How well can this 52 year old Suzuki TS185 handle the trails?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 71

  • @carlgangl6360
    @carlgangl6360 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    I’m 70 years old and I still have my 74 Ts185, one-of my favorite bikes. I also still have his older brother my 76 TS400. I will probably die before I get rid of them. Just ridding the two strokes is a joy in itself! It was a great era to be a part of. Thanks for the video, makes me feel young again!

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      That’s awesome you still have them! I feel the same way about my 98 XR400 that I’ve had since 1999 when I turned 19. Still have it and still ride it regularly. I almost picked up a 76 TS400 just before Christmas locally. I was 2nd in line and the bike had a title and everything…priced under $1000 so of course it sold right away. Thanks for sharing!

    • @inglwud5625
      @inglwud5625 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have a 77 ts185 runs great still!

    • @billycarpenter4740
      @billycarpenter4740 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Back in about 1978 I purchased a used Suzuki TS400, it was a thrill to ride and would "stand up" with me on it in the first 3 gears, Kinda wild ride on the streets.

    • @billycarpenter4740
      @billycarpenter4740 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Garage2Trail I had a Suzuki TS400 back in about 1979, so much power and torque "right now" , always scared me ( I was a skinny guy back then) .

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@billycarpenter4740 I’d like to find a TS400 someday.

  • @franktwiss6758
    @franktwiss6758 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I purchased ts185 new in 1972. Exactly the same as this one. Beat the heck out of it for over 10 years. This video is bringing me back 52 years. Awesome and thanks for the memories

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That’s awesome Frank, thanks for sharing! It’s really a fun little bike.

  • @RayFinkle
    @RayFinkle 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    What a great little bike!

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It really is!

  • @FlowJunkie65
    @FlowJunkie65 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My buddy's mom owned that exact same model year. I owned a '71 TS-185 Sierra in like a teal blue/green colored gas tank. It was an excellent and very reliable trail bike - I wish I still owned it, it was that good.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That’s cool! I see a bunch of TS models popping up near me. Most are already done and ready to ride. I’m always looking for the projects though…the teal ones are sweet looking

  • @albertsammut433
    @albertsammut433 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    This little beast reminds me of my younger racing years on the TM250J also a 72 model..It also had no brakes or suspension or handling so to speak..but man did it have wicked power delivery..Lost count of all the injuries on it..Those where the days when real mean raced those monsters..I guess I was smart as I gave up early before I really plastered myself properly😂😂

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That’s awesome, I’d love to find a TS or TM250 to compare…or even a monster TM400 to hurt myself on lol

  • @benspeedschannel888
    @benspeedschannel888 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The old TS is sounding lovely! What a cracking place to ride, I could see potential trials sections everywhere! Our club could do with a venue like that.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks! These are the trails I’ve been riding since I was 13 in ‘93 on my ‘79 RM80. These have been around since the late 60s and we do have a trials section :-)

  • @keithallen3119
    @keithallen3119 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I rode a 1970 Yamaha 175 for years in my youth. The 185's were a nice bike with a bit more power but were just as you said. A blast to ride and if geared right could do some serious off roading.

    • @keithallen3119
      @keithallen3119 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Also did the hare scrambles on the CT-1, good times and great memories.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Exactly, I feel that just another couple teeth on the rear sprocket could make it perfect for tight hilly conditions.

  • @GoldenBoyGarage
    @GoldenBoyGarage 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Maaan I want to get out on some trails, love seeing these old bikes put to work

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I highly recommend it. It’s like riding a Time Machine lol

  • @hickokaviation2249
    @hickokaviation2249 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It sounds great! I love watching you bring these back to life. 🙏

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you! I appreciate it very much.

  • @lancenorton1117
    @lancenorton1117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dang, sure LOVE this video and motorcycle. Our Local FB Marketplace has one just like this for $1250. Bought a 75 Honda CB125 in November or I would be all over this motorcycle.

    • @lancenorton1117
      @lancenorton1117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      For $1250 that motorcycle has a complete rear tail lens and a white front fender.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks yeah, this one has the Preston petty fenders and missing the brake light…$1250 seems like a good price if it runs and is complete.

