Wankel or rotary engines are unique and produced more power compared to that of the reciprocating type Internal Combustion engines. But at the same time, it drank more fuel and emitted more pollutants and that's why these motors were banned even it had more power characteristics. Hercules and Norton produced motorbikes with these rotary motors. Suzuki also entered this rotary game via their RE5 at the middle of 70s and this model is known for its smoothness according to enthusiasts.
Design of the motorbike is somewhat different compared to any other models of that time. Introduced first at the Tokyo show in late 1973, Suzuki kept this motorbike in the production line for only about two years 1974 - 1976 which makes this motorbike a super rare. In between that two years, the Japanese bike maker only sold about 6,500 RE5s. As said previously, rotary motors consume excessive fuel & oil and this became the major reason for discontinuing this model including the gas crisis of that period.
It had a single piece seat, elongated fuel tank, raised handlebar, conventional double cradle frame, chrome finished front & rear fenders, round shaped headlamp & rear view mirrors and dual exhaust pipes. Headlamp and turn indicator's bezels, wired spoke rims are also finished in chrome. Sits above the headlamp is a tin canned analog instrumentations. When the key is turned for ignition, the glass cover opens for instrumentations, which absolutely feels like a freaking spaceship.
It consisted a odometer, engine temperature gauge, tachometer, speedometer and other auxiliary lights. Engine is a 498cc, single rotary, oil & liquid cooled unit which produced about 62hp @ 6,500rpm and 74.5Nm @ 3,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via 5 speed transmission system. Fuel and air mixture required for the combustion process is delivered by a method of carburetion. 70s middle is the period of time when electronic fuel injection system started to become more popular.
This motorbike also came with the electric and kick start mechanism. Though the output numbers were decent enough for that time, it weighed more for that time that is 230kg dry. Fuel tank's capacity is about 16.8L and the average fuel consumption claimed by the manufacturer is 13.3kmpl. But according to the enthusiasts, this rotary motor helps the motorbike accelerate strongly and is very smooth even at higher RPM bands which also gives us that pure eargasm.
The powertrain consisted a complex oiling systems and two cooling systems, one for oil and the other one for liquid because the rotary motor needed all that cooling systems to prevent the engine from frying the legs of the rider. That's why the motorbike is fitted with air intakes for exhaust pipes, passenger heat shield and double walled muffler. For that power and weight, of course it demanded a powerful braking system and that's why it is fitted with twin disc at the front. Drum braking system took care of the rear end which is pretty much common at that time.
Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks and twin struts at the front & rear respectively in which the rear units are 5 way adjustable. In the instrument console, it also had a digital gear position indicator which is not very much popular at that time. Though the bike had futuristic styling, technological innovations and comes under the suck, squish, bang and blow characteristic, it failed to catch up the markets only due to the problems raised by the rotary motors. But, this legendary masterpiece will not be forgotten as it stays true to the word retro. .
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| Rotary engine's combustion cycle |
Image courtesy : YouTube / Jay Leno's Garage
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Retrosters