Suzuki 2 Strokes

I see the Connecting rod for T500 no longer availble from Suz. 12161-15001

Are there any aftermarket ones or someone selling stock

The odd one shows up on Ebay sometimes, very hard to come by. These people here ( http://www.tr500.co.uk/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) specialize in T500 racing and have reproduction main bearings and con rods. I think at one time they were making new con rods, but don't know if they still are. You can check with them if they still do.

bloop2,

I'll check.

What about this guy on eBay saying us a GT750 rod or 1.5mm longer Rod?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-TR500-T5 ... 3f0fb16a32" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Same guy as above.

That's Pete (Pedro) O'Dell, and he is a member of this forum, although I haven't seen him post in a while.

The big end bearing (cage at least) is obsolete too. Can get the roller.

I wonder if he (Pedro) has new rods yet (even a good used)

Can anyone suggest a big end bearing replacement that works.

Who in USA can rebuild a T500 crankshaft?

CrankMaster can but said he is real busy and at least 6 months out.

Bill Bune ever do a T500 specifically for someone here?

Anyone else has done a T500?

I need one good new or used T500 rod for a later T500/GT500

This hobby/disease is going to drive me crazy

Hi vintageman,

I have actually held one of Pete's new manufactured T500 rods in my hands. I believe Pete can provide the complete set (rod, bearing, crank-pin etc.). They are not cheap, but then neither are genuine NOS items, if you happen to find them which is getting very rare these days. Best to contact him via his web site and ask if he has any in stock. If you do go the Suzuki rod route GT750 bearings and crank-pins will work, that's what I had fitted when my T500 crank was rebuilt.

Cheers Geoff

Zunspec4

Good to know I can use a GT750 big end needle bearing for T500

I'll contact Pete via his website instead of ebay as I did

I am still wondering who has done T500 crank for them in USA.

I hear Bill Bune has done GT750s. I'll contact him tomorrow.

Be nice to have someone with experience with the T500 Crank

Vintageman wrote:I hear Bill Bune has done GT750s. I'll contact him tomorrow.

Bill has done T500 cranks for several board members - just give him a call. You are aware I suppose that converting over to the GT750 con rods is not a drop in fit eh ? If the old con rods are in good shape (no staining on the bearing surface and of course no pitting), and if you are not planning on heavy usage (vintage racing for example) then reuse is not a bad option. Otherwise give Pete a call.

Following up on Ian's post,

You can use the GT750 crank-pin and big end bearing with T500 rods. When I sent my T500 crank for re-build this what they did. I agree that very probably your existing T500 rods will be OK, you need to have someone like Mr Bune to check the crankshaft assembly out to see what is needed. You might even find that all you need is new seals/O-rings and you are good to go. A complete crank re-build with new rods/bearings/seals/O-rings etc, will I am afraid be a very big dollar item. You would be smart to get the crank surveyed before going any further.

If you fit GT750 rods, which can be done, the base of the barrels will need machining as the GT750 rods are shorter (3mm I think). Sorry, but totally re-newing a crank for an engineering perfection re-build and/or peace of mind is going to cost. It can be done though

Good luck

Geoff

I want to stay t500 rods

I think the T500 and GT750 call out same crank pin #. But they do not use same big end needle bearing.

So I am sure you are saying the GT750 bearing eventhough different part still works with T500 rod. Something Bune will do or knows about
You can get T500 bearing rollers but not cage. Not sure I even need, but why not change once apart simply $$$$

My t500 crank has under 6000 miles. I took it out when I did the bike for I had to split case for Kick starter dog problem. It was clean, no rust, bottom was oily, no moisture, looked real nice, but one of the small end had some needle bearing stains about 1/2 circle worth that have pitted now. the other rod small end is fine. I think the way that one rod end was left setting for many years pick up some moisture. Cant see big ends of course, but hopeful the other rod is OK like its small end, well see.

Thanks

Vintageman wrote:I think the T500 and GT750 call out same crank pin #. But they do not use same big end needle bearing.

Correct - same pin - different big end bearings on the con rod, but the pistons, gudgeon pin and small end bearings are interchangeable.

Vintageman wrote:So I am sure you are saying the GT750 bearing even though different part still works with T500 rod. Something Bune will do or knows about You can get T500 bearing rollers but not cage. Not sure I even need, but why not change once apart simply $$$$

Sort of - the bearings on the T500 con rod big end are loose rollers that you or your crank builder have to fit into the cage - the cage is just re-used as it is not a wear item. I'm pretty sure that the GT750 con rod big end bearing is only for the GT750 con rod. Pete does the GT750 conversions and tells me that as they are shorter than the T500 ones, you have to turn down the crank fly wheels or the pistons will hit, and then you have to top or tail the barrels to correct the timing. I'm not sure Bill Bune does that sort of work - you'd have to ask. People send Pete engines from around the world to be worked on - not cheap, but in this case you do get what you pay for. I suspect the added conversion costs would exceed the cost of just using the reproduction T500 rods, if he has them. He also does have good used T500 rods usually - you have to ask.

Vintageman wrote:...one of the small end had some needle bearing stains about 1/2 circle worth that have pitted now. the other rod small end is fine. I think the way that one rod end was left setting for many years pick up some moisture.

Someone will jump in and correct me I'm sure, but it sounds like you need at least one rod.

Zunspec4 and oldjapanesebikes,

Zunspec4: I think you said you used a GT750 big end needle bearing with a T500 rod: Correct?
How did you know it was OK and I assume you have miles on your bike now to prove it.

I would like to get fix properly but not spend money unwisely. I think shipping alone would be pricey but will ask.

I was hoping to get a NOS rod only. I am confident all else is very well, but find out once into it.

It seams to make sense to replace rollers or replace Needle Bearing and seals once in there

I did send a measage to Petes web site and awaiting reply

Pete isn't so much an email guy - and this is his busiest time of year. A phone call would be better.

Does anyone have the dimensions of T500 and GT750 rods? I was under the impression that GT750 rod was 135mm ctr to ctr and 500 is 130mm. I measured a 750 rod the other day and it's 130mm, so maybe I have it back to front.