SCOTLAND’S FOUR CORNERS CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY
Gordon Stuart is no stranger to motorcycle endurance rides, having completed various challenges previously, from John O’Groats to Lands’ End in 2016, to crossing the Arctic Circle in 2018, all in aid of UK brain injury charity Cerebra and special care babies’ charity Tiny Lives. Originally, Gordon intended his next challenge to be much further afield, until the Covid-19 pandemic had other ideas. Forced to look closer to home, he settled on riding his V-Strom 650XT between the four corners of mainland Scotland: 800 miles – with less than 50 miles of motorway – in under 24 hours.
Continuing with tradition, Gordon would complete this ride to raise money for Tiny Lives, a Newcastle-based charity supporting the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. The charity supports over 750 babies and their families annually, and aims to raise £250,000 a year to maintain this support. Gordon and his wife received this support on two occasions, for their daughter Isla born in 2014 and then again with son Hugo born in 2017, with both spending time on the Neonatal Unit following premature births.
“Tiny Lives holds a special place in my heart,” he explained, “and with this ride I wanted to raise money and give back as a way of saying thank you for their care.”
In the run up to completing the four corner challenge, Gordon prepared by riding in the evenings around Northumberland and doing day routes of a few hundred miles, with limited motorway use. The challenge would be Gordon’s first long trip on the V-Strom 650XT, the do-it-all middleweight adventure machine, equipped with Givi Outback Trekker panniers and camping equipment on the pillion seat.
But at midday on Friday 16 July, Gordon set off from the Mull of Galloway, the southernmost point in mainland Scotland.
“The Mull of Galloway was stunning,” Gordon described on reflection. “I was lucky to visit on a lovely morning where from the top of the hill, where a lighthouse sits, I could see the Lake District to the east, Isle of Man to the south and Northern Ireland to the west.
“From there I headed north into Dumfries and through to Galloway and Ayrshire, following the coast between Stranraer and Girvan, before turning northeast towards Glasgow and then onto Stirling, which I reached at around 15:00, and had a brief stop.
“The ride between Stranraer and Girvan along the southwest coast was unexpectedly fun; sweeping bends, large rolling hills, with the terrain of Argyll and the Isle of Arran in the distance across the water. This made me pleased I’d ridden a route that wouldn’t have been on the list.”
After Stirling, it was onto Perth and the motorway section of the ride, which took Gordon past the imposing 220ft National Wallace Monument to the north of Stirling. On this stretch of the ride on the M9, Gordon found his V-Strom was comfortably keeping up with the traffic despite being loaded up, admitting he, “wouldn’t want to do a tour like this on a different bike.”
From Perth, Gordon headed east to Dundee through rush hour before turning north towards Montrose, Aberdeen, and then onto Peterhead where he made his next pit stop at 19:00. While there, he visited the most easterly point in mainland Scotland at Keith Inch, part of the Port of Peterhead, utilising the 650’s nimbleness in town when looking for the port. From Peterhead the route headed west towards Inverness where Gordon stopped again, briefly, at 22:00.
Once back on the road, Gordon turned north to follow the NC500 route up the North East Coast to Thurso, then onto Dunnet Head, the northernmost point in mainland Scotland. It was at this point that the temperature dropped but Gordon powered on assisted by his heated vest (and an Alan Partridge audiobook!), arriving there for a scheduled stop at 01:00.
“At Dunnet Head I had a much needed, 90-minute rest in my pop-up tent, which, weirdly, was one of the most normal experiences on the trip: I was no stranger to solo camping, but social-distancing and masks was still very much out of the ordinary.”
Following the closest thing he’d get to a good night’s sleep, he headed south from Thurso to Inverness before moving south-westerly along Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, where he stopped briefly again at 07:30am, before continuing onto Fort William.
“Riding south from Thurso towards the NC500 coastal route at sunrise was a delight,” Gordon recounted. “The road rides high over the plains of Caithness with unspoiled views of the northwest Highlands in the distance. And the route following the Great Glen from Inverness down to Fort William is something to behold. Again, I was lucky to ride in nice weather and doing so early in the morning meant, apart from a few deer, I had the road to myself.”
