Licks Cycles: Suzuki DR Massive Rahier Tribute

Suzuki DR800 Gaston Rahier Tribute from La Oveja Negra…

The late Gaston Rahier stays one in all our favourite off-road racers of all time. Generally known as “the little man with the enormous status,” the 5’5″ Belgian bantam punched effectively above his weight class in a number of disciplines.

He received three consecutive 125cc Motocross World Championships (1975-77), a number of Trophy des Nations as a member of the Belgian group, and the Motocross of Nations.

In 1982, his motocross profession ended with a critical accident wherein he almost misplaced his hand. Nevertheless, he returned to compete within the Paris Dakar Rally, taking victory in each 1984 and 1985. The sight of the pint-size rider aboard the two-wheeled Clydesdales of the period was fairly a imaginative and prescient to behold.

In 1988, Suzuki launched the unique DR Massive, the DR750S, which took inspiration from their DR-Z rally bikes. The DR Massive has over 9″ of floor clearance, 9.4″ / 8.7″ of entrance / rear suspension journey, and a lofty seat peak of 34.5″.

Gaston Rahier’s profitable Suzuki from the 1988 Rallye des Pharaohs. (Supply Video)

In 1990, they unleashed the mighty Suzuki DR800S. The bike would shortly cement a long-lasting status as the most important single-cylinder mass-produced bike engine ever constructed, and it earned a cult following that continues to this present day:

“Nice really feel from the most important thumper ever made. A real sensational bike as they construct them within the late 80ies-early 90ies with all the journey spirit of Paris Dakar (the actual one!). Sure, DR Massive might have adjustable suspension, extra prime energy, and higher air protection. However then, it wouldn’t be Dr Massive. For those who discover one simply GRAB it!” -Precise proprietor, MCN

Enter our new pal Diego Meda, who’s founder, co-owner, and “director normal” at La Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep) — a workshop positioned within the Basque Nation of northern Spain.

“Within the 4 years that we’ve been in enterprise, we’ve made greater than 40 bikes…at all times making an attempt to keep up the picture and the approach to life and the best way of creating the bikes that characterizes us, making ‘black sheep’ bikes recognizable anyplace simply by seeing them.”

The DR Massive you see right here is part of Diego’s private assortment, a tribute to Gaston Rahier and the Marlboro Racing rally bikes of the Paris Dakar’s air-cooled early days. Whereas it isn’t as extensively personalized as most of the workshop’s shopper builds, it has an ideal stability of classic and fashionable expertise, together with upgraded suspension, electronics, and wheels.

The body has been painted and the fairings clad within the Marlboro Racing colours — nonetheless as red-hot as ever — and a customized seat upholstered for the bike. Diego likes to experience it within the mountains of northern Spain, the place such a motorbike is correct at dwelling — a two-wheeled reminder of days passed by:

“This bike doesn’t have any traction management or ABS, and no assisted clutch system — it’s all laborious and genuine, as issues had been executed earlier than.”

What’s extra, the thumping coronary heart of the DR Massive by no means will get previous:

“Essentially the most excellent curiosity of this bike is that it has a single cylinder of 10.5 cm in diameter, being a world document for the most important single-cylinder manufacturing engine ever made.”

Beneath, we discuss to Diego for extra particulars on his DR Massive Gaston Rahier tribute.

Suzuki DR800 Rally Bike: Builder Interview

• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.

We’re a workshop positioned in a small city within the north of Spain within the Basque Nation. The group is made up of Diego (me), the supervisor, and three individuals who finally assist Eneko, an engineer, and Andoni Mecanico and Nacho Asesor, however principally I work alone.

Within the 4 years that we’ve been in enterprise, we’ve made greater than 40 bikes. We solely work to order and in accordance with the needs of the shopper, at all times making an attempt to keep up the picture and the approach to life and the best way of creating the bikes that characterizes us, making “black sheep” bikes recognizable anyplace simply by seeing them. Our robust level is the Royal Enfield. We actually like working with BMW and the Ok collection is one other of our specialties. Our firm motto is: We make enjoyable bikes. It is vital for us to make enjoyable bikes. We just like the genuine, the actual…

• What’s the make, mannequin, and yr of the bike?

The bike in query is a Suzuki DR Massive, 800 cubic centimeters, from 1988.

• Why was this bike constructed?

The bike is for the use and delight of the boss and builder of the corporate, Diego Meda (me), and I intend to go away it in my non-public assortment eternally.

• What customized work was executed to the bike?

The bike has not made any main modifications past the painted chassis and the Marlboro ornament. The handlebars have been modified, giving a extra nice peak. The seat has been upholstered and all {the electrical} elements of the bike have been renewed.

The central shock absorber and the geometries of the entrance suspension have been modified, studded wheels have been placed on, and all of the parts have been given a normal overview.

• Are you able to inform us what it’s wish to experience?

The bike doesn’t have any traction management or ABS, and no assisted clutch system — it’s all laborious and genuine as issues had been executed earlier than.

Essentially the most excellent curiosity of this bike is that it has a single cylinder of 10.5 cm in diameter, being a world document for the most important single-cylinder manufacturing engine ever made.