Few events in motorsport are as feared and well respected as the Paris-Dakar Rally. The original running of the fabled race took participants over a great variety of terrain, speeding south through France and Spain into North Africa prior to culminating in a grand finish in Senegal. Due to the geopolitical risks and difficulties of traversing North Africa in the 21st century, the Rally has been held in South America since 2009. The 1979–2007 runnings of the event across Europe and Africa are the most celebrated by the event’s dedicated followers.

The Suzuki offered here is said to have competed in the 1994 Paris-Dakar rally with rider Gilles Francru at the helm, who was one of 96 motorcycles and the lone Suzuki entrant. Of the 47 who were lucky and skilled enough to finish, Francru crossed the line in 33rd position, wearing race number 40. This would have been quite exciting for the Frenchman, as it was the only time the race started and finished in France, finishing at Euro Disney Resort (now Disneyland Paris).

Said to be in largely original condition, the odometer shows at 27,846 km, adequate distance for not one, but two runnings of the Paris-Dakar. Stickers from the 1993 (as well as the 1994) running of the event are also present, but its participation and finish in the event are unconfirmed. If this motorcycle could talk, it would have plenty of incredible stories to tell.