2 stroke days.

[grog]

Bargain. $49,000 Australian.

[DP1400]

Phil,

I`ve had dozens of two strokes over the years - especially the Suzuki & Kawasaki Triples.

As a potential new owner, you have to appreciate that although they were fast back in the `70`s, you`re not gonna leave anyone for dead nowadays on one. But thats not the point. They are great fun to ride, they handle better than their reputations would have you believe, and the sound and smell like nothing else.

BUT, they`re all really expensive nowadays, and you could pay big money for a heap of rubbish. Far too many have been so called `renovated` and ruined in the process with a mix of `wrong for the year`parts and paint jobs. Take someone with you who really knows their stuff before parting with your cash.

The GT 380 has always been a great little bike. The `M`, `A` and `B` models were the best. Pay a little bit more for originality, but its worth it.
The GT550, its bigger brother, is a better all rounder and likewise, the later models were better, `M`, `A`, or `B`.
The GT750 `B`is arguably the best 750 Triple ever produced, but they are all fantastic from `74 on. The really big problem with neglected ones is blown crank seals, and radiator issues. There is an easy check for knackered seals, but i won`t bore you with that here!

Sorry to really dissapoint you but the GT500 was a hopeless bike. It did nothing well and would really struggle to a genuine 90mph. I wouldn`t waste money on even a good one! On the other hand, if you really fancy the big twin stroker, look for an original T500M. OK, they didn`t stop; had rubber seals on the bar mounts, but they did have lots of character and were slightly more `powerful`than the GT.

On the other hand there are the Kawa Triples of course. There are more of them UK registered today than there were in `75, thanks to the American imports. For some reason they`ve always commanded more value than the Suzuki`s. If you were to invest in one, avoid the KH series - they were down on power and the engine/exhaust note just wasn`t as good due to the internal baffling and airbox mods. As for the Suzukis, check and double check that what you`re looking at is `right`. So many aren`t.

You`ll be suprised that most parts are readily available for both Suzukis and Kawas if you know where to look. There is stil NOS stock out there or excellent repro stuff - however, you don`t want to be needing new pipes or mainstands `cause they`re like hens teeth...and you don`t want to be stuck with awful sounding set of cr4ppy chambers. If you do need those, then buy genuine Allspeeds or Denco`s. Nothing else comes close.

Good luck with your search. Keep us posted. If you`re unsure about anything you see and are considering and you want a genuine opinion, drop me a line.

Oh, if you come across an S3A, Reg. KJM 915P, i`ll give you BIG money for it!

[GSX1400Convert]

My first road bike was a Mach111 ......... I can still hear that howl when on the gas in my head. Fun times

[grog]

I guess most of you seen this izzIv6Av8Cw

[DP1400]

Before Rick moved stateside his museum was in Nottingham, UK. I was fortunate enough to pop up and see him several times - his museum and workshops were a mecca for Triple enthusiasts. I especially liked the H2B, still crated WTF!!

RB is probably the most knowledgeable guy in the world on Kawa Triples, and a really helpful and approachable bloke too.

I bought my near mint, standard H1B from him (which he delivered 120miles for free!).....what an awesome machine that was. For those interested, i think i put a pic of it on my gallery page here.

[froudy]

WOW!!!
What a collection

[grog]

I thought of you when posted DP. Didnt realise youd know him. Wow.

[Big Phil]

TT, thanks ever so much for the sound advice which is really appreciated. I did think about the T500 because of price but wasn't too sure and now you've sealed it for me and I will stick with later versions of the GT380 or GT550. I will definitely drop you a line before I make any offers on a bike. I do understand I am going back to my youth and will pretty well be plodding along compared to the 14 but that's not what it's about, as I am sure you know.

My real stumbling block right now is getting this past my better half. She is very understanding and let's me indulge myself with most anything. But I already have the 14 and a 1999 750 SRAD which is a bit of a basket case but hoping to get her running again over winter and back ready for a few tack days. The Mrs thinks that's enough motorcycles, she has no interest in them at all. I may have to wait until Christmas at which point she usually gives in🤞Again, a sincere thank you for the advice.

[Big Phil]

Sent you an email DP1400 well 2 actually forgot to add a link to the first.

[Irish in Oz]

@DP1400
Is that the same guy auctioned a lot of last year including 2 NOS H2's in the crates.

[DP1400]

Irish,

Since he went to the States i`ve not kept up with him. Unless his personal circumstance have changed drastically, i`m pretty sure he wouldn`t sell any of his collection, let alone two crated NOS H2`s!!! 

Dave.

[Irish in Oz]

https://www.facebook.com/1709421379/videos/10207882093726123/?extid=wZLtnoSf7uu3dhtH

A mate took the standard pipes off last week and put Higgspeed on.

[DP1400]

Unfortunately i can`t access the link as i`ve never had a Facebook account.

A few years ago I restored an H2C. The only problem with the finished bike was that one of the seams started to split on the upper of the two pipes (r/h side obviously). Whilst sorting that, a `Hogsped` set of chambers was purchased. Big mistake. An awful fit, and the usual awesome tone of the pipes was turned into an awful row, despite there being no air gaps at the port gaskets. The worst chambers ever. Just my opinion of course......

The last time I saw Mr Hogsped he was riding his own GT550 at a KTC Rally, with his own brand chambers fitted. It sounded cr4p too