Suzuki T500 piston choice

[Vintageman]

Hello,

Have a 75 T500. I suppose if I were to get a new piston I should get the stock one for a 75. But, would it be wiser to get one designed for a 76 or 77 GT500. I think these have the smooth upper sides (no slotting). Not sure what the slotting was about (oil?). I also here a GT750 will work.

Just curious if there is a history of Piston improvements over times from Suzuki for the T/GT500 line. Strength, tighter piston to cylinder tolerances achievable, thinner rings for example. Maybe after market ones to consider as well?


Thanks

[oldjapanesebikes]

I'm using after market GT750 pistons on my GT500 - no issues so far. They are lighter than the Suzuki ones but other than that I can't speak to some of your questions re design improvement etc. as I think to a large degree it depends on your application. What's fine for puttering around town would not be as dependable for racing. I'm sure more knowledgeable folks on this board (Eric, Pedro, Jim, Richard et al) will jump in.

[Vintageman]

oldjapanesebikes

Whose aftermarket piston?

Does anyone know why the T500 piston had grooves above the wrist pin. I see the gt750 does not nor does the gt500A and B.

Sounds like the GT500 A and B may better since a later design from Suzuki???

[oldjapanesebikes]

The seller is on eBay under 'cruzinimage_co1484' - I really like their gasket sets, but have also bought other items including pistons and fork tubes/stanchions. No complaints so far.

There are several T500 experts (I'm not one of them) on the board who should be able to answer your specific question.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Almost all manufacturers change things over time, especially if its deemed more cost effective to make another way. The grooves above the wrist pin came and went over the years on all manner of two stroke bikes, so if you see some with them its new old stock.
As you've noticed, all present T500 pistons with the latest part number supercession are grooveless.

[Frank]

I suspect (hope? as I'm using them...) that GT750 pistons may be more reliable as the rings aren't as thick. I've heard that OEM pistons aren't reliable over 7K RPM and one reason might be that they're thicker, weigh more, etc. Don't know for sure!