The Suzuki RE5 was launched at the Tokyo Motorcycle show in 1973 and was produced between 1974-1976. Suzuki decided that rotary power was going to be the way to go forward so they bought a licence from NSU Wankel and produced this 497cc rotary engine which produced 46.2Kw or 62.8BHP at 6500rpm. Originally designed by Felix Wankel, the rotary engine has a rotor operating inside a epitrochoid combustion chamber which is a bit like a pinched oval and the triple apex rotor travels around the inside of that combustion chamber keeping the 3 apex seels in contact with the housing at all times. Effectively making the engine fire every single revolution and keeps all the reciprocating mass heading in one direction unlike a piston engine.

Suzuki went right out on the limb with the styling using big globe indicators and a toilet roll dispenser looking speedometer arrangement, later affectionately known as the dunny roll model (in Australia). They sold for 1 year with lairy paint, a really coarse orange metallic or an equally coarse blue metallic paint, made these motorcycles stand out. When sales didn’t meet expectations, the bike was rejigged with Suzuki GT750 water bottle gauges and blinkers and the bikes were painted Jet Black with gold pin striping. This model was called a RE5A . The move didn’t produce anymore sales, they even offered a spare rotor assembly with the bike to give the buyers confidence but none of this helped and they were discontinued in 1977. Unfortunately these bikes came to market in 1975 at the height of the fuel crisis. They were very heavy, very thirsty and looked overcomplicated in the day, so buyers stayed away. These days they are a super collectable and an amazing looking motorcycle, one that has really blossomed. One must be seen in the flesh to be believed. Very unique sound when running and a real unusual ride. I call it a rotarcycle because they do not ride like any kind of motorcycle.

This particular motorcycle has been fully restored and presents like new. To find a better example would be impossible.