Post by timpa136 on Jan 1, 2013 15:51:28 GMT -5
Greetings to all on the board and a shout out to Tom93R1, who invited me to join. Members here may recognize me from Jay Leno's RE5 video. My first new Suzuki was a TS-250J, then a new carry over GT-750J. Back then, two-week bike vacations were the norm and extended lunch breaks with 3 or more out riding, weren't uncommon.
In October 1974, I went to work at my local Suzuki Dealer, one of the very early Dealers, for a week's training specifically on the RE5 and each tech. had an opportunity to drive a pre-production RE5.Edit: I say that as the tank colors were pretty much reversed to the accent stripes in production. The excitement for me, comparing my GT-750 to the new RE5 with the new seating position and styling, and after riding, the engine compression braking that conventional 2-strokes didn't have was tremendous. As you can probably infer, my enthusiasm couldn't be stronger and remains so to this day. I followed every bike magazine article I could find on both the Yamaha and Suzuki and any leaks on information I could find. Having easy access to our shop's RE5 demo wasn't enough, so I bought my own new RE5 in February 1975, which I still have.
My wife and I have each traveled through all 48 states on our own RE5s. My wife's bike was later modified by my good friend by fitting GS-1000 forks, GS roller steering stem bearings, GS Swing arm and roller bearings, rear discs and a 16" Lester mag, which lowered the bike and transformed it tremendously in stability.
I was road captain for many years,(years ago), with my RE5, for a local Southern California riding club and currently am the RE5 chairman of Lemans America, the International Suzuki Owners Club. I hope to renew past acquaintances and join others here locally in Southern California and later invite all to a summer rally when dates are set, in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area this summer of 2013. As of 02-10-2013, dates have just have been set - July 1- July 5. Our get together this year will be in Bethel, PA. Starting Monday, 1 July thru Friday 5 July. . Don has not picked a hotel/motel yet so stay tuned for further information. and I will post information again in meetings and gatherings. I hope to meet as many of you as possible.
The last three engine propers I replaced had over 150,000 miles each. As others here have recently stated, there are many other bikes to choose but the RE5 wins each time with the most character.
I look forward to giving helpful suggestions, as I am able, and most certainly to learning something on restoration from all of you.
Sincerely,
Tim Johnston
In October 1974, I went to work at my local Suzuki Dealer, one of the very early Dealers, for a week's training specifically on the RE5 and each tech. had an opportunity to drive a pre-production RE5.Edit: I say that as the tank colors were pretty much reversed to the accent stripes in production. The excitement for me, comparing my GT-750 to the new RE5 with the new seating position and styling, and after riding, the engine compression braking that conventional 2-strokes didn't have was tremendous. As you can probably infer, my enthusiasm couldn't be stronger and remains so to this day. I followed every bike magazine article I could find on both the Yamaha and Suzuki and any leaks on information I could find. Having easy access to our shop's RE5 demo wasn't enough, so I bought my own new RE5 in February 1975, which I still have.
My wife and I have each traveled through all 48 states on our own RE5s. My wife's bike was later modified by my good friend by fitting GS-1000 forks, GS roller steering stem bearings, GS Swing arm and roller bearings, rear discs and a 16" Lester mag, which lowered the bike and transformed it tremendously in stability.
I was road captain for many years,(years ago), with my RE5, for a local Southern California riding club and currently am the RE5 chairman of Lemans America, the International Suzuki Owners Club. I hope to renew past acquaintances and join others here locally in Southern California and later invite all to a summer rally when dates are set, in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area this summer of 2013. As of 02-10-2013, dates have just have been set - July 1- July 5. Our get together this year will be in Bethel, PA. Starting Monday, 1 July thru Friday 5 July. . Don has not picked a hotel/motel yet so stay tuned for further information. and I will post information again in meetings and gatherings. I hope to meet as many of you as possible.
The last three engine propers I replaced had over 150,000 miles each. As others here have recently stated, there are many other bikes to choose but the RE5 wins each time with the most character.
I look forward to giving helpful suggestions, as I am able, and most certainly to learning something on restoration from all of you.
Sincerely,
Tim Johnston
