1996 Kawasaki ZX7RR 750 4 Cylinder 4 Stroke
Des Collins bought this machine new in Canada in 1996 and it was brought back to the I.O.M. where it was treated to a full Kawasaki race kit which included a special set of 42mm Kehin flatslide carburettors, crank, rods and pistons, cams and C.R. gearbox. The motor was further prepared by UK tuner Chris Meyhew.
A full Titanium Akprapovic exhaust system was fitted alongside full Olhins front and rear suspension. Finally light weight bodywork, alloy tank, fixtures and fittings completed the job. This machine was constantly uprated up to 2002 when it was retired from competitive racing. It underwent a complete restoration in 2004 by Ronnie Russell and when finished owner Des Collins kindly presented it to Ronnie.
Team Wilson & Collins to Team Collins & Russell
Des Collins and the Late Percy Wilson started the team in 1970 and continued until 2011. They were partners in a steel erection company which they owned and their first premises were in Carrs Lane, Tromode. Their first rider was Roger Sutcliffe and their first machinery was a 350 (Belfast Telegraph) Yamsel and a Ex Sheene Suzuki 500. Since then TWC have gone from strength to strength winning 5 Manx Grand Prix and many races and titles at the TT,UK, Ireland, Estonia and New Zealand. Percy Wilson passed away in 1983 and Des retired from erecting in 2000 handing the firm over to his sons Steve and Nigel. Steve and Nigel Collins are founder members of the notorious world famous “Purple Helmets”
In 2011 Des and Ronnie Russell joined forces to form TEAM COLLINS & RUSSELL with the aim of Classic/Parading their 1972 H2R 750 and 1996 ZX7RR 750 machinery. Since then we have restored in 2013 a 1966 A1R 250, Purchased a 1998 ZX7RR Ex Simon Beck Superbike, and resurrected a 2000 ZX600 Supersport and 3 ZX10 Superbikes.