Motorcycle Blog

Having recently relocated to Kidlington after 25 years based in Oxford, Kings Two Wheel Centre bring considerable knowledge to the Suzuki dealer network.

Upon being appointed to the authorised dealer network, dealer principal Steve Polden commented, “We are delighted to join Suzuki. It is great to be involved with such an iconic brand and especially exciting to combine this with retaining all existing staff, enabling us to start as strong as ever.”

Commenting on the new appointment dealer development manager, Ian Brown of Suzuki GB said, “I am very pleased to welcome Steve and his team to the Suzuki dealer network. With their 25 years of knowledge and experience the team is a great addition to our solus network.”

Kings Two Wheel Centre Ltd take on the Suzuki franchise with immediate effect and can be contacted at: Kings Two Wheel Centre Ltd, 139 Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxfordshire. OX5 2NP, Tel: 01865 842144

Suzuki GB has unveiled the 2009 UK motocross line-up, with new variations of the outstanding four-stroke range and a continued commitment to two-stroke models.

Following the launch of the first fuel injected production motocross machine last year with the RM-Z450, Suzuki have remained faithful to the winning formula with changes to colours and graphics for the 2009 model year - a change applied to the successful RM-Z250 also.

With two-stroke models deleted from some manufacturer line-ups, Suzuki GB remain committed for the new year, with the continuation of the legendary RM250 and 125. Despite the continued debate between small capacity four stroke and two stroke models, Suzuki continue to wave the 2T flag in schoolboy motocross, with the small wheel and big wheel variants of the iconic RM85.

Talking about the range, Suzuki GB marketing manager, George Cheeseman, commented, “We stole a march this year with the introduction of the world’s first fuel injected MX production bike with the RM-Z450, and it proved its pedigree straight from the crate. For 2009 the winning formula remains with colour and graphic changes to both the 450 and 250 with continued commitment in the UK for our RM two-stroke range too, which we believe is still very important and valid for our market.”

With models from the 2009 range arriving at motorcycle dealers with immediate effect, all also come with free membership to the Suzuki off-road team club. For more information visit www.suzukioffroadteam.co.uk

Suzuki GB has added a flagship model to its growing cruiser range, with the addition of the all-new Intruder C1800RT.

Arriving in dealers now, the new model fills the gap at the top of the range, by taking the mighty power of the M1800R sports cruiser and giving customers a long distance, traditionally styled cruiser with a host of additions offered as standard to aid touring.

Featuring a large touring windshield, saddlebags, passenger backrest, pullback handlebars and floorboards, the new C1800RT is available in very limited quantities with just 90 models coming to the UK.

Suzuki GB’s George Cheeseman announced the new addition, commenting, “The M1800R was launched just over two years ago and has proved a huge success. While it offered exceptional power and styling, we have been missing a model designed for covering larger distances on, and so it’s great to be able to offer the C1800RT in the UK. With its relaxed riding position and additional touring kit, it’s the perfect cruiser to cover vast distances on in comfort.”

The Intruder C1800RT is available to order from all authorised Suzuki dealers, with a recommended retail price of £10,000. With just 90 coming to the UK, interested customers are advised to move fast.

For further information visit www.suzuki.co.uk

Suzuki Burgman 650 scooters will be hitting the streets of Birmingham and Manchester this month, as the AA take on a fleet of Burgmans as part of their rapid response two-wheel fleet.

With motorcycles making a return to the AA fleet for the first time since the mid-nineties, the Burgmans inclusion will be a welcome addition, helping to cut response times in city areas. With six Burgman 650s expected to go into Birmingham, four into Manchester and six in London, the AA Burgman fleet will be standard with the exception of a top-box, Garmin Zumo Sat Nav and the AA safety beacons and graphics.

Alan Garret of supplying dealer Motts motorcycles in Basingstoke commented, “We are very happy to assist the AA in their return to bike use. As we all know, motorcycles offer a great solution to beating congestion, and so it’s great to see a well-known organisation maximise the potential of two-wheels again.”

