Suzuki K15 model history

I try to tell the Suzuki K 15 and K 15 P model history on this page as I know it. The page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

Suzuki Hill-Billy was introduced for the 1965 range, a small 2-stroke trail machine with knobby treated tires, high handlebars, sport-type front fender, spring-loaded folding footpegs, quick change dual-drive sprockets, protecting plate under the engine and a luggage rack. It was considered as a stable, comfortable and very good looking bike and became a success in the USA.

K 15 Hill-Billy/Trail 80 1965 Overall length: 1 820 mm (72.1 in) Overall width: N/A Overall height: 855 mm (33.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Dry weight: 70,5 kg (155 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 7,3 hp/ 7,000 rpm, 0,75 kg-m (5.41 ft-lbs)/ 6,000 rpm. Top speed: 60/38 mph (touring/trail sprockets) Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

The Suzuki Trail 80, as the bike was also called, remained unchaged until 1967, when the model was replaced with the K15P Hill-Billy.

K 15 Hill-Billy/Trail 80 1966 Overall length: 1 820 mm (72.1 in) Overall width: N/A Overall height: 855 mm (33.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Dry weight: 70,5 kg (155 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 7,3 hp/ 7,000 rpm, 0,75 kg-m (5.41 ft-lbs)/ 6,000 rpm. Top speed: 60/38 mph (touring/trail sprockets) Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

The K15P, introduced in 1967, was quite similar to the K15. It had a new fuel tank and luggage rack, the seat was equipped with a chrome list on the sides and the front forks were covered with rubber instead of steel pipes. A Posi-Force sticker was attached to the side cover announcing that the engine had now automatic lubrication. The K15 still required you to mix your own gas and oil.

K 15 P Hill-Billy/Trail 80 1967 Overall Length: 1 837 mm (72.3 in) Overall Width: 740 mm (29.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (38.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 80 kg (176 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 8,0 hp/ 7,500 rpm, 0,85 kg-m (6,1 ft-lbs)/ 6,000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

More: Suzuki K series

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