hang on a minute while I just pinch myself....... Have we really just come through Christmas 2015 and about to start March already, blimey at this rate I had better start thinking about Christmas 2016, perish the thought ah. Being the first quarter of the year I do not have a lot to report on at the moment with regards towards the merchandising side of things other than the ongoing replenishment of stock from last year’s NEC where I believe we sold over £1700 worth. That by any stretch of the imagination is a fantastic figure and the best the club has managed to achieve for as long as I can remember. As I reported in edition 239 the new glass display cases we had at the show did most of the selling for us and undoubtedly was one of the main reasons we attracted a huge amount of new customers to our stand. Just one of the positive steps we as a club have taken to change the way we do things for the better. One bit of very good news that I can report on from the recent NC meeting held in February, was that we have decided to buy our stand once more with the sale of tickets for this year’s NEC show in Birmingham. Having discussed the pros and cons of how we did in 2015, it was agreed at the meeting that we were in a much better position to make the 2016 show a complete success by having a much better understanding of how the build up to this years show will proceed from now and what we need to do to take advantage of, what we learnt from last year. Furthermore we have decided to keep the stand to the normal 3 x 3 size and tickets will once more go on sale at the discounted price of £15.50. Obviously, Live Promotions have not published their NEC ticket prices for this year, but it was felt that the club would benefit from holding prices down and it would again be a way of giving something back to the members of the club as a thank you for their support. One point that was raised at the meeting was that a large number of the members who signed in at the club stand bought their tickets on the actual day instead of in advance from our club. Obviously this was disappointing to us all as we could have sold out completely. Just why this happened we need to get to the bottom of, but never the less, on the whole we broke even on costs and learnt a great deal in the process. I will as last year be putting myself forward as the point of contact and sales for NEC tickets. James W (Merchandising Officer) 7

Tech Officer

John Carr (jlcarr) techofficer@rocketmail.com

Hello to All, It has been a busy time for me over the past 2 weeks with a lot of dating certificates done, just this Saturday ( 27/02) I have done 10 alone and there are more inquires coming in. At the moment there seems to be a lot of Japanese imports RB 50, RG and RGV's around. So don't forget if you do enquire about a dating certificate please include a photo of both the frame and engine numbers as well as both sides of the bike in question, please add your name and address. This can be sent by email to me at the address above. The cost for these is £25 for a member and £50 for a non member, if you cannot email these over please send them to our club address. On another note, I was doing a bit of work on my Strom and as you do, you end up with dirty hands. Well after finishing I went to wash my hands only to discover my hand cleaner had gone hard. So, what to use? the only thing available was the hand wash Sue gets from Savers that was at the side of the sink. So I thought what the hell its better than nothing, boy was I surprised at how well it worked, better than some of the big name brands! It is called Astonish handwash and I've made sure we now have a few bottles in stock, just in case it’s needed. On another note if your bike has been laid up over the winter, make sure you give it a good going over, make sure that nothing has seized up, give it a good warm up before you set off for your first run of the year. Do not rag it straight off the line because you missed it as that's what causes the faults with the engine and other things. So now you are back on the road again ease into riding, getting used to the traffic and getting your head back into motorcycle mode, unless you’re like me and a few others in the club who use their bikes every day. You will notice that in the nominations this year we aew looking for a second Tech Officer, we need someone who would like to help out, cover for holidays, assist at busy times and be the second signatory for the DVLA, if you would like any firther information please let me know. So till the next time, please all ride safe. John Carr. Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

Don't forget to Register on our web site

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Public Relations

Geoff Goode (Mad Cockney) publicrelations@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Happy New Year to you all. I hope everybody had a great Christmas and New Year, while at the same time thinking of those that have been flooded out during the constant heavy rains and storms. One of the things that I think about and affects the club is how both members and those outside see us. Every aspect of the club, every aspect of the administration, the interaction between members reflects on us and how we perceive each other. Therefore every officer, department, and activity, and member of the club is important and helps to provide that friendly and integrated feel. One of the good indicators for the club to how those outside perceive us, especially companies operating within the motorbike world, is how they address, approach us and want to be involved or associated with SOC and its members. You will have noticed that we have had some good competitions with exceptional prizes. We are now being approached to evaluate different items and to give truthful reports on these. The latest, if you have been on the forum or Facebook page, is for a new sports touring Metzeler where they have asked for us to evaluate them and put in an honest report that we can also publish in Hustler. (This is a good reason to hangout on the forum, the club's Facebook page or both as you will then hear about these and therefore may be able to participate. Even word of mouth is not always fast enough.) From a members point of view though the above are important the most important is the interaction between members. Watching the forum and Facebook page it is great to see a lot of new members popping up. Some of these new members are in or close to an existing centre or group that they can meet and join in with, but where that is not the case then we will always try to help in whatever way possible in getting people together. And people meeting up will normally attract others so adding to your circle of SOC members that become friends. Well the better weather in theory should be approaching. So hopefully we will all be meeting up on our steeds and enjoying some fun time together in the very near future. Take care Geoff

Riders Rights Micheal Griffiths ( Griffo) ridersrights@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

The main thing discussed lately has been how to improve the safety of motorcyclists ! It is well known that some motorists (2 and 4 wheel) can pull out without seeing another road user. We all like to think it is something we would never do as it is always somebody else that does it. Remember when you look at your friends , they are 'somebody else' on the roads. To my mind another main concern for accidents is speeding. How many ride round a corner at more speed than they should. Could you stop in the vision sight distance at the speed you are travelling at ? Remember you are leaning over and 'somebody else' could be broken down just on a blind corner. Another disturbing fact and the modern technology in cars and on bikes causes up to 70% distraction to drivers/riders that have them fitted Please be careful.. Quite a few areas now have permission to reduce the speed on "residential roads" to 20 m.p.h. so please be aware of new restrictions. Road repairs are to be increased but alas many are only temporary repairs which we all know , don't last very long. Please bombard you're local councilers at the forthcoming local elections to get some more repairs done before it causes even more serious accidents. For the continental riders don't forget when going abroad you need a spare bulb kit, jerkin H/V (carried and not worn ) and 4 stickers on your helmet , front back and each side. MAG have these available for you . Make sure you're headlights are aligned correctly and of the correct wattage as with dipping to the left throws the beam into the face of on-coming drivers. Yes it could them to swerve into you. Incorrect wattage , in the case of an accident, can cause your claim to be invalid . The minimum tyre tread depth is 2mm and not 1mm as in the UK . The tread must cover 75% of the tyre , so watch-out with semi-worn sports tyres. European drink drive limits are half those in the UK and when roads are wet all speed limits are reduced by 10% other than Auto-Routes where the 130 kph limit becomes 110 kph. Don't forget you green lane riders to keep your eyes open for proposed lane closures. Some R.U.P.P.S and B.O.A.T.S have had notices of temporary closure posted on them , suggesting the wet weather being the main reason. Please let me know if you come across these notices as once closed to vehicular traffic they never seem to re-open. Use the lanes open but treat them with respect as a muddy mess might be fun for you but

making a mess that stops people walking along a path does not help our cause. One last thing for you to consider, discuss and generally whitter about is the idea of doing away with traffic lights. Maybe in the odd case yes but elsewhere ? ? ? What do you replace them with, round-a-bouts , free for all junctions or what ? I look forward to hearing your ideas as they have to be thought about and discussed at various meetings. Ride safely and respect other users.

