Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1975 Suzuki RE5
From the Keith Mason collection
Estimate
£8, 000 - £12, 000
Registration No: NAJ 326P
Frame No: 13668
MOT: Exempt
The world's only mass-produced rotary-engined motorcycle
Rare early model with round instruments and indicators
Supplied with a current V5C
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Vincent Black Shadow, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.
The Suzuki Motor Co. was established in 1909 by Michio Suzuki to produce machinery for the cotton industry. An initial diversification into 4 wheeled transport was curtailed by WW2 but after the war Japan had a need for cheap reliable transport so Suzuki, like a lot of others around the world, began to produce clip-on engines for pushbikes. These proved to be an immediate success and soon they were making full motorcycles and by the early 60s were second only to Honda in numbers of two-wheelers manufactured. Known for their two strokes Suzuki was at the forefront of the race to develop the Felix Wankel rotary engine concept releasing the RE5 in 1975, still the world's only mass-produced rotary engined motorcycle. Whilst a technological masterpiece it was perhaps ahead of its time and only about 5000 were made between 1975 and 1976. With its futuristic design penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Suzuki definitely went out on a limb and even today the design looks like something you would only see in concept drawings, yet love it or hate it, it suits the bike and adds to the character. This rare RE5M in Midnight Blue is the earlier model with its distinctive barrel shaped instrument cluster and round indicators. Presented in very original condition, it was UK registered from new and will be supplied with a current V5C. Offered as a collector’s item, it has been part of a stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines, which have all been dry stored for several years and will require recommissioning before use.
** 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).
