Post Listing Update: This Bearcat did not get any interest at the opening bid of $3,000.
Suzuki’s Bearcat was a small dual sport that was marketed as a “thrifty swifty” – go anywhere and carry anything for cheap. At 25 miles per hour with the touring sprocket, the Bearcat returned 153 miles per gallon. This example has just 26 miles and the seller thinks it needs to go to a museum or to a collector.
Basic specifications include 11 horsepower from the 120cc two-stroke single, a top speed of 38 or 60 depending on the sprocket you selected in the rear, and a dry weight of 194 pounds. Check out this cute advertisement for the Bearcat, hosted on reproductiondecals.com:
This example (VIN: 51572) is said to be “original down to the tires”, but the seller also says the bike has new tubes, new tires, a sealed tank, and a non-original petcock. Either way, it was clearly stored somewhere with moisture as the bike has some surface rust. The sale includes the tool kit and both original keys. Per the seller, “you are going to be hard pressed to find any 50+ year old bike in this original condition with this few miles! This particular bike should never be restored. If you want to restore an older dirt bike find one with a few thousand miles on it. If you are looking for an old dirt bike to keep at the cabin or let your kid ride this one is not for you. This historically important motorcycle belongs in a museum or collection for future generations to enjoy. Having said that I reserve the right to refuse the sale to anyone who will not treat this 52 year old vehicle properly.”
Find this Bearcat for sale in Romeo, Michigan with an unmet opening bid of $3,000