1971 Suzuki TM-400R Cyclone

Known as the worst handling motorcycle ever produced for the dirt by any off road motorcycle manufacturer. The engine is equipped with two half circle flywheels which allows the engine to reach full power instantly, no lag, no delay. Turn the throttle and the rear wheel instantly starts spinning in any gear. Add to that terrible frame geometry which prevents the bike from turning and you have the bike most likely to throw you for a loop, according to several magazines.

This bike was advertised as the same bike on which Roger De Coster won the 500 cc world title the year before. In actuality, the only common part between Roger’s RH 70 and the production TM 400 R was the gas tank vent line. John De Soto made the TM 400 famous locally, he actually won several night motocross races despite its shortcomings.

In fact, every picture taken of John shows him bullying the bike around the track with both feet off the pegs! Back in the 70’s, one ad in the newspaper was for a used 1971 TM 400, it simply stated “impending injury forces sale”. That says it perfectly.

MAKE / MODEL: SUZUKI TN400 R

YEAR: 1971 ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 400 CC

COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE  JAPAN

ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE NEW $988.00

THIS BIKE IS:

_  NEW, NEVER BEEN STARTED

_  ORIGINAL UNRESTORED

_  PARTIALLY RESTORED

X  FULLY RESTORED

RESTORATION WORK PERFORMED BY:  JEFF WEIR / KELLY OWEN

OWNER: KELLY OWEN