Suzuki History 53-79

It all started in 1953 with the "Diamond Free". Released in March 1953, the Diamond Free proved hugely popular, with its double-sprocket wheel mechanism for avoiding power loss. The bike had a 2-speed transmission and output of just 2hps at 4,000rpm, it had a maximum speed of 60km/h. 

After winning the Mt. Fuji hill climb race and across Country performance testing led to a heavy demand for the bike. The displacement was increased from 60cc to 70cc.

1953 Diamond Free

In 1955 Suzuki introduced the "Colleda Cox" with a 125cc 4-stroke overhead valve engine. the bike had a flywheel magneto and automatic spark advance. With a 3-speed transmission the bike had a top speed of 75kph

1955 Colleda Cox

In 1965 Suzuki attacked the U.S. Market with the T20, The bike was developed to be the fastest 250cc motorcycle in the world. The T20 featured Suzuki's first ever Tubular-steel double cradle frame. It was also the companies first stock bike with a 6 speed transmission.

1965 T20

In 1968 Suzuki followed up the T20 with the 500cc T500,  the largest displacement in a 2 cycle at the time. At first the bike suffered from extreme vibration, over heating and a lack of engine durability, these were quickly overcome and the T500 became Suzuki's Flagship Motorcycle. 

1968 T500

In 1970 Suzuki brought out the GT750 a two stroke 3 cylinder liquid cooled motorcycle. The same year Suzuki rolled out a motor-cross bike, the TM400. The TM400 was later lowered to 396cc, both engine displacment sizes allowed the bike to race in the 500cc class Moto-Cross Championships.

1971 GT750

1971 TM400

In 1972 Suzuki followed the TM with the Hustler 400 which featured a decompression system for easier starting. the bike was also designed so that it could be used on the street.

Hustler 400

In 1974 Suzuki introduced the first Japanese Bike to have a Rotary engine, The RE-5 had a 497cc single rotor engine.

1974 RE-5

In 1975 the RM125 was brought out to replace the production Motorcrosser TM. between 1974 and 1984 dominated the 125cc World MotoCross Series.

RM125

In 1976 Suzuki introduced the GS Series, with the GS750 a 4-stroke, DOHC 4-cylinder engine and an overall weight of just 223kg. The GS series (including the GS400) quickly became the number one selling series of motorcycle.

GS750

In 1978 Suzuki introduced it's first 1 litre machine, the GS1000E, One of the main characteristics attracting the public were the star shaped cast wheels. 

GS1000E

In 1979 the GS1000S was built, the bike was based on the 1978 AMA Superbike championship winner. The S sported a cowling and paint identical to the racer.

GS1000S