There have been many motorcycle manufacturers that have tried to put a large capacity two-stroke engine into their motorcycle without success. This was until the Suzuki GT500 came along and took advantage of the situation with the Suzuki GT500. The Suzuki GT500 offers motorcyclists the first two-stroke engine that requires very little maintenance and offers oil injection directly into the crankcases. The GT500 offers an innovation not seen during its launch in 1976.
The GT500 was known as a “short-lived” model due to only being introduced in large numbers in the United States. This bike was actually blowing away the competition that not even the 500cc and 650cc bikes could compete with. Shortly after the launch of the Suzuki GT500, the Cobra was the new GT500 that provided a significant change from its previous predecessor. Little publicity was needed for Cobra to have an effect on the market. This was the so-called “model of the future”.
The most useful mechanical innovation where the Cobra was concerned was the swingarm, which was given an expansion of almost five inches compared to the previously released Suzuki GT500. This change gave riders much more control while riding the bike and helped contribute to Suzuki’s reputation. Many riders also agree that the longer seat equipped with the Cobra makes for a much more comfortable experience while touring the countryside. The second generation of the Suzuki GT500 also offered more space for a pannier, panniers or even a roof rack.
The GT500 was equipped with a sloping 492cc air-cooled two-stroke engine that allowed the bike to reach 46 horsepower quite easily. The length of the bike (2195mm) provided a better overall experience when transporting groceries or even giving a friend a ride. In 1968, the Suzuki GT500 was the next sensation for the entire motorcycle community. Today’s standards don’t even compare, especially when it comes to the brake system.
The public took this bike by storm and loved every aspect of it, from the watermelon-shaped gas tank to the conventional seat. When it came to the Suzuki Cobra, almost every aspect of the design changed for the better. About a year later, Suzuki stopped production of the Cobra to bring a newer model to the table, the Titan. Although a new version of the original GT500 had about eight new versions.
The Suzuki GT500 is a classic motorcycle that offers a five-speed gearbox and chain drive. The fuel capacity is quite large at the moment, as it can hold a full 17 litres. The bike was actually heavier than many, weighing in at 195kg. This classic bike is reliable and for the most part maintenance-free. Riding this rare bike will have you begging for more and possibly even giving you the idea to ask your friend “how much is the GT500.” Which may not turn out as well as you hoped. The Suzuki GT500 is one of a kind with an excellent build that allows you to go the extra mile with the bike.