Look out for the Burgman AA machines on the roads of Birmingham and Manchester from 29th and 31st of July 2008.

For more information on this or any other Suzuki model, visit your local authorised Suzuki dealer, log on to www.suzuki.co.uk, or call the Suzuki Contact Centre on 0845 850 8800.

For further press information contact Luke Plummer or Helen Morgan at the Suzuki GB Press Office (Motorcycles), Tel: 01296 680086 or 07725 956783.

Team Relentless Suzuki MX rider Lewis Gregory contested his third consecutive European Championship round at the weekend, this time at the Sverepec circuit, 100km north of Bratislava in Slovakia. 

With warm and dry conditions, Gregory qualified ninth in his group, only to be hindered by poor starts once again. Battling back from a slow start in race one, the RM-Z250 rider rode to a solid, but disappointing position for him of fifth place, before suffering a similar fate in race two, riding to ninth place at the flag, with an overall sixth on the day.

Back at home, Scott Probert made his return to racing after a three month lay-off due to injury. Racing in the MMX Open Championship at Blaxhall, near Ipswich, Scott was determined to get back to race pace, and quickly did so, racing to ninth in the first race despite riding an RM-Z250 in a field dominated by 450cc machines.

In race two, another strong start saw the RM-Z rider heading to another top ten position before a collision with another rider forced retirement in the final stages of the race.

Talking about his return to action, Probert commented, “I’m happy with my return to racing today. It’s been tough to be out for so long, but this weekend has boosted my confidence and I can now look forward to my return to the Maxxis British Championship at Foxhills this weekend.”

Under doctors advise, Jamie Law did not race at the weekend, but hopes to be back in action at Foxhills next weekend.

Team Suzuki Swift rider, Brad Anderson, was back to podium form at the weekend as the Maxxis British Motocross Championship returned to the famous Foxhill circuit near Swindon in Wiltshire.

With the ex grand prix venue seeing the best conditions of the season so far, with blistering temperatures, it would be the RM-Z450 rider who would achieve the greatest success. With Anderson finishing fourth in race one, despite three crashes, while going on to stalk race leader Billy Mackenzie in race two, to cross the line as runner-up, he would finish the day in second place overall.

In the MX2 class it would be Anderson’s team mate that would ride to the best results, with Pascal Leuret just missing out on the podium on his RM-Z250 in both races to finish fourth.

Not content with solid results in both categories, Suzuki riders went on to dominate the top ten in both MX2 races with Jake Nicholls, Carl Nunn, Elliott Banks Browne, Lewis Gregory and Jason Dougan all following the Frenchman home, inside the top ten.

Suzuki GB’s George Cheeseman commented, “Well done to all three teams this weekend. It’s great to see Brad back at the sharp end in MX1, and very encouraging to see all three teams scoring inside the top ten of MX2. We look forward to the final two rounds of the championship and wish all teams the best of luck.”

Results:

MX1 Race 1: 1st Billy MacKenzie, 2nd Wayne Smith, 3rd Mark Jones, 4th BRAD ANDERSON, 5th Jordan Rose, 6th Bryan MacKenzie, 7th James Noble, 8th Gordon Crockard, 9th Jim Murro, 10th Danny Smyth

MX1 Race 2: 1st Billy MacKenzie, 2nd BRAD ANDERSON, 3rd James Noble, 4th Tom Church, 5th Bryan MacKenzie, 6th Gordon Crockard, 7th Mark Eastwood, 8th Mark Jones, 9th Mark Hucklebridge, 10th Luke Mellows

MX1 Overall: 1st Billy MacKenzie, 2nd BRAD ANDERSON, 3rd James Noble, 4th Mark Jones, 5th Bryan MacKenzie

