Oh, sorry, wrong story. In the beginning... when I was a junior in high school, I figured that the coming summer would be the one when I would finally get a chance to save up for my first motorcycle. Before then, the only bikes I had ridden were either my dad's small work bikes used around the farm, or my bud's motocrosser we used to terrorize through the fields on. Then there was Ron Johnson's Yamaha 175 Enduro. It was great for riding in the dirt and the street. In those days where I was growing up, having a bike was probably one of the best experiences possible. And sure enough, I finally had saved enough for my beginner's street bike.


Listen to this GSX-R1100 at idle.

When it came time to make that purchase, my dad and I went down to the local Suzuki shop looking for that perfect bike. Back then, in 1976, Suzuki still had those good O'l two strokes, I sure do miss them. Considering the amount of cash I was able to save, my first interest was the GT-380, a triple with Ram Air cooling system. Remember those? As my father and I proceeded to listen to the salesman's pitch, I noticed my dad wander off. Next thing I know, he's over looking at the GT-550. He say's "Hey Rich, come look at this one, I think this is the one for you". So the salesman and I go over while he explains all about the 550. Next thing I know, my dad had disappeared again. Now he's standing next to the GT-750, otherwise known as the "Water Buffalo". Sure enough, he figured this would be a better deal, "More Bang for the Buck". Well by this time, I was so excited I didn't even think as to whether I would be able to handle a bike of this capacity. Then again, I didn't even think as to why my dad had led me on to such a big bike. Back then, being a kid, only weighing 135 pounds, you'd think that I'd be insane to ride something like that. (Maybe my dad was trying to get back at me for all those years..... ) Anyway, I drove it home that very same day, with a little help from my dad in the financial department.

That was the beginning of my experience with SPEED, and my first opportunity to own a 4N RockeT^®. Living in the country, surrounded by rolling hills, made the experience that much better. I really must thank my parents, for supporting my decision to ride. It's not often that parents are willing to let their kid do something that so many consider dangerous. I remember having my mom come out to the street to watch me do burnouts and wheelies. I guess they were sure that they had raised me well enough to take care of myself. But little did they know what could happen once you have 4N RockeT^® in your blood!

It sure was fun my senior year in school. Me and my good buddy Geno, with his Harley Davidson Sportster. We used to cruise all around together to our neighboring cities. (If anyone knows where Mr. Minninger is, have him drop me a line). When you appreciate the experience you get from riding, it really doesn't matter where it was manufactured. We should respect all riders, whether they prefer Rice Rockets, Harley's, or European makes. Most of the people I meet, riding these bikes feel the same way. This 4N RockeT^® has ridden with many a Harley.

Well eventually, upon finishing school, I had figured it was time to make the move back to the big city. (Although being a beautiful place to live, being stuck in the country could get kind of boring). Eventually this GT-750 of mine became a much faster 4N RockeT^®, after having the cylinders & head polished and ported, and throwing some J&R expansion chambers on it. Having all that extra power surely didn't stop me from power sliding sideways and doing wheelies.

Since my first bike, I have usually always had more than one. And truthfully I wish I had never sold any of them, I wish they were all still in my garage. A complete listing of them follows:

Click below for:

RICH'S 4N RockeTs^®
1. 1975, GT-750 (Red)
2. 1981, GS-1100 (Blue)
3. 1986, GSX-R1100 (Red & Blue)
4. 1986, GSX-R1100 (Blue & White)
5. 1992, GSX-R600 (Red & White) FOR SALE, check it out!
6. 1997, TL-1000SV (Dark Green)                   
7. 2003, GSX-R1000 (Silver & Black) coming soon!

I truly have enjoyed every single one of these bikes, and am currently adding the miles to my TL1000SV, "Ducati Killer". What 4N RockeT^® should I add to the collection next? Could it be the new GSX-1300R Hayabusa? Or is there a possibility of an upcoming GSX-R900?

Well, it seems that the GSX-R900 didn't make it to the manufacturing stage, although even better, the GSX-R1000 did. I had made arrangements in late 2002 to order mine, and now it's May of 2003. Guess what? Yep, it has arrived. I am still in the breakin process, but even at this stage, I can feel that 150 rear wheel horsepower just inching its way out. More on the GSX-R1000 coming soon.

Surely, Suzuki's new 2003 GSX-R1000 must be the 4N RockeT^® of everyones dreams.

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