Ok, just this past Friday I purchased a 1972 Suzuki T500 "Titan" for the mere price of $100.00. This bike had been sitting for nearly 30 years - outside. It had more wildlife living in and on it than the insect wing of the local zoo. Now, let me tell you that this is one solid bike. Literally! I couldn't even roll it as the wheels were locked up! But, it had some good bits that, parted out, would fetch me more than I laid out for it. My primary reason for buying it.
The thing is, the more I read about this bike, and the more I look at it, the more I want to do a full restoration on it. Despite its obvious flaws - did I say it was solid? This bike is 492cc 2 stroke, and is said to have been quicker than similar class 4 strokes of its day. It is still raced today. You can still get fiberglass tanks and race farings. Oh, and it is a very nice looking bike, and supposedly had the best handling of any of the Japanese motorcycles in its day.
So, I got the wheels moving last night, which involved disassembly and removal of the brake drum shoes. So far so good. Hey- the original tires still hold air! This week, I plan on giving the motor a complete going through. The kicker is missing so I cannot determine if the motor is substantially locked or not. I can tell you that the broken chain can be used as a straight edge. I believe I managed the gear box into neutral, however when I pull on the chain I couldn’t get the drive sprocket to turn. Now, I have some hope where the motor is concerned. The oil is still in the gearbox at the proper level. I removed the spark plugs and they were slightly oiled, with no rust. For good measure I fogged the cylinders with Sea Foam. My hope is that the motor is salvageable with or without a rebuilt. If it is, then I full restoration is possible.
This will not be my first project. As recently as last year I restored a 1971 Yamaha CS3 200 Electric, which I later sold to pay the down payment on my new 2007 America. I do regret selling that bike though. It was fantastic. Perhaps that is why I am considering a full restoration on this bike. Not to mention the satisfaction that comes from such a challenge.
Some pictures.
After getting the wheels turning:
What it should look like:
