Do You Remember? 1974 Suzuki T500

The Suzuki T500 line was an unquestionably a very good motorcycle that sold more than 100,000 units across ten years and is rarely remembered today. Overshadowed by Honda’s Black Bomber four strokes and Kawasaki’s death wish two stroke triples, the T500 was big, reliable and rideable. Just not very flashy.

Suzuki brought out their parallel twin two stroke motorcycles with the X6 (T20) 250 CC in 1965. By 1968 the T500 had hit the street. Known as the Cobra in ‘68 Ford Motor Company challenged their use of the name so it was changed to Titan in ‘69. As opposed to the two stroke competition the Titan was reliable, long lasting and had a wide powerband.

The 1974 Suzuki T500 Titan used a 492 CC (30 CID) air cooled two stroke parallel twin motor that produced 47 HP and pushed it through a 5 speed transmission for an observed top speed of 105 MPH. Drum brakes at both ends, hydraulic front forks and preload adjustable rear coil over shocks and a weight of just over 400 LBS with AutoLube oil injection that lubed the crank as well as mixing the gas made it a very competent motorcycle.

This particular 1974 Suzuki T500 (VIN # T50071503) is in Riverview, Florida and is listed as ‘good working 12,242 mile mostly original’ survivor. The front forks and front wheel have been changed to a later disc brake set up and the originals go with the bike. Current bid for the motorcycle is $1,025 with reserve not met and a Buy It Now price of $4,200