1968 Cobra

[argo1974]

Although my 68 Cobra is an extremely early model (#10332) ...
Ivan

The world is small, now I know your Cobra. A real time capsule bike at least on the pictures. I was after that bike as well, but in the very end, it turned out too pricey.
I believe the handlebar is off a later Titan, but clutch/brake levers including perches are Cobra style without mirror mountings.

[Ivan]

Those were Buco handlebars and are sitting on my shelf ready to go on ebay...

I had a few sets of correct bars from the T305s that I collected parts for.... it's nice to be able to use your extra parts that are just sitting on a shelf.

There was no Cobra in the US... it was always called the 500/Five here.

The easiest way to tell if it is a short wheelbase bike is the placement of the muffler cutouts for the rear axle.... this is very noticeable.

Also the short wheelbase bike had straight cut ends on the mufflers like the T305/T20

I have the cycle world test as well at home and the bike that was photographed is the long wheelbase (56.? in) bike and it has the thin grips on it.

The test data shows 52.? wheelbase, but that is not what is in the photos....

They were probably given a few bikes to test... or maybe they just went off a spec sheet that was given to them and didn't bother to measure anything.


Ivan

[Ivan]

Here are 2 pics of my bike before I disassembled it to redo the frame and small details.



Ivan




http://www.vjmog.com/modules.php?set_al ... _photo.php

http://www.vjmog.com/modules.php?set_al ... _photo.php

[argo1974]

There was no Cobra in the US... it was always called the 500/Five here.

I have the cycle world test as well at home and the bike that was photographed is the long wheelbase (56.? in) bike and it has the thin grips on it.

The test data shows 52.? wheelbase, but that is not what is in the photos....
Ivan

What I believe, the first bikes tested/sold in US were called T500/Five. Then they changed to "Cobra" due to marketing reasons.
In early parts catalogs/service manuals the bike is called simply T500.

12/67 Cycle World test can be found here: http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/cobra.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That bike has definitely short wheelbase of 52" as stated in test data. Suzuki changed the wheelbase after CW test: http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t500_files/sandy.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ivan]

Argo,

You are 100% correct...

I looked at the Cycle World test again that I have at home, and it is in fact the short wheelbase bike.

And yes, the bike is only referred to as "T500" here in the states.

The 500/Five must have had some serious speed wobbles.

It still has the thin grips on it though....


I stand corrected


Ivan

[oldjapanesebikes]

So the reproduction mufflers arrived from Marcel in NL - the shape is perfect. He has done a really nice job of faithfully reproducing as good a copy as you will likely ever see However there was a problem with the chrome on both pipes, and so after some discussion, the price has been adjusted somewhat, and I am having them both re-chromed locally here in Calgary. Anyone ordering these from Marcel will get an excellent product, but may want to consider a) asking for additional packaging to better protect them during their journey and b) asking him to inspect the pipes before sending them just to be certain that the quality of the finish is acceptable.

[Fritz500]

Reminds me of the time I ordered some (very expensive) Conti mufflers for my Ducati. They arrived well packed but the "Conti" emblem had been over-stamped twice!! The guy who sells them from the UK exchanged it but it was a costly exercise in shipping. Would it have taken 10 seconds to check beforehand?

[Suzsmokeyallan]

This raises a common issue I've noticed when dealing with some business places. If a customer orders an item where they know its going to be a problem for them to simply bringing it back due to their location, what does it take to simply open the box and confirm its condition. This way they can confirm beforehand there are no damages either cosmetic or otherwise, before its sent out.

[Ivan]

Whenever I sell an exhaust, I always open the box and check it before I ship it to the customer.... This save myself and my customers from dealing with the headaches and relations problems and shipping costs.

The trouble is (for me at least) is that I expect the same from other people that I buy parts from.... A lot of people aren't as detail oriented and will either not check, or worse, will ship you something that has a problem without communicating it to you.


Ivan

[oldjapanesebikes]

I have no complaints with Marcel - he runs a reputable business, I would buy from him again and I will continue to recommend him to others. Sometimes stuff happens and he was very quick and open to making it good in a way that satisfied us both. Case closed.

[Ivan]

As long as you are happy in the end is what is most important.

Those pipes are beautiful and I am considering a set.... Thanks to your posts and photos here.

If it wasn't for people like him who make nice parts for these old bikes, it would be that much more difficult to get them looking the way that we want them to.

Good reproduction parts are far and few between.


Ivan

[Suzsmokeyallan]

I've dealt with Marcel as well and had no problems with him in the past, as long as its been solved quickly is where the customer service comes into play.

[johnakay]

you must have deep pockets Ian £500 or more
even though they do look nice.

[oldjapanesebikes]

you must have deep pockets Ian.

Not any more John !

[oldjapanesebikes]

Still waiting for the tin to come back from the painter's - likely another few weeks Spent some time checking fit and seeing what else I was missing - obviously a few things ......... Engine is together, but the wheels are still in pieces. Just rebuilding the wire harness where required over the next day or so. I have a lead on an option for the seat - I'll let folks know if it 'pans' out !