Suzuki motorcycles was started in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1909, by a man named Michio Suzuki. When Suzuki was founded, they were producing silk-weaving looms, then they attempted to build Austin 7 cars. That venture didn’t last very long, due to the start of World War 2. Suzuki needed to focus on producing items for war use. Once the war was over, though, Suzuki produced agricultural machines and heaters, before beginning another venture in the automotive industry: motorcycles.
Suzuki’s first motor-powered bike was a small 35cc called the Power Free. It was released in 1952, followed by the Diamond Free in 1953. The Diamond Free was also a motor-powered bicycle, but it had a 60cc motor. It won its class in the Mount Fuji hill climb in its inaugural year. Suzuki’s first actual motorcycle was introduced in 1954, and was the 90cc Colleda. It was a four-stroke motorcycle, and had a good run in the Mount Fuji hill climb its first time up, as well. A 125cc two-stoke Colleda was released the next year.
The late 1950s brought about Suzuki’s first main race bike. The 125cc Colleda RB did relatively well right away, but in the end, still wasn’t good enough to please Suzuki. They acquired Ernst Degner from MZ in 1961, and he was able to teach Suzuki’s engineers about the rotary valve two-stroke. The next year, Suzuki’s 50cc bikes began winning championships and stayed on top for years. They also won two consecutive 125cc titles.
Suzuki’s first Motocross World Champion was Joel Robert in 1970, in the 250cc class. After this, Suzuki began producing a production motocrosser. The TM400R was manufactured for the 1971 season and they signed Roger DeCoster in October of 1970 to race it. The TM series included the TM 75, TM 100, TM 125, TM 250, and TM 400. These early Suzuki mx bikes are now collectable vintage machines, as well as very competitive in the pre-1974 classic scramble races. DeCoster went on to win the 1971 500cc title and the World Championship four more times in 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976. Brad Lackey became America’s first rider to win the 500cc World Motocross Championship on his works Suzuki in 1982.
The RM series, “racing model”, is a two-stroke first introduced in 1975 with the RM 125M, followed by the 125A, RM 250A, and RM 370A in 1976. The RM series continues to be manufactured today, but they are now four-strokes, and have a “Z” attached to their name.
22 Comments
Can’t seem to find a new clutch basket in the UK for my RM 500 any ideas fellas ??
Trying to determine the value of a 1965 Suzuki k95 80cc motorcycle. Has been restored but is not starting…have the original clymer manual
I’m rebuilding my 2 race bikes from the 80’s. A 1987 RM 250 & a 1985 RM 125. The 250 is almost all done but I’m having a problem with the throttle. When I originally got it to start, it was revving way too high and there is no play in the throttle like there was before. I ordered a new cable and since then, I can’t get it to start but there still isn’t any play in the throttle. Anyone know about the throttle/carb issue?
You can cut the seat foam down. If you do not want to do most upholstery shops can do this for you. I restored a 1978 Honda CR 250 for a friend and cut the bottom of the seat foam off using an electric knife. This allows the seat to look like factory but lowering the seat height. I removed the factory decal on the seat and had a stencil made with Honda so I could retain factory look.
Hope this helps.
Does anybody know if a 74 TM 125 Suzuki pipe will fit a 74 TS 185 Suzuki? Thanks Eddie.
I have a 1970 Suzuki Scrambler. This is the first bike that I am trying to restore. I’m not sure whether the engine block is aluminum or iron.
Does anyone know?
Does anyone know, do the part numbers for a 1980 Suzuki RS 175 magneto coils 32150-40520 fit a 1980 Suzuki RS 250 part # 32150-40620? You can leave a message on email rairold21@hotmail.com or call 308-389-1875 or just text.
Anybody know how many 1974 TM75s were manufactured. I had one as a kid and just bought one to restore. Just curious? Thanks
Found a ’74 Suzuki 250 Exacta in a swamp. Going to be a challenge, parts are scarce.
I have a 1979 Suzuki SP 370 Street & Trail I’m trying to find out how many were made and how many might be still registered. I know they were only Made in 1978 & 1979 can someone help me.
Does anyone have any information on the 1967 Suzuki TC250 (X-6 Scrambler)? My mate is doing a restoration on one and is looking for early magazine articles, road tests etc.
Hi,
I recently bought an original (unmolested) 1974 Suzuki TM400..
Does anyone know where I can buy OEM original parts for the bike such as the muffler, fenders, tank, number plates, etc..?
Thanks for any help.
Jim
Ventura motorcycle salvage is a start. By the way, if you ever get that evil thing to actually run, it will kill you.
DC Plastics
I have a 1980 GL1000 Suzuki, I purchased it in 1990 and since then I have never seen another one like it. Is there anymore on the road? I have contacted Suzuki co. They refused to tell me how many were in production in 1980. My bike was exposed at the Montréal bike show this year. I have spoken to several Suzuki owner and none had ever see one.
@Mark Brown: It’s an early 1977 RM100.
Can anyone help me identify my Suzuki? It is an RM100 with an up pipe and 30mm straight forks (no offset axle). I’m not sure whether it is a 1976 or 1977 – frame number RM100-17393, engine number RM100-17653.
Thanx,
Mark Brown
1977
I have a huge question. I been feverishly looking for plastic parts for a 1983 RM 80 I’ve had since I was 15… It’s a diamond in the rough. Anything would be of great help as long as it is not those lousy compatible plastic parts.
Mickey Kessler,
K.P.S. Kessler pro suspension can modify your RM any way you need.
(732)974-0985.
Disappointed, you should try a TM.
Suzuki made one of the best looking MX bike’s out there. I liked the early RM’s, but I can’t get on one as they are kinda tall in the seat. I really don’t see anything else I’d like as much as an older RM 250, or 370. I just wish I could fit one better.