Suzuki 2 Strokes

I need to replace the stock handlebars on my '75 T500M. I'm having a difficult finding a nice set of stock original bars and was wondering if anyone has any recommendation/experience with aftermarket bars that are "close to stock".

Additionally, I can't find a decent front fender for anything resembling reasonable ($329 for a reproduction new one is not reasonable).

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

mnellis wrote:I need to replace the stock handlebars on my '75 T500M. I'm having a difficult finding a nice set of stock original bars and was wondering if anyone has any recommendation/experience with aftermarket bars that are "close to stock".

Additionally, I can't find a decent front fender for anything resembling reasonable ($329 for a reproduction new one is not reasonable).

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Hey mate - I've got a spare set of standard Euro-spec bars (check my project thread) that I'd be happy to sell... Am in Australia though, so you'd need to check out shipping price...

GreenMachine wrote:
Hey mate - I've got a spare set of standard Euro-spec bars (check my project thread) that I'd be happy to sell... Am in Australia though, so you'd need to check out shipping price...

Thanks for the prompt reply, your project looks great. I'm frothing at the mouth for that front fender though.

I think the shipping costs on the bars might not make sense for those bars. They look similar to the "superbike" style bars that I can get here locally for about $30 or so. In the end, that may be the direction I take. They work well on my '70 CB450 but I was hoping for something a little more stock looking.

I bought a new set for my 74 from Suzuki, are they not available new?

Suzuki still sells them brand new. There are a couple different styles though. I found out the hard way, after I already paid to have my original bars rechromed for $150. They range from about $65-$85. I think in the US, the 75 T500 used the same bars as the GT500.

wvc wrote:Suzuki still sells them brand new. There are a couple different styles though. I found out the hard way, after I already paid to have my original bars rechromed for $150. They range from about $65-$85. I think in the US, the 75 T500 used the same bars as the GT500.

I think that is correct (but have been wrong before ) - part number 56111-15103, and about $70 if you shop around.

oldjapanesebikes wrote:

wvc wrote:Suzuki still sells them brand new. There are a couple different styles though. I found out the hard way, after I already paid to have my original bars rechromed for $150. They range from about $65-$85. I think in the US, the 75 T500 used the same bars as the GT500.

I think that is correct (but have been wrong before ) - part number 56111-15103, and about $70 if you shop around.

Thanks for all the replies. I've checked a couple of online bike suppliers (Bike Bandit etc.) and the item number for the handlebar is not listed indicating, usually, that it is no longer available. I will visit the dealer tomorrow and check it out to be sure. That may be my answer.

Your sig shows your a GT750 fan. I have an opportunity to get some almost new GT750 bars. Do you know how they compare to the T500M bars?

Ian has the correct part number, take that to your dealer 56111-15103. I am showing they still are available.

Thanks again everyone.

The next step is the front fender. Me thinks that's going to be a lot tougher.

mnellis wrote:Thanks again everyone.

The next step is the front fender. Me thinks that's going to be a lot tougher.

You think right and more expensive if you get one in great condition.

mnellis wrote:I have an opportunity to get some almost new GT750 bars. Do you know how they compare to the T500M bars?

According to the Zedder cross reference source, the same bars were also used on several models of GT750's ('73, '74, '75 and '76), '73, '75 and '76 GT550's, 1973 and 1976 GT380s, '69 through '71 T350s and all models of T500. The differences between the various bars used seem to be the width in the area of the clamps changes, the pullback is either greater or less, and the over all width seems to vary by about 1 to 1 1/2 inches.

Bottom line - unless you put them along side each other I think you'd have a tough time telling what the difference is.

oldjapanesebikes wrote:

mnellis wrote:I have an opportunity to get some almost new GT750 bars. Do you know how they compare to the T500M bars?

According to the Zedder cross reference source, the same bars were also used on several models of GT750's ('73, '74, '75 and '76), '73, '75 and '76 GT550's, 1973 and 1976 GT380s, '69 through '71 T350s and all models of T500. The differences between the various bars used seem to be the width in the area of the clamps changes, the pullback is either greater or less, and the over all width seems to vary by about 1 to 1 1/2 inches.

Bottom line - unless you put them along side each other I think you'd have a tough time telling what the difference is.

Thanks for the follow-up, I've got the GT750 bars on the way and I'll post up a picture of how they look after I install them.