Suzuki 50 GP Racers

Suzuki RM 50 1962

Motorcycles with 50-cc. displacement were entered in the world championship for the first time in 1962. Many manufacturers, especially those from European countries in which the use of motorcycles was widespread, decided to try out the new class and showed up at the first race.

The Japanese were also attracted. Suzuki came from Japan with the fine German MZ racer Ernst Degner and brought a small two-stroke motorcycle along. It had a declared power of 10 h.p. with a top speed of about 80 m.p.h. The Suzuki 50, which resembled the larger-displacement MZ in structure, dominated the 1962 world championship and won once again the following year, that time with the New Zealander Hugh Anderson in the saddle.

In 1964 Suzuki reappeared at the 'irst Grand Prix of the season with "s air-cooled single-cylinder, and 'or a second time Anderson won the world championship in the 50-cc. class. This time it was a harder job than before, though, because the competition of the brand-new four-stroke, two-cylinder Honda made the race a real challenge.
At the end of the 1964 season, despite three world titles, the little Suzuki had to make room for the newer vehicle that had been built to take its place.

Motorcycle: Suzuki 50 Single-cylinder Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd.,
Hamamatsu Type: Racing Year: 1962
Engine: Suzuki single-cylinder, two-stroke, with rotating-disk distribution. Displacement 49.6 cc. (40 mm. x 39.5 mm.)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Eight-speed block
Power: About 11 h.p. at 13,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: About 95 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle, continuous, tubular. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
Brakes: Front, central drum, double cam; rear, central drum

Suzuki 50 RK 66 1967

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