Suzuki T10 Explained

Suzuki T10
Aka:El Camino (US)
Manufacturer:Suzuki
Production:1962-1967
Predecessor:Suzuki Colleda TT
Successor:Suzuki T20
Class:Standard
Engine:246cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin
Bore Stroke:52mm58mm
Compression:6.3:1
Top Speed:140km/h (Claimed)
Power:21bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Transmission:Multiplate wet clutch, 4 speed
Frame:Pressed steel
Suspension:Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
Brakes:Drum brakes
Tires:300x17 front & rear
Wheelbase:1350mm
Length:2065mm
Width:800mm
Height:1050mm
Dry Weight:140kg (310lb)
Fuel Capacity:10L
Sp:uk
Footnotes:[1] [2]

The Suzuki T10 is a 246cc, two-stroke, twin-cylinder motorcycle produced by the Japanese Suzuki company between 1962 and 1967. The model was based on the earlier Colleda TT and had an improved frame. It was marketed as the El Camino in the US and was Suzuki's first twin to be sold in America.[3]

Technical details

Engine and transmission

The engine of the T10 was a development of the earlier Colleda TT, which had been introduced in 1956. The 180° piston ported two stroke twin was of unit construction and had cast iron barrels and an alloy head.[4] Bore and stroke were 52mm58mm and the claimed power output was 21bhp @ 7,000 rpm.[5]

Ignition was by twin coils with points mounted on the end of the crankshaft. Power to the 12v battery was supplied by a flywheel generator and the machine was fitted with an electric start. Fuel was delivered by twin 20 mm Mikuni Carburettors.

Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch. The four speed sequential gearbox used a 'rotating shift' mechanism; 'changing up' from top (4th) gear took the gearbox back to neutral. This was intended to reduce footwork when riding in traffic. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel and the chain was fully enclosed to protect it from road dirt.

Cycle parts

A new frame was designed for the T10 which was of a pressed steel beam design. The engine hung from the beam with no frame parts coming down in front of the engine. Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin shock absorbers. At the front telescopic forks were used.

Brakes were drums front and rear, the front being operated by cable and the rear by hydraulics. The spoked wheels were both fitted with 300 x 17 tyres.

A 10L petrol tank was fitted, which had a clear plastic pipe running up the front to show the fuel level, and a dual seat.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Suzuki T motorcycle models . www.suzukicycles.org . 15 September 2021.
  2. Web site: Suzuki T10 sales brochure . www.suzukicycles.org . . 15 September 2021 . 1964.
  3. Book: Henshaw . Peter . The Encyclopedia of Motorcycles: Suzuki-ZZR . 2000 . Chelsea House Publishers . Philadelphia . 978-0-7910-6057-5 . 11 . en.
  4. Suzuki El Camino . . 15 September 2021 . 1 October 1962.
  5. Web site: Restored El Camino – 1963 Suzuki T10 . Bike-urious . 15 September 2021 . 25 May 2020.