Modern Vintage

Seven years after the launch of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, we ride two unique project bikes to find out if they go as well as they look: and all at the wonderful Sywell Pistons and Props event!

- STUART BARKER

Suzuki’s Vintage Parts programme was launched in 2013 to highlight just how many new/old parts the manufacturer still has available for sale – over 10,000 of them, as it happens.

Suzuki’s plan was to make it easier for us modern classic restorers to get our hands on original parts for their ever-growing ‘classic’ models. “We launched the programme to highlight just how many new, genuine parts for older Suzukis were still available, and competitively priced,” explains Tim Davies, Suzuki GB’s aftersales coordinator. “We wanted to help owners restoring bikes do it properly. So we’ve taken new photographs of every part on the programme, created parts lists, and made workshop manuals available to download to help owners carry out work.”

The programme now covers a wide range of bikes from RGV250s and RG500s to GSX-R750s, Katanas, Bandits and TL1000s. But even if the bike you want to restore – or simply want some parts for – is not yet listed on the Vintage Parts website (shopvintage.suzuki.co.uk), it’s still worth getting in touch. “If you have a Suzuki that’s not on there, it doesn’t mean parts are not available. The best thing to do is create a wish-list and take it to your local Suzuki dealership, who can check our stock, or also stock available in Europe. We had a customer after a cylinder and lower fairing for an RG500, and we had them sat, brand new, in our UK warehouse. If there’s something you need, just ask us about it. You may be surprised what’s still available.”