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Suzuki T 500 Cobra

Make Model	Suzuki T 500 Cobra
Year	1968
Engine	Two stroke, parallel two cylinder
Capacity	492 cc / 30 cu in
Bore x Stroke	70 x 64 mm
Compression Ratio	6.6:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Lubrication System	Posi-force
Induction	2 x 34 mm Mikuni carburetors
Starting	Kick
Max Power	32.8 kW / 44 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque	50.8 Nm / 5.2 kgf-m / 37.5 lb-ft @6000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Dual downtube cradle
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Dual shock absorbers
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Tyre	3.00-18
Rear Tyre	3.25-16
Dimensions	Length: 2195 mm / 86.4 in Width: 865 mm / 34.1 in Height: 1105 mm / 43.5 in
Wheelbase	1455 mm / 57.3 in
Dry Weight	186 kg / 410 lbs
Top Speed (est)	185 km/h / 115 mph

Many motorcycle manufactures had tried but but no-one had succeeded in putting a civilised large capacity two stroke on the road in any large numbers until Suzuki launched the T500.

Not only did they make a big two-stroke that worked but they built one which was more reliable than many four-strokes of the time, required less maintenance and featured oil-injection direct into the crankcases along with massive and durable main roller bearings. The Cobra was also very fast for its capacity and put many contemporary 500cc and 650cc four-stroke twins to shame.

The 500/FIVE itself was a short-lived model, seemingly only seen in any number in the United States, and was quickly replaced by the Cobra. The most significant change to the original model was given little publicity at the time despite its dramatic effect. The swingarm of the 500 Suzuki was changed from 52.7 inches on the 500/FIVE to 57.3 inches on the Cobra. This is a very radical change on any bike but on the Suzuki 500 the longer wheelbase contributed to the bikes reputation for sure-footed and stable handling. For many riders it was also useful as the extra length of the machine made for a comfortable tourer with plenty of room for mounting carriers, saddlebags or panniers.

The Cobra, being the bike that couldn't be built, was a sensation in 1968. A big two-stroke that ran faultlessly, didn't foul plugs, performed like a 650 four stroke; but was light and cheap to buy. It had strange handling, the thirst of a cane-cutter and by today's standards woeful brakes. It looked kinda dumpy too, in typical 60's Japanese style, with a velour seat, a short wheelbase and a watermelon shaped petrol tank. To many of the buying public though it was a hit, everything worked together fine. The engine and gearbox are well balanced for the road, the engine comes on strong over four thousand revs, (up to a claimed 47 bhp at 6,500), and there is no need to constantly screw open the throttle around town as there is ample low down pulling power. Not what the un-initiated would expect from a two-stroke!

Source: Suzuki Cycles