A UNIQUE motorcycle stolen almost one year ago has been recovered – but not in the same condition as when it was taken.
Ross Peden is the most recent owner of a McIntosh Suzuki GS1000, which was custom-built for racer Rodger Freeth in 1980.
His pride and joy was stolen last year from his business on Bishop Dunn Place, East Tamaki, between 5pm on September 7, 2009, and 7am the next day.
A reward was offered for information leading to its safe return, and someone wanting to remain anonymous has now contacted him about what happened to the $60,000 bike.
Some of it is now back with its owner, but the major problem is the multiple race-winning motorcycle is not in one piece.
Detective Matt Kay, of Counties Manukau Police’s major crime unit, told the Times: “It looks like whoever stole the bike knew it was there and what would be required to move it.
“It would appear they tried to turn it into a chopper but realised that wasn’t going to work. They tried to take a classic motorcycle and turn it into something else.”
The McIntosh Suzuki is one of the most famous racing bikes made in this country.
In its previous condition it was a museum-quality restoration, which took five years and tens of thousands of dollars to complete.
Mr Peden initially thought the stolen motorbike was destined to be shipped overseas. “It could never have surfaced in New Zealand with the exposure it was going to get.”
The damage done to it is major and it will be expensive to repair, if that’s even possible.
“It’s tragic – it breaks your heart,” says Mr Peden.
“My present motivation is to get it back to how it was and to possibly put it on display somewhere.”
A reward is being offered for information leading to the return of the motorcycle parts still missing.
People can phone Mr Peden on 027-672-3120 or email ross.peden@lightingpacific.co.nz
Alternatively, call Howick police’s tactical crime unit on (09) 538-0327 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
• Rodger Freeth won the Arai 500 endurance race at the Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst, Australia in 1982 and 1985, and New Zealand titles, on Kiwi-built McIntosh Suzukis. He died in 1993 as a result of injuries received in an accident on the first day of Rally Australia.
