﹒Stunning original USA example

﹒Super-low mileage

﹒Dry-stored since almost new

﹒Supplied with USA title and NOVA

﹒Easy project for spring cruising

The Suzuki T350 Rebel can trace its ancestry back to the T20 model of the 1960s. The T20 evolved into the T250 and it is this bike that forms the basis of the T350. In fact, the two share identical lineage with the exception of the engine; the T250 used a 250cc two-stroke twin-cylinder motor whereas the T350 used a bigger-bore version to achieve a capacity of 315cc, leading to some confusion over the name. 

The T350 was known as the Rebel in Japan and was produced for a relatively short run – just four years, from 1969 to 1972 when it disappeared from the line-up, though the smaller T250 continued for another couple of years in GT trim and the T350 evolved into the T380, using a three-cylinder motor. 

The T350 was a GT-styled bike, a smaller sibling of the legendary GT750 and used a similar riding position – much more upright than the sports-tuck. It used traditional front forks with a friction steering damper and twin shocks at the rear, with adjustable spring preload to allow for a passenger. 

It used a parallel-twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a separate oil tank that automatically fed lubricant for the engine into the fuel, avoiding the need to pre-mix fuel and oil, as was common for two-strokes of the time. It also used drum brakes front and rear and unusually, featured the kick-start lever on the left-hand side of the bike, causing some consternation for those used to it on the other side, on virtually every other bike made. 

The result was a bike that had glorious mid-range performance and with a little tweaking, handling to match, that was enjoyable to ride both on winding roads and longer journeys.

This particular bike is one of the last of the T350 Rebels, with its chassis plate confirming it was manufactured in February of 1972. It was originally sold in the USA, by Buck’s Cycle in Valparaiso, Indiana and is believed to be one of a pair sold to two attorneys by Buck himself – accomplished enduro racer and member of the USA International Six Day Enduro team, Buck Walsworth. It shows an exceptionally low mileage – just 2500 miles and this is confirmed by the condition of the original tyres, which show virtually no wear.

At some point early in its life, it was taken off the road and put into storage, as the current owner confirms that it has been dry-stored since the mid-1970s. It currently still has an Indiana Certificate of Inspection and Approval – presumably its equivalent to an MoT – which expired in 1977 so it was taken off the road at some point prior to that expiry. 

It was also, at some point, moved east as the US title that comes with it is from the state of Pennsylvania, on the east coast. The bike was stamped as exported from Norfolk in Virginia, presumably where it was loaded on to the ship destined for the UK. 

The current owner, who is a fan of 1970s two-stroke motorcycles and occasionally buys bikes from the USA, imported it in September 2020, drawn by its condition and exceptionally low mileage. He confirms that with the exception of turning the bike over to verify it has compression on both cylinders, he has not touched it and is presenting it for sale as it arrived from the USA, with two original Suzuki keys.

The bike is accompanied by very little paperwork; there is a copy of the original Pennsylvania title and the owner also has an electronic copy of the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) certification from HM Revenue and Customs confirming that the relevant import duty and VAT have been paid and that UK registration for the vehicle can now be applied for. The seller confirms that this will be the responsibility of the new owner and that typically, the US title would need to be surrendered for a UK registration to be issued though in the past, it has been acceptable to obtain a certificate of authenticity and date of manufacture from Suzuki itself and this used to register the bike with an age-appropriate registration number so the owner can retain the US title for their records. However, the seller states that it is the responsibility of the new owner to confirm this and register the bike.

This T350 is in stunning condition, as would be expected for a bike that has covered just 2500 miles. It has numerous areas of very light surface corrosion but this forms a beautiful patina to the bike and adds to its character, rather than detracting from it. 

The steel frame shows signs of surface rust in various locations but appears to be intact and undamaged – as one would hope with such low mileage. There appear to be several tiny stone-chips on the leading edge of the front tubes but these appear no more serious than the rest of the bike. 

