    |
 |
|
|
|
This is probably the best public relations story I have ever read. It was totally un-orchestrated and low key, but then again that is the likely reason for it`s impact.
It was posted on: MCNews.Com
After a terrific weekend camping at Philip Island by Southern Loop, a little drinking, filming my video doco, more drinking, watching the races, some drinking and much hooning at the MotoGP this year, I was let down by a mystery electrical problem on my TL1000S Suzuki (not my bike but loaned to me for the trip by a mate presently stationed in London).
After the big race was over, having packed up our tents and after saying our goodbyes to our fellow camping bikers, the TL decided it wouldn\'t start - this after having run without a glitch several times earlier that day. As my camping buddies on their willing steeds all quickly receded into the distance I was left sitting on a dead bike in the middle of a soon-to-be deserted camp ground frantically willing my starter button to do something. No, it decided, nothing.
A few of the die-hard campers still hanging around lent expert advice, push starts and even batteries with jumper leads, all to no avail (thanks anyway, Laverda club!). I wasn\'t going anywhere and, in a bizarre twist, could expect no local help as there is no motorcycle mechanic closer than the town of Wonthaggi on the mainland. And this is Philip Island which has bikes on it all year round!
I was desperate and decided to investigate the Suzuki hospitality tent by the track to see if anyone there had a suggestion on how I could get the TL going. But it was getting late and there was no-one around, the whole place was deserted. Except for a bit of movement which caught my eye at the back of the Suzuki marquee. There was a bloke and a young lady in Suzuki jackets loading some gear into a station wagon. Great!
I walked up and explained my predicament. The bloke immediately got on his mobile phone and started asking around for help but eventually arrived at the conclusion that there wasn\'t much he do. None of their display bikes from the expo had working batteries and they didn\'t have any technical staff there who could look at the TL. However, he asked where I was heading. When I said Melbourne, he suggested putting the TL on the truck which was transporting their display bikes back to Suzuki HQ and, at the very least, it would get me and my bike back to town.
The driver\'s name was Adam and he would pick me up in the campground. Wow! Was that customer service or what!! He gave me his card and told me to call him if there was any further problem but I assured him he had done more than I could have ever expected. Then I looked at his card. It read; Perry Morison, GM (Motorcycles) for Suzuki Australia. I guess it was my lucky day after all!!
But that\'s not where this story ends.
When Adam, the driver, arrived at the campground to pick us up I noticed he seemed to know a lot of people. They came up from everywhere, crowded around him and became deep in conversation. Finally he was able to break away and we rolled the TL down to the gate where the truck was waiting.
\"What\'s your surname?\" I casually asked Adam. Fergusson, he replied. As in \"Krusty\", I thought. \"Not THE Adam Fergusson?\" I mumbled dumbly. \"Yep.\" he said.
Cripes, now I was being chauffeured by the famous Australian international motorcycle racer. The next two hours was the most interesting road journey I\'ve ever had the privilege of enjoying. He told me about his adventures with Honda and then with Suzuki and of the racetracks and racing personalities around the world which are all legendary to me. He was a thoroughly likeable bloke and to cap it all off, he drove his truck with me and my TL right to my front door. Adam, you are now more of a legend than ever!
Thanks to both you and Perry Morison for such incredible generosity. Suzuki are lucky to have you and I hope you enjoy great success.
Fabian Fitzgerald
Elwood, Vic