London Centre John Carr (jlcarr) soclondon@rocketmail.com

Hello to All, We at the London Centre have not done a lot up to now this year, as like most centres just meeting up and talking about what’s coming up during the year ahead. Our last meet we had a good few members turn up at the White House but the main thing was that the pub was packed out because it was Valentine s Day. So we managed to find a table and get us all around, some of us ordered our food and sat around chatting till the food turned up so that was about a half hour after ordering it. Food on the table, coffee or tea in hand, the conversation carried on until the Fire Alarm went off, most of us just thought it was a test but NO it was a full alarm so we had to get out of the building and leave our food sitting there and go outside. So all outside the pub and the wind was bitter after sitting in a nice warm place, couple of the lads decided to leave. After about 20 minutes we got the all clear to go back in so now you have a pile of customers trying to get served and sort out what’s happening about their food and all we wanted was coffee or tea just to warm up, so on top of that we were told the pub is closing down as the liquor licence has not been renewed. Now we have to look again for somewhere else to meet up, some have suggested going back to the Ace, it’s OK but you can never get a big enough table for all of us to sit around. We may go there just to see what it’s like so its thinking caps on again to try and find a home for The London Centre. If anybody has any ideas please let me know and we can see if there is somewhere suitable for a bunch of bikers to turn up and have breakfasts and a good chin wag. Till next time, please all ride safe. John Carr

Events Laura Dyer (LauraD) events@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

The events board is filling up now. Thanks to the centres who were able to send me their ride outs for the boards, remember its not to late to send something in. After they are posted please check to see that the details are correct. To get your events posted please email to the address in the header with what the event is, where you are going, the place and time you are meeting, leaving and going home if appropriate. Your contact details. If there are any links to the event that you want to post to spark interest please add that too. I will then list your event on the soc boards and then eventually on facebook. Please request an add to the soc fb page if you have not already- open to members only. Please remember that an event is not properly advertised if it is just posted on a thread, you must send them through the events officers email before continuing to advertise on the board through the forum. This gives the best possible coverage as the events are free to view to non members. If you are posting on behalf of someone can you please also email the details to me. We must follow the rules as set out by the club. If you are asking the club to advertise and event or ride out please ensure that a Suzuki owners club representative will be there to meet anyone turning up. All 'Shows' suggestions must go through Tink and the shows email. He will find out the details of the show and from there organise the show stand staff and allocate tickets. He will then pass the details to myself for advertising on the boards. Take care on your ride outs, volunteer for the shows, enjoy and I look forward to seeing some of you at the camping weekends. Laura

Staffordshire Centre Gordon Thompson (Barmy Burger) socstafford@rocketmail.com

East Mids Centre Alby White (alby) alby.white@ntlworld.com

North East Centre Kev Close (bandit12kev) kevinclose253@gmail.com

Well here we are at the start of another biking year. I hope you all had a great Christmas and you have had the chance to "fettle" your bikes ready for the season. Kev Mosley (Boy Blue)

Before telling you of what we have planned I would like to thank Sue Wood, Steve Goth and the management and staff of the Heather Lad for everything they did to make our New Year party a great success. The North East Centre has another full year planned with rides planned to St Abbs in the Scottish Borders, trips to the Lake District, a run down to the Wakefield Mining museum ( always a brilliant day out ).A long day out is planned for August with a run down to Matlock Bath and we have of course got our famous camping weekend booked for April 30th to May 2nd which is May Bank Holiday weekend. We have a mystery style event on the Sunday, a rock band is booked for the Saturday night and as usual we have our very own Suzukioake Steve entertaining us throughout the weekend. I hope to be off on the Saturday to take people out on a run around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for those interested. So as you can see we have a full itinery of events to tempt you out on your bikes. For those of you who may have just joined the club or may not have been out on one of our ride please come along, your sure of a friendly welcome and a great day out. For further information please ring me on 07949035419 Kev Close ( North East Centre Sec )

Discounts The club is running with a new idea which is to spot light companies that have very kindly given the club and its members either discounts or special services. Where as before we would have just run with a list of names and contacts we thought it would be a good idea to spend a bit of time and introduce these companies to the members and therefore make it easier for our members to spot services or goods that they need and also get a flavour of just what is being offered. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our intention to run with a different company or two with each issue covering all the different services that are being offered. If there is a particular service or spares you want us to cover then please drop the Editor an email and we will do 13 want to see. our upmost to do an article on what you

Are you sitting comfortably? Sandbanks Covers Limited Tucked away in a side road on the Bournemouth Aviation business park is a firm called “Sandbank Covers Limited” that is owned and run by Rob Dickinson along with his very hard working staff of five. At first glance the small unit gives away no secrets what so ever of what happens inside and the magic that happens with the vast selection of seating fabrics and just what the staff can do with them. The old adage of size doesn’t matter; feel the quality is certaintly true here in every sense of the word. The standard of workmanship that comes out of this unit is second to none and is driven along by Rob’s life long view that the only reputation he is happy with is one that is built on attention to detail, craftsmanship but at an affordable price. The proof that he is getting this right was shown by being only one of a handful of firms to be awarded in 2013 the Sunseeker “Supplier of Excellence” award. For those of us who don’t know who Sunseeker is, they are one of the premier builders of luxury motor boats and launches in the world and are based down here in Poole Dorset. Rob who has been supplying Sunseeker with upholstered fittings for the past 11 years said that the award is confirmation that the standard of work that he and his team produce and strive to maintain is of a very high standard indeed. Considering Sunseeker boats sell for in excess of several millions each for some of their models, the faith they have in Robs firm to produce and meet their very high standards of workmanship is one of the best accolades you could wish for. Rob set his present company up almost 14 years ago having learnt his trade in the production of aviation safety harness and fittings for which there is no margin of error during production where everything is measured to the nearest millimetre and the amount of stitches per inch has to be exact.

