By the late 1970’s most automobiles and street motorcycles were powered by four-stroke engines. But at the time Suzuki and Mazda saw potential in the recently perfected Wankel rotary engine, a German design.
At a glance, though Suzuki had commissioned Italian industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro for RE5 styling, the RE5 looks a lot like any other heavy weight Japanese bike of the late 1970’s, except for the engine. Suzuki had moved to a full line-up of DOHC two and four cylinder street bikes, the GS series, by this time. Learning from earlier Honda and Kawasaki designs, they were winning on the race track and therefore in showrooms. But probably wishing to try something new, something cutting edge, they adapted the liquid cooled rotary design to one of their typical chassis. Made for three years, with hopes to be the wave of the future, the RE5 never really caught on, maybe due to its lack of a favorable exhaust note, or atypical design of the first version instrument cluster.
Suzuki’s thinking was good, and they even offered a full replacement warranty on engines if anything went wrong in the first 12 months. Rotaries are compact, fairly light powerplants and produce more power than a four-stroke for a given displacement. With patents held by NSU, Hercules, even Norton developed rotary powered bikes, and Yamaha had shown a prototype rotary in 1972. But the Suzuki design was complex with a dual stage carburetor, an oil injection system in addition to transmission and engine sumps and related pumps. When the rider twists the throttle, he operates five cables controlling induction and lubrication!
In the end, performance was not quite that of the average 750cc in-line four. And for much of the motorcycling community, conventional design and sound is good and the RE5, different and unproven, was not in that comfort zone. 10 years after it was out of production, sadly, Cycle World magazine declared it one of “The Ten Worst Motorcycles.”
This Suzuki RE5 is a fine example on display with dozens of other original and restored Japanese bikes. Along with over 500 other motorcycles and dozens of bicycles, they are ready for your next visit.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Single Rotor Rotary
- Type: Liquid Cooled
- Displacement: 497 cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 9.4 : 1
- Ignition: Capacitive Discharge
- Carburetors: 2-stage, 2-barrel 18-32 mm Mikuni
- Starting: Kick & Electric
- Horsepower: 62HP
- Primary: Gear Driven
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Final Drive: Chain
- Transmission: 5-Speed
- Frame: Tubular Steel
- Suspension: Hydraulic Fork/Swingarm, Dual Shocks
- Brakes: Triple Disks
- Wheelbase: 59 Inches
- Wheels / Tires: 3.25 × 19 / 4.00 × 18
- Weight: 507 Pounds
- Top Speed: 110 MPH
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One of my favorites. These bikes were so cool new and still are. I’d love to have it. Amazing for 1976,
Roger, I took it out of the museum and I’m thinking about selling it, so if you are really interested in it contact me
Roger, last week I took this bike out of the museum and I’m considering selling it. If you are really interested contact me.
Gary do you still have the RE5? If so I’d like to talk to you about buying it.
Gary do you still have the RE5? If so I’d like to talk to you about buying it. 3193604159
Roger, I recently removed this cycle from the national motorcycle museum and am considering selling it. If you are interested reply to me
Where is the 3rd disk brake> The rear seams to have a single leading shoe drum brake? Nice article otherwise=se!
There are two up front and one in the rear
I recall getting a 1973 Mazda RX4 wagon. It was an awesome car. Getting some work done on it, the mechanic had a rotary bike. He said it was so quiet and fast, it scarred him! Always wanted to try one. Most people never heard of the rotary bike. Thanks for starting the new year off right!
I have only seen a few of these in person back in the day. What was the duckbill on the chainguard for?
I recently removed this RE5 from the national motorcycle museum and am considering selling it. If you or anyone you know is interested please contact me at my email address
Gary, I own one. My brother & I Bought a 76 in 1978. After his passing I now have it but it needs work.
I’m interested in knowing more about it. Thank you. 319-230-9230.
I’m interested in purchasing an RE5, Gary or any other owner can reach me at rlange358 at gmail