Unique build ??

[halfmile]

This was at the Santa Fe Trail motorcycle show this weekend in Lawrence KS. My kinda build whatever the hell it is. please tell me that`s not a back pack gas tank covered with fur.

 

[arcticXS]

Guzzi frames and engines are just so straightforward, logically designed and just nice.
"Custom touches" like cylinder heads on backwards, not so much. That fur backpack seems like a waste of fur. Could have been used for a pair of winter mittens.

 

[Its been a long time]

Thankfully, the Tonti frame looks like it's pretty much survived. Though the front down tubes and lower rails have been butchered. What a shame.

 

[Raymond]

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

 

[Its been a long time]

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

per cent.

 

[Raymond]

That a Suzooki 500 twin behind it? I'm told they were a sadly underestimated bike.

 

[Its been a long time]

That a Suzooki 500 twin behind it? I'm told they were a sadly underestimated bike.

It is. For me they were kind of a Japanese take on a Jawa 350 twin. Perhaps that's a bit out of order, but it's what I thought at the time. For certain, they were very popular. I knew lots of people who had them.

 

[mike in idaho]

So, you wear the gas tank on your shoulders, to ride this thing? That's almost as scary as that lack of front brake.

 

[Wagner73]

It is. For me they were kind of a Japanese take on a Jawa 350 twin. Perhaps that's a bit out of order, but it's what I thought at the time. For certain, they were very popular. I knew lots of people who had them.

The resident advisor at my university dormitory circa 1974 had one...only person I ever knew that did. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, but I almost never saw these; being very popular in the UK didn't seem to translate over here, at least as far as I could see. Many, many more Suzuki triples in evidence.

All that said, the only 2-stroke I've ever owned (other than dirt bikes) was an RD350, but I have been considering way back in my little brain getting a Suzuki 2-stroke, including the 500 twin; and maybe especially the 500 twin because they were unique.

 

[arcticXS]

It is. For me they were kind of a Japanese take on a Jawa 350 twin. Perhaps that's a bit out of order, but it's what I thought at the time. For certain, they were very popular. I knew lots of people who had them.

Not too far off the mark. At least the 70s Suzuki cylinders I have looked closer at, GT380 and GT750 have a very basic port layout. Piston port intake, only 2 transfer ports (although better shaped than on RD twins...) At the same time RDs had 4 transfers+ a boost ports as well as reed valves. Kawasaki triples were also piston port intake, but had 4 transfer ports. I believe the first reed valve 2 stroke Suzuki was the X7 250 of the late 70s.

 

[Its been a long time]

Personally if I were considering a two stroke Suzuki, it would have to be a 1960's bike. An era when they really did have state of the art sporting lightweight bikes in my opinion. (I can't live with a left side kick start anyway so it's not happening). My thinking is that in the 70's, the two stroke bikes to own were Yamaha. I don't think Suzuki really got their act properly together in the 70's until they released the GS750 and 1000 which moved the genre to the next level. Other opinions are obviously available.

 

[Wagner73]

Personally if I were considering a two stroke Suzuki, it would have to be a 1960's bike. An era when they really did have state of the art sporting lightweight bikes in my opinion. (I can't live with a left side kick start anyway so it's not happening). My thinking is that in the 70's, the two stroke bikes to own were Yamaha. I don't think Suzuki really got their act properly together in the 70's until they released the GS750 and 1000 which moved the genre to the next level. Other opinions are obviously available.

I agree the Yamaha RD-series was almost certainly the best all around bike with a great combination of performance, great handling, etc. In-line performance would have to go to the Kawasaki triples. Suzuki was an also-ran in all categories, but their bike's were just nice, pleasant all-rounders imho.

 

[arcticXS]

I agree the Yamaha RD-series was almost certainly the best all around bike with a great combination of performance, great handling, etc. In-line performance would have to go to the Kawasaki triples. Suzuki was an also-ran in all categories, but their bike's were just nice, pleasant all-rounders imho.

I guess the GT750 was in a class of its own, as a 2-stroke touring bike. I haven't ridden any early CB750s, only a K7, but I actually think the GT750 would be a better mile muncher than a CB. Possibly not as good regarding fuel economy though...