Suzuki Magnum

SUZUKI MAGNUM

SUZUKI

Bigger and Better

SUZUKI’S NEWEST COMES close to being a Suzuki 80 with a 118cc engine in it. The wheelbase is a shade longer, but most of the other components appear to be the same in each. A tubular frame member on the 80 (running from the fork crown to the base of the engine) is missing on the 118, probably accounting for the longer wheel base which must be due to the use of a larger pressed metal back bone frame.

Performance is outstanding, as might be expected from such a combination. Top speed is 65 mph; more important, acceleration in the 40 mph to 50 mph range is quite acceptable for most traffic conditions. A trail/woods version is also made, with a high mounted exhaust pipe and other off-the-road finery. Most of the conveniences we have come to expect on a modern day Japanese product are included — such things as full hydraulically dampened suspension, dual seat with passenger pegs, fully enclosed chain, heavy and effective exhaust silencer, complete electrics with excellent lighting, gobs of chrome-plated and polished surfaces, and, most important, automatic lubrication.

Suzuki calls it “Posi-Force.” It consists of a gear-driven oil pump that delivers oil under pressure to the main bearings, through a hollow crank pin into the rod bearings, lubricating the cylinder walls and drive side main bearing by squirting oil about. For those not familiar with the conventional two-stroke engine lubricating systems, it means oil need not be mixed with the gasoline to lubricate the engine, as is the case on conventional types. The gear-driven pump meters the proper amount of oil, as determined by throttle opening. The amount of oil put out by the pump is controlled by a cable connected to the throttle control, so oil is delivered on demand only. It almost completely eliminates the oil burning effect of two strokes, usually caused by an improper oil/fuel mixture ratio.

As with the 80 Suzuki, the engine is a conventional piston-port design, with a bo re/stroke of 52 x56mm, rated at 11 hp @ 7,000 rpm. A torque figure of 8.82 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm accounts for the performance improvement over the 80cc Challenger, which it closely resembles. We are impressed with few machines in detail finish, but as is the case with most Suzukis, the detailing is superb. Even the cylinder barrel fins are polished.

Road Impression:

It is difficult tofind much wanting in the area of handling, either. Suzuki engineers seem to have arrived at a design balance that we are certain was conceived, to a large extent, on the race track. Braking and cornering are superior to most. We found little to fault the bike at all, as a matter of fact. Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are making it increasingly harder for other nations to even match their accomplishments, much less compete with them. Suzuki is doing all it can to contribute to this leadership with the new Magnum