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"Like rivals Honda and Yamaha, Suzuki built and raced quite a few over-the-counter racers and production-based works machines over the years. The first such effort was the TR50 of 1963. This was very loosely based on the disc-valve RM62 works single of 1962..." - Mick Walker's Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles.

Suzuki first emerged onto motorcycle sport's international stage in 1960 when the Japanese manufacturer made its debut at the Isle of Man TT in the Ultra Lightweight race with a trio of 125cc two-stroke twins entered under its 'Colleda' brand name. Success proved elusive, but when East German rider/engineer Ernst Degner defected to the West in 1961, bringing with him to Suzuki knowledge of MZ's advanced two-stroke technology, the company's racing fortunes were turned around. In 1962 Suzuki won the inaugural 50cc World Championship, Degner winning four of the races. The following year New Zealander Hugh Anderson took both the 50cc and 125cc world titles for Suzuki, and the stage looked set for even greater achievements.

Unlike the works RM62, the customer TR50 used piston-port induction and made less power as a result: a claimed maximum of 8.5bhp at 11,000rpm, which reached the road via a six-speed gearbox. The carburettor was a Mikuni VM22 while the ignition system was somewhat unusual: the Kokusan racing magneto sparking twice per revolution and supplying a coil beneath the fuel tank. The aluminium alloy cylinder barrel had a cast-iron liner, but inexplicably no oversize pistons were made available, making rebores impossible. The engine/gearbox unit was carried in a conventional tubular steel duplex frame suspended by a telescopic fork at the front and coil-spring dampers at the rear. Wheels were 18" in diameter and there were full-width drum brakes front and rear. A cross-shaft through the gearbox enabled either left- or right-hand gear linkages to be fitted.

In its first incarnation the TR50 proved tunable but increasingly fragile if revved past its specified maximum. An improved version was offered in 1967, but like its predecessor was outclassed by Honda's more reliable CR110.

This restored TR50's frame details suggest that it is one of the 1967-onwards improved models. Unfortunately, nothing is known of its past history (the engine turns over). Please note that the screen is cracked and will need to be replaced.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the track and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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