Although Rob’s main production is to do with the Marine world, he also specialises in bespoke one offs and standard seat coverings for motorbikes, scooters, aeroplanes, cars, caravans etc. In fact his favourite saying is, “if it can be sat on we can cover it….” With regards to motorbikes he can also do custom adjustments to the foam linings to allow for different riders heights. Gel pads and heating pads can also be fitted and if you want a little something that is high on the wow factor, then he can also do foam sculpture. He can work with and fit to your bike seat just about any fabric your imagination can stretch too, be it leather, vinyl, Alcontara (a type of suede) and for the oldies out there who want a touch of retro he can offer you a full selection of basket weave vinyl. Fancy stitching and inserts are also available if that’s what you want for that finishing touch Having seen at first hand some of the work that Rob and his team churns out I sometimes wish I had been a lot more adventurous with the re cover they did on my RF900. I can certainty vouch for the high standard of workmanship that went into my seat and the price I was charged left me feeling very good indeed. So why not check out Rob’s website or go to his Facebook page at Sandbanks Covers Limited to check out what this company can do for you and what it’s done for others. You will be amazed at what they can do I can assure you. If you’re doing your winter rebuild of the bike, why not treat yourself to a new seat cover that you’ve always wanted and make your bike stand out from the crowd. Be sure to mention the SOC when you place any order with Rob to qualify for your discount. Contact details: Rob Dickinson Sandbank Covers Ltd Unit 299 Aviation Park West Bournemouth Airport Christchurch Dorset, BH23 6NW Tel: 01202580999 Mobile: 07790001128 Email: sandbankmarineupholstery@msn.com

SOC History a few more pieces for the jigsaw. For several years I have been promising various people in the SOC that I would write down some history of the club as seen through the founding of the original Kent Centre. It took my meeting with James (‘Rockhopper’) at the NEC to finally get it off the ground, and here it is at last. It will be a potted history, simply because my 64-yearold brain is a little threadbare, but the essentials – and probably some inaccuracies – are there. It would have been around the end of 1974 that I met a guy called Steve Dunn. I had a GT185 and he had a T250, but I can’t for the Hustler 50th edition life of me remember where we met – (1980-ish) with Colin possibly at Roy Baldwin Motorcycles in Rochester. We must have known about the Brown (GSX1100) Suzuki Owners Club, as he agreed to help pictured by Editor Ken me set up a Kent Branch, presumably after I visited the existing London Branch in Deptford, South-east London. Just how we made contact with others, I really can’t remember, although I suspect Roy Baldwin Motorcycles was again the focal contact point. We were soon meeting every week at The City of London pub in Gravesend, formed a committee and first appeared in Hustler as a branch in March 1975. The only reason I’m going to mention some of the names from these early years, is that I hope we can make contact with a few of them again and that they can fill in gaps, expand on the story and correct my errors. Steve Dunn was the Technical Officer, I was the Chairman and other members included Peter Watson, Richard Adey, Andy Asprey, Paul Riley, Steve’s girlfriend Jeanette Potts, Mark Mansfield, Tom Rackham and Janice (whom he married), Phil Gladwin, Ed Bannock, Paul Welch, Steve Buck and many faces whose names escape me. Then came my cousin, Ken Smith, and Tony Murray – two people who helped bring the Kent Branch into the club mainstream and were even pictured in Ray Battersby’s history of Suzuki published soon after. In 1980 Kent was made joint Centre of the Year for its “members’ contribution to the club’s organisation” – by then we had provided the national committee with a Technical Officer, two membership secretaries,

two PROs, two editors, two chairmen, an Assistant Secretary and a Rally Co-ordinator! I can still remember us, as part of the national committee, naming the magazine ‘Hustler’ and designing the logo which we still use today. Back at the local level, through the help of Roy Baldwin who had known Barry Sheene since he was a youngster, we had Barry visit us for Kent Chairman Colin Brown a club evening in 1976. He already presents Barry Sheene with had a Roller, and brought along some sketches, 1976. brother-in-law racer Paul Smart with him. As we expected a good turnout we met at the (old, pre-Kentagon) clubhouse at Brands Hatch. Barry maintained his playboy image, of course – he just sat down, pulled one of the female members on to his lap and said, “let’s talk about the first thing that comes up”! We presented him with some excellent pencil sketches by Pete Watson and he presented me with an engraved tankard which Steve Dunn had organised as a ‘thank you’ to me. Other speakers in those 70s/80s years included racers Dave Potter and Barry Ditchburn, and ex-TT racer, GP rider and multi franchise retailer, John Blanchard, for whom I worked at the time. Trade speakers included representatives from King Helmets, Duckhams, St John Ambulance and Continental Tyres.

Meanwhile, Ken and Tony had forged a link with The Magnificent Seven motorcycle stunt team, whereby club members helped as stage crew at their shows. In return they gave us a free show at our Sponsored Jog round the Brands Hatch club circuit, all in aid of charity. Other features of those really good times were an off-road event at the Dave Taylor Trail Park, helping to run the club shop at events, a mock trial, helmet concours, slot car racing and meetings with Suzuki GB. Also, as Editor and PRO, Ken and I were lucky enough to have had press bikes on loan which included the famous (infamous?) RE5 rotary, Dunstall Suzuki GT550 and the first Suzuki big capacity 4-strokes, the GS750 and 1000. At the end of last year I re-joined the SOC at last – now with the wife that, as fiancé, unintentionally distracted my attention from the club as we went into the 80s. Having worked my way from 80cc to 1100cc, I stopped riding in about 1986 having had ten bikes, nine of which were Suzukis. In 2008 I came back and bought a 1996 Bandit 600S after a friend lent me his CBR60RR, which had reawakened the dormant bike gene in me. I now

and (my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas present to me) a project in the form of a 1977 Suzuki TS250B trail bike. I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back! Colin Brown

An early Kent Branch at Broadstairs c1975.

Memorabilia Dear Editor Hope you are well and everyone had an enjoyable and productive time at Stafford. Just came a cross this a little while back and thought it might be of some use as an image, or classic memorabilia? It's the product of the idle hands of an apprentice Carpenter, who spent too much time dreaming about our favourite marque. Basically it's an SOC machine badge circa 78' - '79 or something? with the mounting lug chopped off and mounted to a wooden plaque. Always loved the Texaco Heron racing colours, so treated the unpolished areas to a dab of Humbrols finest! Now hanging from my garage wall. It's a big old chunky thing, like the bikes back in the day, but may spark a revival for period memorabilia. Danny Broughton The club has very little of our history in the form of either paper records or in the form of physical items. We have been searching Ebay and the like and buying back badges and Hustlers when we can get them. Do you have any old SOC items hanging around that you would be prepared to donate back to our club to enrich our small collection. If you have information please find some time to write it down and send it to us. The Heritage officer role is up this year, if you have a deep interest in the club history how about taking up the role. Cheers Ed

Southcoast Centre Laura Dyer (laura d) southcoast@suzukiownersclub.co.uk

I would like to start by thanking the south coast crew for supporting the centre whilst myself and Alan have been busy moving house and getting sorted. They have helped at the NEC and have run some of the south coast events. So, from Alan and myself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thank You. September was the Brighton burn up on the sea front. October saw Mark Seager meeting south coast members at the south of England real classic show. November was the NEC show which we encouraged our members to go to. December was the long awaited Reading Toy run. Welcomed to Kevin Mosley house for a morning bacon butty then on to the start point of the toy run. Where over 2000 people meet for a well organised ride to Banardos school. Hot refreshments before the dash home at sundown. Thanks to all the south coasters for supporting these events and making it all worth while. The end of year new years Christmas dinner saw many of us celebrate together at a harvester in Crawley with South coast AT trophies going to Pk and Alan Everest also Sue Everest and Julie Seager, a fun secret santa and a good old club raffle. We are looking forward to 2016 and getting out and about. The events are on the board. Contact me if you want to know any thing. Cheers to all and a good year ahead. laura