At Fort William, Gordon headed west towards Mallaig before turning south into the Ardnamurchan peninsula. This brought him on to the home straight towards the finish line at the most westerly point of Scotland’s mainland, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, where he arrived at 11:21am, 23 hours and 21 minutes after setting off.
“The A830 from Fort William to Lochailort via Glenfinnan – and its famous viaduct – was possibly one of the best roads I’ve ever ridden on a bike; sweeping bends, dips and peaks, it was like the best rollercoaster I’ve been on with good views of the road ahead, long lochs, and mountains to the side. Great fun.”
Gordon had done it: 800 miles, all four corners of Scotland in under 24 hours.
“I was absolutely shattered but it was an amazing feeling to have completed the challenge,” Gordon said on reflection. “I was a little bit emotional actually. It was been beautiful the whole time, and it was amazing knowing I had so many people behind me.
“The bike was really comfortable, and it handled the twisty A and B roads of Scotland sublimely and was really confidence-inspiring. You can just throw it into the corners, and you know it will come out the other side where you want it to, it’s just easy to ride. It just seems such a workhorse. You can pile it high with gear and it just doesn’t care.”
Despite this ride not being part of Gordon’s original plan, he was glad he was able to make something positive out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to his next adventure, Gordon hopes to complete a multi-country Arctic ride to Russia (with no-less than 13 border crossings) to complete his years long ambition of riding a motorcycle across the Arctic Circle.
BRAND NEW KATANA FUEL TANKS NOW IN STOCK ON VINTAGE PARTS PROGRAMME
Brand new, genuine Katana fuel tanks are now in stock and available on Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, after the Japanese firm remanufactured a limited run.
With an RRP of £746.76 including VAT, the brand new fuel tanks fit GSX1100SD and GSX1000SZ Katanas and are finished in the glorious silver and adorned with the same red Suzuki lettering.
Suzuki GB aftersales co-ordinator Tim Davies, said, “We’re really excited to have these new Katana fuel tanks in stock, in the UK, and that the factory have been able to reproduce this limited run.
“No one needs me to point out how iconic the Katana is and how they’re still so sought after, and we see so many restorations or custom builds based on the bike. Of course, over time, bikes left to stand can suffer from all sorts of problems with stale fuel or water and moisture in the tank, so being able to replace it completely for a brand new, genuine item is a great thing to be able to do for a bike that is 40-years-old.”
Designed by Hans A. Muth and Target Design, the Katana was like nothing before it. It was a radical departure from current motorcycling fashion and was a sales success for Suzuki.
Other parts still available for the Katana include centre stands, brake and clutch levers, clock surrounds, sprocket covers, con-rods, pistons, and piston rings, an array of gaskets, valves, cotters, seals, and springs, and even the carburettor intakes pipe rubbers.
The new fuel tanks and other parts on the Vintage Parts Programme can be ordered through authorised Suzuki dealers.
CLASSIC SUZUKI SUNDAY FINALLY RETURNS TO THE SUPER SAUSAGE CAFÉ
After a year’s sabbatical following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Classic Suzuki Sunday is set to return the Super Sausage Café on 19 September.
Previous years’ events have seen packed crowds at the biker-friendly café off the A5 near Towcester, as Suzuki – through its popular Vintage Parts Programme – and Team Classic Suzuki display a range of 1970s, 80s, and 90s road and racing machinery.
Displayed at this year’s event will be the Team Classic Suzuki Katana endurance racer, which John Reynolds and Pete Boast raced to victory at Oschersleben. Sticking with the Katana theme, the outfit’s project Katana, based on world superbike underpinnings, will also feature.
Added exotica comes courtesy of a factory RGV250 racer from the 1997 Japanese championship, as ridden by Noriyasu Numata in its orange Rizla Suzuki livery.
Suzuki GB will also show off the GSX-R1100 and Bandit 600 rebuilt by apprentices on its Apprenticeship Programme, plus an RGV250 and the 1985 GSX-R750F restored at Motorcycle Live in 2015, as part of the model’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, said, “We are so incredibly happy that we’re able to put this event on again. It’s not far from Suzuki HQ and feels something like a home event, and after the year we had in 2020 we’re really excited to get back to the Super Sausage Café and bring our vintage fleet along with us. As well as the bikes we’re bringing, however, we are always keen to see what other people bring to the event, from GSX-Rs to GTs and everything in between. Traditionally there has always been a fantastic turnout, and being an outdoor event we’re hoping to see the bike park filled again this year.”
