Robert Holdens Suzuki GSX550 Rides Again : September EoMR

 

Some might say our September end of month ride was a Suzukifest; and they would be absolutely right! One of the  the real joys of end of month rides or going to rally's or races is the anticipation of what sort of machinery will greet you when you arrive. One person amongst the crew who has contributed his fair share of EoMR surprises is Warren, and this month was really special. He had managed to put back on the road Robert Holdens original Suzuki GSX550E that he raced in the early to mid eighties. This was during the time when Holden was a part of the Wellington Motorcycles team and it was modified and raced by others over a number of years. The likes of Tim K and Paul McQ were amongst them and Warren was also one who enjoyed the 'charms' of  the this particular bike back in the day. Really neat to see this very tasteful restoration so a big hat tip (or is that helmet tip?) to Warren. 

As can be seen from the photos it was a really interesting turnout of other bikes, mainly Suzukis. It was good to see Barry out and about with his GT550 with its distinctive poppity pop exhaust sound and accompanying occasional wisp of smoke as well as Jason on his Suzuki Katana 400. Grant had his mighty Suzuki GSX1100 out for spin. Bruce and Max had there Suzuki Bandits and Ray on his Triumph Bonneville and Kenny on his BMW 1250? and your truly on the GSR.  With this being the first run for Warrens bike we decided on a shorter ride out just in case the 'fettling' got a little challenging. Warren also put out an invitation to come and have a look in his shed to see his collection of more than interesting bikes! more on that later.

A pie run to the Rusty Radiator was the chosen destination wth Warren taking the lead just in case.... He took us via our previous route through the back of Feilding and Lees Road with 'just in case' not coming about we arrived at our destination to find pie warmer adequately stocked. After plenty of discussions about many things and the pies consumed and cups drained we headed back into town with most of us following Warren on 'just in case' escorting duty. We are pleased to report that he did make it home with Warren mumbling about s few more fettling tasks needed. As you can see from the photos he has a very eclectic range of bikes in his collection and most of them are able to move under there own power. He still has a very full choice of restoration projects and as time goes by we look forward to there appearance on our end of month rides and thanks Warren for the inspiration to spend a little more time in our own sheds moving our own projects along.