Great job and thank you for sharing! My older brother had this same exact bike in 1976. I drove the 125 version back then . What amazing memories and times. You’re a wonderful son to your Dad.
had a new one of these in 1977. it cost £344 on the road from heron suzuki.passed my test on it the next year at the grand cost of £4.80.still have a couple of b/w pics of it.excellent.
My 2nd bike bought it brand new with the insurance compensation I got because a taxi crashed into me on my first 50cc bike when I was just 16 broke a few bones and put me in hospital. I remember my mum was devastated when I spent my money on another motorbike. That was in 1977. Mine had low front mudguard (fender) and the petrol tank was just orange with Suzuki in black and no silver tick detail. I loved that bike. Went everywhere on it. I was only 17 years old at the time. Rode it like I had a death wish. Good memories
Wow you're not tinkering around! By the time I started riding my father's 74 he had removed the battery, mirror and lights (except headlight). That was the extent of maintenance apart from oil and filter changes. Great reliable trail bike
My dad had one he bought brand new in 75, identical to that one. He had a really bad accident on it shortly after and survived, but was left with scars on his brain and seizures for the rest of his life. He kept and rebuilt the bike, but only ever putted around the lawn on it. Sometime in the 90's when I was little he took the clutch cover off to investigate a sticky clutch and then passed away in 2001 when I was 14. I traded it to my cousin for a quad (that I still have!) and I'm glad it went to a good home with someone who had motorcycle knowledge (he put it back together and had it riding last I knew) but I'm regretting it now. I think I'll shop for and buy one to restore, will be a nice reminder of something I don't remember him riding but was always a source of interest and intrigue while I was growing up. Yours came out great thanks for the video!
Wow! Thats an interesting story! Sorry to hear about the accident your Dad had. I hope you do find one, let me know if you have any restoration questions
@@theclevercraftsman thank you! Apparently he had the factory knobbies on and a cousin on the back when a woman in town took a sharp turn with no signal, they went into the back of the car and he went over it. I may take you up on that offer, thank you!
I had the exact same TS 185 when they were brand new as a kid . I could do one handed wheelies for ever and run from the cops and get away clean because they couldn't chase me through yards and places cars wouldnt go ..lol . But I was 14 years old and scared of nothing ..times do change ..lol . Great bike and great memories .
Fabulous resto your dad must be really pleased he,s very lucky. Power Dynamo,s are a great modern solution to old ignition systems loads of us fit them to classic two strokes here in the UK.
That VAPE ignition/alternator is sweet, I installed it on a 71 TC125…allowed me to run a halogen H4, lights up the night like a modern machine, starts first kick….
It's almost ironic to see you fixing this up for your dad. I wrench on bikes for a living and just bought a 74 TS185 for my dad for Christmas. It runs and rides but needs some love. He bought one when he was stationed in Guam in the U.S. Navy back in the late 70's. He smuggled it on board ship and would ride it on deck when he could. He sold it when he came back stateside. I figured he deserved to have another one in his life. The hardest part is not fixing everything before I give it to him so he has a project to tinker with. Good video. I need a make shift paint booth in my shop now....
I had, if l recall correctly a Suzuki TS185, basically the same bike. It featured electric start +usual kick starter. It had a high/low ratio transmission swapped via a lever above the usual gear shifter. Great bike, good times.?
Those two features were not available on the Ts185. At least not on the ones of the era we had here in the USA. I know the 90 had the hi/lo option. Maybe it was a 250?
@@theclevercraftsman Dear sir, Thank you for your reply. I was incorrect, I had a TC 185, not a TS! I still have it's as new handbook. Saw an identical one on the internet yesterday same 'burnt orange' type of color and same tank graphics, and sounds, what a lovely looking machine.! In 1970's wanganui (New Zealand) a small group of us used to ride assorted trail bikes, mainly on local farms but sometimes for longer rides. I've owned all two strokes, Tas 'Taka', Yamaha TY 250 trials bike, Suzuki RV 125( fat tyres.) Road bikes, Kawasaki 500 triple, Suzuki X4 125 twin, Kawasaki KR150. Thank you again for your reply and your very good web site. Kind regards from me, Geoff ( Feilding NZ).
