Suzuki RE-5

Between 1974 and 1976, Suzuki spent a massive sum of money, time, and energy into developing and mass producting the the RE-5. This was the only rotary powered motorcycle ever built.

During this time period, the other competing bike companies were working frantically on developing their in-line four cylinder "muscle bikes." Although the Japanese bike companies were new, they quickly gained a fan base and sold many reliable, fast bikes.

Suzuki went a different route during this race using the Wankel powered rotary engine instead of the in-line four cylinder. The engine made decent power-- 62 hp at 6,500 rpms. The bike weighed over 500 lbs, so this ended up as more of a touring bike and not a sport bike. The motor used alot less parts than the standard internal combustion motor. There were no pistons, camshafts, or valves, and since the rotors, well, rotated, the RE-5 had a superbly smooth ride.

"It is an incredibly smooth riding bike," says Jay Leno, from a Jay Leno's Garage episode.

The RE-5's production span was short because at the time period customers didn't appreciate/understand what the bike was about. Everyone was still caught up in the Honda and Kawasaki in-line four cylinder madness. There is a rumor that Suzuki threw all of the RE-5 parts into the local harbor because they were so fed up with the project.

Even though the bike's sales were low, it was still an engineering feat. The motor was liquid cooled as compared to all of the other air cooled motors. The braking system was composed of a hydraulic dual disc brake system in the front.

Thanks for reading, those of you who read this thing. Look foward to checking out my body putty article when I get around to that, tour of the damn's maybe later, and whatever else I conjure up.