1968 Suzuki T500

Registration No: SKR 814G
Frame No: 10876
MOT: Exempt

• Authentically restored early T500
• Fortune spent on full restoration
• Supplied with a current V5C

The Suzuki Motor Co. was established in 1909 by Michio Suzuki to produce machinery for the cotton industry. An initial diversification into 4 wheeled transport was curtailed by WW2 but after the war, Japan had a need for cheap reliable transport so Suzuki, like a lot of others around the world, began to produce clip-on engines for pushbikes. These proved to be an immediate success and soon they were making full motorcycles, by the early 60s they were second only to Honda in numbers of two-wheelers manufactured. Suzuki was at the forefront of two stroke development in the 1960s, winning many Grand Prix and world Championships. This was helped when Ernst Degner, perhaps with Suzuki's assistance, defected from East Germany, bringing with him a few of MZs tuning secrets. The twin cylinder T500 was launched in 1968, surprising the world with a large capacity two stroke that proved to be fast, reliable and torquey and a good basis for a Grand Prix race bike. The works TR500s won many races, and privateers used home tuned versions with great success. The first models were sold as 'Cobras' until Shelby Ford objected, having already copyrighted the name on their car.

This Cobra, with a frame number of 10876 suggesting it was an early production model, has been restored to a good standard, keeping as much originality as possible. It appears to have spent its early life in the USA before being imported and registered in the UK in 2015. Bought by an enthusiast, who has now sadly passed away, he overhauled the engine with a crank rebuild, new seals, 0.5 O/S pistons, carbs ultrasonically cleaned and the gearbox oil level modification. The frame has been powder coated, the red bodywork refinished and the chrome items replated. Many new parts were fitted including a fuel tap, indicators, seat cover and foam and tank badges and knee pads, together with most other wear and tear items. MOT’d in 2015 to aid registration, it has not been used since spending most of the intervening years displayed in his house. A rare bike in the UK, where it is thought fewer than 100 came in officially back in the day, it will be supplied with a handwritten list of parts restored or bought and a current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189