The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1961 Suzuki RV61 250cc Racing Motorcycle

• A rare survivor from Suzuki's pioneering years in Grand Prix racing
• In the collection since 2007

Suzuki's first steps into international competition came at the end of the 1950s, when the factory moved beyond modified production machines to purpose-built racers. In 1959 the Colleda RB debuted at Japan's Asama Highlands races, designed under Takeharu Okano.

Although only modestly successful, the project marked the beginning of Suzuki's serious commitment to racing.
A year later, a small works team appeared at the Isle of Man with the new RT60 125cc twin. Results were disappointing, but the experience proved invaluable - particularly the chance to study the latest rotary-disc valve MZ machines that would soon inspire Suzuki's own designs.

For 1961, Okano created two all-new twins: the RT61 (125cc) and RV61 (250cc), both air-cooled, with six-speed gearboxes and magneto ignition. A European campaign was mounted with riders including Paddy Driver, Hugh Anderson and Alastair King. At the Isle of Man TT, Anderson salvaged a tenth-place finish, but overall the machines remained uncompetitive, and after further lacklustre results in Holland and Belgium the team withdrew. Nevertheless, the RV61 represented an important stage in Suzuki's journey to success - the lessons learned paving the way for the following year's RV62, which, with Ernst Degner's input after his dramatic defection from MZ, delivered Suzuki its first World Championship victories.

The machine offered here consists of a genuine RV61 frame fitted with a later Suzuki T20 road engine. Very nicely restored, it remains in the form of the 1961 works racers, though the carburettors are incomplete. Not run since Robert Lusk purchased it in May 2007, it is accompanied by images of the Suzuki team machines at the 1961 TT, a copy of the original 2007 sale catalogue, and assorted paperwork. Robert believed it to be one of the Isle of Man TT entries.

A rare survivor from Suzuki's pioneering years in Grand Prix racing, the RV61 offers collectors the opportunity to acquire a historically significant machine representing the foundation of the factory's future dominance.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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