In August 2000, I fell in love with a 33-year-old Japanese...

... She's a 1967 Suzuki 250 T20, also known as Super-Six (mainly in the UK - and that's because it was the first 6-speed production bike) or X6 Hustler (mainly in the US).

It was a myth right from the beginning, because this bike offered unbelievable performance for its day and 250cc capacity (breaking the 100mph). It was actually frightening much bigger motorcycles with its 29hp two-stroke twin and 6-speed gearbox, nested in a flawless light and well-handling frame.

Mine is not exactly in the original paint-scheme, but I still find it gorgeous:

I bought it from a friend, who had found a better one. He has raced this one on the "Coupes Moto-Légende" near Paris this spring 2000. The handlebar has been replaced by a sportier one. At the time of the picture, there was no luggage rack... Now I have found one thanks to Internet. It has come all the way from Wisconsin across the Atlantic (after having crossed the Pacific some 30 years ago), to supplement my bike with its gracious silhouette! 

Today, the T20 has reached cult-status and become quite scarce. Unfortunately, parts are getting difficult to track down. Thanks to Internet though, fans are getting in touch with each others. For instance, here are two excellent sites devoted to this machine (they allowed me to find some useful information and parts, and to meet friendly people - see above!):

Roy Fosslie's Suzuki T20 - X6 Hustler - Super Six page (Norway) 

Adrian Baker's T20 Website (UK)

Don't you fancy a ride on a T20? I certainly do!

Latest update: may 2001