Saturday, August 20, 2022
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • PRODUCTS
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • PRODUCTS
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

Suzuki TR750 XR11 | 750cc Two-Stroke Triple Racer

Phil Aynsley by Phil Aynsley
February 22, 2018
in American Road Racing, Features, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare

Team Classic Suzuki Collection

Lansivouri’s TR750 XR11

With Phil Aynsley


The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750
The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750

The TR750 (XR11) was Suzuki’s response to the new Formula 750 class and was first raced at Daytona in 1972. It was immediately apparent (in fact development testing had already shown) that neither the frame, nor the clutch, chain and tyres available at the time were fully up to the task of containing the 105hp available (in early testing) from the GT750 derived water-cooled triple!

This model was renowned for destroying rear tyres, with 105hp on tap
This model was renowned for destroying rear tyres, with 105hp on tap

After early practice on Dunlops the technician in charge said that while the company would like Suzuki to use their tyres, it would be without any guarantee and perhaps they would like to source their tyres elsewhere?

Clutch issues were also a problem with Ron Grant’s clutch burning out in the 1972 DaytonaClutch issues were also a problem with Ron Grant’s clutch burning out in the 1972 Daytona
Clutch issues were also a problem with Ron Grant’s clutch burning out in Daytona in 1972

The four bikes entered started the race on Goodyears but Jody Nicholas’ rear tyre disintegrated while he was in the lead, while Ron Grant’s clutch burnt out and Art Baumann’s ignition failed. Rick Perry’s bike was the only finisher, in 15th. At Road Atlanta the following month however Nicholas won with Grant in fourth.

A homologation issue with cylinder barrels also meant the TR750 was unable to race for a period
A homologation issue with cylinder barrels also meant the TR750 was unable to race for a period

Due to AMA homologation problems with the cylinder barrels it wasn’t until September that the TR750 could race again in the US. Meanwhile in Europe a single TR750 was made available to the Suzuki Europa Team, based in Italy, but it was only raced sporadically and with a best result of a fourth place. This bike was loaned to Suzuki GB for Jack Findlay to race at the IOM, in which he finished third in the 750cc race.

The TR750 saw more success in 1973 and 1974, particularly in Europe
The TR750 saw more success in 1973 and 1974, particularly in Europe

1973 and ’74 saw more success (mainly in Europe) with Rick Perry, Paul Smart, Jack Findlay, Tepi Lansivouri, Stan Woods and a certain Barry Sheene all picking up wins or podiums.

1975 was the peak of Suzuki TR750 development with a heavily updated chassis
1975 was the peak of Suzuki TR750 development with a heavily updated chassis

1975 saw development of the TR750 reach its peak (while the about to arrive Yamaha TZ700 already made more power). A new frame design also saw the introduction of a box-section swingarm and heavily inclined rear shocks. A six-speed gearbox was fitted. Output at the start of the year was 115-120hp and the dry weight 148kg. Top speed was approximately 300km/h.

The chain and tyres continued to be a weak point even after other chassis improvements
The chain and tyres continued to be a weak point even after other chassis improvements

Chains and tyres were still a very limiting factor however and it was at a pre-race test at Daytona that Barry Sheene had his infamous crash when the rear tyre failed at 270km/h on the banking (whether due to deformation or being damaged by the chain tensioner is still debated).

Barry Sheene famously crashed a TR750 when the rear tyre failed at 270km/h
Barry Sheene famously crashed a TR750 when the rear tyre failed at 270km/h

Suzuki GB records show that this bike photographed here (frame GT750 62861) is his team mate Tepi Lansivouri’s machine that retired while leading the race, due to a broken chain. He campaigned the bike for the rest of ’75 with Percy Tait using it the following year.

Documentation shows that this bike is fitted with the engine Barry Sheene won the Mallory Park Race of the Year in ’74 with
Documentation shows that this bike is fitted with the engine Barry Sheene won the Mallory Park Race of the Year in ’74 with

Documents supplied by Barry show it was fitted with the engine he used to win the Mallory Park Race of the Year in ’74. The engraved words ‘Barry’s Flyer’ can be seen on the right hand side of the barrels.

The engraved words 'Barry’s Flyer' can be seen on the right hand side of the barrels.
The engraved words ‘Barry’s Flyer’ can be seen on the right hand side of the barrels.

The bike is now a part of the Team Classic Suzuki collection in the UK.

This bike was raced by Tepi Lansivouri and later Percy Tait
This bike was raced by Tepi Lansivouri and later Percy Tait

An impressive top speed of 300km/h was also boasted by the TR750
An impressive top speed of 300km/h was also boasted by the TR750

The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750
The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750

The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750
The Tepi Lansivouri raced Suzuki TR750

RelatedPosts

Bultaco’s foray into making a 250 racer | Bultaco 250 TTS Mk2

Bultaco’s foray into making a 250 racer | Bultaco 250 TTS Mk2

August 19, 2022
Bimota DB3 Mantra

Bimota DB3 Mantra in retrospect

August 12, 2022
Tags: Phil AynsleySuzuki GBSuzuki TR750Suzuki TR750 XR11Team Classic SuzukiTepi Lansivouri
Phil Aynsley

Phil Aynsley

Phil has been a Ducati rider for 45 years and professional photographer for the last 27. Best of both worlds really!

Related Articles

Johann Zarco

Friday MotoGP/2/3/E round up from Red Bull Ring

August 20, 2022
GASGAS join MotoGP for 2023 – Pol Espargaro confirmed

GASGAS join MotoGP for 2023 – Pol Espargaro confirmed

August 19, 2022
Guintoli ruled out of Suzuka 8 Hour after practice crash

Suzuka 8 Hour results official after final technical checks at FIM HQ

August 19, 2022
Eli Tomac and Jett Lawrence go 1-1 again | Spring Creek AMA MX

Australian line-up for 2022 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) confirmed

August 19, 2022
Load More

SOCIALS

  • 7.2k Followers

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

Moto News | Italy wins MXoN | GNCC | Enduro | Speedway

AusProMX flying into Coolum for finale this weekend | Preview/Schedule

August 18, 2022
Maxxis develop special Australian spec’ off-road rubber

Maxxis develop special Australian spec’ off-road rubber

August 19, 2022
Harrison Voight

How old is too old to start a motorcycle racing career?

August 19, 2022

GET LATEST NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

MCNews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

© 2022 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • CFMOTO News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • GASGAS News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • Rieju News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • CFMOTO Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • GAS GAS Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
    • Rieju Reviews
  • NEW PRODUCTS
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • CFMOTO
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • GAS GAS
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
    • Rieju
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
      • FIM Junior GP & MiniGP
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2022 MCNews