The Super Sausage Café can be found off the A5, between Towcester and Potterspury, Northampton, NN12 7QD.
SUZUKI’S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ON DISPLAY AT MOTORCYCLE LIVE
With Motorcycle Live 2020 cancelled due to the global pandemic, Suzuki is celebrating its Grand Prix world titles a year later to make up for it. With Joan Mir winning last year’s MotoGP world championship for Team Suzuki Ecstar, Suzuki is marking his – and its other six – world championships at Motorcycle Live 2021.
Mir’s title-winning GSX-RR will be displayed in its resplendent anniversary livery, alongside Kenny Roberts Jr’s 2000 title-winning RGV500, Kevin Scwantz’s 1993 RGV500 in its famous Lucky Strike colours, Franco Uncini’s 1982 RG500, Marco Lucchinelli’s 1981 RG500, and Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 world championship-winning machines.
Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies said, “Joan may have won last year’s championship but with the way of the world we never really got to celebrate it with fans and customers. So this year we’ve assembled all seven of our world title-winning Grand Prix machines for show-goers to see and look around, and it’s the first time ever all of these bikes will be displayed together.”
Away from the race bikes, Suzuki will display its current model lineup, including the newly-launched GSX-S1000GT, which blends sporting performance with touring practicality, thanks to a lightweight, agile chassis and a 152PS, superbike-derived engine, a comfortable riding position, and a suite of electronics that includes cruise control, traction control, a bidirectional quickshifter, selectable power modes, and smartphone connectivity all controlled through a colour TFT dash.
Also displayed for the first time will be the third generation Hayabusa, the latest iteration of the iconic hyperbike that gets the most comprehensive suite electronics of any Suzuki, ever, plus updated styling that remains faithful to the original and an engine that delivers turbine-like, creamy power throughout the rev range.
Other new-for-2021 models making their Motorcycle Live debut will be the GSX-S1000 naked and the A2-friendly GSX-S950, plus the refreshed Burgman 400.
From on-road to off it, the latest RM-Z450 motocross machine will feature, along with an SR75 Suzuki-prepared RM-Z250, while a DF350 marine engine and a KingQuad will even showcase Suzuki’s capabilities across its divisions.
From the Vintage Parts Programme stable, a GT250 EX7 that started life as one of Suzuki GB’s original press bikes will front a display of classic road and race bikes that will also include an original GSX-R750F and a 1999 Hayabusa, plus fan-favourite and three-time British Superbike champion John Reynolds will be present over the show’s two weekends.
Suzuki can be found on stand 3E15 in hall three.
For show information and tickets click here.
EURO5 GSX-R125 AND GSX-S125 ANNOUNCED
Suzuki has pulled the covers off its Euro5 GSX-R and GSX-S125 machines, with the new learner-friendly models available in dealerships next summer.
In 2022 the GSX-R125 – which has become the weapon of choice in the Freetech 125 Endurance Championship having won the title two seasons in a row – is available in the signature MotoGP blue with the bold, white SUZUKI graphic adorning the fairing, as well as a black and grey take on the trademark design, offset by red wheels.
The GSX-S125, which uses the same DOHC, free-revving single-cylinder engine as its fully-faired sibling, comes in a blue, black and silver, as well as a more subtle black and grey. A more eye-catching white and black with red decals and red wheels completes the set.
Both machines use a compact LCD dash and get Suzuki’s easy-start system. The GSX-R125 also features a keyless ignition system.
Pricing to be confirmed.
STANDARD PETROL IS CHANGING TO E10 – KNOW YOUR FUEL
Know Your Fuel. In the Summer of 2021, the standard petrol grade in the UK will be changing to E10. The introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce CO2 emissions associated with petrol vehicles.
The good news is, most motorcycles are also approved to use E10 petrol, but for those who like to keep their classics running, they should check compatibility just in case. For the few vehicles that need it, E5 will continue to be available at most larger forecourts in the ‘super’ grade. E10 contains up to 10% bioethanol.
