I didn't see if there was a requirement to introduce but figured it would be a good idea. I'm looking for a bike and am heading to the "for sale/trade" section after this so now you know I am not a scammer
I had a GT380J back in the day and rode/raced the wheels off it against the then new Ninjas of the time. Until somebody turning in front of me and a high-side ended the bike. I'm back a couple (ok a few) decades later and looking for another Suzuki triple.
Since those days, I've ridden a GS500 (great bike) and been into land speed racing, setting a record at Bonneville on one of my Hayabusas. I hold an A license at Bonneville, an "unlimited" license at the Mojave Mile, and an ET Bracket license for NHRA. Anyway...
I seriously have the bug to get another two-stroke triple and I am waiting for the right bike to come along. Preferably a project (low cost) because I will personalize it and don't want to tear up a pristine stocker.
Hello Viper, from the UK. Good luck in your search for a triple, but don't discount the twins !
There have been plenty of your fellow countrymen on this forum, who have found nice looking bikes for next to nothing over there.
The T/GT500s are nice, and the GT550s hold their own. GT750s are a bit larger, but lots of fun. If you had a 380, that's what I would recommend you hold out for. They are out there, and cool bikes. Good luck and welcome aboard.
Lane
If you stroke it more than twice; you're playing with it.
Too many bikes, too much time, ENOUGH SPACE, FINALLY! Never enough money.........
Viper1340 wrote:Hello Titan,
How well do the GT twins run? I'd like to be able to get a solid 40hp out of something, then make it look cool and cut down the weight.
The GT500 was factory rated at 44hp. The earlier T500 (pre '73) a few more, at 47hp. Add some new exhaust, a few more, from the stock motor.
I had a GT380A back in the day that I purchased new.
In recent years I’ve had the T500, GT380, GT550 & GT750. My favorite is the GT750.
If I had to pick one given the perspective that (1) I’m older & have put on a few pounds, and (2) want to revisit the experience of my youth, then I’d pick the GT550.
But if you are thinking low cost & cafe racer / street tracker, then I’d pick a T500/GT500.
It has fewer parts & there are more aftermarket parts available.
Have fun with whatever you pick.
Its a great hobby & you need something to keep life interesting after you retire.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Hi Viper, welcome to the madhouse.
jabcb has it right, the 500 for ease, the 550 if you like a challenge!
Me? I prefer a challeng, so I have 'several' GT550s!
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
Welcome,
I suspect that whatever you end up with will feels slow compared to that Busa, but that said, I'd suggest a monoshocked, GSXR suspension, GT750 that looks completely different than any other GT. How are your fab skills and how far off the reservation do you feel comfortable wandering?
Moto GP, I like the sound of that. I had the vision in mind of a GP bike. Mono/GSXR like sounds right on the mark. My fab skills are decent. I can farm-weld stick or MIG but I have hot-rod friends that are/were certified that I could ask to weld the mission critical stuff after I mocked it up.
A GT/GP750 sounds badass.
The Busas actually cured me of the need to race everything I own. There's just nothing that's going to come close, ever, so it's now easy to actually enjoy facets of a ride besides the speed.
I've owned 1 litre plus sports bikes since the early 80's, but whenever I ride my little 40 something horse power 500, it always surprises me. Sure it doesn't gobble up motorways like my R1 can, but on the A roads it's light, and nimble and brings a grin to my face every time I throw a leg over it. I'm sure this goes for most of the guys on this forum with their old smokers too. In my experience, the 500 and 550 are quite close in performance, and are as much in front of a 380 as they are short of the 750. I have never owned a 380, but have had all the others....I reckon the 500 is the best handling of the bunch, with a good set of shocks fitted.[*][*][*]
Mmmm. There's nothing in the 550 and 500 as you say. First away usually stays there, whether it's bendy or straight. 750 in a straight line 60 onwards, but in the bends the 550 and 500 will be in front, especially if it's an early 750.
A model on was better for the 750 when the porting and frame were changed - I have good memories of a mate's 750A in 1976. That was quick, and handled well too.
The 380 wasn't far behind even with the extra gear, but lost out in torque.
Of course I'm a bit biased as I prefer the 550, and I suppose there are more tuning bits for the 750, but I've always liked the 500. Here's the 550 and my mate's T500 at last year's Classic TT.
And on the start/finish pitlane with a Dunstall 750. We get about........
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
When I ride mine I'll get someone on big rice rocket prove a point and pass me. Many times they are so worried I may challenge them (nah) they push their engine right to rev limiter . Now that is respect. Love 2 stroke triples.
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