The Suzuki T500 was the first motorcycle to introduce a large capacity two-stroke engine with the release of the Suzuki T500 Cobra in 1968. The release of the Suzuki T500 model was short-lived in its home country of the United States. After the original Suzuki T500, many other releases hit the cycling scene with many significant changes. Although this bike had a dramatic effect on the public, it never generated the publicity or attention that many felt it deserved.
The Suzuki T500 Cobra offered many improvements over its predecessor, including a much longer wheelbase, low maintenance, and even the handling helped this model get up on its feet and under a rider for a memorable ride. The Suzuki T500 Cobra offered much more space than the original Suzuki T500, making it possible to accommodate additional passengers, luggage racks, and even saddlebags. This model was the perfect bike for touring and can still be called a wonderful bike to this day.
Suzuki wanted to make a motorcycle more attractive to the public, which led to the birth of a new model, this model was known as the Suzuki T500 2 Titan and was launched in 1969. The new model offered many advancements such as 11 finned barrels with tiring altered. Another highlight on this bike was the much stronger piston with an even larger piston port. The last but important innovation made on the Suzuki T500 2 Titan was to drop the 34mm carb and install a 32mm mikunis in its place.
Suzuki’s third release during the T500 era was the Suzuki T500 3. Many minor changes were made, including a new paint job and other minor tweaks. This 1970 version was similar to the Suzuki T500 2 Titan, except for some new accessories, such as the tank rack, which at this time of motorcycle creation was a standard. The engine also had minor tweaks made and the bike could easily range from 110-120mph with the air-cooled 492cc parallel twin two-stroke.
Between 1971 and 1974 there were four new releases of the Suzuki T500. Small adjustments were made to these models in their bodywork and mechanics. Suzuki T500 models during these three years included the Suzuki T500R, Suzuki T500J, Suzuki T500K, and Suzuki T500L. Everything during these four years, from the engine to the starter, remained the same. The biggest difference in these models can be detected in one instance, but that’s only because there were changes to the body rather than mechanical changes.
The last model to come from the Suzuki T500 series, known as the Suzuki T500M, which was released in 1975. This motorcycle offered many new innovations over previous releases, including a much larger tank, electronic ignition, and finally, a front disc brake. The Suzuki at first glance replicates the Suzuki 500, but Suzuki added a lot of new features to keep its customers happy. This street bike is recognized by many and is known as the bike one would see every time they dream of touring the countryside with friends by their side.
