1972 SUZUKI MT50 TRAIL HOPPER

🌟 1972 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper – Concours Restoration by Master Craftsman Bill Buckles | Museum Display | The Finest Example We've Ever Seen 🌟
Guys, we are back in the winner’s circle on the second floor of the Ringling / New England Motorcycle Museum with what is—without exaggeration—the nicest Suzuki Trailhopper MT50 we have ever laid eyes on. This machine comes from the world-famous Roy Thackert Collection, and like all of Roy’s commissions, no expense was spared.
This is not your typical “restoration.”
This is a true concours-level, nut-and-bolt, frame-up masterpiece executed by the one and only Dr. Bill Buckles—a master machinist, painter, fabricator, and one of the last remaining craftsmen capable of building a mini to a level better than factory new.
If you’re looking for the high watermark of Suzuki Trailhopper restorations, look no further. This is the one.
📜 A Little History: Suzuki Enters the Minibike Wars
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Honda absolutely dominated the minibike market with the Z50, QA series, and Trail 70. Suzuki wanted in—but they didn’t want to copy Honda’s four-stroke formula.
Suzuki doubled down on what they knew best:
Two-strokes. More horsepower. More fun.
The result?
The Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper — a 50cc oil-injected, three-speed automatic, clutch-free, torquey little ripper that put out about 50% more power than Honda’s mini four-strokes.
A few standout features that made the Trailhopper unique:
50cc oil-injected two-stroke
3-speed automatic transmission (no clutch – anyone can ride it)
Factory headlight & taillight for campground / street use
Durable, over-built frame and hardware
Iconic block-letter SUZUKI tank graphics & round design side panels
These were rugged, fun, and surprisingly capable little bikes—perfect for cruising the campground, heading to the beach, or tearing up trails during the minibike craze boom.
Today, nearly 55 years later, they are rare… and finding one restored to a museum grade like this is almost unheard of.
🔥 Concours-Level Restoration – Better Than Factory New 🔥
This Trailhopper underwent a total disassembly down to the bare frame. Every nut, bolt, seal, bearing, and component was rebuilt, refinished, or replaced. Bill Buckles executed the restoration with the same level of craftsmanship seen at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum or other world-class institutions.
Chrome & Metalwork
There are three levels offered by the chrome shop: good, better, and best.
This bike received the BEST.
Show-quality chrome on every component
Metal prepped far beyond factory standards
Fork lowers polished to show finish
Axles, spacers, guides, hardware—all show-quality
Paint & Finish
Professional multi-stage paintwork with multiple coats of clear
Exact reproduction 1971/72 SUZUKI block lettering
Perfectly placed Trailhopper & warning decals
Frame paint restored to better-than-new condition
Engine & Mechanical Systems
Complete engine rebuild including:
New piston & rings
New crank bearings & seals
New base & head gaskets
Carburetor rebuilt
New air filter
Wiring harness fully serviced & restored
Oil injection serviced
Starts, runs, and shifts beautifully
The bike has approx. 2 miles since the restoration—basically a brand-new 1972 Suzuki.
Rubber, Hardware, and Details
New fork boots
Original tread pattern tires with the “hairy nubs” still on them
All rubber and plastic components either NOS or handcrafted new by Bill
Controls, switchgear, horn button, and housings are mint
Museum-installed custom Texas “ROY’S TOY” 1972 plate on the rear
Everywhere you look, this machine screams perfection.
🏛 Museum Display / Investment-Grade Antique
This motorcycle is currently displayed in the New England Motorcycle Museum.
It is being sold to support the museum’s continuation fund.
A 55-year-old antique restored to this level is incredibly rare.
We doubt we will ever see another Trailhopper restored to a higher standard.
✨ Highlights
Nicest Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper we've ever seen
Concours-quality, nut-and-bolt restoration
Professionally rebuilt engine
Show-quality chrome and paint
Better-than-factory finish
Only a couple test miles since restoration
Museum display piece
From the elite Roy Thacker Collection
Restored by master craftsman Bill Buckles
True investment-grade mini
Fully functional lights, horn, and controls
📞 Questions? Contact Us
Call 860-454-7024 with any questions.
We can provide additional photos, video, or a live walk-around.
🚨 Auction Sale – Don’t Miss Out
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the best Trailhopper we’ve ever had—and likely the best that will ever come through the museum doors.
Bid high, bid often, and take home a true piece of minibike history.
Thanks for looking, and God bless America.