    • @lancenorton1117
      @lancenorton1117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Garage2Trail The ad has the shortest description possible, Runs Great. The gas tank has better paint overall compared to yours but who knows otherwise.

  • @carolynred4616
    @carolynred4616 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The best bikes and best times. Had a 1975 Suzuki 100 enduro. They actually had a seats,in these days. Straight aways you know 😄♥️ Good times

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I always refer to these bikes as time machines for me!

  • @MrJudgejeffrey
    @MrJudgejeffrey 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That's a lovely little bike, it seems to lift the front wheel very easily, what are the front and rear sprockets tooth wise please..

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Thanks! It has the stock 12/39 sprockets on it. Possibly just a tad tall for tight woods, but once in the power band, it really doesn’t matter as you can see in the video. It’s surprisingly fast on the road.

  • @truthboomertruthbomber5125
    @truthboomertruthbomber5125 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The only weak point on the 125 and 185 are the rear hubs. The cush drive will fail and then it’s either replace the hub and sprocket carrier or weld the sprocket carrier to the hub. I had one fail during a “1 day qualifier “ race. I packed some rocks in the spaces where the cush drive rubber dampers go and reinstalled the sprocket carrier and gingerly rode back to the truck.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It’s amazing what you can do on the trail to get back to the house or truck!

  • @riveneva1519
    @riveneva1519 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had a Kawasaki 175 back in the day, and you’d commonly see these 185s around too back then. I had a blast trail riding and I sure miss the two stroke burble. We didn’t know how good we had it then.
    Today I’ve got a Yamaha XT-250 - nice bike, but not the same as those early enduro bikes.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’d like to get my hands on a Kawasaki at some point…that’s the only bike I still haven’t had out of the big 4 Japanese enduros. Thanks for sharing!

  • @jeffsilver4730
    @jeffsilver4730 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Fantastic Motorcycles, the Suzuki TS Line. I had a TS 90 and a TS 250 growing up. I now have a cherry little TS 125 and a couple TS 400's in need of restoration. Thanks for posting, love to watch videos like this.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for watching! Glad to hear people are enjoying these. I am working on a 1980 TS185 right now that will hopefully be up soon for a trail ride once it’s done.

  • @cliffninja
    @cliffninja 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi , enjoy your channel , I’ve got exactly the same bike but 250 , can you tell me if you have put bigger knobbly tyres on yours , if so it looks awesome and what size are they . Cheers Cliff

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for tuning in! These are the tires that came with it when I picked it up in September. The rear is a Carlisle brand called an “aggressor” in 4.35-18 and the front is a Cheng Shin 3.00-19…that one might be an original. I looked up that Carlisle Agressor tire and that’s also from the early 70s lol

  • @matt2133
    @matt2133 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    He bought the 1972 Suzuki TS 185 new and he rode it with his daughter (my wife) sitting on the gas tank holding onto the crossbar for a number of years, then he was diagnosed with MS and there it sat in his shop for 40 years. Cobwebs, dust, grease, gummy fuel, corrosion and a seized piston. He said that he simply just parked it one day and never rode it again. My father-in-law said: "If you can get it to run, you can have it." I moved it from his shop to my shed and it sat for another 3 years. Finally 2 weeks ago, I had a moment to take a look at it. I removed the spark plug - it was corroded. I removed the head and sprayed PB Blast on the piston and let it sit for the day as I did yard work. That night, I gave it a gentle kick and the piston broke free and the sound of the piston inside the chamber was music to my ears. It had the potential for compression. In removing the spark plug earlier and in my naivety, I damaged the coil, so I couldn't check for the second ingredient of life for a 2 stroke...Spark. So I ordered a new coil and a battery and turned the light off in the shed and dreamt that night of riding the mountainous single tracks behind our house. Unfortunately that would have to wait another week. The parts arrived and were promptly installed. Crossing my fingers that the carb was somewhat functional, I added fuel to the tank after the petcock soaked in the solvent tank for a couple hours. The excitement mounted. Compression. Spark. Fuel. O2. Gitty up cowboy!!! As I swung my right leg over the back of the bike, I bashed my shin on the luggage rack. Was this a sign of how this 1st start attempt was going to go? I reached down and twisted the kick starter clockwise. I stood on 1 leg with my other leg bent at the knee and rested the arch of my shoe on the worn rubber of the ratcheting lever that brings this beast to life. 1 kick of the foot, and in billowing white smoke, the dragon from 1972 roared back to life. With a grin from ear to ear, I rode the 185 around the house 3 times and send the video to my father-in-law who recently suffered a stroke.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That’s awesome to hear you are reviving the same bike Matt, but I’m sorry to hear of the circumstances with your father in law. I know how bad MS can be, as my mom had to deal with it for years until last year when she passed. It’s a disease that doesn’t play fair at all. Hopefully that will raise his spirits when he sees it running! Keep me posted and if you have any questions with it, feel free to reach out. You can reply to this video if that’s easiest.