MX2 Race 1: 1st Stephen Sword, 2nd Shaun Simpson, 3rd Zach Osbourne, 4th PASCAL LEURET, 5th JAKE NICHOLLS, 6th CARL NUNN, 7th ELLIOTT BANKS BROWNE, 8th Martin Barr, 9th LEWIS GREGORY

MX2 Race 2: 1st Stephen Sword, 2nd Shaun Simpson, 3rd Zach Osbourne, 4th PASCAL LEURET, 5th JASON DOUGAN, 6th JAKE NICHOLLS, 7th Martin Barr, 8th Neville Bradshaw, 9th LEWIS GREGORY, 10th ELLIOTT BANKS BROWNE

MX2 Overall: 1st Stephen Sword, 2nd Shaun Simpson, 3rd Zach Osbourne, 4th PASCAL LEURET, 5th JAKE NICHOLLS, 6th Martin Barr, 7th ELLIOTT BANKS BROWNE, 8th JASON DOUGAN, 9th LEWIS GREGORY, 10th Neville Bradshaw

Hollyoaks actor, Stuart Manning, stormed to eighth place in the Suzuki GSX-R Trophy at the weekend, as he rode the Suzuki GB wild card bike at Anglesey circuit in North Wales.

Manning, known on-screen as Russell Owen in the channel four TV soap, has been a keen motorcyclist and racer for a number of years, and accepted the offer to ride in the series after watching the championship support the British Grand Prix at Donington Park last month. 

Competing in the two races over the weekend, Manning was one of only a few riders that had never raced at the Welsh circuit before, and hadn’t even ridden the bike before the first practice session on Saturday morning. 

However, despite his relative lack of experience, the 29 year-old actor managed to qualify in 14th position and go on to achieve the same result in the first race on Saturday. Determined to do better in the second race, Manning did exactly that by remaining consistent throughout Sunday’s 20 lap race, dropping his lap times to move through the pack to a solid eighth place finish at the flag.

Talking after the weekend, Manning said, “I’ve enjoyed this weekend immensely. I was impressed by the format of the championship as a spectator, but having the opportunity to get involved myself has been tremendous. In fact, I’m now actually considering in having a go at a full season of racing in the GSX-R Trophy next year.”

The Suzuki GSX-R Trophy is back out in action again at Castle Combe on the 16th August.

SUZUKI’S £99 INSURANCE OFFER IN SUMMER COMEBACK

With the current trend for comebacks, be it pop groups, retro clothing or BMX, there’s only one comeback that will matter to sports bike enthusiasts this summer - Suzuki’s £99 insurance deal on the all-new 2008 GSX-R600.

Available with immediate effect, the fully comprehensive insurance offer allows customers aged between 25 and 75 the opportunity to purchase the new 600 with a ultra-low £99 insurance premium for the first year.

Suzuki GB marketing manager, George Cheeseman, commented, “Last year’s offer proved extremely popular, and so it made perfect sense to reintroduce the deal, this time on the all-new GSX-R600. The GSX-R range remains the best-selling sports bike line-up on the market, and with this offer we can make the range even more accessible to those that may otherwise struggle with insurance cover.”

As well as making the first year as cost effective as possible, Express Insurance, who operate the scheme on behalf of Suzuki GB, will also strive to keep subsequent annual premiums as low as they can.

For further information contact your local authorised dealer or visit www.suzuki.co.uk

Terms & Conditions

One Years Comprehensive Insurance is available from £99. Policy is subject to insurers underwriting criteria. Full details are available upon request. To qualify Insured Riders must be aged 25 - 75, must hold a full motorcycle licence and motorcycle must be parked in a brick garage at home address. Policy is restricted to Insured only. A compulsory excess of £500 applies, this insurance offer is subject to eligibility, terms & conditions and subject to availability for machines privately registered between 2nd July 2008 and 30th September 2008. Insurance is provided through Express Insurance Service Limited, Express House, 22 Old Walsall Road, Hamstead, Birmingham B42 1DT. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Promotion ends 30th September 2008. Model shown is for illustration purposes only. For those that do not qualify Express Insurance will still be happy to search for an advantageous rate.