Yorkshire Centre David Hebblethwaite

gv1400lxe@gmail.coml

The Yorkshire Centre is now the oldest in the SOC since the members of the Kent Centre left the SOC, so it would be a pity if it was to close. It does need new blood to take the reigns and drive it back to how it used to be, one of the most active centres in the SOC. If any members in the County of Yorkshire, the largest in England, want to meet for discussion and organising some ride outs this year please email Dave at: gv1400lxe@gmail.com We can meet during the day, except Saturdays or night, except Tuesdays. The ball has they say is in your, the members, court. Check the forum and the events listing here in the Hustler for our centre meeting dates. Ride Safe and Keep It Upright. Dave

April

Events 2016

3rd 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 Dyer – 07980114208 3rd North East Centre Monthly meet. Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD 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. Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 (With Pre Ride Out at 3pm) 3rd Yorkshire Centre Meet. The New Inn, East Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3AX 12-2pm 1st Sunday of the month, join David Hebblethwaite and his wife for a chat and coffee. Contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 10th Staffordshire Centre Ride Out to Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. Meet at the old Smithy 12 castle street , Eccleshall. leaving 10.30am contact Gordon Flash - socstafford@rocketmail.com 10th 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 10th Devils Dyke Meet at 11am Devils Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 8YJ contact Mark Seager 07399044643 17th North East Ride Out to St Abbs and Northumberland Meet at Bowburn 9.30am contact kev close 07949035419 17th 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 at the Old Smithy. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 20

Events 2016 22nd Fat skeletons Blues and Bikers weekend. 28th East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Contact Alby White – 07762242309 29th Weekend in Diksmude Belgium contact Mark Seager 07399044643 29th-1st North East Camping Weekend Heather Lad, Quarrington. DH6 4QD. A great weekend with good company. Live bank, suzukioke Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 30th North East Ride out Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 May 1st Andrew David Mcintyre Carter-Smith British Mini Bikes Racing Championships Round 3 Racing number 247. Round 3 @ Fulbeck www.britishminibikes.com Stragglethorpe Lane, Nr Stragglethorpe NG32 3JE contact Andrew captaincartyre@live.co.uk 1st Yorkshire Centre Meet. The New Inn, East Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3AX see details for April. Contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 8th South Coast Centre Monthly meet. (Post meet Ride out to Submarine museum) See details for April . Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208 8th London Centre Monthly meet. See details for April. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 8th Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. See details for April. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 21 23

Events 2016 8th North East Centre Monthly meet. (With Pre Ride Out at 3pm) See details for April Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 07949 035419 15th Staffordshire Centre Ride out. Alrewas National Arberetum. Stafford. Meet at the old Smithy 12 castle street , Eccleshall. leaving 10.30am contact Gordon Flash - socstafford@rocketmail.com 22nd Andrew Carter-Smith British Mini Bikes Racing Championships. Racing number 247. Round 4 @ Redlodge www.britishminibikes.com Red Lodge, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 8LE contact Andrew - captaincartyre@live.co.uk 22nd North East Ride Out to Wakefield Mining Museum. Meet at Bowburn 9.30am contact kev close 07949035419 26th East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Contact Alby White – 07762242309 28th South Coast Ride Out to Amberley Chalk Pit Museum. Meeting at Farlington Service Station 10am or at the chalk pits for 11.15am. June 3rd - 5th South Coast Camping at the Fox and Goose Greywell, RG29 1BY camping is free, come along and have a good weekend. Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208 5th Yorkshire Centre Meet. The New Inn, East Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3AX see details for April. Contact David Hebblethwaite – gv1400lxe@gmail.com 4th South Coast ride out to Brooklands Museum Riding out from the camping weekend. Leaving 10.30 arrive at Brooklands 11.30am 5th South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX See details for April. Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208 22 24

2016 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.

Chairman Membership Secretary

Events Officer Touring Heritage

Public Relations Officer

Editor Technical Officer 2nd Post

Riders Rights

Charity...................................................................... Signature of candidate.............................................Date...............

2016 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 4th July 2016. 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 241.

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

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Events 2016 5th South Coast Centre Monthly meet. Loomies Cafe, Petersfield Road, Alton. GU32 1JX See details for April. Contact Laura Dyer – 07980114208 5th North East Centre Monthly meet. (With Pre Ride Out at 3pm) See details for April. Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 12th North East centre Ride out to St Bees and Cumbrian Coast/Lakeland.1 Meet at Bowburn 9.30 am Contact Kev Close – kevinclose253@gmail.com 12th London Centre Monthly meet. See details for April. Contact John Carr – 07768797125 18th Bluebell Railway Run to Bluebell Railway Sheffiels Park Station, meet at 11am. TN22 3QL contact Mark Seager 07399044643 19th Staffordshire Centre Monthly meet. The Old Smithy 8-10 Castle street, Ecclesshall, ST21 6DF. See details for April. Contact Gordon Flash– socstafford@rocketmail.com 19th Andrew Carter-Smith British Mini Bikes Racing Championships Racing number 247. Round 5 @ lydd www.britishminibikes.com Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH contact Andrew - captaincartyre@live.co.uk 23rd East Mids Centre Monthly meet. Contact Alby White – 07762242309 26th South Coast Ride out to West Bay/ Beauleiu Meeting at Rownhams Services on M27 West Bound at 9.45am leaving at 10am ONWARDS Besides the usual fixtures and ride outs, Centre camping weekends will also be held by the South Coast in June at fox and goose in Greywell. London centre in July at the George Hotel in Dorchester on Thames, Stafford centre in August Deer Park in Shropshire and the National Invader Rally on August Bank Holiday. 25 27

The Watcher Campanology without Bells (Part two) (Roses of England )

As we travel along the M40, we are about to descend down into the Vale of Oxon when Steve our Police lead outrider signals for us to all pull over to the hard shoulder. Looking through the deep cutting in the chalk hillside, we can see in the distance a group of Red Kites circling in the sky, rather like a group of vultures circling as in the Wild West. Adrian dismounts his Bandit and saunters over to me and says “Looks like Injun trouble ahead”, Indians! in Oxfordshire? I exclaim, to which Adrian responds “No, there’s a broken down Harley just up front”. Despite it being a Harley, Biker law dictates that we always stop to offer assistance. As a couple of our group go forward to offer said assistance. I start to recollect a time 40 years ago at another camping weekend near Silverstone, not too far from where we are heading now. At the time we were heading back to the campsite from Santa Pod drag racing circuit. It was getting quite late and dark and a stop for fuel meant I had fallen behind the rest of the group, and was playing catch up. Eventually I thought I could see the taillight of Buffers Harley in the distance. As I got closer I realised he had stopped and was bent over his bike looking at something, closer still and it was apparent that it wasn’t Buffer. Regardless I pull over to offer my help. As I approach I realise that in fact I have stopped to help a member of the notorious chapter of Peterborough Hells Angels. This is not good, middle of nowhere, in the dark, on my own with a Hells Angel. The rest of the chapter were bound to be close by, and I really didn’t want to be some ones alternative to toast for breakfast. I bite the bullet, and ask with a dry raspy throat “Can I give you a hand mate?” “F****ing lectrics are shagged” was the reply “ere you hold er steady an I’ll crank it over” So I put one hand on the bars and place my other on the seat, at which point there is a bright flash and I drop to the floor feeling like I’ve been tazered. I pick myself up and as I put a hand on the seat to steady myself the same happens again. Once again I pick myself up avoiding touching the seat, and am now surrounded by a blue halo emitting sparks here and there. The Hells Angel with a deaths head grin, similar to one on his back, looks at me and says “Bug**r me you’ve found me gripe with the lectrics” At this point about another 15 Hells Angels come into view. The cause of my strife says to me through gritted teeth “Truth is, I’ve wired me saddle up so that it’s heated, cos it gits cold over the Fen ways in winter. I read how to do it from an article in a chopper mag. Trouble was there’s a spare wire, so I just wrapped it round the saddle spring” (Note to self, never

