Beschreibung:

Although Suzuki withdrew from Grand Prix racing in 1967, importers and privateers continued to fly the Hamamatsu marque's flag by racing modified road bikes. One of these in particular - the new T500 Cobra - surprised everyone by proving competitive in the 500cc class when Jack Findlay finished 4th in the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix. Spurred on by the success of the air-cooled twin in tuned form, the factory developed a water-cooled racing version - TR500 - for 1973. Works TR500 rider Findlay won two rounds on his way to fifth place in the '73 World Championship, a highly creditable achievement on what was basically a roadster-based machine. Dating from the period when the easiest way to improve the performance of a Japanese racing motorcycle was to replace its original frame with one of European origin, this 'Forgotten Era' racer combines a T500 engine with a Norton 'featherbed' frame. Described as in generally good condition, the machine boasts 18" wheels, Grimeca double-sided 4ls front brake and Amal Concentric Mk2 38mm carburettors.