• Rare original UK-market GT500

 • Only 500 miles covered since restoration

 • Large collection of technical paperwork and invoices

When the Suzuki T500 was launched in 1968 to rival the big British twins which were so popular in America, it had much in common with them but stood out for the right reasons. It was the same insofar as it was a powerful and speedy 500cc twin in a very handsome frame, but different in the respect that it was a cleverly engineered two-stroke, lauded for being inordinately reliable with virtually bulletproof mechanicals.

Over the course of time, the T500 did become dated so, in 1976, a new version of the 500cc twin was launched – the GT500. Modifications made for a torquier engine which still hit 104mph, which was a good old speed for what was marketed as a ‘value for money’ twin. And with one road tester finding it would return 42mpg when whizzing along German autobahns, you certainly did get value for money. It was short-lived, though, since Suzuki was increasingly investing in four-strokes, and the last GT500s were sold in 1979.

Consequently, GT500s are rare machines, especially so in Britain because they were primarily marketed in America. This presents a unique opportunity to acquire one virtually fresh from restoration, as it has only covered 500 miles since its restoration was completed in 2017. It’s in fantastic condition all-round and would be ideal for long summer rides or day-to-day commuting.

 • First registered on 2nd November 1979 in Leeds and sold through Padgett’s of Batley

 • Subjected to a full restoration in 2017

 • Purchased by the vendor in October 2017, with no mileage accrued since the restoration

 • The vendor has only covered 500 miles in the space of five years and is now downsizing his collection of classic Japanese motorcycles

 • Paperwork includes the current V5, six MoT certificates issued between 2013 and 2019, various invoices for new parts used in the restoration, a wealth of technical documents (e.g. electrical diagrams), a copy of the GT500 parts catalogue and the Haynes manual for the Suzuki 500 Twin (1968 onwards)

 • Superb paint, seat and brightwork

 • Never taken out in the rain by the vendor

 • Many new parts used in the restoration

‘Stunning’ must be the word that best describes this GT500. It has been restored to such a high standard, and cared for so well over the past five years, that it looks like it might only have been restored yesterday. While we don’t have a full account of the restoration, only invoices detailing what new parts were purchased, it is evident that the bike has been stripped right down, with the frame re-powder-coated and everything else either repainted or replated. The paint is superb and the headlight, handlebars, mudguards and forks are so good that they have almost certainly been rechromed.

The seat is also in like-new condition so we believe that, again, was recovered in 2017. Likewise, the condition of the tyres suggests they’ve only been on the bike for 500 miles, and the wheels themselves are outstanding, with each spoke kept beautifully clean. The badges have a very light patina so are most likely original but, by and large, this bike is essentially in showroom condition.

The vendor describes the rebuild as “top-notch with nothing spared”, noting that stainless steel nuts, bolts and so on were used all over.

 • Only just finished running in

 • Runs very nicely with a lively tickover

 • Last MoTed in 2019 with no advisory points

An engine rebuild was undertaken as part of the bike’s restoration, with the crankshaft stripped, the barrels rebuilt and new big- and small-end bearings fitted. However, the odometer was not rewound so when the vendor acquired it, it read 24,510 miles. Now at 25,047 miles after only five years, we can see that the vendor has only just finished running it in, so it is ripe for the next owner to enjoy.

The engine certainly presents very well, with a very clean exterior unspoilt by oily trickles and anything else that might stop it looking its very best. Everything else we can see is every bit as good. It’s difficult to believe that parts like the brakes and shock absorbers could ever look so clean, but they are testament to how sparingly the Suzuki has been used and how well it has been looked after.

To the best of our knowledge, everything is in full working order, and the vendor describes the ride as “spot-on”. While it does not have a current MoT, it was last tested in 2019 and it passed with no advisory points. Since it has been run occasionally and not neglected, we’re sure it would sail straight through the test if presented tomorrow. Additionally, a couple of spare gaskets are provided.

The Suzuki GT500 is an interesting bike for its rarity and slightly unusual engineering, but what really matters is how it rides and received wisdom tells us that the GT500 is a fast, reliable and economical machine.

There are few classic bikes which are so well-suited to day-to-day use, but the GT500 is and this example especially. Although its very thorough restoration took place five years ago, to all intents and purposes it is still ‘fresh’. It is almost certainly the best you can buy right now and it should provide you with some happy motorcycling for many thousands of miles.