Suzuki

Globally headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, the UK operation is masterminded from Milton Keynes.

Whilst Suzuki’s roots date back to 1909 it first began making motorcycles in the early 50s but really began to get noticed in the 70s. Models like the GT750 played their part in wreaking havoc upon an already flailing British motorcycle industry as the Japanese manufacturers stormed the UK. Today Suzuki is, with Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha, one of Japan’s big four bike manufacturers.

The RE5 still holds a place in the heart of classic enthusiasts as one of the few bikes powered by a Wankel rotary engine although is arguably far less appreciated than the liquid cooled GT750, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Kettle’.

The 188mph 1300cc Hayabusa was pronounced the world’s fastest production motorcycle on its launch in 1999 and love was not lost over the years as sales grew, selling 100,000 bikes worldwide by 2007. Today Suzuki’s bestselling model in the UK is the V-Strom 650, which is offered in Adventure, Street, Tourer and Grand Tourer variants. A new V-Strom1000 is scheduled for 2014.

A chap called Barry Sheene helped establish Suzuki on the racing circuit whilst in celebrity circles Ben Affleck has been noted to be partial to the GSX1300R Hayabusa. Actor and biking ambassador Ewan McGregor has also counted a Bandit among the many bikes he’s owned.

Cardiff’s Trike Shop has produced some achingly good Hayabusa three-wheelers alongside other glorious custom Suzys which you can drool over here. It really would be careless of us not to give pride of place to Lee Workman’s Suzuki GSXR1340 “Yoshi” Fighter, voted the nation’s best in the hard fought Built In Britain contest.

If you’ve customised your Suzuki, don’t forget to talk to our experts about your insurance needs. We’re more than happy to cover customised bikes, call today on 1800 818 751 and our motorcycle specialists will find the right insurance package to suit you.

I have owned 20 Suzuki’s in the last twenty years, I started off with an RGV125, then the 250 version, then the amazing SV650S and finally a Hayabusa before the racing bug got hold. I raced GSXR600’s GSXR1000’s and then built and ran 12 SV650’s, starting way back in 2005.

My best memory of racing the SV’s would be from the 2009 North West 200, these little twin cylinder 650’s perform way better than you imagine and racing one around the Portrush circuit is a joy and amazingly touching speeds over 130mph. I have spent many a day fettling and tweaking my SV’s over the years and even now when I see one – I want to play!

As Ireland’s leading bike insurance specialist, it’s fair to say that we have plenty of experience in finding the right insurance for your Suzuki motorbike. From scooters like the Burgman and the Intruder cruisers, through to V-Stroms, off-roaders and the Hayabusa superbike, we can provide your Suzuki with the care it deserves.