My next bike...

[eithr]

I'm still putting some work and effort into my 1976 Suzuki GT380 (my first and current bike) and I have recently acquired a 1972 Honda CB350 Four project bike, but I'm already looking to the future for my next bike. I'm itching for something with a bit more get-up-and-go. Those of you who own these, or have owned these, have opinions to share, thoughts on how they compare, etc, please share your thoughts. I'll probably not be able to swing more than one of these bikes, if any at all (planning to get the CB350F up and running and flip it towards another bike), so I'm curious which one(s) people have loved the most and why. Here's the dream list:

Suzuki T/GT500 I'm guessing this is the sportiest of my list and as a twin, less work to do as far as repairs and maintenance.
Suzuki GT550 The bigger, quicker, more fuel efficient version of what I've got currently. Seems like if I like the 380, I'll love the 550.
Suzuki GT750 The Water Buffalo. I love the mythology of these bikes and almost just want one to brag that I have one. Curious if it might be too big a bike for my small person (5'6 ish)... but love the roar of the 380, so again assuming that I'll love the performance of a 750. Bigger tank and better fuel consumption, means more riding, longer trips, etc.

So, share your thoughts. If you could have any bike on that list, which one(s) would you go after and why?

[Scorch]

After I get this 380 where I want it, I'm going to look out for the best GT750 that $5000 will buy.

[eithr]

I'm pretty sure that I will not have that much money to spend. I'm assuming I'll have $1000-$2500 to put towards, what I expect will be, a project. But, I'm looking forward to it.

For $5k you should be able to find a seriously sweet ready to rock and roll 750, right? I've seen some restored ones in the area go for $3500.

[h2okettle]

eithr, I have had all 3 of the bikes your looking at... The T500 was the least desireable for the vibration reasons.. The GT550 I have had 4 and still have a 73 model.. The GT550 will fit you the best.. I am also 5'6" and like the weight and size of the 550.. It also gets 50mpg on the highway with spare power to boot at 70mph.. The 380 is struggling a little at 70.. But it depends on what you like the bike for.. I still have a GT750 for touring.. It is my favorite... Its a little tall, but very comforable for the long haul.. The motor is very reliable due to the water cooling.. I put 84K miles on it before I did the "first" rebuild.. It now shows 15K miles as I have flipped the odometer over 100K..

Allen..... Tippy toe buffalo rider

[eithr]

Cool. Great info. Based on that, I think I'll focus on the GT550. Compared to a four-stroke 550 is it safe to assume that the GT550 is way balls out more fun?

[tz375]

Not necessarily. The GT series were in a very mild state of tune. The early GS series were faster and in many ways more fun - but they are not 2 strokes or triples.

[eithr]

I do really like the two-stroke bikes over the four-stroke bikes... so far, at least. Most of my hours logged have been on my two-stroke GT380, but I've ridden a variety of other bikes, none more than a few hours at a time though:

Suzuki GN125
Yamaha TW200
Honda Rebel 250
Suzuki GS550
Suzuki GS500
Harley Davidson Forty Eight

I liked the 125 and 200, because of the riding position and handling, but too small to go back to those. Of the larger bikes, I liked the Harley the most; the power and comfort was pretty thrilling. But, the more stuff I test out the more I love coming back to my GT. I feel more in control, which probably has more to do with my longer relationship getting to know the bike's sound and feel.

Comparing the GT380 to the GT550, is the biggest difference that the 550 has more power? Faster acceleration? More relaxed at higher speeds? Does it feel the same? Does that make sense? Like if I love my GT380, will I most probably love the 550 even more?

Of the three triples, was the 550 the most rare? If I give myself another year to save up and/or flip my current bike(s) should I expect a lot of trouble finding one?

[johnakay]

here's my pennies worth.
the gt550 has hardly any power worth more than the T500.
the later T/GT500 were detune a little to make the 550 look it has more power.no doubt they are good bike but some what a little heavier and on juice to compared to the T500.
as for vibs that can be cure by knocking out the bush's in the engine and replace by using the GT 750 bush's.
mods info are in here if you can find it!
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t500index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

in my opinion the T500 was and still is the most underrated bike.
these can be tuned to do 120mph without affecting the reliability.
for racing these have known to do 146/150mph in a highly tuned state.
try that on a GT550.
I'd put money on the T/GT500 for ease of repair / tuning and good mpg and simplicity.I'd do a research 1st before I'd make a decision.your choice

[eithr]

Good info. Thanks for the thoughts on the 500. Okay, stepping back again, I think I'm going to focus on the 500 and the 550. I like that they've got more get-up-and-go than the 380, but not as heavy and cumbersome as the 750 (although, I haven't experienced the cumberson quality for myself). Something I like about the 550 over the 500 is the front disc brake. Offers a little more safety. Thoughts on drum brakes? My 380 has the disc front drum rear... I've not ridden a bike with only drums. Significant difference?

Do they get about the same gas mileage? I thought I saw that they did, but just read an artical suggesting that earlier model 500's got closer to 50-60 mpg. Is that the same for the 550? My 380 is sad with the fuel consumption; I'm averaging around 30-35 on highway... 20-25 in city.

