Unlikely Hero

March 13, 2018 | By Mike Seate

There’s a genuine thrill involved in opening new photo files from our staff photographers as we seldom know what to expect. Working primarily in his native UK, chief shooter Simon Everett somehow manages to unearth incredible custom bikes issue after issue. Some are traditional British specials comprised of air-cooled parallel twin engines and the sort of intense, detailed mechanical acumen that can keep a punter engrossed for hours. At other times, Simon captures hand-made bikes that defy category, history and tradition like the cover bike of our upcoming April/May issue. This time, the esteemed Mr. Everett snapped a rare and wholly unexpected Suzuki Savage cruiser that’s been reborn as a modern cafe special. The story details how firms in the U.S. have capitalized on the growing popularity of this ungainly Japanese single, transforming it into a modern successor to the vaunted Gold Stars and Manx Norton singles of the 1950s. Check it out and try not to become inspired to build your own low-buck, big-fun Suzuki Savage special.