Difference between revisions of "Suzuki T500"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}}: history, specs, pictures}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}}: history, specs, pictures}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name            = Suzuki T500
|name            = '''Suzuki T500'''
|image            =  
|image            =
|aka              =  
|aka              = '''Titan''', T 500
|manufacturer    = [[Suzuki]]
|manufacturer    = [[Suzuki]]
|parent_company  =  
|parent_company  =
|production      = 68-75
|production      = 1968 - 1975
|model_year      =  
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =  
|predecessor      =
|successor        = [[Suzuki GT500]]
|successor        = [[Suzuki GT500]]
|class            =  
|class            = [[Standard]]
|engine          = 492cc  
|engine          = 492cc twin, two-stroke
|bore_stroke      = 70mm x 64mm
|bore_stroke      = 70.0mm x 64.0mm
|compression      = 6.6:1
|compression      = 6.6:1
|top_speed        = 108 mph
|top_speed        = 106 mph (170 km/h)
|power            = 46 bhp @ 7,000 rpm '68<br /> 47 bhp '69-75
|power            = 46.0 HP (34.3 KW) @ 7000RPM
|torque          =  
|torque          = 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 6000RPM
|fuel_system   = 2x Mikuni VM34SC 34mm '68<br /> 2x Mikuni VM32SC '69-75
|fuel_system     = 2x Mikuni VM34SC 34mm '68<br /> 2x Mikuni VM32SC '69-75
|ignition        =  
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|B7HS}} '70-75
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK B7HS}} '70-75
|battery          = {{battery|12N7-4A}} '70-75
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA 12N7-4A}} '70-75
|transmission    =  
|transmission    = Gear box: 5-speed <br>
|frame            =  
Final Drive: [[chain]] <br>
|suspension      =  
Clutch: Wet multi-plate <br>
|brakes          =  
 
|front_tire      = {{tire|3.25-19}} '70-75
|frame            =
|rear_tire    = {{tire|4.00-18}} '70-75
|suspension      =Front: Telescopic fork <br>
|rake_trail      =  
Rear: Dual shock absorbers
|wheelbase        = 56.1 in
|brakes          =Front: expanding [[brake]] <br>Rear: expanding brake
|length          =  
|front_tire      = {{tire|3.25-19}}  
|width            =  
|rear_tire    = {{tire|4.00-18}}  
|height          =  
|rake_trail      =
|seat_height      = 31 in
|wheelbase        = 57.28 inches (1455 mm)
|dry_weight      = 403 lbs
|length          = 86.42 inches (2195 mm)
|wet_weight      =  
|width            = 34.61 inches (879 mm)
|fuel_capacity    = 3 gallons
|height          =
|oil_capacity    =  
|seat_height      =
|fuel_consumption =  
|dry_weight      =
|turning_radius  =  
|wet_weight      = 187.0 kg
|fuel_capacity    = 3.7 Gallon (14.00 Liters)
|oil_capacity    =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|related          = [[Suzuki TR500]] (Race version)
|related          = [[Suzuki TR500]] (Race version)
|competition      = [[Norton Manx]] <br />[[Matchless G50]] <br /> [[Triumph T100T]] <br />[[Kawasaki H1]] <br />[[Honda CB450]]
|competition      = [[Norton Manx]] <br />[[Matchless G50]] <br /> [[Triumph T100T]] <br />[[Kawasaki H1]] <br />[[Honda CB450]]
}}
}}
The '''[[Suzuki]] T500''' was a twin, two-stroke Naked [[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?
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==
===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.
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==  
===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.
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.
==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==
==1968 T500==
Line 128: Line 147:


==1973 T500K==
==1973 T500K==
<gallery>
<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-T500K.jpg|1973 Suzuki T500K
Image:1973_suzuki_t500_1.JPG|1973 Suzuki T500 in blue
Image:1973_suzuki_t500_1.JPG|1973 Suzuki T500 in blue
Line 146: Line 166:
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-11.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
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-12.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
Image:1973-Suzuki-T500-Blue-13.jpg|1973 Suzuki Titan T500 in Blue
 
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 168: Line 188:


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


Line 192: Line 214:
* Gold pin stripes on tank
* Gold pin stripes on tank


==See Also==
   
*[[Suzuki T125]]
*[[Suzuki T250]]
*[[Suzuki T350]]
 
 
==External Links==
*[http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t5002.htm T500]
 
 
 
 
{{motorcycle-stub}}
{{Suzuki}}
 
[[Category:Suzuki motorcycles|T500]]
[[Category:Suzuki T series]]
 
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name            = '''Suzuki T500'''
|image            =
|aka              = T 500
|manufacturer    = [[Suzuki]]
|parent_company  =
|production      = 1968 - 1974
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =
|successor        =
|class            = [[Naked]]
|engine          = 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      = Carburetor
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      =
|battery          = 6.6:1
|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          =
|competition      =
}}
 
The '''[[Suzuki]] T500''' was a twin, two-stroke Naked [[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. 
 
==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 - 1975 Suzuki T 500==
==1968 - 1975 Suzuki T 500==
Line 285: Line 233:
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/on-any-sunday#suzuki-t500 On Any Sunday]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/on-any-sunday#suzuki-t500 On Any Sunday]


[[Category:Naked motorcycles]]
==See Also==
[[Category:Suzuki motorcycles]]
*[[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:1960s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]
[[Category:Motorcycles needing images]]
[[Category:Multiple Infoboxes]]

Revision as of 14:34, 24 May 2019

Suzuki T500
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Titan, T 500
Production 1968 - 1975
Successor Suzuki GT500
Class Standard
Engine 492cc twin, two-stroke
Bore / Stroke 70.0mm x 64.0mm
Compression ratio 6.6:1
Top speed 106 mph (170 km/h)
Horse Power 46.0 HP (34.3 KW) @ 7000RPM
Torque 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 6000RPM
Fuel system 2x Mikuni VM34SC 34mm '68
2x Mikuni VM32SC '69-75
Sparkplug NGK B7HS '70-75
Battery YUASA 12N7-4A '70-75
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Rear: Dual shock absorbers
Brakes Front: expanding brake
Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire 3.25-19
Rear Tire 4.00-18
Wheelbase 57.28 inches (1455 mm)
Dimensions L 86.42 inches (2195 mm)
W 34.61 inches (879 mm)
Weight  (dry), 187.0 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity 3.7 Gallon (14.00 Liters)
Related Suzuki TR500 (Race version)
Competition Norton Manx
Matchless G50
Triumph T100T
Kawasaki H1
Honda CB450
Manuals Service Manual
Tech Specs · Brochures · Reviews · Ads · Videos

The Suzuki T500 was a twin, two-stroke Naked 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 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.


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

1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
1968 Suzuki T500 in Red
1968 Suzuki T500 in Red



1970 T500III

1970 Suzuki T500III


  • 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

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


1972 T500J

1972 Suzuki T500J
1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
1972 Suzuki T500 in Green
1972 Suzuki T500
  • 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

1973 T500K

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


1974 T500L

1974 Suzuki T500L

  • FRAME #: T500-68083
  • ENGINE #: ..... T500-68083
  • ENGINE TYPE: . . . 492cc Two-stroke Twin
  • MODEL CODE: . . . 153
  • COLOR: Gypsy Red
  • Gold tank stripes


1975 T500M



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


1968 - 1975 Suzuki T 500

1968 - 1975 Suzuki T 500 1968 - 1975 Suzuki T 500 1968 - 1975 Suzuki T 500

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.


In Media

See Also


External Links