t500 gear box oil level fix

[Tamadrmr26]

my t500 was built december of 1972 and im pretty sure its a 73 t500k. i think the gearbox oil problem was solved for the 1973 models(correct me if im wrong). is there a way to tell if my bike has the factory 1400cc gearbox without taking it all apart?

[oldjapanesebikes]

According to the Suzuki service bulletin #3 (see this link http://www.3cyl.com/bulletins/service_bulletins.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) the change was implemented in engines built after December of 1973 - so frame 68083 or there abouts . As such, its likely your machine does not have the update, unless it has been installed during a subsequent rebuild.

[TLRam1]

IIRC, it is stamped on the engine case how many CC's it hold's, if it is stamped 1400, you are good.

[Fritz500]

...I saw a 500K with a 1400cc sticker covering the 1200cc cast in words.

Early 500Ks were 1200cc and later versions were 1400cc.

[oldjapanesebikes]

...I saw a 500K with a 1400cc sticker covering the 1200cc cast in words.

Correct - the label was included in the modification kit (part number 24833-15990) that Suzuki made available for crankcases built prior to the 1974 model year when the casting was changed.

[Tamadrmr26]

yea, mine has the 1200cc stamp. no sticker present so most likely its still 1200.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

The problem is the label can come off, even if it was once fixed on there. Theres only one true guaranteed way to know if the retrofitted oil dam is, or is not in the lower case, you have to open it.

[oldjapanesebikes]

yea, mine has the 1200cc stamp. no sticker present so most likely its still 1200.

As Allan says, there really isn't any way to positively know one way or the other without splitting the case.