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classic-japanese-bikes pick of the week!
Stealing Speed. By Max Oxley
If you think that you have read about and know all there is to know about Ernst Degner’s defection to the west and how he stole MZ secrets and gave them to Suzuki, then think again. Stealing Speed by accomplished racing author Mat Oxley is totally new work on one of the biggest scandals ever to rock the motorcycle world.
Just a quick look a the references that Oxley has used in his research shows that this is one of the most carefully researched works on the subject and he has looked well outside the motorcycle world during his research. The Science museum, the CIA, books on politics have all been raided to bring the story to life.
As you read through the 238 pages you begin to realise that how the Second World War played a part in developing the two-stroke motorcycle from a utilitarian powerplant into a race winning rocket-ship (sic). The technology came from the Nazis’ notorious V-1flying bomb and was poised to give the MZ factory a world championship under the guidance of engineering genius Walter Kaaden.
However, as we all know his protégé and works rider Ernst Degner took the know-how to Suzuki who were struggling and gave them their first world championship. As Oxley quite rightly points out, the modern 500GP machines were still benefitting from that knowledge before the class moved onto four-stroke machines. So too were the roads bikes like the Yamaha LC range and the smaller GP classes continue to use that knowledge.
What makes this book so fascinating though is the interviews with people who were around at the time or who benefitted (or lost) as a result of the defection. Not to mention the information regarding the Cold War and how politics affected motorcycling in the Eastern Bloc.
Degner as most know met an untimely end and Oxley dispels some of the more outrageous theories such as the Stasi killing him for his defection. Interestingly, the company that helped him make the leap and directly benefitted, Suzuki, declined to assist in the research!
It is fascinating book, not only for the motorcycling content, but for an insight as to how unconnected worlds can directly or indirectly affect others. It is also a good example of how the grass is not always greener on the other side!Written in Oxley’s own inimitable style, it is entertaining and not stodgy or a boring read, in fact the very opposite. This hardback book without a doubt is a must read and is remarkably cheap at £17.99! ISBN 978 1 84425 689 1 Available form all good bookshops or direct from the publishers Haynes (www.haynes.co.uk)
Yeah. These have practically nothing to do with classic Japanese motorcyles but so what! They're fun to look at. So check it out. It's too stupid to believe. I love the 1970s.
A painlessly short and silly video...
RYCA Motors Suzuki Savage cafe conversion
The super-sleek cafe racers you see below are the creation of Casey Stevenson and company at Los Angeles' Ryca Motors. A relatively new outfit, Ryca has brought a great bunch of products at very reasonable prices to the marketplace.
Based on the rather non-descript Suzuki S40 Savage cruiser that's been in production for centuries, Stevenson has managed to create a cafe racer enthusiasts' dream. A silk purse from a sows' ear, if you will. And you will when you see the drastic improvement this old sow has undergone!
At just under 3 grand U$, you get the complete conversion package. Or buy any number of pieces as you see fit. In fact Ryca will sell you the completed bike or just a t-shirt if you like. Their web-site is a concise, no bullshit, colourful and fun place to browse.
And it looks like Ryca are looking for more unfortunate old steamers to resurrect judging from hints on their website.
I could go on but why not let Ryca tell the story themselves:
"The Ryca CS-1 is a 650cc, air-cooled, single cylinder café racer designed to be lightweight, reliable, and fuel efficient for urban commuting. The engine and chassis components are sourced from the unsung heroes of the thumper world: the venerable Suzuki S40. You can purchase a new CS-1 or build your own from custom parts.
The bike was designed by Casey Stevenson of Ryca Motors in Los Angeles. Casey was an engineer at NASA. He traded a super cushy desk job for the chance to build motorcycles. Here's what he says about the bike:
"I was in the market for a new motorcycle and wanted a lightweight thumper to get around the streets of L.A. I quickly discovered the lack of available options, so I started working on a new design. I was imagining a motorcycle with a Japanese engine and classic cafe styling, but more sleek and modern than the single cylinder customs based on old bikes that are popular at the moment.
I discovered my ultimate thumper café racer hidden inside a bike known as the Suzuki S40 (aka the Savage). They have been around for over 20 years and are still available brand new.
The custom parts and accessories were designed to avoid any major modifications to the frame or engine, which allows anyone with basic tools to build their own bike from kit components. The end result is a machine that is simple, fun, and affordable."
And a helluva lot nicer than the original you see here...
So there you have it. Check out RYCA Motors and let's get those old Savages cleaned up shall we?
Wicked modified Kawasaki Mach III
Seen recently at The Mona Lisa Restaurant (location unknown) Euoro bike show and shine was this classic Japanese 2-stroke legend.
