Geoff Perry

A Remarkable New Zealand Motorcycle Racer Remembered at Southward Car Museum

Geoff Perry was one of New Zealand’s most promising motorcycle racers of the early 1970s, competing successfully in New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and the United States before his life was tragically cut short at just 23 years old.

Today, his story is preserved through a collection of personal racing memorabilia, including trophies from his career, his one-piece Suzuki racing leathers, a childhood bicycle built by his father Len Perry, and a 1969 Suzuki TR500 connected with his racing at the Wanganui Cemetery Circuit.

Trophies, Racing Gear and Family History

The trophies on display trace Geoff’s rapid rise through motorcycle racing, from success in New Zealand to major international competition. They represent not only race wins and titles, but the growing reputation of a young rider who was beginning to make his mark overseas.

His one-piece Suzuki racing leathers are one of the most personal items in the collection. Marked with “Suzuki” and “Geoff”, they offer a direct connection to the rider himself and to the era in which he competed.

Also on display is Geoff’s childhood bicycle, built by his father, Len Perry. Len was a highly accomplished motorcycle racer in his own right, competing in speedway, road racing, grass track, beach racing, hill climbs and international events. He was later inducted into the Motorcycling New Zealand Hall of Fame.

The bicycle offers a quieter glimpse into Geoff’s early life and the strong family connection behind his racing career.

The collection also includes a 1969 Suzuki TR500, associated with both Ron Grant and Geoff Perry and connected with Geoff’s racing at the Wanganui Cemetery Circuit.

Together, these pieces preserve more than racing memorabilia. They help tell the story of a talented young rider, the family that shaped him, and a career that was still gathering momentum when it came to an abrupt end.

Geoff Perry: A Kiwi Motorcycle Racing Talent

Born in Auckland in 1950, Geoff grew up surrounded by motorcycles and racing. His father, Len Perry, was already a well-known figure in New Zealand motorcycle sport, and Geoff began racing as a teenager.

He quickly established himself as an exceptional road racer. By the early 1970s, he was competing across New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and the United States.

His achievements included victories in the Singapore and Malaysian Grands Prix, New Zealand titles, and success in the increasingly competitive American road racing scene.

In 1973, Geoff achieved one of the biggest victories of his career at Road Atlanta, winning his first AMA National road race for Suzuki after a close battle with some of the leading riders of the era. He crossed the line just ahead of Australian World Champion Kel Carruthers, confirming his growing international reputation.

It was the kind of result that suggested an even bigger future lay ahead.

A Career Cut Tragically Short

Born in Auckland in 1950, Geoff grew up surrounded by motorcycles and racing. His father, Len Perry, was already a well-known figure in New Zealand motorcycle sport, and Geoff began racing as a teenager.

He quickly established himself as an exceptional road racer. By the early 1970s, he was competing across New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and the United States.

His achievements included victories in the Singapore and Malaysian Grands Prix, New Zealand titles, and success in the increasingly competitive American road racing scene.

In 1973, Geoff achieved one of the biggest victories of his career at Road Atlanta, winning his first AMA National road race for Suzuki after a close battle with some of the leading riders of the era. He crossed the line just ahead of Australian World Champion Kel Carruthers, confirming his growing international reputation.

It was the kind of result that suggested an even bigger future lay ahead.