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 Suzuki - 370 SP
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Photo ou archives : M. Montange
6710

Capacity : 370
Model : SP
Production : 1978 - 1979
Category : (On-Off) Dual Purpose

SUZUKI

SP 370-1978

First venture in four-strokes

Suzuki was as ahead of its time with its twostrokes as it was slow ro rurn to four-strokes. The Hamamatsu factory only built its first offroad single-cylinder four-stroke, the SP 370, in 1978. Slim, sporty and full of character, this motorcycle had a lot to overcome in creating a reputation. Its hybrid capacity put it squarely between the 350 and 500 classes, and its rivals included the Yamaha 500 XT, launched end of 1975, and the 250 Honda XLS and XR, joined in 1978, by the 500.

Proven Solutions

While the other major marques were competing to bring out technical innovations, Suzuki sensibly began with modem, but wellproven, solutions. Tastefully finished in red or silver-gray, the SP 370 used a frame designed for the marque's two-stroke models, a simple double-cradle unit. While Yamaha had opted for dry-sump lubrication, Suzuki preferred a wet-sump, which explains the taller engine.

Lovely and Lively

Lively and free-revving, this new single was an ideal urban mount, where it also revealed its fine handling. In contrast, it was not an ideal freeway bike, where it peaked at just over 80 mph to the accompaniment of strong vibrations. Its engine's lack of inertia led to transmission snatch below 3000 rpm. Though the SP was not comfonable, it was unquestionably sporty. Practical on the highway, it was handicapped in difficult going by the lack of protection for its engine. In brief, this first attempt lacked sufficient versatility, and it was not until the launch of the DR series that Suzuki became truly competitive.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 369cc (85x65mm) air-cooled singlecylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 24 hp@ 7800 rpm ; torque 19 lb/ft

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: 32mm carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: offset 5.9 inch drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 21 inch (front); 18 inch (rear)

Weight: 271 lb

Maximum Speed: 81 mph

 

Sober and elegant, the original Suzuki four-stroke off-roader was not short of character, but it was lacking in versatility.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.