From the Q&A:
"Q: Hey Buddy...From the illustrious what-it's-department. Back in the day I worked U.S. Suzuki Product Development. Your model looks to be what would be a "1976" unit. The forks and triples are the first tip-off. This is what Tony Distefano would have ridden. Shoot buddy! Considering your location, this could have been his bike! Whatever the case, pretty darn cool and best of luck on your auction! Happy New Yea sir! Robert Dec-30-12
A: Hey Friend, Thanks for the shout out. Interesting to know your U.S. Suzuki P.D. experience. It does share much of the 1976 unit with the mid-transition point being the low expansion chamber like earlier RHs similar to the Joel Robert ridden ones. I have experienced the smooth, linear power of the engine and the chassis is very stable and accurate, also very light! "