This Suzuki is rarely seen in the US as it was only offered here in ’83 and ’84. In other markets it was called the GR650 (and available until ’89), for some reason it was called the Tempter in America. It’s a fairly straightforward UJM but it featured one interesting innovation: a ‘dual-stage’ flywheel with an centrifugal clutch that would basically lighten the flywheel once the engine spinned above 3,000 RPM. The idea was that you’d get easier starts at low RPM with a heavier flywheel, and then more responsiveness once you got moving with a lighter flywheel.
According to a ’83 review from Cycle World, the GR650 produced 50 horsepower and could hit 110 miles per hour. MSRP was $2,399, and they called the Zook a “good and faithful servant” after a long-term review. The Tempter was offered in two versions – the base “X” model and the upgraded “D” which got two-tone paint, mag-style wheels, and upgraded adjustable front air forks. For more on the Tempter, check out this short article from Motorcycle Classics.
This example is said to “run and ride great”, and it comes with an extra seat and new EBC ceramic brake pads. Find this Tempter for sale in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for $2,200 here on Facebook Marketplace.
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