Editing Suzuki T500

{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}}: history, specs, pictures}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name             = '''Suzuki T500'''
|image            = [[File:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-0.jpg|frameless]]
|aka              = '''Cobra''', '''Titan''', T 500
|manufacturer     = [[Suzuki]]
|parent_company   =
|production       = 1968 - 1975
|model_year       =
|predecessor      =
|successor        = [[Suzuki GT500]]
|class            = [[Standard]]
|engine           = 492cc twin, two-stroke
|bore_stroke      = 70.0mm x 64.0mm
|compression      = 6.6:1
|top_speed        = 106 mph (170 km/h)
|power            = 46.0 HP (34.3 KW) @ 7000RPM
|torque           = 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 6000RPM
|fuel_system      = 2x Mikuni VM34SC 34mm '68<br /> 2x Mikuni VM32SC '69-75
|ignition         =
|spark_plug       = {{sparkplug|NGK B7HS}} '70-75
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA 12N7-4A}} '70-75
|transmission     = Gear box: 5-speed <br>
Final Drive: [[chain]] <br>
Clutch: Wet multi-plate <br>

|frame            =
|suspension       =Front: Telescopic fork <br>
Rear: Dual shock absorbers
|brakes           =Front: expanding [[brake]] <br>Rear: expanding brake
|front_tire       = {{tire|3.25-19}} 
|rear_tire   	  = {{tire|4.00-18}} 
|rake_trail       =
|wheelbase        = 57.28 inches (1455 mm)
|length           = 86.42 inches (2195 mm)
|width            = 34.61 inches (879 mm)
|height           =
|seat_height      =
|dry_weight       =
|wet_weight       = 187.0 kg
|fuel_capacity    = 3.7 Gallon (14.00 Liters)
|oil_capacity     =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius   =
|related          = [[Suzuki TR500]] (Race version)
|competition      = [[Norton Manx]] <br />[[Matchless G50]] <br /> [[Triumph T100T]] <br />[[Kawasaki H1]] <br />[[Honda CB450]]
}}

The '''[[Suzuki]] T500''' was a twin, two-stroke [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Suzuki]] between 1968 and 1974. It could reach a top speed of 106 mph (170 km/h). Max [[torque]] was 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 6000 RPM. Claimed [[horsepower]] was 46.0 HP (34.3 KW) @ 7000 RPM.  

==History==
When the '''[[Suzuki]] T500''' was unveiled in 1967, the experts hedged their bets. While it was along with the [[Kawasaki W1|650 Kawasaki W1]] the most powerful Japanese production bike, it was also a [[two-stroke]]. Could it swallow all that power? What would be its consumption of gas, oil and spark plugs? Most importantly, would such a machine prove reliable?
===Saved by Careful Design===
Certainly, if the T500 wasn't the first large capacity two-stroke -there had been a 650 [[Scott]] previously -it was the first to flirt with such levels of performance. Attention was given to cooling, with the exhaust pipes splayed outwards to allow cool air to play directly on to the cylinders, and the importance accorded to lubrication (with a more highly developed pressure lubrication system than that of [[Yamaha]]) allowed the T500 to establish itself as a genuinely sporty bike beneath its excessively sober raiment.
===The Long-Legged Look===
Suzuki had been particularly careful to set the engine well forward in the frame to limit the chances of doing wheelies when accelerating; the long-wheelbase gave the T500 a particularly appealing look. After a natural period of mistrust, the career of the big Suzuki two-stroke really took off -until the arrival of even more spectacular competitors. Despite its conservative [[bottom-end]] design, the T500 even enjoyed a certain amount of success: it finished second at the [[Daytona 200]] in 1969 and --above all-- became World Championship runner-up in 1971.  A modified version was the first two-stroke to win an [[AMA]] National Road Race.


The T 500, 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 650cc 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. One of the features we feel Suzuki has done an outstanding job on is the gearbox. Except perhaps for one thing. When downshifting, every time we would miss low gear. The transmission insisted on shifting into neutral and not go into low. 

==Engine==
The engine was a [[air cooled]] twin, two-stroke. A 70.0mm [[bore]] x 64.0mm [[stroke]] result in a [[displacement]] of just 492.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a [[port]] control.  

==Drive==
The bike has a 5-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-plate.  

==Chassis==
It came with a 3.25-19 front [[tire]] and a 4.00-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The front suspension was a  Telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Dual shock absorbers. The T500 was fitted with a 3.7 Gallon (14.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 57.28 inches (1455 mm) long. 


==1968 T500 Cobra==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:1968-Suzuki-T500-Red-8361-0.jpg|left|thumb|1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
File:1968-Suzuki-T500-Red-8361-1.jpg|left|thumb|1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
File:1968-Suzuki-T500-Red-8361-2.jpg|left|thumb|1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
File:1968-Suzuki-T500-Red-8361-3.jpg|left|thumb|1968 Suzuki T500 in Red

</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>

==1969 T500 II Titan==
[[File:1970_T500II_450.jpg|300px|1970_T500II_450]]

The T500-II of 1969/70 came in Candy Gold with a Suzuki "S" badge on the tank, the T500-III of late 1970 was similar except for the tank luggage rack fitted as standard.

