Suzuki Hill-Billy
SUZUKI HILL-BILLY
Trail Test
SUZUKI ARE HERE. It seems like we've been waiting quite a while, but it has been only a year or so since we last rode one of the machines from Japan's second largest motorcycle maker. Cleverly dubbed the Hill-Billy, the trail machine is a roughed-up rendition of their 80cc touring bike. Added to the 80 are such things as oversized knobby treaded tires, high handlebars, rigidly mounted sport-type front fender, spring-loaded folding footpegs, dual-drive sprockets for converting the drive ratio to one more suitable for the streets, chain guard, heavy metal protective plate under the engine, ball-end clutch and front brake levers, and a carrying rack on the rear.
In short, the Hill-Billy has everything necessary to make it a success on today's extremely competitive trail bike market. We can throw into the bargain the fact that it is nicely finished and a very gootl looking piece of equipment as well. Eight horsepower is on tap. placing performance on a par with the fastest in this class. Top speeds are stated to be 38 mph with the trail gearing, and 55 mph with the touring sprocket in place. We. of course, did not verify these claims since we do not conduct performance tests on lightweights.
The Hill-Billy sports another little, often-overlooked feature we like: a sufficiently wide, soft seat. We've come away from far more machines than we care to remember with our behinds sore from the pounding. We are happy to report that the latest Suzuki is endowed with a very comfortable perch, and it is covered with suede!
Four speeds arc in the transmission, final drive ratio with trail gearing is a wellselected 40:1. Gear changes are performed with a motorcycle type, rubber-tipped, toe shift lever, in place of the customary Japanese rocking lever. Since our test staffers are all motorcyclists, this feature found favor with everyone.
All-up weight is 155 pounds, just about average for machines of this kind. Handling is excellent and quite stable, despite the relative light weight. Evaluating the handling of super-light vehicles is very difficult since their weight has such pronounced effect on the stability. We often refer to the weight ratio of the machine to its rider, since very light riders seem to do much better on the little ones.
Frame construction follows contemporary Japanese practice of pressed steel with a tubular brace fitted for additional support on the engine. Suzuki's extensive experience in designing and building two-
stroke engines (they are holders of many championships on the grand prix circuits of the world), undoubtedlv contributes to the smoothness and flexibility of the little engine. Fuel mixture induction is by the traditional piston-controlled port method, a tried and true system that is well proven to say the least. Fight horsepower places the Suzuki in the front of the line of claimed power ratings for similar machines.
Suzuki will soon be blanketing the country with advertising on the new HillBilly. We are certain the little country bike will be welcomed into many a trailing fan's home. We liked it so well our test machine joined the ranks of staff-owned motorcycles and immediately won its share of points in the inter-office I I. a fiercely fought round of moto-cross heats run whenever the occasion presents itself. At the moment the husband of C'W's Subscription Fulfillment Manager is leading in points. Suzuki mounted no less. •
