1965 the U.S. Grand Prix was run at Daytona Beach, and it was there that the new Suzuki two-cylinder 50 model made its debut. On its first time out the motorcycle had to give way to the two-cylinder 50 that Honda was running in the field. Clearly there would have to be a rematch, because the new Suzuki amply proved to be at least the equal of the Honda in both power and performance.
In 1966 Kreidler, which was the only European rival of any standing in the 50-cc. class, withdrew. Its official racer, Hans Georg Anscheidt, was taken on by Suzuki as a replacement for Ernst Degner. Anscheidt immediately felt at home with the fast Suzuki 50, and in its saddle he won the world championship that year.
In 1967 it was even easier for Suzuki to win. Honda withdrew from small-vehicle racing to devote all of its energy to larger two-wheelers and to Formula 1 automobiles. Anscheidt and Suzuki trounced the competition that year.
The 1968 season was the last opportunity for Anscheidt and Suzuki to triumph. The new regulations, which went into effect in the 1969 season, allowed only one cylinder for 50-cc. vehicles and six-speed transmission. The final appearance of the Suzuki two-cylinder coincided with its last world championship.
Motorcycle: Suzuki 50 RK 66 Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd.,
Hamamatsu Type: Racing Year: 1967
Engine: Suzuki two-cylinder, two-stroke, with rotating-disk distribution. Displacement 49.7 cc. (32.5 mm. x 30 mm.)
Cooling: Water
Transmission: Fourteen-speed block
Power: 18 h.p. at 18,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: Over 110 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle, tubular, open below. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes; rear, central drum
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| 1966 Suzuki 50 RK - Racer |
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| 1966 Suzuki 50 RK - Racer |
The 1968 season was the last opportunity for Anscheidt and Suzuki to triumph. The new regulations, which went into effect in the 1969 season, allowed only one cylinder for 50-cc. vehicles and six-speed transmission. The final appearance of the Suzuki two-cylinder coincided with its last world championship.
Motorcycle: Suzuki 50 RK 66 Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd.,
Hamamatsu Type: Racing Year: 1967
Engine: Suzuki two-cylinder, two-stroke, with rotating-disk distribution. Displacement 49.7 cc. (32.5 mm. x 30 mm.)
Cooling: Water
Transmission: Fourteen-speed block
Power: 18 h.p. at 18,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: Over 110 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle, tubular, open below. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes; rear, central drum
