Impressive addition to Suzuki's light-weight range—the Gaucho

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 11

Impressive addition to Suzuki's light-weight range—the Gaucho

(By

R. O. DEW)

WHEN the tiny Japanese ’ 50 c.c. machines were introduced some years ago they were scoffed at by genuine motor-cycle enthusiasts. And, indeed, the first of these light-weights which trickled into New Zealand, while finding a firm market, did little to fire the imagination. However, times change and so do motor-cycles. Machines in this class are now the biggest sellers in this country and the secret of their success is probably that they can no longer be regarded in general terms as town runabouts or mopeds with the pedals left off. Many are full-scale motorcycles, impressive in appearance and performance, capable of astonishingly high work loads without complaint. Designed originally for the American market, the latest light-weight from the Suzuki factory, the twostroke 49 c.c. TS-50R Gaucho, which was tested this week, is certainly not to be taken lightly. It is an addition to a range of 50 c.c. models from the Japanese factory which is already quite extensive. And although it is slightly dearer than those which appeared before it, the styling and performance is such that it should command a strong market. Very much smaller but similar in appearance to the factory’s works scramblers, the Gaucho is certain to appeal to young lads with a sporting instinct. In its standard form, it is a road machine. It is, nevertheless, listed in the Suzuki trail series and could be readily adapted to off the road conditions.

Because of this dual identity, it is not known whether it will continue to be available in any great numbers. Trail machines were placed back under import licence control this week and the Customs Department will have to decide in the near future if this is a trail machine or a roaJ

motor-cycle. If it is classed as a road machine, aS it should, it will continue to be admitted without control and in large numbers. The Gaucho is sold with road tyres and as a result it was tested as a road machine. In spite of its ground clearance of 7.5 in, it appeared to have a reasonably low centre of gravity and handled well in all situations. Although the test machine was not run in, it was a willing mount and completed a trip to Governor’s Bay and return over some fairly steep climbs with remarkable ease. Care was taken to keep the revolutions down and in spite of the tightness of the new motor there was never any hint of overheating, once the bane of all two-strokes. Not once was

bottom gear required and the trip was covered in remarkably short time. The hills enabled the brakes to be thoroughly

tested and these came through with colours flying. They were quite outstanding, pulling up the Suzuki’s weight of 1561 b without snatch or fade on the steepest slopes. Over the bumps, the front wheel stayed firmly planted on the road surface. The riding position was excellent and the substantially unholstered seat most praiseworthy. The suspension was firm but absorbed the jars of pot-holes well. The journey, which was started with some trepidation, proved an effortless jaunt, confirming that this little machine could, in its own time, go anywhere.

The rotary valve engine and performance of the

Gaucho are similar to those of the AC-50 Maverick, one of the most popular machines to be imported into New- Zealand in recen.

years. Both engines develop 4.9 brake horsepower but the Gaucho’s unit achieves this figure at 8000 revolutions per minute—--500 less than the Maverick. The Gaucho has a maxi? mum speed of up to 60 miles an hour, about five miles an hour down on the Maverick. In every other respect, the performance is as good or better. If greater performance is required there is a race kit available. This costs an ad-

ditional $lO2 but is very comprehensive and gives the engine a power boost of 30 per cent.

The machine is equipped with an excellent five-speed constant mesh gearbox, giving a wide range of ratios and enabling the rider to keep the engine “on the boil” constantly. On the test machine it was found easier to find false neutrals between the gears than with some other small Suzukis but this was no real problem.

An obvious improvement on the Gauchb, missing on earlier models, concerns the front suspension. This consists of telescopic forks with internal springs instead of the conventional external springs previously used. These are not only more efficent but also eliminate unsightly rubber gaiters. As with all modern twostrokes, lubrication is automatic the oil tank is neatly tucked away under the seat. The battery is also sited under the seat, which is hinged on one side for ease of access. The fuel tank holds 1..3 gallons, slightly less ha the capacity of the Maverick, but is quite adequate. Featuring a sporty fast back tail with an upswept exhaust, the Gaucho retails at $439. It can be obtained with a deposit of $69 and replayments of $5 weekly spread over 24 months. The test machine was provided by Scooter, Motorcycle and Moped Services, Ltd.

SPECIFICATIONS: Engine, two stroke air cooled rotary valve single; capacity, 49 c.c.; bore and stroke. 1.6 l x 1.49 in; compression ratio, 6.7 to 1; output, 4.9 brake horsepower at 8000 r.p.m.; maximum torque, 3.33 ft-lbs at 7000 r.p.m.; maximum speed, 55-60 m.p.h.; transmission, five-speed constant mesh; clutch, multi-plate wet disc; starter, kick; suspension, front telescopic form, rear swinging arm; length, 70.9 in; width, 32.71 n; height, in; wheelbase, 46.71 n; ground clearance, 7.5 in; dry weight, 1561b5; fuel capacity, 1.3 gallons; oil tank capacity, 2.5 pints; ignition, battery and coil.