2004 Suzuki GSX1400

Peter Ransom Suzuki Bike (3)  TBW Newsgroup

A PRIZED 2004 Suzuki GSX1400 left in the estate of Wayne Ackerley has remained in the family, with the passion for the motorcycle living on through a relative. 

Wayne lost his battle with cancer in 2013 at the age of 54, leaving his beloved car and bike collection to his trusted relatives, including wife Michelle. 

Among his collection was the GSX1400, which collected dust until a few years ago when Ms Ackerley’s cousin Peter Ransom asked to purchase it. 

While the bike has now changed hands, Ms Ackerley said her late husband’s passion for cars and bikes continued through their their three sons. 

“Like their dad, they are all enthusiasts and are meticulous with their vehicles and bikes,” she said. 

“All having our motorbike licence, many of our happiest times were spent riding both on and off road.”

Recalling how the Suzuki GSX1400 came to the couple’s attention after seeing a picture, Ms Ackerley said they both immediately knew it was the bike that would carry them on many memorable road trips. 

“We ordered the bike from Barry Francis Motorcycles in Hamilton in 2004 and we were blessed to experience many memorable trips including toy runs in both Adelaide and the South East,” she said. 

“It was so comfortable on long trips and was very smooth on the road. 

“It never gave us one bit of trouble, it was just a great bike.”

Ms Ackerley said the family was devastated after Wayne was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. 

“Our retirement dreams of cruising around on the bike were not to be,” she said. 

“A couple of years ago, Peter told me was interested in the bike and I made the decision to sell it to him. 

“I decided it was better to give as much enjoyment to someone else than it just sit in the shed.”

Ms Ackerley said like Wayne, Mr Ransom was meticulous when it came to looking after his vehicles. 

“While it was very hard to see it go, I would not have sold it to anybody else,” she said. 

“All the special memories the bike holds have still stayed in the family.”

With every ride, Mr Ransom said the bike brings back memories of Wayne and thought it was an honour to look after one of his prized possessions. 

Mr Ransom said after speaking with a few friends, he was convinced and wanted to purchased a Suzuki motorcycle. 

“We now ride all them all together and they just look really nice,” he said. 

“We have done quite a few charity rides and some over to Victoria, Portland, Port Fairy, Dartmoor right through to Coleraine and Penola. 

“I am very happy with it and it means a lot because it is part of the family history.” 

Mr Ransom said overall it was the perfect bike as it was great just to hop on and either cruise or tour, but also offered a powerful kick. 

“I really like the colour, the way it rides and it is really one of those nice bikes. It is clear it has been well looked after,” he said. 

“You see some bikes this age and they usually never look no where near this great.” 

Although it has not been on any long trips since COVID-19, Mr Ransom said when he did get it out of the shed it always attracted attention. 

“I had somebody come and walk right around the whole bike to take a heap of pictures down at the Dergholm Pub,” he said. 

“It has really sat in the shed since the virus began because we can not go anywhere. 

“It is a shame they have to sit for that long because it is not good for them.”

Mr Ransom said he had no plans to modify the bike and wanted to keep it how it was as a tribute to Wayne.