==1970 T500III Titan==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:1970-Suzuki-T500III.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Suzuki T500III
File:1970_T500__450.jpg|thumb|right|1970_T500__450
File:1970_T500III_Titan_450.jpg|thumb|right|1970_T500III_Titan_450
</gallery>

*FRAME #: N/A
*ENGINE #: N/A
*ENGINE TYPE: . . . 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: . . . 151
*COLOR: Corporate Blue, Lime Green
* Tank rack
* S tank emblems

==1971 T500R==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">

Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-0.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-1.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-2.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-3.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-4.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-5.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5685-6.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Blue
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-0.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-1.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-2.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-3.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-4.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-5.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-6.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-7.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Teal-7842-8.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Teal
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Purple-284-0.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Candy Lavender
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Purple-284-1.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Candy Lavender
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Purple-284-2.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Candy Lavender
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Purple-284-3.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Candy Lavender
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-Purple-284-4.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Candy Lavender
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-0.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-1.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-2.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-3.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-4.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-5.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-6.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500-RedWhite-7365-7.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500 in Red/White
Image:1971-Suzuki-T500R.jpg|1971 Suzuki T500R
</gallery>

*FRAME #: 1500-30846
*ENGINE #: T500-30846
*ENGINE TYPE: 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: 151
*COLOR: California Burgundy, Newport, Candy Lavender
* White tank stripes
* Headlight flat at bottom
* Flip-up gas cap

New metal "Suzuki" tank badge which would remain standard fitment until 1975.

==1972 T500J==
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:1972-Suzuki-T500-Green-8827-0.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
File:1972-Suzuki-T500J.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500J
File:1972-Suzuki-T500-Green-8827-1.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
File:1972-Suzuki-T500-Green-8827-2.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
File:1972-Suzuki-T500-Green-8827-3.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
File:1972-Suzuki-T500-Green-8827-4.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
File:1972 Suzuki T500.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Suzuki T500
</gallery>
{{clear}}
*FRAME #: T500-46463
*ENGINE #: T500-46463
*ENGINE TYPE: 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: 151
*COLOR: Summit Copper, Cascade Green
* White tank stripes
* Thin chrome ring at bottom of gauges

A noticeable change for this year was the adoption of a larger tail-light lens which would remain standard on the GT range as well.

==1973 T500K==
<gallery mode="slideshow">
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-13.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500K.jpg|1973 Suzuki T500K
Image:1973_suzuki_t500_1.JPG|1973 Suzuki T500 in blue
Image:1973_suzuki_t500_2.JPG|1973 Suzuki T500 in blue
Image:1973_suzuki_t500_2.JPG|1973 Suzuki T500 in blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-0.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-1.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-2.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-3.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-4.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-5.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-6.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-7.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-8.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-9.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-10.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-11.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-12.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue

</gallery>

*FRAME #: T500-59779
*ENGINE #: ..... T500-59779
*ENGINE TYPE: . . . 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: . . . 151
*COLOR: Coronado Blue, Wine Red
* Round headlight


The new models T500K & L were designed to accommodate 1400cc of gearbox oil, some 200cc more than the earlier models. This modification ensured that high speed running would not lead to oil starvation of the 5th, 4th and 3rd speed gear clusters. The bane of T500's until now, the inadequate gearbox oil supply could, over time, lead to pitting of the gears and their eventual destruction as the case hardening deteriorated. It is easy to tell if the gearbox on an early model is on the way out, when riding the bike the gearbox will make as much noise as a steam driven freight train pulling up hill. Perusal of any T500 enthusiast's garage will unearth a comprehensive supply of stuffed 4th and 5th gear clusters!

Suzuki also modified the lower crankcase half of the motor to resolve a long-standing design weakness.

Perhaps in a bid to make their GT range of triples more attractive, the Suzuki factory de-tuned the T500. In Australia the maximum power of the T500 was as low as 44 horsepower for the 1973-year's K model. The subtle changes to the inlet port and the carburetors had robbed the T500 of almost 3hp and returned the fuel economy to near Cobra standards.

The cynical marketing exercise of de-tuning the Suzuki T500 to make the GT range more attractive did not work. The [[Suzuki GT380|GT380]] and [[Suzuki GT550|550]] triples were overweight, peaky and unattractive. The T500 had a loyal following and still sold steadily if unremarkably.

==1974 T500L==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:1974_T500L_450.jpg|thumb|right|1974_T500L_450
File:1974-Suzuki-T500L.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Suzuki T500L
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
*FRAME #: T500-68083
*ENGINE #: ..... T500-68083
*ENGINE TYPE: . . . 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: . . . 153
*COLOR: Gypsy Red
* Gold tank stripes

==1975 T500M==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:1975-Suzuki-T500M.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500M
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-4587-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-4587-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-7733-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-7733-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-7733-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-T500-Blue-7733-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
File:1975-Suzuki-Titan-T500-Blue-4593-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>


*FRAME #: T500-74162
*ENGINE #: T500-74168
*ENGINE TYPE: 492cc [[Two-stroke]] Twin
*MODEL CODE: 153
*COLOR: Coronado Blue
* Gold pin stripes on tank


1975 was the last model year for the Suzuki T500. It was replaced by the [[Suzuki GT500|GT500]], at a glance the same bike with just a letter G added to the model name. But the GT500 was an improvement on the Titan featuring a bigger tank, electronic ignition and a front disk brake.

==In Media==
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/zero-to-sixty#suzuki-t500 Zero to Sixty]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/ljubica#suzuki-t500 Ljubica]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/on-a-marche-sur-bangkok#suzuki-t500 On a marché sur Bangkok]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/la-vengeance-du-serpent-a-plumes#suzuki-t500 La vengeance du serpent à plumes]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/le-viager#suzuki-t500 Le viager]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-cannonball-run#suzuki-t500 The Cannonball Run]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/on-any-sunday#suzuki-t500 On Any Sunday]

==See Also==
*[[Suzuki T125]]
*[[Suzuki T250]]
*[[Suzuki T350]]


==External Links==
*[http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t5002.htm T500]




{{Suzuki}}

[[Category:Suzuki motorcycles|T500]]
[[Category:Suzuki T series]]
[[Category:1960s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]