1966 Suzuki 79cc K11T Works

• Rare Trail version of K11 sports
• Believed to be used by Olga Kevelos in the 1966 ISDT
• Purchased from Arthur Lampkin

From the outset, Michio Suzuki's company was involved in the manufacture of looms. Needing to diversify after World War Two, Suzuki manufactured a number of other goods before turning his attention to powered cycles. The first complete machine was launched in 1954, but it was not until 1961 that Suzuki opened an office in London, and 1963 before they began officially to import motorcycles to the UK, when they came to a distribution agreement with AMC; Suzuki Great Britain Ltd. was formed, and part of the James factory was utilised for the purpose.

No strangers to the 'race on Sunday, sell on Monday' principle, Suzuki had already won TT trophies in 1961 and 1962 with lightweights before importing machines, and once underway they looked to other forms of competition to promote their wares. Thus it was, that they were able to recruit the redoubtable and glamorous Olga Kevelos to ride their machine in 1966 in the ISDT in Sweden – an ultimate test of a motorcycle. Olga was something of a coup for Suzuki, as she guaranteed column inches, being a glamorous female in a predominantly male-dominated sport, and she was no slouch in motorcycling terms, having competed in the ISDT most years since 1948. In 1949 she won a gold medal on her factory-supported Norton 500T. Provided with a K11T by Suzuki, Olga unfortunately fell prey to sickness at the end of the first day, and was unable to start the second day of competition.

The green RF60 log book on file documents the ownership of GOF 540D, with the first registered owner being 'Suzuki (Gt. Britain) Ltd.', and the entry was signed by Alan Kimber, who was initially Sales Manager, and then a Director of the company. After Suzuki, ownership moved northwards to Fred Watson of Silsden, Keighley in 1967, then to Anthony Bell, before coming into the ownership of Arthur Lampkin. Many years later, in 2008, Arthur sold the Suzuki to Derek Rumble (of sidecar fame), advising him that he believed this bike to be the one that Olga Kevelos used in the 1966 ISDT. However, this is undocumented, and accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the history, provenance, and origins of this machine prior to bidding. Arthur Lampkin rode for the British team in the 1966 ISDT.

Derek purchased the Suzuki as a restoration project, and set about the work, completing the task over a period of two years to his usual high standard. There is a handwritten list on file of parts purchased and used. Documentation comprises an old-type V5C, the green RF60 log book mentioned above, purchase receipt, and the list of parts used. There is also a spare K10 engine included with the bike.