Karl Harris qualified his Rob Mac Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 on the front spot of the second row for round 7 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park, and looked all set for another strong race finish as he went in search of that elusive podium finish (20 July). 

The weekend had began on a high for the Rob Mac Racing team with Karl dominating the free practice sessions on Friday. Running a blistering pace at the head of the field, Karl demonstrated the full extent of the capabilities of the pairing of �The Bomber� and the Iveco Yamaha YZF-R1. 

Race 1 was declared wet before the grid lined up despite the dry track conditions.� A result of the changeable weather conditions that plagued the proceedings all weekend, they looked set to besiege drama on the race. With the majority of the riders opting for a full Pirelli slick choice it was truly a race against time.

Karl got away with the leading pack, chasing down Leon Haslam ahead of him in forth position.� As the gap behind him grew in the opening laps, Harris continued to pressure for the positions ahead. Championship leader Byrne was playing catch up from a poor start having chipped away at the gap to the leaders, by lap 9 the gap was closing and Byrne was less than a second behind. As Harris went to make a move on Haslam into Shell Oils on the next lap he ran a little high up the cambered corner, Byrne made his move underneath him, the pair clashed leaving Harris falling uninjured to the tarmac. Although the incident caught the eye of the Race Director, the investigation that followed resulted in �a racing incident� as a final verdict.

With it all to prove in Race 2 Karl was reliant on another good start to get away with the leaders, however it was not to be. Caught up in the riders around him as they thundered into turn one, Karl had his work cut out having crossed the line in 11th on the first time of passing. A gallant effort saw Karl put his head down to move up the order, picking off places lap by lap, elevating himself into 7th position by lap 5. Michael Laverty occupied the track ahead but with over a second gap Karl had more work to do. With the gap narrowed to a few tenths disaster struck as Karl began to rapidly lose grip in the rear of his Yamaha.

As the following riders took the opportunity to catch the now struggling Harris, it was very apparent that his race was over, eventually losing out some of the valuable places that he�d worked so hard to make up to finish in a bitterly disappointing 9th.

The team now move on to Round 8 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Knockhill in Scotland on 8-10th August.

Karl Harris: �I�m almost speechless. What a dramatic turn around to my weekend. Yet again I seem to be faced with some of the worst luck out there. Race 1 saw Shakey put in a very ambitious move, which resulted in me falling off, luckily I was unhurt but never the less, I didn�t get to prove my worth. I was making� progress in Race 2 but struggling with a bit of grip, by mid race I had nothing and my race was over.�

Rob McElena, Team Principal:� �We are bitterly disappointed. From being the fastest on Friday our weekend has turned itself on it�s head. We really thought it was our weekend. Race 1 was just our luck this season, and the less said about that the better. Karl had no grip in Race 2 and we are left with our hopes shattered again. We had a really positive test at Knockhill earlier in the year so lets hope that Lady Luck follows us up to Scotland for the next round.�

Race 1 Results
1) Sykes (Suzuki), 2) J.Ellison (Honda), 3) Byrne (Ducati), 4) Haslam (Honda), 5) Andrews (Yamaha), DNF -Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)

Race 2 Results
1) Sykes (Suzuki), 2) Crutchlow (Honda), 3) Byrne (Ducati), 4) Haslam (Honda), 5) J.Ellison (Honda), 9) Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)
�
Championship Standings
1) Byrne - 312, 2) Crutchlow - 213, 3) Sykes - 176, 4) Haslam - 174, 5) Camier - 160, 14) Karl Harris - 44

The Northampton Schoolboy motocross Club played host to round five of the BYMX Championships, held at Woodford near Kettering at the weekend, with Relentless Suzuki Youth Academy riders James Dunn and Luke Dean participating in separate classes on their Suzuki RM85 motorcycles
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