[rbond]

I have a '76 GT500. I am getting about 44 mpg in town, have not really taken a trip to check highway mileage yet. It has a front disc rear drum, does a little better than a drum only setup. From what I have read, the triples are relatively smooth running, but the 500's have a reputation for having a little vibration problem. Mine seems to be at it's worst from 45 mph up to 50 mph than it seems to vibrate at a higher frequency and smooths out some at higher speeds. It is easier to work on, once you get any kinks fixed, it is a pretty reliable bike. I use mine as a daily driver, to work, errands, etc. A luggage rack with a medium size trunk really makes it versatile for me. This board has been an excellent place for help and parts. Good luck on whatever you decide to get!!

[h2okettle]

The GT500 is more refined than the T500. It has better ignition and brakes.. The GT550 is still smoother and I personally like the electric start option.. This way if it stalls at a light you can just hit the button or if you have a passenger on back.. Otherwise you have to put the bike back in neutral to kickstart it.. Gas mileage on my GT550 was 50mpg.. One thing that takes some getting used to is the "left" side kickstart that the T/GT500 has.. Another thing I always thought was strange on the 500 model was that the oil pump did not function while at idle/neutral.. I have wondered what would happen if you got caught in a big traffic jam where it was barely creeping along.. I have done quite a few miles on both bikes and never a problem, but I stay on secondary roads mostly.
Both bikes are fun to ride and have plenty of cruising speed and power, I just like the upgrades of the GT550 and smoothness for the longer haul.. Actually for the really long hauls I prefer my GT750..

On the other hand I am getting ready for another tour and have decided to try a different route this time.. I want to ride a bike under 500cc and two cylinders.. I have chosen my 71 Honda CB450.. I know this is not a good subject bike on this board as the bike has way to many moving parts.. But as a member of the "not right riding club" I can be excused...

Allen...... Still wasting CCI

[rbond]

Only want to clarify the statement about the oil pump. The tach and oil pump both, run off of the clutch, so when you pull it in, both stop. This means you CANNOT sit in gear holding the clutch in for more than half a minute or so, or you will starve the engine for oil. It takes a little different style riding in stop -n-go traffic, it's not hard really.

[Vintageman]

Great question. I have a T350, GT380, and GT550 for Suz. I do not a T500 or GT500. This has to be next for me. I dislike the vibration my T350 gives (rubber mounted handle bars help but should be the engine rubbered to frame instead). The T350 is surpirsing quick and I want my son to get on my R5 Yam to drag me and see which is quicker (we'll have to swap too for he's #135 and me #205) OK back to the GT500.

First I like the fact Suz fixed the not enough oil issue when they make the crankcase volume larger on the GT500 versus T500. Was this really a significant issue? Or was it just sensitive to oil levels a bit low more so on the T versus GT. This leeds me to one big concern on this bike T or GT500. The center bearing is lubed by the crankcase gear oil. If the seal(s) are a bit week the oil leeks by and make the engine smoke bad. Had same issue with an early GT250. Since these seals are in the center you need to split crank to fix. I don't even think the seals are still available??? If I buy one I need to see how bad it smokes first !0/40W oil burn smell nasty vs. 2 stroke oil


So what was detuned bewteen the T500 and GT500. Does anyone really know or truly seen what changed first hand. Did port timing change (anyone measure this or have it stated somewhere). If so then just put T500 jugs on a GT500? Was it heads, Was it carbs, Was it carbs do to more restrictive airbox. Then put T500 carbs/box on Gt500, Was it exhaust, Then get a set of Jemco's etc to liven it up. The GT750 dampners is a must have.

I find the GT380 with it six speeds a blast to drive. I have chambers on it and love it. The GT550 has more torque for sure but first gear real low and big gap between it and second gear. I plan to reduce the front sprocket one tooth on 550.

[johnakay]

from 74 onwards the T500 had the crank case mods done.
the 5th gear use to run dry when leaning this lead to case hardening wearing off and the teeths by this time is down to softish metal therefore wore out quickly. the mods added another 200cc of oil to the gear box.

the bhp on the earlier T500 up until the 74 to the GT500 was 45/46 bhp.
the T500m to the GT500 the bhp was reduce to 44bhp ,this was done to make the GT550 appear more powerfull in terms of bhp(50 bhp).

the T500m/GT500 ports were altered to give less bhp.
maybe others can clarify abit more.....

more info here...
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t500.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t5002.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

GT550.........
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/mags/gt550.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Vintageman]

johakay,

Thanks.

So ther is a fix for the 1200 cc oild issue and need to split case. Has anyone who onws these every suffer from this issue? Has everyone done the fix.

More importanlty as I am interested in getting one. What is the cause of the 3 hp oloss and a significant fun loss of a full 1000 rpm drop hp peak.

Is it just intake port timing change. Does any one know specifically what was changed here? Is is easy to modify the port on these later T500 GT 500s to equale the 47 Hp design?

Thanks