Murray Sayle retires from Kawasaki Motors Australia
After 32 years Murray Sayle is retiring from Kawasaki Motors Australia, and will officially retire on the June 30, with today marking his last day in the Kawasaki office, in Sydney.
Murray has a well-known passion for the Kawasaki brand, with the green blood infiltrating Murray’s system in-full once he stepped on board the H2R 750cc 3-cyclinder race bike for Ron Toombs in 1974.
Murray Sayle retires from Kawasaki Motors Australia
“My proudest racing moment was winning the Australian Road Race Championship in 1978, but I still regret not winning the New Zealand Marlboro 250 series in 1977-78,” said Murray, recounting some of his favourite Kawasaki memories.
Murray’s recent role at Kawasaki has been with the Marketing Department, and across his Kawasaki career, he has made significant contributions to the in-house systems, enhanced the knowledge of co-workers and ensured the Kawasaki Dealers had support in place to grow the Kawasaki brand.
Murray Sayle at the Auto Polis Race Course in Japan
Not to mention being on hand for many of the press bike handovers at the Sydney HQ, to give a full run down on the latest models and share some additional insights.
Murray brought his understanding of racing, brand belief and desire to win into Kawasaki every day, sharing, “It has been a fantastic journey here at Kawasaki over the past 32 years. I have worked with our great staff and dealers and made some life-long friends. I have been very lucky to have worked with our Japanese head office staff and visited Japan approximately 20 times.
Murray Sayle
“I have test ridden new products at the Auto Polis Race Course (Kyushu, Japan) the JARI Test track (Chiba, Japan) and the SPA Naoiri Race Track (Japan). I have taken Australian Journalists to world press launches, in Almeria, Spain, Auto Polis, Japan and Losail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar. Many good times and happy memories, thanks to Kawasaki.”
Shigemi Tanaka, Kawasaki Motor Australia Managing Director also adding, “Kawasaki is built on people like Murray Sayle; people with passion, knowledge and integrity. On behalf of Kawasaki Motors Australia and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, I would like to express our deep appreciation for his great contribution to Kawasaki. I have always enjoyed talking with Murray about racing and hope we can continue to have these chats after his retirement.”
Kawasaki Motors Australia shared a big ‘Thank You’ to Murray Sayle for the years of work, industry involvement, ongoing passion for motorcycling and promotion of the Kawasaki range of products. The knowledge, history, stories and dry humour will be missed.
Kris receiving the Project Ninja 400 keys from Murray Sayle at Kawasaki HQ in Sydney
That’s a sentiment shared by the crew at BikeReview.com.au, who have greatly valued Murray’s dry humour and valuable input, across numerous bike events, launches and model pickups. Best of luck in your future endeavours Murray, and we hope to see you around the motorcycling world!
April 25, 2019
So his proudest moment was on a Yamaha TZ750? Too funny.
April 25, 2019
ah yes, those green and red leathers Murray, I remember seeing you in those at Oran Park in your pre-Kawasaki days, the first time I recall seeing you win an A grade race, I think you were on a TR3, Ron Toombs went for the big dive bomb at Energol to pass you and hit the deck – you were on your way! I remember before that you raced a TD1C rather handily in B Grade events. Watched you in New Zealand 75/76 Marlboro Series duking it out with Gregg and Pat at Pukekoe, Gracefield, Wanganui, Timaru and Ruapuna. – exciting racing to watch. And how about that 1975 Six Hour win with Gregg?
April 26, 2019
congrats on a great career Murray. well deserved. Enjoy retirement.
April 26, 2019
I loved watching the races between Greg Hansford and yourself Murray around Adelaide International in the late 70’s both of you popping Wheelies in unison around the backside of the track coming onto the start of the bowl then onto the main straight for another amazing quick lap.
April 26, 2019
Congratulations Murray…..wow 32 years……that sure shows some loyality which is a rare attribute these days.
September 4, 2022
This is not the same Murray & Jeff Sayle who used to live on Rydalmere Ave, North Parramatta? I used to go past your Dad’s house on the corner of Collet Pde/Rydalmere Ave on the way to school in the early 70’s. I was 5 yrs old. Your Dad gave me stickers of you riding your bike to stick on my school case. I also saw you on a Channel 10 morning kids programme because he told me you would be on it. He was so proud of you and Jeff. Wow!!
October 11, 2022
It sure is!