Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 8th July from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 9th July from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1968 Suzuki T305
No Reserve
Registration No: PHR 278F
Frame No: T305 13350
MOT: Exempt
Part of the Pip Higham Collection
Beautifully presented Laredo 305
Supplied with a current V5C
Pip Higham is a highly respected former motorcycle dealer, classic magazine columnist and record-breaking drag racer who was inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 after his exploits throughout his career. The background for all this success was Pip’s own business, the ‘Village Bike Shop’ in Manchester, where he provided a service for those who wished to go quicker than the rest. The quest for more performance saw him develop mainly Suzuki-based specials, racing in the Street Bike class across Europe and ultimately America, becoming the first European into the ten-second bracket and then the first rider ever into the nines. ‘The Deuce’, a VBS development producing 160bhp using Pip’s own tuning parts, ran in the nine-second bracket many times at terminal speeds up to 154mph for the quarter mile. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Pip has also restored many bikes to a very high standard, sometimes incorporating subtle little modifications to improve performance.
This 'rare in the UK' Laredo 305 model had been excellently restored by Pip, keeping as much originality as possible. In his own words.... 'I already had a TC200 Suzuki Stingray but wanted a bit more get up and go, I dismissed the TC250 as being too similar to the Stingray, but finding a 305 was quite difficult. I eventually found one and paid far too much for it, I then proceeded to rebuild the bike, a process which sucked in money like a thirsty marathon runner after a 27 degree Ironman! I rebuilt the chassis using the original parts wherever possible, retaining the original Takasago rims and lots more, I fitted a replacement front mudguard and covered the seat with a very impressive cover from Russ at Old School, the paintwork was handled beautifully by Jon Speller, fortunately the fuel tank was immaculate inside having lived an Ethanol free existence. Obviously, I fitted new tyres, battery, cables and much more. Both instruments plus the entire wiring harness needed to be replaced having suffered the ravages of high temperature and a careless previous owner, the engine was carefully rebuilt, carburettors were brought back to life and, after a little while I was able to use it a couple of times, It would, no doubt, benefit from some more TLC but it rides well, the motor is strong and everything works correctly'. Not run since last year it will need the normal checks before use, supplied with a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
