Suzuki RG 500 Square Four & Jack Findlay – 1974 - motorcycle racing photo

Description

A superb and rare image of the
Suzuki RG 500 Gamma Square Four cylinder works Grand Prix racer
of
1974
and Australian road racing ace
Jack Findlay
in
1974
.
Jack Findlay
is noted for having one of the longest racing careers in Grand Prix history spanning 18 years. He competed at the highest level despite racing as a privateer - that is, not as a contracted member of a factory team - through most of his racing career. The magnificent Suzuki RG500 Square Four was introduced in 1974.
Findlay
is riding the new racer during its debut. Jack Findlay was born in
Mooroopna
,
Victoria
,
Australia
. He began racing aged 15, two years under age, taking the name "Jack" so he could use his father's identification documents. After leaving school, he worked as a trainee accountant at Commonwealth Bank of
Australia
until 1957. He moved to
England
in 1958 to race, joining the Grand Prix circuit with a 350cc Norton Manx. He competed in his first Isle of Man TT in 1959. He competed on the Grand Prix circuits from 1961 to 1978.
His best championship result was in 1968 when he rode a Matchless to finish second behind Giacomo Agostini in the 500cc class. His greatest victory came in 1973 when he won the Isle of Man TT after 15 years of trying. He rode Suzuki TR500s in 1973 and
1974. In
1974, he was a member of the Suzuki factory racing team and helped develop the RG500, with Barry Sheene and Paul Smart. In 1975, he defeated Barry Sheene for the FIM Formula 750 championship. An accident that fractured his skull curtailed his racing career, and he retired in
1978. A
further high-speed accident in 1987 stopped him riding motorcycles. He married Dominique Monneret, the widow of George Monneret, and made his domestic base in
France
. He was appointed Grand Prix technical director by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme in 1992, retaining the post until he retired in 2001. He was assisted by his fluency in French and Italian.
Jack Findlay is seen riding a
Suzuki RG500 works square four 500cc GP race
. In the 1960s Suzuki had gathered a wealth of two stroke technology knowledge and expertise. This became very useful in the 1970s, when the factory decided to seriously attack the 500cc road racing world championship. Using the successful 1960s square four engine design as a base, they developed a bike that would change the motorcycle racing world: the RG 500 square four! This magnificent racing machine debuted during the 1974 French Grand Prix. In the hands of Barry Sheene it finished 2ND behind the MV Agusta of Phil Read. A magnificent debut for the new machine. Within 3 years it would give Suzuki its first 500cc world title, and as an over the counter production racer it would become the first choice for many privateers. No wonder Suzuki gained another seven manufacturers’ titles in succession!
The Japanese
Suzuki
company started manufacturing motorcycles in 1952, the first models being motorized bicycles. During the 1950s, 1960s and the better part of the 1970s, the company manufactured motorcycles with two-stroke engines only, the biggest two-stroke model being the water-cooled triple-cylinder GT750. A large factor in Suzuki's success in two- stroke competition was the East German Grand Prix racer Ernst Degner, who defected to the West in 1961, bringing with him expertise in two- stroke engines from the East German manufacturer MZ. Suzuki hired Degner, and he won the 50cc World Championship for them in 1962.
However, it wasn't until 1976 when Suzuki introduced its first motorcycle with a four-stroke engine, the GS400 and GS750. Since then, Suzuki has established a reputation as a manufacturer of well- engineered sport motorcycles. Suzuki's racing machines have become legendary.
From the 1960s small capacity 50cc and 125cc two strokes to the magnificent RG500 Square Four two stroke, a machine that played a vital role in the 1970s world championship roadracing scene. In the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000's Suzuki wrote history with riders like Kevin Schwantz and, more recent, Kenny Roberts Jr.
We have more photos listed on Ebay of Suzuki, the RG 500 Gamma Square Four and other brands with various riders.
This is your rare chance to own this photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and Suzuki ‘s s glorious history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 7.5" x 12" (ca.
19 cm
x
30 cm
).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.