Paul851 wroteThe 851 isn't to bad on bumpy roads. Considering it's 18 years old and still running M1R,s on the front and the original Marzocchi duo shock on the rear it's surprisingly stable and definitely more forgiving than my old superlight 900 which used to sit bolt upright if you touched the front brake lent over 😯 But I know what you mean , as I took the bike to France last year and French roads are a revelation after the UK .
Yep, smooth roads are where its at for these bikes I think. After all, SBK racing was their forte (..not the IOM TT!)
Talking of 851s: How about this for a poster? Here's the story behind how I got it..
I rang a local chap who was advertising a pair of cheap used leather jeans for sale in a local mag. When I arrived at his house to buy them, he took me into his garage to show me his bikes (H*nda CBX and Suzuki Hyabusa). My eyes were immediately drawn to the poster on his garage wall though. It was this 851.
The guy worked in a printers, and told me the poster was a one-off he'd had done for a mate of his, but it wasn't for sale. However, a week or so later I received a phone call out of the blue from this chap asking if I still wanted one. You bet!
I called at his place the next day, and he presented me with an identical poster (which he'd done specially for me), and he asked for nothing in return. Over five feet long, and heavyweight canvas too. Just gave it to me! How's that for generosity - and a bit of good luck!
