1972 Suzuki T500j

[Clivoris]

Against my better judgement I am contemplating getting one of these as a project. I have yet to see it but the info I have thus far is:
Hasn't run for 10 years since being stored away in the gargre. Before being put away the motor was probably a bit tired.
The rego has lapsed.
The paint is still in good nick (sexy green) but the chrome (mmm chrome) is spotted.
I have no doubt that there will be all the obvious expenses like tyres, fluids, plugs, set of rings (if I'm lucky) and a whole bunch of of other stuff that will need replacing. I don't want to be in a situation where I end up spending WAY more than this thing would be worth in tidy running order. So my main question is what are these things worth in various states of restoration? I don't think the T500's are greatly desired as a classic but I wouldn't mind having something like this that is an example of the era. Might even be fun to give classic racing a thrash but I hear they're savage bastards.
Any thoughts about whether I am sick in the head? Now that I think about it I'm probably asking the wrong people.

[98tls]

Do it.........awsome bike to have tucked away in the garage for sure.What its worth is no concern mate,the act of restoring her and the plesure of riding her afterwards will make it priceless.

[Shadows]

If it was me I'd have to go into it prepared to spend more than its "market value" restoring it... and then hope that it doesn't actually end up costing that much.

[JMemonic]

Do it.........awsome bike to have tucked away in the garage for sure.What its worth is no concern mate,the act of restoring her and the plesure of riding her afterwards will make it priceless.

What he said, had one of these for about a month once, it was trashed and a wreck, but for all of that it was fun. Kinda wish I still had it, that and a few other bikes that are now classics.

[98tls]

If it was me I'd have to go into it prepared to spend more than its "market value" restoring it... and then hope that it doesn't actually end up costing that much.

It always costs more........1/2 the fun really..pisses her indoors off no end.

[T.W.R]

Titans are awesome bikes, well worthy of restoring. Have a search on the web you'll be surprised what you dig up, there's a lot being raced in Europe in classic racing.

There's this wee gem on TM at the moment too

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=117407996

[Clivoris]

I am expecting it to end up with my wife throwing things at me whenever the bank statement arrives. I guess I 'm thinking about what a reasonable offer for something like this would be. I've never owned one so there isn't the buzz of trying to relive my youth. That would take a XR500a or GS1000e. But I do like the look of them and don't want to insult the guy or pay above the norm. I don't imagine there are too many of these left in reasonable nick.

[Clivoris]

Titans are awesome bikes, well worthy of restoring. Have a search on the web you'll be surprised what you dig up, there's a lot being raced in Europe in classic racing.

There's this wee gem on TM at the moment too

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=117407996

Yep looked at that but out of my price range. They seem to be way more popular than the T500.

[T.W.R]

Yep looked at that but out of my price range. They seem to be way more popular than the T500.

It'll be interesting to see what it reaches.

The T500s would match kettles in surviving numbers , it's just the kettles were a bit unique

[98tls]

Titans are awesome bikes, well worthy of restoring. Have a search on the web you'll be surprised what you dig up, there's a lot being raced in Europe in classic racing.

There's this wee gem on TM at the moment too

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=117407996

mate shes a beauty eh......very nice indeed.........wish i had some spare dosh

[riffer]

I have a soft spot for the Titan.

I reckon you should go for it, if time and finances and the wife's good graces permit.

Besides, I'd love to have a ride on it when you're finished.

I'd love to restore a GS1000E FWIW.

[Clivoris]

mate shes a beauty eh......very nice indeed.........wish i had some spare dosh

LMFAO. Spare dosh when you've got that serious bling addiction with the TL.

[Clivoris]

I'd love to restore a GS1000E FWIW.

I'll let you ride mine if I can ride yours.

[98tls]

LMFAO. Spare dosh when you've got that serious bling addiction with the TL.

So you havent heard then mate,the TL and i ran out of rubber on a very tight left-hander and the result was/is ahhhh..expensive.

[Clivoris]

So you havent heard then mate,the TL and i ran out of rubber on a very tight left-hander and the result was/is ahhhh..expensive.

Didn't know about that bro, I've been hot and cold with KB last couple of months....You might have heard that I'm after a classic Suzuki to restore. Those TL's are a dime a dozen, I'll give you a couple of hundy and a weekend with my sister for it.