It’s my bike by John Bramall

I purchased the Suzuki new from Comerford’s of Thames Ditton on April 11, 1972. It cost around £360 and was a part exchange deal in which the deposit was a Vincent Series C Rapide! From the outset the Suzuki was the Sunday Best machine used only on dry days. After the heavy and outdated Vincent I loved the smooth ride, the precise six-speed gearbox, the ease of starting, its good looks and the lack of weight (it was pretty much as fast as the Vincent). As well as general touring, Judith, my wife and I enjoyed various competitive/social events. Eventually the Suzuki lay at the back of the garage while the children were small, and was brought back into use later in the 1980s. No more competition events, but there were quite a few historic bike runs that I could easily get to. On one occasion the restored Suzuki was awarded the best machine award in its inaugural appearance. Mentioning restoration, it had always been my intention for the Suzuki to have a ‘no expense spared’ restoration when the time came, with the engine well-worn at a bit over 40,000 miles this came after a breakdown and a first ever ride home on a breakdown truck. Not being able to do restoration work myself, I searched around and found a source in the West Midlands, so away it went and was gone for over two years. On return it looked resplendent, but mechanical issues concerning the carburettors and oil line/oil pump system soon showed themselves and forced the Suzuki off the road and onto SORN while scarce parts were sought. And so the years drifted by, until a chance meeting with Gary Cobb and his Suzuki friends enabled a lot of skill and enthusiasm to be brought to bear to the extent that the Suzuki is back on the road, and I am remembering what fun it is to ride. Now there are runs and outings ahead, in a dreamed of world in which the sun always shines, and my old bones enable a few more years of trouble free riding before Anno Domini forces me to retreat to my armchair, but may that be several years off…