Amongst the Guzzis, Ducatis, BMWs and Triumphs this was, for many, the show stopper. A stunningly detailed Kawasaki MachIII two stroke triple sizzling hot rod.
These legendary beasts boasted blinding arm stretching acceleration and truly evil brakes and handling. This example has all the goods to overcome these well know shortcomings. You can spot most of the modifications. But in case you can't:
The paint!
Slightly newer fuel tank from a later model.
A custom fast back solo seat unit combining the modified original seat pan and custom padding and cover and the tail cowl from a KZ900 or 1000.
Halogen head lamp.
Front disc brake and master cylinder c/w braided steel brake line.
Road racing vintage clip ons.
Vintage switch gear?
Vintage triple tree?
Steering dampener.
Accel harness and ignition?
Custom expansion chambers, source unknown.
Vintage custom rear sets.
Vintage Red Wing dual rate rear shocks.
Modified license plate holder.
Bridgestone Spitfire tires.
This one should handle as well as go!
Sorry about the background noise on these photos but it's simply unavoidable at these types of gatherings. C'est la vie.
Thanks to Kevin Waugh and friends for the paraphrased words and the photos!
1983 Suzuki GSX750 E
Andreas Knobloch from Germany sent these nice pics of his lightly modified 1983 GSX750. I've lightly modified his original description for the benefit of classic-japanese-bikes' fair readers:
"I bought this 1983 GSX from a friend with 20000km on the tacho. He rode it for 3 months, then he bought a Honda Bol Dor (more HP, he says).
Some details: Suzuki GSX 750E, 86 HP, new blinkers, rear wheel is a little bit bigger (130er Pneu/originally from GSX 1100E )and the colour of the bike is not original.
At moment I have 57500km on it, and it drives very good. In summer I will drive every day to work and home. 50km distance. Only the frame is too small and soft for the bike, so you can feel it in strange curves. Sometimes with friends we take a little tour and it makes for great fun."
Andreas has got himself a real peach of a Suzuki here. Thanks Andreas for sharing your ride with us!
Blast from the past; Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
This You-Tube video is a great period piece created by Kawasaki to hype the 750 Turbo. Decent production values, and thank god, no loud horrible music ruining the experience. Check it out!
A new page on the Turbo and its sibling, the non-turbo GPz750 will be added to this site shortly, as these models are definitely becoming rare classics.
Karnage kustomz motorcycles...
...has come up with this great way of improving the look of Yamaha cast-spoke wheels that were used on the XS series bikes as well as other models and brands. Let's face it. The stock wheels are ugly, heavy and don't do a cafe-racer any justice.
The idea is cunning in it's simplicity and elegant in execution. Let me see if I can get this right.Take the wheels off the bike. Take the tire off the wheel. Drill the spokes in even patterns and paint the wheel (powder coat preferably)a bright happy colour. Reinstall.
Brilliant! Lots of us have classic Japanese bikes with these wheel types. Instead of swapping them out for spoke rim alloy units and going through the lacing and fitting hassles, this is a great alternative. Plus you can get creative with the drilling and wheel colour. And best of all, it's cheap!
This page is the latest in an ongoing weekly series of amazing and unusual classic (mostly) Japanese motorcycle creations. Be it bobber, cafe, streetfighter or stock.
Keep an eye on this space! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and of course all credits for the bike and it's photographer will be fully acknowledged.
If you think that you have read about and know all there is to know about Ernst Degner’s defection to the west and how he stole MZ secrets and gave them to Suzuki, then think again. Stealing Speed by accomplished racing author Mat Oxley is totally new work on one of the biggest scandals ever to rock the motorcycle world.
What makes this book so fascinating though is the interviews with people who were around at the time or who benefitted (or lost) as a result of the defection. Not to mention the information regarding the Cold War and how politics affected motorcycling in the Eastern Bloc.
At just under 3 grand U$, you get the complete conversion package. Or buy any number of pieces as you see fit. In fact Ryca will sell you the completed bike or just a t-shirt if you like. Their web-site is a concise, no bullshit, colourful and fun place to browse.
"I was in the market for a new motorcycle and wanted a lightweight thumper to get around the streets of L.A. I quickly discovered the lack of available options, so I started working on a new design. I was imagining a motorcycle with a Japanese engine and classic cafe styling, but more sleek and modern than the single cylinder customs based on old bikes that are popular at the moment.
Amongst the Guzzis, Ducatis, BMWs and Triumphs this was, for many, the show stopper. A stunningly detailed Kawasaki MachIII two stroke triple sizzling hot rod.
