|
|
Post by steve on Aug 10, 2011 16:45:16 GMT -5
Hello everyone. I am a new member and have recently purchased an RE5. Can anyone tell me how I can find the history of one of these bikes. It was purchased in Alberta and with their privacy laws they won't supply (or sell) any information prior to the person that I purchased the bike from.
The bike was manufactured 12/74 and registered as a 1974. The bike is an "A" model with separate tach/speedo and proper lighting. Frame # is 12100.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by wayne on Aug 13, 2011 23:02:15 GMT -5
Hi Steve and welcome.
That frame number is a relatively early bike, about 2000 numbers in. Its date of manufacture would indicate that it should be an M model with tin can instruments etc. In theory, it should be red or blue. The A model was effectively the 1976 bike only in black.
Yours is very likely to be an M model that was dealer converted to A model from kits supplied by Suzuki. Dealers were shipped kits including fuel tanks, instruments, blinkers, taillight and a few other things to convert unsold M models into black A models. Sounds like you have one. Is it still original paint and what colour is it ?
As for tracing its ownership history, I can't help.
Wayne
|
|
|
|
Post by steve on Aug 27, 2011 10:23:59 GMT -5
Wayne, thanks for your information (late reply, I have been away) The bike has been painted black at some time in its' past. I see a chip or two along the bottom of the tank edge with red oxide primer showing. There does not appear to be any other color under this prime coat. The tank has no stripes or decals. Should there be if the dealer painted the bike?
Thanks Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by steveuk on Aug 27, 2011 11:04:09 GMT -5
Is the proper colour still there on the underside of the tank or there might be traces on the inside of the frame/side covers,
|
|
|
|
Post by wayne on Aug 27, 2011 19:11:54 GMT -5
My understanding is that, generally, the dealers did not paint the bikes. They were supplied with completed tank/sidecover replacements and yes, you should have gold striping.
Some dealers did repaint bikes in odd colours, greens etc with Suzuki's blessing in the hope that some flash paintjobs may help move languishing stock. I doubt that a dealer would have repainted it plain old black, especially as it's lacking striping.
Still, the detective work is often part of the fun.
Wayne
|
|
