Segment: Naked / Road
Production years: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
3 Photos
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.
SUZUKI T 500 1968-1975
SUZUKI T 500 500
| engine specs | Type: | Air-cooled, inline-2, Two-stroke, air-cooled | Displacement: | 492 cm3 | Bore X Stroke: | 2.8x2.5 in OR 71 mm | Compression Ratio: | 6.6:1 | Horsepower: | 44/7000 KW(hp)/RPM | Torque: | 37/6000 lb-ft/RPM OR 50/6000 Nm/RPM | Fuel System: | Carburetor |
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| transmission specs | Gearbox: | 5-Speed | Clutch: | Wet multi-plate | Primary Drive: | - | Final Drive: | Chain |
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| chassis specs | Frame: | Dual downtube cradle | Front Suspension: | Telescopic fork | Rear Suspension: | Dual shock absorbers | Front Brake: | Drum | Rear Brake: | Drum |
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| dimension specs | Overall Length: | 86.4 in OR 2195 mm | Overall Width: | 34.6 in OR 879 mm | Seat Height: | - | Wheelbase: | 57.3 in OR 1455 mm | Ground Clearance: | - | Weight: | 412 lbs OR 187 kg | Fuel Capacity: | - |
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| tyres specs | Front: | 3.00-18 | Rear: | 3.25-16 |
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| power system specs | Power pack: | - | Nominal Capacity: | - | Maximum Capacity: | - | Charger type: | - | Charging time (normal): | - | Charging time (quick): | - | Range: | - |
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