Suzuki T500C
Suzuki T500C | |
Manufacturer | |
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Production | 1968 |
Engine | Two stroke, parallel two cylinder |
Compression ratio | 6.6:1 |
Transmission | 5 Speed |
Frame | Dual downtube cradle |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks Rear: Dual shock absorbers |
Brakes | Front: Drum Rear: Drum |
Front Tire | 3.00-18 |
Rear Tire | 3.25-16 |
Wheelbase | 1455 mm / 57.3 in |
Weight | 186 kg / 410 lbs (dry), |
Recommended Oil | Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40 |
Manuals | Service Manual |
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Two stroke, parallel two cylinder. The engine featured a 6.6:1 compression ratio.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 3.00-18 front tire and a 3.25-16 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a Dual shock absorbers. The bike weighed just 186 kg / 410 lbs. The wheelbase was 1455 mm / 57.3 in long.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Suzuki T 500 Titan
Many motorcycle manufactures had tried but but no-one had succeeded in putting a civilised large capacity two stroke on the road in any large numbers until Suzuki launched the T500.
Not only did they make a big two-stroke that worked but they built one which was more reliable than many four-strokes of the time, required less maintenance and featured oil-injection direct into the crankcases along with massive and durable main roller bearings. The Cobra was also very fast for its capacity and put many contemporary 500cc and 650cc four-stroke twins to shame.
The 500/FIVE itself was a short-lived model, seemingly only seen in any number in the United States, and was quickly replaced by the Cobra. The most significant change to the original model was given little publicity at the time despite its dramatic effect. The swingarm of the 500 Suzuki was changed from 52.7 inches on the 500/FIVE to 57.3 inches on the Cobra. This is a very radical change on any bike but on the Suzuki 500 the longer wheelbase contributed to the bikes reputation for sure-footed and stable handling. For many riders it was also useful as the extra length of the machine made for a comfortable tourer with plenty of room for mounting carriers, saddlebags or panniers.
The Cobra, being the bike that couldn't be built, was a sensation in 1968. A big two-stroke that ran faultlessly, didn't foul plugs, performed like a 650 four stroke; but was light and cheap to buy. It had strange handling, the thirst of a cane-cutter and by today's standards woeful brakes. It looked kinda dumpy too, in typical 60's Japanese style, with a velour seat, a short wheelbase and a watermelon shaped petrol tank. To many of the buying public though it was a hit, everything worked together fine. The engine and gearbox are well balanced for the road, the engine comes on strong over four thousand revs, (up to a claimed 47 bhp at 6,500), and there is no need to constantly screw open the throttle around town as there is ample low down pulling power. Not what the un-initiated would expect from a two-stroke!
Source:
Make Model | Suzuki T 500 Cobra |
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Year | 1968 |
Engine Type | Two stroke, parallel two cylinder |
Displacement | 492 cc / 30 cu in |
Bore X Stroke | 70 x 64 mm |
Compression | 6.6:1 |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Lubrication System | Posi-force |
Induction | 2 x 34 mm Mikuni carburetors |
Starting | Kick |
Max Power | 32.8 kW / 44 hp @ 7000 rpm |
Max Torque | 50.8 Nm / 5.2 kgf-m / 37.5 lb-ft @6000 rpm |
Transmission | 5 Speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame | Dual downtube cradle |
Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
Rear Suspension | Dual shock absorbers |
Front Brakes | Drum |
Rear Brakes | Drum |
Front Tire | 3.00-18 |
Rear Tire | 3.25-16 |
Dimensions | Length: 2195 mm / 86.4 in Width: 865 mm / 34.1 in Height: 1105 mm / 43.5 in |
Wheelbase | 1455 mm / 57.3 in |
Dry Weight | 186 kg / 410 lbs |
Top Speed (est) | 185 km/h / 115 mph |