Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes Am I Crazy?

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:

The short answer is yes.

No not really since it is a vintage bike and still has some interest. I have 3 of the triple 2 strokers (had 4 but traded my GT550 for my Norton P-11) I still have my 750 water buffalo and 2 GT380s that have been sitting outside for many years. Those 2 strokers were fun bikes. My neighbor had one of those twins in bad shape too, we never did get it running but didn't want to spend any money on it.

Nothing like 2 stroke accleration and drum brakes.

Blast the frame and see what condition the motor is in. If both look alright, I would tackle it! ...Anything to keep me outta the house!

First titled bike I owned was a GT550. Man was that thing a monster. Pretty much had to lay on the handle bars to keep the front end down when I left a red light. OK, so I was young and I didn't yet know how not to accelerate hard. Awesome bike, fond memories and a few tickets.

This bike would be way cool restored. Do it, do it, do it!

Oh, and yes, you are crazy.

Yes, you and others like us are crazy, if that means irrational, passionate and patient to a nutty degree. kudo's to the guys in the world who bring back the dead!

Seems like I am going ahead with it. I pulled the carbs and plugs, no rust in the cylinders. So far so good. I pulled the generator cover only to find a mess that was the points and condensers. Alas it looks mostly superficial. The best part - I put a wrench on the crank bolt, and it turned! No real effort either. NOT SEIZED! WOO! (keep in mind that this bike looks like it sat in a swamp for 30 years) So, after completely fogging the cylinders top and bottom, I ran an air motor on the crank running it up to 300 rpm. Turns nice and easy. Put the compression checker on, and it gets compression! Not sure yet if its correct compression, but its a start.

So, just for the fun of it, I am going to attempt to run it as it is just to show the kid that sold it to me that all was not as it seemed. A genuine diamond in the rough. Then proceed with the tear down and restoration.

The trick now, is to complete the project within budget for a 25% profit. Not impossible. Mind you, it wont be a gold Concours restoration, but it will be a very nice driver.

Gentlemen, I am crazy. But, I love this sh*t.

Oh man! Shouldn't have done the air motor thing. 2 strokers depend on the oil in the fuel for lubrication.

OK then, I was concerned you had not thought about the oil injection system.

Please take lots of pics and post along the way. I know a lot of guys would love to see the progress...myself included! With the means of the internet nowadays a guy can find parts for anything (except a visor for a '48 fleetline) for a little bit of nothing. Good luck and have fun!