Additional photos of this Suzuki TM400 Cyclone are available here for your perusal.
Suuzki unleashed the TM400 ‘Cyclone’ upon the world in 1971. This beast of a motocrosser was designed to participate and dominate in 500cc class Motocross World Championship racing. With a great deal of pomp and circumstance, Suzuki introduced the TM400 at Warner Studios with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner, giving the press introduction to the media. Unfortunately, once reviewers got their hands on it, they quickly deemed it a handful for even the most skilled riders to control, with some nicknaming it the ‘widowmaker’.
The Cyclone utilized a 396cc two-stroke air-cooled single cylinder motor that produced 40 hp and 33 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed transmission and almost 9 inches of ground clearance made it a motocross dream, on paper. It weighed 230 lbs wet but had an unusually flexible frame. Per the seller, “the bike was far too powerful for the chassis it was given and far too heavy for the suspension it was saddled with. It was a 30+ horsepower mechanical bull that could remove its rider unexpectedly at any turn. If ever a bike fit its name, it was the Suzuki Cyclone.”
1971 was only year that the TM400 was adorned in a brilliant shade of orange. Afterwards, the TM was painted up in a yellow/black scheme paying homage to the factory MX team.
This Suzuki (VIN: TM400-15885) was restored by Jim Martin of Phoenix Precision Restoration in late 2012 and was then delivered straight to the seller to be put on display in his collection.
We note two cosmetic issues: surface rust on the left fork leg
and two cracks in the rear fender:
Please feel free to let us know if you would like additional photos of a specific area. This machine has not been started since the work was performed.
