Also known as the GS1000R, the Suzuki XR69 was born out of Pops Yoshimura’s request for Suzuki to help him with some development of his GS750-based Formula 750 racer. In 1977, F750 became Formula One and they allowed 1,000cc motors. Suzuki started using the GS1000 motor (good for 74 horsepower stock) but Pops was able to coax approximately 130 horsepower out of the powerplant and all of a sudden the frames were desperately inadequate. The XR69 was born, and the Yoshimura-Suzuki connection continued on for decades. Legendary names like Roger Marshall, Wes Cooley, and Mick Grant all piloted the legendary XR69 – this one’s particularly special because the seller is none other than Mick Grant himself!
This is the bike that Mick won the 1982 North West 200 and raced in the 1982 Isle of Man TT with, and Suzuki gave it to him as a retirement present. Mick set lap records at the IoM TT and Donington Park with this special Suzuki, and he placed 2nd in the Macau GP as well. Since receiving it as a gift he’s only used it for parade events and it’s said to be the first time it’s been offered “on the open market”…though Bonhams had it listed in 2019.
Find this genuine works racer for sale in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom with bidding up to 45,000 (roughly $62,690) and the reserve not yet met here on Car & Classic.