ever again touch anything to do with homemade electrics ever!) As the rest of the group get close he hisses “ Say one word to the others, an yer gizzards will be used as a drive belt fer me bike”. The leader of the group saunters over to us, with the rest gathering around and says “Well Mary we’ve got the trailer on the back of the Range Rover, but it looks like you’ve got it sorted” I take a second look at the guy I’ve just been helping and decide no this is definitely a bloke, and inadvertently exclaim Mary?, at which point everyone bursts out laughing. The leader says with a slight Geordie accent “That’s right, we call him Mary cos he does to Motorbikes what Frankenstein does with corpses, he creates monsters. Anyway who are you?” I introduce myself, “Me mates call me the Watcher” and thinking fast I decide not to tell them I’m going back to the campsite as they would probably want to follow and no doubt blood would flow, so I say “ I’m in the Army and heading back to barracks after a week’s leave” The leader says to my relief “Good on you mate, and thanks for your help, ride hard” Mary says “At least you can see where yer going with that blue glow yer giving off” I say my goodbyes and climb back on Suzi, thinking I’ve just dodged a bullet there. As I turn on the ignition there is a flash of sparks and every fuse on Suzi blows. Mary says “well that’s you bug***d, yer going nowhere now” The leader says” You’re gonna have to come back with us for the night, we’ll put your bike in the back of the van over there. Only I don’t want you poking your nose in the back of our van, we like to keep it a mystery in there, so we will do the loading. My names Fred by the way, you can ride in the Range Rover with Daphne” I climb in the Range Rover to be greeted by a smiling young lady who introduces herself as Daphne. As we all set off Daphne looks at me and says “I hope you don’t mind riding in Fred’s Range Rover, it’s a bit of a heap. It only does 16 gallons to the mile, and I’m talking about the engine oil. He also thinks it got some problems with a leak in the suspension as well” “Can you read a Map? cos Fred can’t, he’s always taking us the wrong way round to places” She then adds “Glowing like you are, I think you’d make for a very good electric blanket for me tonight, by the way my names not really Daphne, that’s just what Fred calls me as one of his little jokes, to confuse his girlfriend. My names really Maggie, I’m an RE teacher at a secondary school in Peterborough, I’m just with this lot because I’m doing a thesis on Bikers and Religion. It sure beats my old job as a Barmaid” I am now thinking this really cannot be happening. We arrive at the “Chapter House” which is a small barn, apparently belonging to one of the members, next to the river Ouse, where there are more members of the chapter drinking beer round a large bonfire.

From the barn emanates loud Heavy Metal music from that group whose name I can’t think of but is associated with a girl who’s been on a crash diet and called Elizabeth. Daphne/Maggie says to me “With that glow you match the colour of this Range Rover, Electric Blue” Suddenly I am aware of someone tapping my shoulder, and look up to see Adrian who says “ You look as if you were a million miles away, we’re moving off again” We get going again and the rest of the journey is uneventful. Finally we arrive at the Rosa di Anglia, and as we pull in to the field at the rear of the Pub, the first people we meet are a couple of the London Massive club members, One who is known as Mr E is climbing out the back of a large van carrying a Calor gas cylinder, and another coincidently called Fred who is with Velma are stood next to a blue Range Rover. I decide there and then or rather here and now that I must go and see my doctor as soon as possible, about these flashbacks I keep having. To be continued

NEC 2016 Pre order your NEC show tickets for 2016 at the club discounted price of £15.50 plus p and p now to avoid disappointment. Contact James Rockhopper for more details. merchandisingsoc@rocketmail.com

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my power gone Geoff Goode I am talking about electrical power not engine power. I have noticed on the forum that electrical issues to do with batteries, charging systems and power demand has cropped up a few times. This also frequently crops up on other forums and forum type Facebook pages, and you often see misleading to say the least, or worse actually incorrect information being given out. Sometimes this is due to confusion between different types of battery. Please note that Gel batteries are not AGM batteries though both are of the VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) type. One thing that we can say is that in many instances bike wiring is often very close to it's limits, and if not then once a rider has added a few items then it may well be. Then there is always the issue that the wire overheats due to the high demand and burns out. On many of our Suzuki bikes certain connectors had, and may still have, the same issues. Where cables are bundled together then this may be worse as the heat generated by the electron flow cannot dissipate as efficiently. (This is the main reason why a 230 Volt extension power cable needs to be unwrapped and not left coiled up unless its specified amperage is significantly de-rated.) It is important to check your cables and connectors, keep them clean with contact cleaner, replace where discolouring, etc. is observed; and make sure that they are nowhere near their maximum amperage rating for the power demands and the conditions they are in. In this article I am referring to systems using three phase alternators and AGM batteries The bikes demand on the battery is not just to start it or when the engine is not running. Most bikes until they reach about 3000 RPM do not deliver 13.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14 volts, though my own bike does this by 2000 RPM though whether this is due to it being a V twin with that low end torque is unknown. Anyway until it reaches that 13.5-14 volts, which is the lowest voltage to charge the battery, it will be drawing power from the battery and may continue to do so even past that if the power demand is greater than what the alternator is delivering. The amperage that can be handled by the alternator increases as the speed goes up though in many cases has

