Any ideas about what this bike is?

[cmd21]

Any ideas?

[R]

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.....

[cmd21]

Yep, same great grandfather.  Thanks. 

[L.A.B.]

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



 

[cardan]

"Titan" in Australia too.
Leon

[L.A.B.]

"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".

[cardan]

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.