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.
Afterwards the first year of production in 1971, the TM was painted up in a distinctive yellow paying homage to the factory MX team.
This example is VIN: TM40034489. The seller acquired it from a private party in January 2017 through a Mecum auction.
During his ownership, the seller has not ridden the bike. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
The seller states that he “restored to original with fresh engine rebuild.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and detail the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: RUSTY
Engine Oil Level: PASS
Engine Oil Quality: PASS
2T Oil Level: PREMIX
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: DIRTY RUSTY
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: Leak
Shock/s: Leak
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: 90 CRACKING
Tire % Remaining Rear: 70 CRACKING
Tire Press. Front: 30
Tire Press. Rear: 30
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: RUNS POORLY ON BENCH
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
CARB(S) NEED SERVICE
TIRES AGED CRACKING
CHAIN SERVICE NEEDED
AIR FILTER NEEDS REPLACING
SHOCKS AND FORKS LEAKING
TANK NEEDS TO BE CLEANED
SPROCKETS WORN
Recommended services:
CARB(S) SERVICE
REPLACE TIRES
SERVICE CHAIN
REPLACE SPROCKETS
REPLACE AIR FILTER
SERVICE FORKS
REPLACE SHOCKS
PROFESSIONALLY CLEAN FUEL TANK
Modifications:
This bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Kenda K772 Carlsbad tires that have aged out.
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 TM400 Cyclone stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