more or less flattened out around 6,000 RPM. At around 5500 RPM, dependant on bike, the voltage will be at its maximum of around 15.5 volts. (Some of the general trouble shooting guides states that if over 15 volts then the RR is defective and needs replacing. This is not necessary true and therefore you need to check the workshop manual to see what it says. Mine says between 13.5 and 15.5 volts at 6000 RPM.) If you have a high power demand that we often have with heated clothing, etc. then when ticking over say at traffic lights then the power for that will be coming from the battery. You cannot also go past what the alternator can realistically deliver continuously when adding additional power demanding items. Most alternators have increased in output over the past decade or so. Even within a model in most cases the output has increased though in some instances the original alternators were under powered in real terms and needed to be beefed up. Car and bike alternators work slightly different though some BMW bikes used an alternator similar to cars. Car alternators have an inbuilt field type regulator that actually controls the output voltage from the alternator often working in conjunction with the vehicle's management system. Most bike alternators other than speed have no inbuilt regulation and the regulation stage is part of the separate RR (Regulator Rectifier). In this case the excess voltage is shunted (short circuited) to earth (negative). This produces a lot of heat which is dissipated via the finned heat sink of the RR. Though the car type are more efficient without the heat issues, that are also heavier and I assume would be more expensive for a bike. The RR (Regulator Rectifier) as it name implies regulates the voltage as mentioned above and rectifies it from AC (alternating current) to DC. Early solid state RRs used silicon thyristor as part of the electronics that were less efficient, not as fast to react, and generated more heat. These are the ones that have a reputation for failing. Modern RRs use MOSFET semiconductors that are faster acting, control the voltage more accurately and run cooler. You will often find Suzuki bike owners replacing their RRs with Honda or Kawasaki RRs believing that they are better but that is generally only true if replaced my a MOSFET RR. However if there is not sufficient allowance or flexibility built into the design of the original RR for excess heat, etc. then an alternative though not MOSFET may still be better. From this it can be seen why not only is it essential to make sure that all cables and connectors are in top condition but that the RR is seated onto the frame properly as that helps to cool it. Even having done that if the RR is not in a good cool airflow then it may still overheat and it is not unknown for a 12 volt computer fan to be installed by riders to provide a good cool airflow over the RR fins. The RR supplies the voltage and power to the bike and the battery. Some

people don't realise that the power cables from the RR have to be of a size to deliver the complete output from the alternator to the bike. Now this will depend on how the distribution circuits are designed but if one cable then for a 375 watt alternator it would have to be able to handle at least 30 amps continuously in the prevailing conditions. On some bikes where riders have had issues they have replaced the cable with a larger size direct feed to the battery. Most bike batteries these days are of the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) type and are sealed for life. Though the history of this type of battery is interesting it is a bit convoluted depending on where you undertake your research. However Yuasa developed the then existing technology sometime in the late 1970's early 1980's to a lightweight, long life unit. The acid solution is absorbed into a glass mat and so there is no free liquid and is a VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) type. So it is still of the lead acid battery type, though the plates are different, but with no free liquid, and should any excess pressure occur, that shouldn't happen, it is vented via an inbuilt valve. An AGM battery can be used in any orientation other than upside down though some say even that is possible. Pros • Can be used in any orientation except upside down • Sealed for life (no free acid solution) • Long shelf life • Low self discharge • Maintenance free other than keeping terminals clean • High CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) • Can be more heavily discharged than wet cells though bike batteries are starter batteries and not heavy discharge batteries • Higher AH (ampere hour) rating than similar sized wet batteries • Lighter than a wet flooded cell batteries • Can be used in colder conditions due to reduced case cracking issues • Normally very resistant to vibrations Cons • Sulphates more quickly if not properly maintained • Needs careful charging • Overcharging equals premature failure • Reduced life compared with a well maintained standard wet battery

â&#x20AC;˘

More expensive than wet flooded cell types

CCA is the amperage that the battery can handle to go from full charge to 7.2 amps at -18 degrees C in 30 seconds. I would however not recommend running any battery down to 7.2 volts. You can see why having a high CCA is important. Note that this is the SAE and JASO standard for this and the EU, ISO, etc have their own standards. This is why you will sometimes see different CCAs stated for the same battery. You need to check that you are comparing the same standard. The AGM battery requires current based charging. Though from fully charged with just a small discharge the voltage from the bikes charging system is capable of keeping the battery topped up. Anything more significant of a discharge really needs to involve a smart charger. You may think that you battery has recharged from that heavy discharge but if you check it you will find that it is only partially charged. (Take a heavily discharged battery during the summer, run the bike on say a 100 mile trip or longer. Then put the battery on a smart charger and you will see that it still needs charging.) Smart chargers check the battery for what type of charge is required and adjusts for current and voltage accordingly as it charges, even stopping when fully charged. If left connected to the charger it will continuously check the battery's condition. After a heavy discharge, especially if left for a period, the battery can become sulphated and appears dead. The smart charger can handle this by adjusting the voltage and current to breakdown the crystals and recover the battery. However there is a limit to how many times you can do this before you actually have a dead battery. Those that have their bikes in a garage and can use their smart chargers after a ride can see the benefits. Not having that luxury I have two batteries and rotate them charging them at home in between. The AGM battery will usually charge quicker than the wet cell with the correct smart charger. Certainly to approximately 70% level, however around that point that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Floatâ&#x20AC;? charge occurs to bring it up to 100% that takes many hours longer than the initial charge to 70-80%. I have seen it stated that this is 3 times more and from my observations of charging my own bike battery I think that this is probably true. Lead acid batteries suffer from memory affect in that if you don't charge them to their full capacity regularly then their full capacity is reduced and you can never get back to it. In other words if you keep them fully charged your 10 AH battery will be that, but if not it may only actually be a 7 or 8 AH battery. A couple of other things about chargers. I personally would never use a trickle charger as it would have no affect on a discharged battery and as AGM batteries are susceptible to overcharging you could ruin the battery.

When it comes to the type of smart chargers then there is a choice and there are disputes between different experts regarding the best way. The simplest is a three phase charge, going through additional phases up to the most expensive like the premium CTEK that is an 8 phase (modes) charger. CTEK actually use a pulse charge as part of their charging, though some of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;expertsâ&#x20AC;? dispute whether that has any affect and is more a marketing ploy. One thing is definite and that is our bike batteries should only be charged with a smart charger. And if your battery shows 12 volts off load then it definitely needs charging. I have seen it stated that you must never use a 12 volt car battery to start or for any other purpose on a bike. This is not true. What you cannot do is use a car battery when installed in a car with the car's engine running, or with the battery on charge. This is due to the different in charging currents, etc., between the two with cars being much more. In fact in most modern non premium cars you can only use calcium or better batteries and not the old standard wet flooded cell battery. The calcium batteries can accept a higher current and the cars charging system are set to this whereas the older batteries are likely to be destroyed by it. There is also a move for all cars to migrate to using AGM batteries and the only reason I can find at present for not doing so is cost as many premium vehicles already use them. I assume that as the momentum grows then AGM prices will come down until it is the only battery you will install on a car. So to finish. If you look after your battery it will serve you well as will the rest of your electrics as long as they are not abused and fit for the job in hand. Good riding.

