Anyone ever ride one of these?

[81xsproject]

I meant to ask this question like 2 years ago after seeing one mothballed in a back room of an antique motorcycle museum in Port Orfrord, OR. They were made from '74-'76. I just wonder what a rotary motor would be like on a bike.

Suzuki RE5







Some pics I found on the net

[81xsproject]

specs

RE5 Rotary 1974-1976 Specifications

Engine type: NSU Wankel-type rotary engine, single rotor, water-cooled housing and oil cooled rotor
Displacement: 497 cc
Power: 62 bhp at 6,500 rpm (48 bhp net at 6500 rpm)
Torque: 55 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm (45 lb-ft at 3500 net)
Compression ratio: 9.4 :1
Carburetor: Two-barrel, down-draft, 18-32mm automotive-style carb. Mikuni, 18-32 HHD
Lubrication: Dual oil system to lubricate the engine seals
Ignition: Dual ignition system
Starter system: Electric and kick
Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh
Suspension: Front fork Telescopic, oil-dampened
Suspension: Rear swing arm Oil-dampened, 5-way Adjustable
Ground clearance: 6.7 inches
Front brake: Hydraulic caliper dual disc
Rear brake: Internal expanding
Front tire: 3.25H19-4PR
Rear tire: 4.OOH]8-4PR
Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gal
Fuel consumption: 31-33 mpg
Length: 87.4 inches
Width: 34.3 inches
Height: 46.1 inches
Wheelbase: 59.1 inches
Weight: 507 lb dry, 552 lb fueled oiled and watered
Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons US (3.7 gallon Imperial)
Fuel consumption: 31-33 mpg ("your mileage my vary")
Top speed: 176 km/h (110 mph)
Quarter mile: 13.9 sec, 93 mph
Colors: Firemist Blue, Firemist Orange

[SG-Olli]

Never drove one myself.
But there is a classic vehicle get together near my place every Sunday. Last year one day there were two of those RE5's.
One of the guys said he has two himself. One is "rideable", the other one he had with him was in near perfect condition.
Sounds pretty strange.
I would not buy one.

[81xsproject]

You are right about the odd sound. I googled it and the first site I checked out had a sound clip.

I just think they are interesting. I read an article on from Howthingswork.com one time about rotary engines. Cool idea, not very efficient, but right idea. The less moving parts, the better.

[HobbyMan]

I do not like rotary engines. THey make them for RC airplanes. I just don't like them for some reason

[81xsproject]

you don't even have a reason? You're just rotary prejudice, huh?

[Geezer]

I've ridden both the Suzuki RE5 and the Hercules Wankel.

The RE5 felt like a 750 with a narrow power band even though it was only a 500. I don't remember much about the Hercules Wankel other than it was ugly.

I always wanted to try a Van Veen 1000cc Wankel from Holland so I could have ridden all 3 Wankel powered bikes. The closest I ever got to a Van Veen was looking at the pix in a bike rag...

Geezer