Time warp to 1999

[Ward P]

I was young and stupid and very very drunk the night that photo was taken. That is the only publishable one in the set, it just got fun after that.

The worst thing was having to walk back into that bar the next day to find the owner serving beers over the top of my busa to a packed pub. I walked in carrying a helmet and jacket and as the doors swung shut behind me, the entire pub went quiet. I said, 'I wondered where I left that thing' and had to do the 42 point u-turn of shame to get it out. I don't know that they ever got my attempt at a burn-out out of the floor.

Ten years ago, that was my first busa.

luv it, That is what life is about - and you have printed proof! - but then, those that know you would believe that story anyway

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I was lucky enough to be given an old "Two Wheels" mag from the early '80s with a road test on my old GS850G. It made for great reading, and a laugh as they went through power and handling characteristics.

It got me thinking, how many bikes have been given a huge thumbs up, only to be destined as dogs, and how many slipped through with mediocur reviews, to become legendary.

I'd love to get my hands on some old mags from when the 'busa was first released. Today it is sprouted as "changing motorcycling forever" and other such wanks, but did they realise it at the time? The Suzuki propaganda machine was in full tilt as the bike came out, but how was it received by the bike journos? I remember thinking "what a dog to look at, and what sort of shit colour is that for a bike!!! (How times have changed ) Then I test rode - and bought one straight after.

It would be interesting to read the initial reviews and road tests from back then. Anyone remember the good old days? or have a copy of some old road tests they could pdf and put up?

Hey mate, I had a GS 850 GN for over 7 years back in the 80's. I put over 70,000 kms on it and it never let me down once! It's what I call a good bike even if by todays standards it looks like a dog and handled even worse. Cheers,

Yep, I loved mine as well, and yes, it never let me down. Don't know model, but had blue and black tank. - Best thing I ever did on it was race two mates with Harleys down Macquarie pass on it - and won! It really shit them because they were gunning it, and I'd had the motor switched off from the top!! To rub salt into their wounds I let them know that as well as being faster with motor off, It had a better top speed and I'd paid less for the bike than they paid for their aftermarket brakes!- which were still shit