1961
Suzuki RV61 Racing Motorcycle
modified versions
off their production motorcycles, however in
early 1959 a change in policy resulted in a
new model, designated the Colleda RB being prepared
for the Asama race meeting. The engine was the
work of Takeharu Okano and although only one
of the five machines entered finished, its fifth
place was enough to encourage the company to
participate in international events. A team
was despatched to the Isle of Man for the 1960
equipped with a new Okano designed 125cc twin
coded RT60. The results were less than impressive
although, in mitigation star rider Itoh's crash
in practice cannot of helped the team and the
team undoubtedly benefited from the opportunity
to view rival companies products, particularly
the disc valve equipped works MZs.
For the 1961
Okano designed two new air cooled, twin cylinder
machines, the RT61 125cc and RV61 250cc, both
equipped with six speed gearboxes and magneto
ignition systems.
With Paddy Driver,
Hugh Anderson and Alastair King in a team committed
to contesting a full European season expectations
were high. Unfortunately, events at the TT demonstrated
that the Suzuki's were still not competitive,
with Anderson ultimately finishing in tenth
place as the teams highest placed finisher,
results in the subsequent Dutch and Belgian
GPs persuaded the team to withdraw for the rest
of the year. Ultimately Ernst Degner's defection
would provide the key to success for the factory
and the RV62.
The RV61 therefore
marks a significant step on Suzuki's road to
competition success, despite its own lack of
success.
This historic
example is fitted with a T20 engine but in all
other respects is presented in the form that
appeared on the Isle of Man in 1961.
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the webmaster if you have a picture worth adding
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