1968 Suzuki Other

T500 12076

Clear

Offered for sale is this unrestored, extremely original early 1968 Suzuki T500. The T500 can really be considered the opening shot in the Superbike wars of the late 1960s to early 1970s. It predates the BSA & Triumph Triples, and may even have beat the Norton Commando to market. Honda's CB750 and the Kawasaki H1 500 were also still a year away. By 1970, when CYCLE magazine did their Superbike Comparison test (see last photo), the T500 was in there - but it was already past its prime. But people who judge Suzuki bikes of that period by raw horsepower are missing the point - even with their later 750 Water Buffalo, Suzuki was always more into a refined touring machine - more on the order of a BMW of that same period. This machine is the last Japanese bike in my Superbike collection. Gone are the sandcast CB750, low vin first year Z1 and H2s. All that's left are the European bikes. Other than a color change that was made somewhere along the way, this machine is in extremely original condition, right down to the Nikko horn and faded suede seat. It has been difficult to find bikes this original for over 30 years - they were just not valued for the longest time. And these early humpback tanks were the loneliest of all. But times have changed, and the Honda black bomber and the early T500 bikes are getting very expensive. Here is a chance to add one of these rare machines to your own early Superbike collection. This is a matching engine, frame and frame ID tag vin bike. It includes a number matching title, ready to sign over to the new owner. Also included is an original early 1969 Suzuki T500 parts book. This book came out just after the 1969 models were introduced, so not only is it a complete record of what the 1968 model should look like, it has a 1969 addendum that identifies all the 1969 changes. In this book you will note that turn signals were not standard in 1968, they were not fitted until 1969 - and they were only optional for the 1968 models. The original color on this bike was Candy Orange. The chrome rims and other parts on this bike are in excellent shape - even the original exhaust system. Another plus is the seat - the early T500 seat pans are notorious for rusting out, and the reproductions are not the best quality. Take a look at the photo of the bottom of this seat - it's in great shape. The bike turns over, but it has not been running for about 20 years as far as I can tell. But it has very good compression, and everything points to it being an easy restoration. Please ask all questions prior to bidding. Payment in full is expected within one week of end of auction, and bike pickup/shipping are expected within one month of auction end. Overseas bidders are welcome, but I can not help with any shipping estimates. Sorry but the bike does not move before the payment arrives. Due to some end of year travel that I have coming up, the bike will not be available to ship before December 29th. Good luck!