Suzuki GT500: history, specs, pictures

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1977-Suzuki-GT500.jpg
Suzuki GT500
Manufacturer
[[Suzuki]]
Production 76-77
Predecessor Suzuki T500
Engine
492cc air-cooled 2-Stroke. inline Twin-cylinder
Top Speed 105 mph (169 km/h)
Horsepower 44 hp/ 6,000 rpm
Torque 5.4 kg-m/ 6,000 rpm.
Spark Plug NGK B7HS 76-77
Battery YUASA 12N7-4A 76-77
Final Drive Chain: 530x110
Front Sprocket 15T
Rear Sprocket 33T
Front Tire 76-77
Rear Tire 4.00-18 76-77
Length 2,195 mm (86.4 in)
Width 880 mm (34.6 in)
Height 1,105 mm (43.5 in)
Weight 187 kg (411 lbs) (dry), 195.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters)
Related Suzuki GT380
Suzuki GT550
Suzuki GT750
Manuals Service Manual

Brochures ·



The Suzuki GT500 was an air-cooled inline-twin, two-stroke standard produced by Suzuki between 1976 and 1977. It could reach a top speed of 105 mph (169 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 37.15 HP (27.7 KW) @ 6000 RPM.


History

The Suzuki GT500 replaced the T500 twin in 1975. The new model looked very much like the classic T500, once sensationally fast and well-built machine, but in the mid-seventies already becoming out of vogue being a smoky and loud two-stroke. Its days were outnumbered. Suzuki made a good effort trying to modernize the once very popular model by releasing the GT500 that had a bigger tank, electronic ignition and a front disk brake.

Confusingly, the T500 was renamed to GT500 already in 1971 in Japan, but the rest of the world didn't even know about it.


1976 GT500A

1976 Suzuki GT500A


  • FRAME #: T500-90729
  • ENGINE #: ..... T500-90729
  • MODEL CODE: . . . 153
  • COLOR: Daytona Blue, Targa Red
  • Aluminum lower forks
  • Hydraulic front brake


The GT500 wore a single front hydraulic disk brake, identical to that which had been fitted to the GT380 and GT550. The forks were similar as well having 35mm stanchions and identical triple clamps to the GT range. The instruments were also identical to those found on the GT range.

Another example of parts simplification was the use of the GT750 fuel tank on the GT500. A plastic insert replaces the unnecessary radiator access flap on the front of the tank. The larger tank gave extended range to the 500 but didn't necessary make the machine more beautifu. A new seat accompanied the change of tank.

1977 GT500B

1977 Suzuki GT500B
1977 Suzuki GT500


  • FRAME #: T500-104422
  • ENGINE #: T500-104426
  • ENGINE TYPE: . . . 492cc Two-stroke Twin
  • MODEL CODE: . . . 153
  • COLOR: Red, Black
  • Black headlight housing and mounts
  • Black oil tank and side cover

Thus modified the Suzuki 500 twin saw out its days and in 1977 the GT500B was the end of the line and only a few examples of this model were ever delivered by the factory. The last few GT500s on the showroom floor were heavily discounted and moved away to make way for the new four cylinder four stroke range.

The 1977 B-model was delivered in red and blue color this year, but in USA and Canada they also sold a black version of the GT500.

Significantly the GT triple range, which had stifled development on the Titan, died with it.

References