The model was developed as a larger version of the Suzuki T20 which was intended to compete with the large-capacity British twins in the American market.

[5] Overengineering of the engine led to the bike gaining a reputation for reliability,[1] and being virtually bulletproof.

[7] There was a generally held view in the 1960s that an air cooled two stroke larger than 350cc was impractical to build as it would overheat, would be unmanageable to ride due to its narrow power band and use too much fuel.

[1] An updated Mk II version was soon launched, which had the swingarm extended to improve handling.

The porting was revised and the inlet tract lengthened to produce more torque, although this reduced peak power to 44 bhp (33 kW) @ 6,000 rpm.

[10] The crankshaft was modified to take the pick-up for the electronic PEI (Pointless Energy Ignition system).

Suzuki gained its first 500 GP at the 1971 Ulster Grand Prix in the hands of Jack Findlay,[6] who also won the 1973 Senior TT.

To keep width down, the cylinders were rotated outward so the exhausts exited outside the frame's twin downtubes.

Claimed power output was 47 bhp (35 kW) @ 7,000 rpm, giving the machine a top speed of 105 mph (169 km/h).

The engine was lubricated by Suzuki Posi Force system which injected oil to the main bearings, conrod journals and cylinder bores.