Here's a little history on the Suzuki T500.
1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
The Suzuki T500 was launched in 1968, and was known to the American market as the "Cobra". The name "Cobra" was changed to "Titan" a year or so later, as well as the general appearance of the bike. The 60's were almost over, and the classic styling of 60's machinery was replaced with a sleeker, faster look for the 70's. This bike was famous in the '70s because on the track, it was faaaaaast. It was also used by many for touring, but soon became unpopular in that category with triples coming out from the Big Four (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki) like the GT750. More power, more comfort, more convenience. Suzuki felt that the T500 had a few more years left on it, so they made a few adjustments for it to compete in the growing touring market.
1973 Suzuki T500K TitanThe look and performance of the bike remained pretty much the same until 1975 when the T500 was replaced with the GT500, which included improvements like a GT750 tank, GT seat, front disc brake, new instruments, etc. The GT tank gave it much more fuel capacity, letting riders go longer and farther without refueling. The disc brake was a nice feature, as most motorcycles were updating their brakes from drum to disc- This update was a lot safer, too. This model was discontinued in 1977, along with Suzuki's GT triple line to make room for their GS series.
1975 Suzuki GT500MSuzuki History Archive: Suzukicycles.org
1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1973 Suzuki T500K Titan
1975 Suzuki GT500M
Do you think you are going to go for a GT500 look with the 750 tank on it like your dads? In my opinion the bike looked good with that tank on it and the added capacity is surely a plus.
ReplyDeleteI got the Titan with the intent to sell it after I fix it to put down money towards a newer car before I go away for school. I won't be able to keep a bike up at UNI.
ReplyDeleteI figure I'd get more money out of the Titan by keeping it stock and original. If I was keeping the bike, I'd totally go the GT route and throw on the GT tank and GT seat, and maybe add some cafe handlebars for the fun of it.
However, I'd get even more money out of a bike if I sold the Honda and parts...I mean, I won't be riding as much because of school, so maybe it would make more sense to have a smaller bike in the garage, plus free up the space the CX parts took up. But, then I wouldn't have a plethora of parts to choose from if something happened to the CX. But, I'd get more money...But, I just got brand new tires, pipes and a luggage rack for the Honda...Or I could sell both and get a Kawi W650...no, I need the car...
It's a really, really hard decision. I can't make a decision until the Titan is fixed up and ready to ride.