Suzuki T350 Explained

Suzuki T350
Aka:Suzuki Rebel
Manufacturer:Suzuki
Production:1969-1972
Predecessor:Suzuki T305
Successor:Suzuki GT380
Class:Standard
Engine:315cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin
Bore Stroke:61mm54mm
Compression:6.7:1
Top Speed:95mph
Power:39bhp @ 7,500 rpm
Transmission:Multiplate wet clutch, 6 speed
Frame:Duplex cradle
Suspension:Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
Brakes:Front: 180mm 2ls drum
Rear: 180mm drum
Tires:Front: 300x18
Rear: 325x18
Wheelbase:1295mm
Dry Weight:147kg (324lb)
Sp:uk
Footnotes:[1] [2] [3]

The Suzuki T350, also known as the Suzuki Rebel is a 315cc, two-stroke, twin-cylinder motorcycle produced by the Japanese Suzuki company between 1969 and 1972. The model was based T305 and used an enlarged version of the T305 engine, which itself was an enlargement of the T20 unit. It was the fastest production 350 at the time. In 1972 a T350 was overall winner of the Australian Castrol Six Hour Production race at Amaroo Park but was subsequently disqualified but the same bike won the 500cc class in 1973.[4] The model was dropped when the T380 triple was introduced in 1972.

Technical details

Engine and transmission

The T350's engine was an enlargement of the unit used in the T305, which had been introduced in 1968. The 180° piston ported two stroke twin was of unit construction and had alloy head and alloy barrels with cast iron liners. The T305's bore was increased 2mm to 62mm whilst the stroke remained at 54mm giving a displacement of 315cc. The engine had a compression ratio of 6.9:1. From the 1971 model year T350R, finning on the cylinder head was diagonal to direct air over the combustion chambers.[5] Claimed power output was 39bhp @ 7,500 rpm, giving the machine a top speed of 95mph.

Fuel was delivered by twin 32 mm Mikuni carburettors and engine was lubricated by the Suzuki Posi Force system which injected oil to the inlet ports and outer main and conrod journals.The centre main bearings were lubricated by the gearbox oil.Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch and six speed gearbox. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel.

Cycle parts

The duplex cradle frame of the T305 was retained. 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 a 2ls item.

GT350

The model was marketed in the Japanese domestic market as the GT350 in 1971. To meet Japanese legislation, the power was reduced to 33.5bhp.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Suzuki T350 Rebel road test . . Ye Olde Cycle Shoppe . 19 September 2021 . 1969.
  2. Web site: Suzuki T350 model history . www.suzukicycles.org . 19 September 2021.
  3. Web site: Suzuki T350 information . www.cmsnl.com . 19 September 2021.
  4. Web site: Joe Eastmure – The Best Six-hour Racer You've Never Heard Of . National Motorcycle Alliance . 19 September 2021 . en-AU . 8 October 2017.
  5. Web site: Cooper . Steve . 1971 Suzuki T350 . Classic Motorcycle Mechanics . www.pressreader.com.
  6. Web site: Suzuki GT350 model history . www.suzukicycles.org . 19 September 2021.