Suzuki GP History
In 1960 Suzuki started their International Racing career by entering the 125cc class at the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle races.
For the 1962 TT, the race organizers introduced a new ‘Ultra-Lightweight’ race for 50cc machines. By the time the event came round in June, the new Suzuki 50cc RM62 was ready to go.
Before the event, there were those who wondered if 50cc motorcycles really belonged at the TT. Suzuki rider and East German star Ernst Degmer put in a stunning performance that silenced the sceptics instantly.
His average speed of 75.12 mph over the two-lap (75.46-mile) race gave him an emphatic victory – and Suzuki its first World Championship TT race win.
By 1963 Suzuki were getting more and more about serious about their efforts in the 50cc World Championship and fielded 6 motorcycles in the Isle of Man TT, one of which was ridden by the talented Mitsuo Ito.
Mitsuo Ito has had many titles during his career with Suzuki including development engineer, test rider and Suzuki’s top racing Chief worldwide in the mid-seventies.
However, his greatest accomplishment was to win a race at the Isle of Man TT, which he won in 1963 on a Suzuki RM63. Ito put in a barnstorming ride to retain Suzuki’s Ultra Lightweight TT title, becoming the first – and so far only – Japanese TT winner.
This video shows the 1967 RK67 GP racing motorcycle that is very simiar to the bike Mitsuo Ito used to win the 1963 50cc TT. It is rated at 17.5 hp, revs to 17,300 rpm and has a maximum speed of 109 mph.
1967 Suzuki RK67 | Motorcycle Specs
Engine type: Water-cooled parallel twin cylinder 2-stroke
Engine size: 49.75cc
Max Power: 17.5bhp @ 17,300rpm
Max Speed: 109mph / 176kph
