"Slabbie" fun 30-years ago

The First Generation 1985 Suzuki GSX-R750 became known as the "Slabbie." I purchased a good used one from Johnnie at 'Man Wai' when I came to HK in about 1991. It was low miles, in perfect condition, and just Imported from Japan.

In about 1993 I loaned it to one of my close mates (Maurice 'Mo' Green) when we headed out on one of our weekend rides around the NTs. We had been up to a Gurka's Display at Shek Kong Airfield near Kam Tin: Mo on the Slabbie with his girlfriend Thelma; me on my HD Heritage; and about 6 other Classic Bikers. There were very few Police checks back then, so it became a "Race" to get from Shek Kong to ShekO. Coming through the Eastern Tunnel and over Tai Tam Road I was in the lead on my upgraded Heritage (scraping the foot-boards at every corner!!!!) ... as we descended towards ShekO I saw Mo and Thelma come past me at speed with the Slabbie gliding horizontally on its side and coming to an abrupt halt in the ditch ... luckily no oncoming traffic! A helmet I had attached to the side-lock of the Bike kept it up and saved their legs.

We got them up: patted them down, thanked God for no injuries; inspected the battered Bike; had a laugh about it; threw the Bike in the hedge to collect later; and pissed-off on down to ShekO for a Thai Curry and a Beer to settle our nerves!!

In the meantime, someone had Reported seeing an Accident to the Police, who responded immediately and took possession of said Crashed Bike!! The Police came down to ShekO to see who had crashed and 'Interviewed' us all.

Mo put the Slabbie back together for me, resprayed it, and "Customised" it to be the first "Ferrari Motorcycle" in HK!! Good memories ... and I just realised this was 30 years ago. You young pups just arriving in HK, enjoy every minute as it goes past in a flash!!!