The DfT have created the E10 Fuel Checker which enables riders to search for their PTW and check compatibility, prior to arrival at the pumps. Some PTWs made prior to 2011 will need to continue to use E5 petrol, which will remain available as the super grade petrol option at the pumps. Riders are being advised to use the super grade E5 option if there is any doubt in compatibility.
SAVE £500 ON THE SV650 THIS SUMMER
Suzuki has added the ever-popular SV650 to its Summer Savings campaign, with the V-twin middleweight now available with a £500 off test ride incentive.
It means the machine that arguably launched the booming middleweight naked market can be had for just £6,099.
The SV650 produces 73PS, is capable of averaging nearly 70mpg in every day riding conditions, and uses Suzuki’s easy start function and low RPM assist.
Owning an SV650 became almost a rite of passage for riders progressing from smaller, learner-friendly machines. Today it finds favour with new and experienced riders alike thanks to its manageability and fun, easy-to-ride nature.
Terms and conditions:
£500 test ride offer applies to purchases of a new SV650 only. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 16/07/2021 and 30/09/2021 to qualify. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time.
NEW WINTER OFFER ON SUZUKI TWINS
Suzuki has announced a new offer across its twins range – from its range-topping V-Strom 1050XT Tour to the popular SV650 – with 2.9% APR representative available over a three year agreement, with no deposit required and an additional £500 off test ride incentive.
Running from 1 December 2021 until the end of March 2022, the offer is available on both PCP and HP deals. The V-Strom 1050XT Tour is included in the offer, complete with three-piece aluminium luggage – as is the V-Strom 1050XT. Both machines use Suzuki’s proven 1037cc V-twin engine, boasting an abundance of torque in the low and midrange.
Models using the equally-famed 645cc V-twin, known for its free-revving character and reliability, are also included in the offer; both the V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 650, plus the SV650 middleweight naked and its café racer-inspired stablemate, the SV650X.
The offer means the SV650, arguably the bike that spawned the current middleweight twins market, can be had with an RRP of just £6,099 after taking a test ride. And with no deposit required it removes the need to find a lump sum up front, while 2.9% APR ensures lower, manageable monthly repayments.
Or if you’re dreaming of adventure, taking a test-ride see’s the V-Strom 650’s RRP comes down to £7,499, and the V-Strom 1050XT Tour, with 112 litres of storage capacity in its aluminium luggage, is just £12,399.
And with plenty of stock available in dealerships, there’s even time to put one in the garage before Christmas.
Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Suzuki Finance, a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Limited. Registered office: St, William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.
SUZUKI INTRODUCES WHITE HAYABUSA FOR 2022
Suzuki has added a white version of the new Hayabusa to its range for 2022, which joins the existing black and orange and matt silver and red versions launched this year.
With an RRP of £16,499, the third generation of the legendary hyperbike gets Suzuki’s most advanced suite of electronics ever, with 10 lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS, three power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and a speed limiter, and three stages of launch control, all controlled via easy-to-use switchgear and managed through a neat colour TFT display, nestled between two analogue dials reminiscent of the original Hayabusa’s clocks.
A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft, and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges making it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet with more cumulative torque than its predecessor. All this is wrapped in sharper, more angular bodywork that nonetheless is immediately recognisable as Hayabusa, taking heavy design cues from the original.
The new pearl brilliant white Hayabusa, with its chrome trim and subtle metallic matt stellar blue accents, is available in dealerships now.
SUZUKI RANKED TOP AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX
Suzuki has ranked highest in the automotive sector in the most recent UK customer satisfaction index, compiled by the Institute of Customer Service.
Over 45,000 responses were received as part of the survey, and Suzuki not only ranked as the highest automotive brand, but ranked joint third in the overall standings.
Jo Causon, CEO of The Institute of Customer Service, said, “In this challenging period for the automotive industry is it clear that some businesses have managed to maintain services and respond to changes in their customers’ circumstances and needs well. Suzuki’s continued strong showing in the UKCSI is encouraging and the organisations that best support their customers through these times – by reassuring, engaging and providing appropriate advice – will be best placed to thrive as we come out of this crisis.”
Nobuo Suyama, managing director of Suzuki GB, said, “We are very proud of our achievement to be in first position in the automotive sector, particularly in the continued challenging times we all face. Continuing to evolve the Suzuki customer experience remains a core focus for us and the ongoing efforts of our staff and dealers has again really paid off.”