Beauty And The Beast
Who are you, how long have you been riding and what bike do you ride?
My name is Paul Saddler aka Hypa from South London, Sergeant at Arms for Ruff Ryders Europe and head the UK Division. More info at www.RuffRydersUK.com. We are a newly formed bike club/lifestyle. I have been riding on and off for over 10 years. I currently ride a Suzuki GSXR 750 K4.
Where do you ride?
I mostly ride around South London where I live but commute everyday to Central London to work. This isn’t a show bike but my everyday rider. I can be found on a sunny day on route to or at Boxhill and if the mood is good then Brighton and other various bike meets and locations.
Why did you choose this bike?
I have ridden many different types of sports bikes but, if I have to be honest, the main reason I got the K4 Gixxer is for the looks and with the biker bug biting me, I headed to a local dealer for a test ride. After coming back from the thrill of the test ride, I decided that instant to sell my beloved car and search for a new toy. The rest, as they say, is history…
What changes have you made to the bike?
There are a few modifications to the bike, custom paint with my club logo and signature on the panels and frame, Rear cowel with chrome club logo embedded. Chrome spike bar ends, screen screws, paddock bobbins and tank bolts. Airblade bubble screen club logo. Gilles titanium rearsets, powder coated rear foot pegs, blue silicone hoses, carbon fibre race (teardrop style) mirrors, custom rider and pillion seats, carbon fibre rear hugger and front fender (front spayed to match paint scheme), Pazzo shorty race levers, Goodridge braided brake hoses, EBC pro-lite brakes. Custom LED lighting, for that night ride. Full Racefit Growler titanium exhaust system. One of the things I have done which I thought I would never ever do is add a private registration.
What’s your favourite modification?
My favourite mod would have to be the tribute lens cover, in memory of my late Grandfather. He is the reason why I am riding today. It may be small but means the world to me.
Have you sneaked any parts into the garage whilst your partner was not looking or told them you won them in the great e-bay giveaway?
Not gonna say… Mum’s the word! (with a wink of the eye)
Any future modifications planned?
I’m not sure if I can do anything else to the bike without making it too overcrowded or with it going horribly wrong. If to anything to it, it would have to be a full revamp. Let’s wait and see. The work I have done is mainly cosmetic as I think the bike performs well enough already.
Did you do the work yourself or did you get it done professionally?
I do and have done all the work on the bike myself and that has saved me a pretty penny.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for readers going down this route?
It’s all about reading your manual before doing anything to your pride and joy. Visit a few forums and get the low down. Make sure it all falls under the “legal” bracket. Saves time and money is the long run.
Any other business?
I would to say thanks to Debbie and the South East Biker magazine for giving me a chance to show the White Storm to all their readers. May be I’ll be seeing most of you out on the road at some point. Ride Safe.