classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Identify these bikes! => Topic started by: cmd21 on May 22, 2011, 12:36:59 AM

Title: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: cmd21 on May 22, 2011, 12:36:59 AM

Any ideas?

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: R on May 22, 2011, 01:57:53 AM

Its a Suzuki, I think the GT500 model. No disk front brake, so its several years old by 1974. Had the reputation of being a good touring bike, and quite reliable for its era and not thirsty either (its a 2-stroke, and many of the time were quite tempermental).

Great photo - is this the same relative as on the Indian ?
Thats quite a span of years.....

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: cmd21 on May 22, 2011, 02:37:00 AM

Yep, same great grandfather.  Thanks. 

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: L.A.B. on May 25, 2011, 10:44:20 AM

It's a 1974 T500 (or T500 "Titan" in the US, and "Cobra" in UK)
http://www.suzukicycles.org/1970-1979/1974a.shtml
http://www.suzukicycles.org/T-series/T500_roadtest_1974.shtml

The GT500 had the disc brake and electronic ignition etc.. and that model wasn't available until 1975.
http://www.suzukicycles.org/1970-1979/1975a.shtml



 

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: cardan on May 25, 2011, 11:09:24 PM

"Titan" in Australia too.
Leon

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: L.A.B. on May 25, 2011, 11:26:04 PM

Quote from: cardan on May 25, 2011, 11:09:24 PM

"Titan" in Australia too.

Yes, I believe it was only the UK where the T500 was known as the Cobra, because Read Titan apparently owned the rights to the 'Titan' name, so Suzuki couldn't call it that in the UK, and in any case it was usually just known as the "T500".

(http://www.stephenbottcher.net/fairing/Churchgate%20Read%20Titan/Read%20Titan%20flyer_.jpg)

Title: Re: Any ideas about what this bike is?
Post by: cardan on May 26, 2011, 12:12:57 AM

Fascinating! As if to remind us that the 1970s was long ago, note that the 50p spent on your catlogue was refundable, presumably against purchase of Read Titan goodies.