Suzuki Cafe Racers

Although Suzuki Motorcycles was a relative latecomer to the scene (1955), historic racing wins during the sixties and the decades that followed have established them as a global brand. Iconic models like the futuristic looking Katana and the groundbreaking GSX-R750 shook the motorcycling world during the 1980s. Then in 1999, they set a new standard in speed with the release of the 300kmh+ Suzuki Hayabusa.

Lucky Legend – IDM Suzuki Bandit

Italian Dream Motorcycles are a patriotic lot who have a plan for many of the bikes they’ll be building in the future. For the next six years, they’re going to dedicate one bespoke motorcycle to each of the six Italians who have won GP championships. The first is this – a Suzuki…

Suzuki

Dream Rubber – Retro Suzuki GSXR750

Back in 2014, I flew to Indonesia to attend my first Kustomfest show. I was unsure exactly what to expect from the local bike builders. My only experience with Indonesia prior to that was limited to lazing on the beaches of Bali, and the only bikes I’d seen were beaten up scooters…

Suzuki

Simply Stunning – NitroCycles Suzuki GS850

“Make it simple”. With those few words, the owner described to me what he was after. I insisted we sat together a while longer so I could coerce a few more fragments of information out of him. As I dug deeper I deducted that what he really wanted was a bike built…

Suzuki

Repli Racer – Spencer Motoworks Suzuki T500

If Ralph Spencer’s Suzuki T500 could talk it would have some epic tales to tell. From its life before Ralph when it was run into the ground and left for dead in an old barn, to its days as an AHRMA Formula 500 racer and finally how it returned to the road…

Suzuki

EICMA 2017 Cafe Racer Collection

Milan was once again buzzing with motorcycle mania as the world’s top manufacturers gathered to showcase their latest developments at EICMA 2017. This year we were pleased to see a glut of retro-styled, “modern classic” motorcycles amongst the new releases. While that is great news for nostalgic types like us, what was…

Zero – Officine GP Design GSX-S750

While the major motorcycle manufacturers are unveiling their new models at the EICMA show in Milan there are a handful of custom builders amongst them who are looking to steal some of the limelight. One such builder, who has just revealed his latest creation, is Luca Pozzato the man behind Italy’s Officine…

Suzuki

Grey Flash – XTR Pepo Suzuki Bandit

What’s in a name? Traditionally names given to motorcycles by their manufacturers reflect a bike’s character, but Suzuki’s aggressively named Bandit missed the mark. Sure it sold well, but its performance was tuned for everyday rideability rather than unlawful behavior. The inappropriateness of the Bandit’s name was also evident in its staid…

Suzuki

Golden Touch – John Player Suzuki GS750

In the world of Formula 1 racing, no one has ever looked as stylish on the track as the 1970’s Lotus John Player Special team. A liberal coat of black paint and gold JPS livery went together to create a look as iconic in racing as Nike’s swoosh is to sneakers. In…

Suzuki

Sharp Lines – Sp9ine Suzuki Katana

As promised here’s a follow up to our recent feature from Sydney’s Sp9ine workshop. While Edi was slaving away on his CB900 cafe racer build this motorcycle was patiently awaiting its turn. Purchased on a whim after seeing it for sale on a street verge, the motorcycle started out its life as…

Suzuki

Wife’s New Wheels – ORIGIN8OR GSX1100R

I really wanted my wife to have a motorcycle to ride instead of always sharing whatever bike was ready at the time. Her birthday was coming up so I began searching for a birthday surprise project to build over the winter. Typically I don’t search for a specific bike, rather just a…

Suzuki

Rickman Racer – Suzuki GS550

After watching more motorcycle building TV shows than I should admit to and a late-night conversation with my wife, we realised how difficult it was finding good quality seats. I’d done all the manufacturing before and had the knowledge to design them so it was just a case of putting that into…

Suzuki