Ways to Join Credit or Debit card via the clubs Secure Server at www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk Or Paypal to suzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com Use a membership form, available at dealers and shows & send cheque/postal order to: Suzuki Owners Club, Suite 240, Divo House, 29 Belmont Road, Uxbridge,UB8 1QS Telephone card payments with Debit/Credit cards can be taken by calling: 07811407397 Bank Transfers can be made to: Account number: 20177822 Sort code: 20-05-74 For new members the reference should be: NM and your name For renewals the reference should be RNWL Membership number and name Please notify the membership secretary when paying by bank transfer,

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

X7 Heaven Mike Gilbert (Gilly)

Like so many motorcyclist my age we look back at our first bikes and wonder what ever happened to them. For me it had to be a Suzuki X7 and at the time I could not afford a new one costing £875 I bought a second hand model just over a year old for £700. I knew what I wanted a blue X7 (the fastest ones) and she took some finding. So back in July last year I bought a X7 frame off eBay thinking it may have come from my first X7”because it was white” long shot I know but the frame arrived needing lots of work, and I found my receipt from my old bike, wrong frame number. I then came across a frame on gumtree near Hull and a week later I had my frame and so it began my rebuild. Next came a Giuliari seat, followed by a new petrol tank from America via Saudi and more parts from eBay. In October I lost my job with the closure of the SSI steelworks in Teesside so did I sell my bike or continue hoping to find another job. Not easy being the wrong side of 50 and over 2000 steel workers also unemployed along with 1000’s of contractors and suppliers. Making a joint decision with Bridget (my wife) the rebuild continued where funds allowed. So the full set of spare body panels I had for my Suzuki SV1000s and collection of toy cars were sold to help finance the rebuild.

I joined both the Suzuki owners club and Suzuki gt web site to try to source parts. How I managed to get hold of a lot of parts was by messaging sellers of X7’s on eBay asking if they had any parts left over from their restorations and the guys helped me get all the stuff Suzuki no longer stock. Dave the lad who does my MOT’s has fitted all new bearings and bushes and refurbished the brakes, forks and is rebuilding the engine. The frame has been powder coated (white) and when I needed parts from Suzuki, Who else but Martin Crook of Crooks Suzuki a wealth of knowledge, Mick Abbey who tuned the barrels the guys from the Suzuki owners club, Rich who has been a big help and Bridget for her support in the rebuild.

Membership Rates Membership rates 1 Year single membership........£25 3 Year single membership........£65 1 year Joint membership..........£30 3 year Joint membership..........£80 Forum only membership..........£10 ( non club member) International membership........£30 3 year International .................£80 37

Hidden Gem Recently I received a call from Bill, a motorcycle club member. He told me he had read several articles previously published in the motorcycle press describing the area in Central Spain covered by Sierra Alma Touring (www.sierraalma.com). He said that, despite his 89 years, he wants to ride his bike to Salamanca again because only a few years before he’d been to La Alberca to join a group of motorcyclists that meet there every year in July with pre 1970 bikes. He told me he’d received a certificate for attending from the organiser, Alfonso Serrano who I had already arranged to see the day after Bill’s call, to discuss his collection of more than sixty motorcycles dating from 1942. Alfonso is a quiet man in his early 60s (pictured on left behind his Norton), keenly interested in and very knowledgeable about motorcycles, engines and designs. He is an ex fighter pilot with the Spanish Air Force. He started restoring bikes shortly before his retirement from the military with the final rank of Group Captain. He also raced at La Bañeza (a unique Spanish urban road race held in August) on a Ducati for 3 years before giving it up as he believed it to be too dangerous. Phil Read also raced there on a BSA about 12 years ago. Alfonso’s son, Fernando, has a degree in art and has combined his two passions into a business building custom Café Racers to bespoke orders. Anyone interested? Alfonso lives in a large house on the outskirts of Salamanca with his wife. He has converted his cellar into a small workshop. Current work being undertaken is one of only 2000 in number, Ducatti 900MHe that were produced in the year 2000 in commemoration of Mike Hailwood. The first 1000 were sold within 24hrs. This one was bought second hand in Spain. Access from the garden is good for motorcycles. In the sitting room a restored NSU is proudly displayed which his wife says she’s very happy with so long as she doesn’t have to clean it! The bookshelves are bulging with motorcycle engine manuals, histories and books covering the finer arts of motorcycle construction and design. He has a garage which contains about ten bikes that he and his son are going to ride in the current year and he has two larger garages in the town which hold the balance of his 38 collection – some 50 odd.

His collection is not a museum yet but when he’s found a building large enough to accommodate all the bikes and allow space to wander around, it will be. Going to the garages felt like visiting a motorcycle dealers stock shed. There are lots of bikes in tight rows but not without order. There’s a British corner, an Italian line, Japanese row and a few oddballs in front including a Ural outfit, Indian outfit, a more modern Ducatti and a 1977 Harley Café Racer. The Harley Davidson XLCR was designed by William G Davidson when he was appointed chief of design. The American market wasn’t expecting such a radical change and there was little demand. Only 3133 units were produced and sold world-wide. Also amongst Alfonso’s collection is a Bimota YB5 with a 130bhp Yamaha FJ1200 engine of which only 208 were made. There’s a 1950 Vincent Comet 500cc, a 1942 500cc Indian that was designed for the American military market in WW2 to compete with the more popular Harley Davidson at that time. He owns several Suzuki’s and tens of others which include Norton, Laverda, Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Triumph, Honda and also a Japauto 1000cc VX Although smaller than the collection of motorbikes at the museum in the mountains (see website) I felt it was more impressive, better ordered and with some exceptionally rare machines included. Alfonso has done extensive research on all the machines he’s purchased and has files of their individual history wherever it was possible to obtain it. His collection is not normally open to the public but he has told me that he would make it available to view for those who tour with www.sierraalma.com by appointment only. At the weekend meeting in La Alberca there are usually around 100 bikes and 170 people in total. In the past it was an event wholly organised by Alfonso himself but since a brief illness a few years ago he has relinquished that duty. Now it has become a meeting of friends and like minded motorcyclists. Everyone is welcome. Alfonso says he prefers it that way as it’s more relaxed and informal. Just like Sierra Alma Touring! They ride out each day on the mountain routes. If you book a tour with us in July we’ll take you to the mountains to meet him and his friends. Alfonso remembers you Bill and he’s looking forward to seeing you again – get your skates on! Don’t forget now – Sierra Alma Touring, Central Spain, whenever you feel like it! www.sierraalma.com and if you fancy guided touring throughout the whole of mainland Spain free of guide charges – check out our exclusive touring team - SANTA - on the Blog pages and our Facebook page.

