Suzuki TM400

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: TM400-41258
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 400
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

Suzuki was the first of the major Japanese manufacturers to introduce a production motocross machine that had been designed from the outset for the purpose when they unveiled the TM400 for the 1970 season. The new machine featured a single cylinder two stroke engine that was claimed to deliver 40 bhp at 6,500 rpm equipped with an electronic ignition system and an oil injection lubrication system. The suspension offered 7 inches of travel at the front and four inches at the rear placing it at the cutting edge of development at the time. Supported by Suzuki's excellent dealer network and finished to a high standard, whilst being significantly cheaper than its European rivals Suzuki, apparently, had a winner, unfortunately this was not to be the case. The new machine was quickly found to have a vicious power delivery, thanks in part to the use of "half circle flywheels", that stretched the chassis to, and at times beyond, its limits. Despite these concerns the machine sold well in the States where it proved popular with desert riders continuing in production until the first RM replaced it in 1975.
This example of a middle vintage TM 400 has been restored to a very good standard, subsequently forming part of an extensive private collection.