New project : 1975 Suzuki T500 Titan

[bosco659]

Well I picked the bike up tonight. Here’s the good and bad after a more through look at the bike:

Good:
- paint on tank is faded but not as bad as I thought. A good polish will make it acceptable
- frame has been nicely painted
- new chain
- new rear sprocket
- new front and rear fenders
- battery will probably be ok after a charge
- tires are in good shape but old - can probably get a safety with them but will replace before riding
- factory air box
- new factory like filter
- lots of compression - will post numbers another time
- new Hagon shocks
- looks like nee front springs
- lights, horn and signals work
- oxidation on engine cases cleans up easily
- strong spark
- inside of tank like new

Not so good:
- chrome on pipes will clean up to look good only from 15+ ft
- missing tach cable
- missing mirrors
- carbs need cleaning and sync
- gear shifter needs to be redirected
- steering damper threads stripped - fixed already
- spokes not so good but I can relace the wheels
- a couple of rust spots on the front rim
- one fork gaiter torn
- battery cover cracked - already has a shoddy repair
- missing air filter boot clamps

Overall it has potential. Had it running for a bit but the carbs need attention. Now I have to get back to the beetle to button up the axle leaks.

 

[Mailman]

Well I picked the bike up tonight. Here’s the good and bad after a more through look at the bike:

Hey now! I think that looks pretty darn nice, I bet it will surprise you how nice it will shine up! Looking forward to following this.

 

[bosco659]

I have a short vid of it running. Pita I need to YouTube it. I’ll see if I can do that.

 

[Jim]

 

[Raymond]

Okay, it's not mint but I would be very happy with a bike in that condition, great basis for whatever you want to do. Sounds okay too.

I want one . . .

 

[bosco659]

I’ve owned lots of 2 stroke bikes over the years but nothing with a large engine like this. My water buffalo had 50% more displacement but since it was water cooled the top end didn’t look that big. I love the look ok of the massive cylinders on this bike.
Left sided kickstarter is something I’ll have to get used to. So far I’ve been using my right leg. Awkward.

 

[Adamc]

I'm a big fan of 2 strokes ; especially Suzuki flavoured. Ive owned a few. My first was a hand down from dad; a GT185 which I loved and rode all over Wales. Oh the smell and the excitement of a screaming stinkwheeler!

 

[Wagner73]

Yes, it looks very nice, sounds pretty normal too.

Best of luck with the project!

 

[Mailman]

Thought you might enjoy this. I found the first published road test of what they called the 500/FIVE ( at that time ).
The link below will take you to Cycle Worlds library, specifically this issue and you can read the whole thing. It’s a real time capsule of bikes, riding gear and life in the 60’s. The advertisement pictured is from that issue.

https://magazine.cycleworld.com/issue/19671201#!&pid=44

 

[MrBultaco]

a one ringy-dingy, a two ringy-dingy....

 

[Jim]

Can you tell why I think he's on a Zuki Titan?

 

[bosco659]

Can you tell why I think he's on a Zuki Titan?

Left kicker?

 

[Jim]

Yep.

 

[bosco659]

Closer inspection reveals the frame was most likely powder coated. Bonus. Chrome headlight ears look new too.

The vacuum petcock has been replaced by a manual one. I like that better. The markings on the valve don't make sense. I need to fill the tank to confirm lever positions. I left the valve to what I thought was the off position only to find fuel leaking out of one of the carbs. Rebuild due for sure.

All the black rubber fuel lines need to go. I’ll replace those and oil pump hose to Tygon.

 

[Raymond]

It's a good'un.

 

[Signal]

Love this project. When I first saw a GT 500 the last T 500's were badged GT a mates older brother had bought one brand new I thought it was achingly beautiful.

 

[gggGary]

Cool!
Back in the day many folks didn't understand how quick a Titan 500 was.

 

[Wagner73]

When I first saw a GT 500 the last T 500's were badged GT

Yes, 1976. Moved a front end over from the GT550 (albeit slightly shorter) adding a front disc and jettisoning the weird, tapered forks and the nice-looking twin leading shoe drum brake.

 

[Wagner73]

Thought you might enjoy this. I found the first published road test of what they called the 500/FIVE ( at that time ).
The link below will take you to Cycle Worlds library, specifically this issue and you can read the whole thing. It’s a real time capsule of bikes, riding gear and life in the 60’s. The advertisement pictured is from that issue.

https://magazine.cycleworld.com/issue/19671201#!&pid=44

View attachment 375112View attachment 375113View attachment 375114

Great article, thanks! The civility of the writing recalls an earlier time.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

OMG Vic, you are a bundle of energy! Good on you! I look forward to learning more about this bike. It sounds and looks great! I can't wait for retirement. Next year...