Suzuki Australia press release:

Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the globe have dug deep to help victims of the Victorian Bushfire tragedy, raising $25,000 in the Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction.

Net proceeds from the auction, which featured a diverse range of motorcycle memorabilia and exclusive experiences, will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

After over 230 bids, the auction finished on Sunday night, with successful bidders coming from Australia, Japan, United States of America, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“We’re proud to have raised $25,000 for this incredibly worthwhile cause,” Perry Morison, General Manager Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia, said.

“It’s a credit to the hard work and generosity of our entire Suzuki family, and the support we’ve received from the local and international motorcycling communities.

“To see so many overseas bidders getting behind the appeal was particularly satisfying.

“We’ll now work with the successful bidders and the Australian Red Cross to organise the delivery of items and our final donation.”

The highest-selling item was a signed pair of pre-season testing leathers from Suzuki’s Australian MotoGP ace Chris Vermeulen, which went for $3,550 after 30 bids.

A ‘Mechanic for the Day’ experience with Team Rizla Suzuki MotoGP attracted the most bids, 37, with the winner paying $3,050 to join the team for a day at either the Australian or any European Grand Prix this year.

Interest was also high for a VIP package for two people to enjoy a Grand Prix in style, with a weekend corporate package selling for $3,300.

Signed by dual World and AMA Supercross Champion and reigning Australasian Supercross Champion Chad Reed, a Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki jersey and race pants went for $1,125 and $1,000 respectively.

Race memorabilia was popular, with signed leathers from six-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin ($2,200), former Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins ($2,025) and Team Suzuki Alstare Brux’s Max Neukirchner ($1,025) going under the hammer.

Enthusiasts also purchased memorabilia signed by former Suzuki World Champions including Kevin Schwantz, Joel Robert, Roger DeCoster and Brad Lackey.

For more information about the Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction, proudly supporting the Australian Red Cross, please visit www.suzuki.com.au.