LOT 467

1971 Suzuki 493cc T500 'Road Racer' Registration no. VOD 71OJ Frame no. T500-95594 Engine no. T500-45163

Sold for £5,750 inc. premium

Lot 467

1971 Suzuki 493cc T500 'Road Racer'

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1971 Suzuki 493cc T500 'Road Racer'
Registration no. VOD 71OJ
Frame no. T500-95594
Engine no. T500-45163

From the outset, Michio Suzuki's company was involved in the manufacture of looms. Needing to diversify after World War Two, Suzuki manufactured a number of other goods before turning his attention to powered cycles. The first complete machine was launched in 1954, but it was not until 1961 that Suzuki opened an office in London, and 1963 before they began officially to import motorcycles to the UK. They came to a distribution agreement with AMC; Suzuki Great Britain Ltd. was formed, and part of the James factory was utilised for the purpose. Initially their models were smaller capacity ones, but gradually they began to increase the engine size of machines available. The breakthrough bikes were the T10, T200 and T20 Super Six, but by 1968 the big news was the T500 Cobra, which was the new top of the range. VOD 710J was purchased approximately two years ago, when the owner set eyes on this beautifully executed special, and was unable to resist it. Apart from the racing looks and superb finish, the attraction of it being road registered was irresistible. He has enjoyed using the Suzuki, albeit only intermittently, for limited fair weather riding. Equipped with alloy rims, sticky modern tyres, a racing petrol tank and seat, full fairing, uprated forks, 4LS front brake from the GT550/GT750, and a racing exhaust system, the Suzuki is ready to take out for a track day, or simply a blast through the countryside. The rear paddock stand is included. Documentation consists of a current V5C, and a current MoT, even though one is not required. This machine does not require a key.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame and engine numbers have been transposed in the catalogue. The frame number is: T500-45163 The engine number is: T500-95594

Additional information

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