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Milan I was thinking of going to Russia but after realising they wanted 6 months left on passport, I applied for new one and then find I need a visa which would be dearer than the return flight and I would have to go to London or Edinburgh to have my fingerprints copied I decided on the quicker to organise option, Milan! I had ridden through the French Alps in 2014 and saw the train from Milan to Paris and thought that would be a good one to try when I retire. Now with my birthday coming up thought lets go for it on the cheap as I do! Checking found flight to Milan £62, 6 nights in Milan train to Paris £26 2 nights in Paris and then Eurostar back to London £42 leaving the return from London to be booked, turned out to be £51. Then just filled in the hostel bookings 6 nights x 12 euro's and 2 nights Paris 22 euro’s x2. all in looking a cheap holiday even with some transfers for taxis and buses. Being as fashion conscious as I am and while admiring the choices of designer gear in Milan I wasn't tempted by the 50 and 70% sales even if my new boots were burning holes into my toes, need to get them wet on the bike a few times and they will sort themselves out, the boots not my toes! Milan has an excellent underground with 1.50 euro’s for single journeys and 4.50 for a daily pass, lesson learnt should have bought a week pass as it was invaluable transport. Even spent a few hours just going sitting on a Metro going from end to end on a couple of lines, they do come out of there tunnels into daylight where you can just people and place watch. The Milan hostel as with most are full of transient young people from all over the EU and further afield, all willing to practice their English on me, you can imagine their problems there straight away lol. A young Turkish guy called Baroc seemed to want to enter into a drinking competition in the name of practising his English until 4am, meaning the rest of that morning was wasted on sleeping, he did try

again the following night and fell of the end of his elbow at 7am drunk the following night, another a morning wasted on sleep for me. I did do the tour of Duomo, a cathedral you have to see to believe, beautiful it is, built over 400 years ago and must still have a mortgage on it as they are charging you to go in 2 euro's but a sliding scale upwards if you want a guide or go onto the rooftop balcony. I did also take the city tour bus 22 euro's on 3 separate routes including one of those places they delight in kicking a bag of wind around in and get loads of money for the pleasure off doing, I declined the offer of handing out 15 euro's to look at its museum and visit to the changing rooms but sure it will appeal to some. I did lose my passport which was a major nuisance it did get me doing things as a tourist you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to do, all part of the game and my fault, just watch out if you see someone that looks like a Mohammed and has Gary in his passport smile. The train ride through the French Alps is fantastic but even better on a bike, you can stop and ponder the views whenever you like. One of the downsides to the train is the number of tunnels but unless you can imagine a train going up and down mountains with 32 coaches that is the only way it will happen, in your mind. Due to passport loss I lost a night in Paris, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back, hostels were both clean while the Milan option must have thought it was normal to eat with your fingers if you did use the kitchen, food and restaurants were never far away for a meal on any budget you liked, from pasta to pizza in Italy and my short stay in Paris a delicious kebab, locally sourced fruit being the lunch time option. You brain dead yet???????lol

Re-Trial-Ment After nearly six decades of trials riding I am hanging up the boots. I have had an enjoyable journey but early January this year made me think that I should act my age and not shoe size. After accepting an invite to a pre-65 , twinshock trial in France , along I went , complete with aged bike. After some 10 or so sections it was realised that there was a chance of a top three finish. Well the competition edge never wains so concentration was needed. We came to a downhill , semi-rocky section. Dropping down over rocks to a path , where a sharp left turn was needed to avoid the river and go out along a path. Walking the section I noticed there was a 'short cut' over a couple of big boulders. They were quite smooth and the easy way to get round the corner. Nearly all bikes stopped on the turn and those getting round "legged it " like mad to pull the bike onto the path. Last but one to go and confidence high I came down the drop , onto the rocks and proceed downwards. (1 in 3) . All OK until the front tyre decided that the moss was a bit too slippery. Woops and heck the bike front wheel dropped into a hole, catapulting me over the bars, landing on my feet but going forward at a great rate of knots. OK so grab a sapling to prevent further forward progress as the rocks looked very downhill and not nice. At the precise moment of my grabbing the branch , the good lord decided that the tree was going to be located elsewhere !!! Yes onwards I went only to do a 'belly flop' into the River Gironde, big, wide and deep. Luckily I was very near to the bank and pulled myself out with some roots.

Some nutter amongst the spectators asked for 'an encore' to receive a suggestion of "going forth and multiplying" . To my shock his wife turned round and said that she thought she might detect a person who had learned English with a good Northern English accent. As I had used French language of gutteral level on the way down she was confused. I was obviously embarrassed as bad language in mixed company, to me, is totally un-acceptable. A little later I humbly apologised to them . I got the impression they were after two fifty quid for some T.V. programme. Sadly the bike had issues as it did a 540 degree loop, landing on the back wheel , that disintegrated, due to tin-worm and a tank lug pulled out. The observers saved it from a swim as they caught it before continuing its forward roll. (There must be a god) . A few days work and another wheel fitted, tank welded (new one needed) and another front exhaust pipe saw it run again. Just hope for good weather and the spray gun will be out to get it ready for Newport. So that's it for serious competitions for me as being over three score and ten you have to be realistic and you just can't show the youngsters how to do it anymore as you're not as fit as you were or reactions as quick as they should be. The Beamish trials outfit will be going up for sale shortly (as soon as the engine is sorted) Just long distance trials and the odd Green Lane will suffice for now. I've certainly had a good time competing and met some amazing people. It is a sport that most motorcyclists should try as you learn how to balance , use throttle control and think ahead. Try it, I did and really enjoyed the time. Many laughs , spills and no serious injuries. (Collar bone, wrist, ankle fractures )..Oh yes still a top ten finish on my last trial... Griffo

Oil Be Damned The petrol thoughts, Ethanol or not ? Made me reflect on oil of different types. Before I go further these comments are just my own thoughts and facts picked-up over a decade or two's motoring. Most of us use oil of some type. Even if it's just the 3-in-one that does all, or the expensive stuff in racing bikes. Castrol R 40 at near enough ÂŁ15 per litre to re-claimed stuff at ÂŁ3 a litre, we all use it. Years ago I had the fortune to be partially sponsored by an oil company and got to know the reps. quite well . Also the technical boffins were chatty and informative. Most old bikes are happy on mineral oil , as long as you change it often. Yes OK total loss systems means new oil every trip. Old four strokes seem to thrive on good old fashioned 20/50 and it fills the gaps in bearings very well indeed. New bikes have to use the the oils with the additives in that help their movement.The modern engine does need the extra parts in the oil, specially with 20k being the norm for engine oil changes. That's cars so we will forget them. With a new bike , obviously the first few services have to be done by main dealers so you should not need worry too much about lubrication. Just a litre of the manufacturers recommended in case of a top-up. Most of us are more interested in servicing our own bikes. What oil ? Well if there quite a few clicks on the clock a decent 10/40 semi-synthetic will more than suffice. Be careful not to mix the semi and fully synthetic fluids as this can cause misery. The synthetic oil in a worn engine can cause even faster wear as it is too thin to do a respectable job and likes to come out through gaskets. Check with the manufacturer as most Suzuki 4 pots prefer semi-synthetic and is the recommended lubrication. GSX 'R' models, used on track days and get some serious riding need better quality , though a worn engine ??????? When I'm on about wear it is minuscule and only measurable under lab conditions . Microns come to mind and for engine wear more than the additive size is hardly measurable. It is there but not noticeable , just enough to not need the expensive additives. 46

Hence to older engines run fine on more economic lubricants. Re-cycled oil ? To me, save your motor and buy respectable lubrication as you just don't know where the re-cycled has been. Then again this is only a personal view and not a gospel to go by. The main thing is that you but an oil suitable for you're bike, you're pocket and often personal preference. Just make sure it complies with the stated minimum standards that should be printed on the label. SAE, ASI . ACEA etc. Minimum sec is available in your hand book . Just have fun getting lubricated !!!!!!!!!!! The Rusty Mechanic.