Some of the welds on the frame – notably where the rear passenger foot-pegs are mounted – show signs of surface rust but this appears to be minor and cosmetic – the welds on mid-1970s Japanese motorcycle are not renowned for their appearance though they fulfil their mechanical role. 

The paintwork is in stunning condition, with no evidence of fading nor corrosion having taken place. There is a small scratched section on the fuel tank, where it appears something was dragged across the tank while in storage but rust does not appear to have set it. 

Similarly, the brightwork and aluminium all appear in excellent shape. There is, inevitably, pitting to much of the chrome but thanks to being stored in a climate-controlled environment, none appears to have developed into rust-spots and hence, a good polish should help to improve the appearance. However, despite this, it retains a generally-excellent lustre.

The mirrors are in excellent condition, as is the rear grab rail for passengers to use and the headlight surround. The handlebars are in very good shape and the grips, though showing signs of dirt between the ribs, appear undamaged. The mechanical operation of the switches appears original though their effectiveness is unknown, as the bike currently has no battery. 

The bike has the correct amber front indicator lenses though as an American model, the rear indicators are red, as per the tail/brake-light lens. The seller confirms in the past he has been able to source replacement amber lenses though he cannot guarantee the availability of such. 

The seat is in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear but a slight indentation mark is evident, the result of something having been stored on it. However, the seller feels that once the bike it put back into use, this would soon disappear.

The gauges – for road speed and engine revs – are in original condition with what appears to be very slight yellowing of the numerical graduations but not to the point it would interfere with their operation.

The owner confirms that he has not attempted to try to start the bike though he has gently turned it over on the kick-start lever and confirms that there appears to be two good compression events in one cycle. 

The fuel tank appears to be in very good condition internally – a visual inspection reveals nothing more than the very faintest surface rust and the clear fuel pipes from the tank to each of the twin carburettors suggests that the bike was put in to storage with the fuel system drained. There is very slight, and inevitable, yellowing of the original fuel pipes which each contains a ‘bullet’ style filter while the vacuum-operated fuel-valve pipes are clear and original. 

The bike has no battery, as the convention at the time was to remove the battery when put into storage for fear of it overflowing and the acid contaminating or damaging the bike itself. As a result, the owner cannot confirm the operation of the electrical systems, including the sparking and charging system and confirms replacing the battery will be the buyer’s responsibility. 

The brakes and suspension appear to work from a basic operational point of view and while the wheels appear straight and undamaged, the bike appears to be on its original tyres. The seller confirms these do not appear to be cracked, as he would have expected but the new owner should consider replacing these. 

The exhaust headers appear in excellent condition, as do the rear silencers and there is no damage apparent. The chain is in excellent condition and all bearings – swing-arm, front and rear wheels and head-race – have no play at all. There is some oil/grease residue apparent at the top of the frame head but this clearly has had no effect on the bearings mechanically.

This is an exceptional bike. The T350 was available in the UK but many of the bikes of the day will have either rotted away or have been damaged – it was possible to get in trouble if you were anything other than skilled and gentle on the controls, with none of the technological assists of today’s machines. 

Having said that, it was also a rewarding and enjoyable bike to ride; in the right conditions – dry – it could be hustled along with spirit, the 315cc engine doing its best work in the midrange while happily cruising as well. The riding position meant riders could spend hours in the saddle and still be able to walk when they arrived at their destination. 

This example takes everything that made the T350 so much fun and packages it in a characterful and easily accessible format. Its patina is what defines it and makes it such a desirable attraction for a motorcycle fan. The seller feels that, as the engine appears to have good compression, with the addition of two new spark plugs and some fresh fuel, there should be no reason why it shouldn't start promptly and be ready for the new owner to ride.

It certainly doesn’t appear to require a full restoration program and, indeed, while this would inevitably increase its value, it would be counter to the bike’s solid and honest nature that cries out to be ridden. 

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