From the late 1960s into the early 1970s, two strokes ruled the performance motorcycle world. Most manufacturers, however, believed that building an air cooled two stroke larger than 350cc simply wasn’t practical. The common assumption was that it would overheat, drink fuel at an alarming rate, and deliver an unmanageable powerband. Suzuki ignored the conventional wisdom and introduced the T500 in 1968, advertising it as “the sports cycle that couldn’t be made.”
This first year example is especially significant because it is a true “Cobra” model. A name Suzuki was soon forced to abandon after objections from Shelby over similarities to the Shelby Cobra sports car. Subsequent attempts to rename the bike the “Charger” were also challenged, eventually leading Suzuki to settle on the now famous Titan name. As a result, the Cobra designation was only used for a short period. The first year Cobra models also featured larger 34mm carburetors and wider cooling fin spacing than later Titans.
Suzuki’s T-series applied to bikes with displacements ranging from 90cc to 500cc. This was the big daddy, with a 492cc engine that was all but bombproof. It produced 47 horsepower, capable of getting the Titan up to 105 miles per hour. Check out a helpful write up from Motorcycle Classics about why the Titan was so underrated, especially compared to the Honda CB450 Black Bomber, here.
This example is VIN: T50011844.
The odometer shows 17,543 miles.
The seller bought it ten years ago from Paul Miller Motorcycle, who performed a “frame up restoration with all NOS parts” on it. Since then he has kept it on display in his collection.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Rusted
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Non Functioning
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 18/04
Tire Date Code Rear: 33/14
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 15 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 0 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 5.48V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Crank, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Staining on mufflers
-Tank pads are out of shape
Recommendations:
-Battery Replacement
-Removal of Tank for clean and line
-Inspection of fuel system
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Front and Rear Tires and Tubes
-Cable lubrication
-No Start Diagnostic
-Etc.
Modifications:
This T500 appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tires with date codes of 1804 and 3314.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Suzuki is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Iconic’s White Glove Service can assist with getting a Tennessee state title for roughly $650. Have any T500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
