The ex-Frank Perris
1969 Suzuki TR250 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 013
Engine no. 013

• Genuine TR250 racing model
• In-period Grand Prix history
• Well documented

The Suzuki factory commenced motorcycle racing in Japan in the early 1950s before seeking success on the world stage by entering the Isle of Man TT in 1960. Their early efforts were not successful, but the defection to the West of MZ's Ernst Degner, who came to Suzuki for the 1962 season bringing with him a wealth of two-stroke knowledge, transformed the fortunes of the Japanese firm at World Championship level. Suzuki brought its works racing programme to a halt at the end of 1967, but earlier that same year had introduced the TR250, an over-the-counter racer aimed at privateers. Based on the highly successful T20 'Super Six' roadster, the twin-cylinder TR250 was one of the fastest 250cc machines available, capable of speeds of up to 125mph.

In the UK, official Suzuki dealer Eddie Crooks of Barrow-in-Furness was one of the earliest recipients of a TR250 (list price £495). His rider Frank Whiteway lapped the Isle of Man TT course at 90.90mph during practice for the 1967 Manx Grand Prix, unofficially shattering the existing lap record. In the race Frank finished 2nd, but the following year won the Lightweight MGP riding the TR250 to give Crooks Suzuki its first major win.

At World Championship level, returning ex-works Suzuki rider Frank Perris was loaned a Crooks TR250 - number '013', the machine offered here - for the 1969 season. The partnership started well, Frank securing a 4th place finish at Imola, 3rd at Cesenatico, and 2nd at the Nürburgring (all international events) and this good run of form continued in Grands Prix, commencing with the non-championship Austrian GP at the Salzburgring where he finished 2nd. Frank's World Championship campaign kicked off at the second round at Hockenheim where he finished 4th, which was followed by 6th at Le Mans and 2nd at the Isle of Man TT. At this point Frank's other commitments brought his season prematurely to an end and he returned home to South Africa, taking '013' with him. At the time he was in 3rd place in the 250cc World Championship...

In accompanying correspondence, Frank says of the IoM TT race: 'My swan song on the TR, it was a fantastic partnership on my mini "come-back" to finish 2nd behind Carruthers' Benelli and ahead of Herrero on the Ossa. It was a very satisfactory part season for me on Eddie Crooks' Suzuki TR250 Engine No.013, a fantastic achievement for this over the counter racer.'

'013' was later acquired by Ferry Brouwer for his collection of historic racing motorcycles, and during Ferry's ownership was ridden occasionally by Frank. After Ferry sold the Suzuki to current vendor Phil Morris, Frank subsequently rode it on two occasions, both at Mallory Park. Related correspondence is contained within the accompanying history file.

There are probably fewer than a dozen genuine TR250s now in existence, and none can boast a racing pedigree as good as this one, which has enjoyed unmatched success at Grand Prix level.