Suzuki has really pulled out all the stops on making that bottom end as robust as possible. Very impressive bit of engineering. Being a two-stroke, it's a relatively uncomplicated home restoration and in terms of prior knowledge required probably as good as it gets for a multi-cylinder motorcycle. From what I've seen so far, I'm tempted to look out for one and have a go myself.
Gotta give Suzuki credit for trying things in the 70's that other manufacturers wouldn't consider, this water cooled triple being an example. I co-rode one of the rotary engined RE-5's at a six hour endurance race in 1975. Weird bike. Slow, handled bad, massive heat from the radiator, no fuel mileage, but we won the 500 class. Was it a 500? Nobody could agree on how to measure the displacement, but Suzuki said it was a 500!
This is going to be fantastic! I wonder how two-stroke technology would have evolved had they remained in production; this a wonderful example of it. Good to see the beers, too!
I purchased an L model in August 1974. It was an outstanding bike. It did however do in a crankshaft seal just out of warranty (12,000 miles) The symptons were a puzzling loss of power low down as if it were running lean.. the dealer rose up to the occasion and generously repaired it....and very well, no sign that it had ever been a part. At that time it was doing numerous trips to Sydney and Orange, from Adelaide. Mostly 2 up and always 90 to 100mph day or night...once I sat on 110mph to get the 1000 miles done in winter daylight. 24mpg in those conditions (flat out) which is pretty good really...
Thanks david i own a 1974 L and been experiencing something similar. It starts fine and runs great for about a mile and then loses power. Unfortunately not too many work on these and the one i found became terminally ill. I was lucky to get my bike back unfortunately its apart with a broken head and i still dont know whats wrong. Was wondering if anyone could advise me on what a fair price on a complete rebuild would cost
Beautiful.Had one in New Zealand.Total rebuild from a box of bits with a lot missing.Only problem I had, was told on purchase that the bottom end had been completely overhauled and new seals fitted.Only later after wasting hours trying to get it to run smoothly did I find out that the middle seal had not been replaced Oh hum
Where the seals are concerned, if the bike has been left for any length of time, that seal has a habit of sticking & as soon as it starts, it’ll damage the seal
Suzuki has really pulled out all the stops on making that bottom end as robust as possible. Very impressive bit of engineering. Being a two-stroke, it's a relatively uncomplicated home restoration and in terms of prior knowledge required probably as good as it gets for a multi-cylinder motorcycle. From what I've seen so far, I'm tempted to look out for one and have a go myself.
Gotta give Suzuki credit for trying things in the 70's that other manufacturers wouldn't consider, this water cooled triple being an example. I co-rode one of the rotary engined RE-5's at a six hour endurance race in 1975. Weird bike. Slow, handled bad, massive heat from the radiator, no fuel mileage, but we won the 500 class. Was it a 500? Nobody could agree on how to measure the displacement, but Suzuki said it was a 500!
This is going to be fantastic! I wonder how two-stroke technology would have evolved had they remained in production; this a wonderful example of it. Good to see the beers, too!
I purchased an L model in August 1974. It was an outstanding bike. It did however do in a crankshaft seal just out of warranty (12,000 miles) The symptons were a puzzling loss of power low down as if it were running lean.. the dealer rose up to the occasion and generously repaired it....and very well, no sign that it had ever been a part. At that time it was doing numerous trips to Sydney and Orange, from Adelaide. Mostly 2 up and always 90 to 100mph day or night...once I sat on 110mph to get the 1000 miles done in winter daylight. 24mpg in those conditions (flat out) which is pretty good really...
Thanks david i own a 1974 L and been experiencing something similar. It starts fine and runs great for about a mile and then loses power. Unfortunately not too many work on these and the one i found became terminally ill. I was lucky to get my bike back unfortunately its apart with a broken head and i still dont know whats wrong. Was wondering if anyone could advise me on what a fair price on a complete rebuild would cost
Beautiful.Had one in New Zealand.Total rebuild from a box of bits with a lot missing.Only problem I had, was told on purchase that the bottom end had been completely overhauled and new seals fitted.Only later after wasting hours trying to get it to run smoothly did I find out that the middle seal had not been replaced Oh hum
Lovely looking engine, thanks for sharing the progress Mike & Geoff.
atvb t ..
i had one in the 70,s pulled two up with tent and gear 75. 80 no bother, emptied the tank every 110 140. miles though
Where the seals are concerned, if the bike has been left for any length of time, that seal has a habit of sticking & as soon as it starts, it’ll damage the seal
Thanks a lot. Great point. Cheers, Mike