Description
The bike we have for sale runs sweetly and provides a great example of the breed. The paintwork has been left as this is in good condition and appropriate for the period. Chrome-work has been redone using triple plating methods (copper, nickel and chrome) and the bikes comes with brakes serviced and tyres replaced as you'd expect.
First supplied in the US the bike has its original toolkit and everything we've seen supports the incredibly low mileage shown. The bike was just left and forgotten until now when it has been expertly brought back to its former glory. Now rare in any condition, examples like this are like hen's teeth.
About Somerset Classic Motorcycles
We choose our bikes carefully and then we prepare them thoroughly. All our bikes are fully serviced, not just an oil and a plug change but a complete check including brake linings, tyre condition and battery health. Anything which doesn't come up to scratch is replaced and our bikes are supplied with an MOT and all the documentation we have collected.
Whilst in our care they are kept in a secure, heated and humidity-controlled storage facility until their new owner takes possession, Viewings are by appointment and delivery can be arranged to any part of the UK.
Contact us for more details.
Looking Back
The T500 was part of the wider T series which encompassed a range of bikes with twin cylinder air cooled two strokes. Eventually the T series gave way to the GT series with the earlier bikes now having a very serious following.
Piston-ported, the engines worked well and remained in production for a good number of years. Lubrication was provided by an oil injection system for bikes made after the mid-60s which avoided the need for pre-mixing two stroke oil. Braking on the 500 was upgraded from the smaller T bikes by using a larger twin-leading drum on the front brake.
For riders used to the chrome and black (and oil leaks) of British bikes of the time, the introduction of powerful yet reliable two strokes from Japan proved a revelation. As if to highlight the differences between these bikes and what went before, they were painted bright colours, many of which have become iconic and closely associated with the period.
Power was something approaching 50 bhp which was good for more than 100mph. Yet Suzuki were not just aiming for a rival to the Kawasaki triples, they were aiming for easy to ride and reliable bikes which would mean the ability to tour with them too. No two-strokes are exactly fuel efficient, but the Titan was as good as it got.
That said, Suzuki did have a race pedigree of course and riders like Barry Sheene would epitomise the racing two strokes which proved Suzuki could mix it with the best of them. Now a rare sight, Titans are enjoyable to see again and their sound track is also iconic with a muted growl instead of a screaming wail.