  • @philippierce4331
    @philippierce4331 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice!! I got a 72 ts250. Same color. Haven't done much trail riding mainly because its got the stock tires and chain/sprockets on it😂

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! I don’t blame you there lol.

  • @jeffferguson899
    @jeffferguson899 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    cool ride

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks Jeff!

  • @davcolli
    @davcolli 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video as always. The video looked smooth and the microphone worked great as well. What camera/mike are you using? I'm from Pgh area as well. Back in the day we would ride trails all the way from Carnegie out almost to the old airport and back with gas staged halfway. With all the new building, you sure can't do that now! Keep up the great work.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you! I used my DJI Osmo Action 4 for this whole video. Does 4k and great stabilization. I recently roads some trails out by the airport. Not exactly sure where because I was just following the pack lol. Still a ton out there. We have eats around all the development…still a ton all over. Just gotta know where to enter in and out. From Carnegie though is a haul! How long ago did you ride all of that?

    • @davcolli
      @davcolli 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oh geez, that was over 40 years ago. And I was just following the pack, so I have no idea how we got there. Had a well worn YZ 400. One guy knew all the trails, and the rest of us were just trying to not get lost :) BTW, I had a Harley SX 250 back then, which was what brought me to your channel.

  • @bananabrooks3836
    @bananabrooks3836 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You both performed well. Proper off road tyres helps alot, def worth a fork oil change and viscosity mix? Are you still on stock gearing?

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks! Yeah those tires are from the early 70s too lol…stock gearing as well (12/39) which is a tad too tall for tight woods but once that power band hits it doesn’t matter lol

  • @SwPiotrek
    @SwPiotrek 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice ride.

  • @theburger_king
    @theburger_king 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    these old dual sports look so good compared to what companies are putting out now, modern dirt bikes just look like cheap chinese plastic

  • @lambjack7516
    @lambjack7516 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is awesome

  • @cainbeeping8480
    @cainbeeping8480 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A very cool bike. I want one now LOL I want one of all of them.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! I get attached to most of them myself lol

    • @lancenorton1117
      @lancenorton1117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Our local FB Marketplace has one just like this for $1250. And YEP, pretty nice bike.

  • @ktmjackb
    @ktmjackb 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Looks like fun, I guess you can sell the x trainer ! LOL

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Lol this bike probably felt like the Xtrainer back in the day next to the heavyweight enduros of the time!

  • @hickokaviation2249
    @hickokaviation2249 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What’s the seat height on an older bike like that?

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don’t have an exact number right now, but considerably shorter than modern bikes. I can flat foot on this one with room to spare and I’m 5’8” with a 30” inseam.

  • @upchuckchops
    @upchuckchops 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    running like a top

  • @yomommaahotoo264
    @yomommaahotoo264 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Had this in 79...loved it till a friend adjusted the oil injection the wrong way and locked it up.

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bummer! Did you get it fixed up after that?

    • @yomommaahotoo264
      @yomommaahotoo264 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Garage2Trail
      Nope, was young and moved on. That was in 1979

  • @larrynorsworthy8582
    @larrynorsworthy8582 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Where?

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Western Pennsylvania

    • @larrynorsworthy8582
      @larrynorsworthy8582 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Garage2Trail beautiful riding terrain!

    • @Garage2Trail
      @Garage2Trail  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks, I am fortunate to have these still going on 30 years now