Photo: Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 3.0
Suzuki T500 Titan
78/100 Overall
72 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Suzuki T500 Titan vs Suzuki GT550
Suzuki T500 Titan scores 78/100 overall against Suzuki GT550 on 77/100. On the road: 72–73. As classics: 83–80. Overall result: Suzuki T500 Titan.
Suzuki GT550
77/100 Overall
73 On the road80 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Suzuki T500 | Suzuki GT550 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Suzuki GT550 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 7 | Suzuki T500 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 9 | Level |
Choose the Suzuki T500 if…
you want a robust large-capacity two-stroke with strong torque, touring ability and understated Suzuki character.
Choose the Suzuki GT550 if…
you want smooth two-stroke triple character, useful road manners and an appealing alternative to the better-known GT750.
Background
History
Suzuki T500
The Suzuki T500 Titan was produced from 1968–1975 and used a 492cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Suzuki GT550
The Suzuki GT550 was produced from 1972–1977 and used a 543cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Suzuki T500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 492cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Suzuki GT550
- Its production span in this library runs from 1972 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 543cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Suzuki T500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki T500 Titan. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Suzuki GT550
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki GT550. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Suzuki T500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Suzuki GT550
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Suzuki T500
Rivals to the Suzuki GT550
Final result
The verdict
Suzuki GT550 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Suzuki T500 Titan wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Suzuki T500 Titan takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.