I had 3 or 4 ts 185s back in the day the stock cdi ignition was a super powerfull spark and it dosn't need a battery to run, however charging coil 6v was weak. good old bikes them motors will out last the rest of the bike.
Enjoyed your video. Excellent restoration! I own the same bike. May I ask which paint (color/brand) that you used on the chain guard? Did you say that you polished the engine? Also, I believe you mentioned that you used a Ford black...would you mind sharing which paint (color/brand). I really appreciate your help!
I used Omni Plus (by PPG). I would have to look up the exact paint codes, but I know both the silver and black are Ford Superduty colors, like the 99-04 style, black and silver.
How did you time the ignition? I bought the kit but i cant find the mm BTDC anywhere. Very nice build by the way. I bought mine 2 months ago and i cant wait to ride it.
I have one also! I loved it. Mine is a '73 in "Desert Yellow". It's a beautifully balanced trail bike. My question: I had a Suzuki parts manager tell me years ago there was no just hope of finding a replacement front tire. It looks like you solved that problem! Where did you find it?
I used to have a yellow 73’. I kick myself bow for ever selling it. There are actually many different tires that will fit! The one I bought is a Dunlop.
Thanks for sharing! Just getting started restoring my Dad’s 73 250 Savage. Watched your video quite a few times as very good info. Especially interested in the Vape 12v system. I found them online - just curious if directions were clear and if connections to existing system went smooth? Our bike has a CDI/igniter and not sure if the vape system will work or not. Thanks again for posting as this has given me inspiration to start on my Dad’s bike.
@@hammer5475 I checked out your bike in the video, these old TS sure run dependably! I wanted to comment on there and tell you if you need a link to any parts I got let me know! Didnt look like comments were turned on though? Anyways, if you need something hit me up. Keep up the good work!
@@theclevercraftsman thanks! I have it all together now except the cable pulled and broke the tachometer. It busted the section off where the cable screws on so if I had a parts tach with the same size cable attachment I think I could fix it. Also I sealed the tank which was in rough shape and it still has a really small leak but otherwise I have it running great, lots of new parts. Once it’s done and really rideable, I’m going to do a complete restoration. I’m in the middle of doing a can am right now but it’s close to getting put back together.
Hi I found this video and hope you still read the comments I'm looking for parts for mine which looks dead like this one you have could you give me some links on some of the parts especially the kit to convert this bike from 6 volt to 12 volt thanks in advanced
www.powerdynamo.biz/eng/systems/7653/7653main.htm This is the unit. You can buy it a few different places on line depending on your location. I found it from a nearby seller and shipping was reasonable.
Parts came from several sources. I mostly used ebay, just searched by part number to find it. These bikes were made for many years after US sales stopped in one form or another. The coil I ordered from a local company I found that was a Vape dealer
Question about replacing the Magneto and upgrading to a 12v system: in the comments you mention you got this from VAPE? How did it turn out ? Did you upgrade the lights to LED or get a brighter Halogen setup ?
Great job and thank you for sharing! My older brother had this same exact bike in 1976. I drove the 125 version back then . What amazing memories and times. You’re a wonderful son to your
Dad.
had a new one of these in 1977. it cost £344 on the road from heron suzuki.passed my test on it the next year at the grand cost of £4.80.still have a couple of b/w pics of it.excellent.
My 2nd bike bought it brand new with the insurance compensation I got because a taxi crashed into me on my first 50cc bike when I was just 16 broke a few bones and put me in hospital. I remember my mum was devastated when I spent my money on another motorbike. That was in 1977. Mine had low front mudguard (fender) and the petrol tank was just orange with Suzuki in black and no silver tick detail. I loved that bike. Went everywhere on it. I was only 17 years old at the time. Rode it like I had a death wish. Good memories
Good memories!!
Wow you're not tinkering around!
By the time I started riding my father's 74 he had removed the battery, mirror and lights (except headlight). That was the extent of maintenance apart from oil and filter changes. Great reliable trail bike
My dad had one he bought brand new in 75, identical to that one. He had a really bad accident on it shortly after and survived, but was left with scars on his brain and seizures for the rest of his life. He kept and rebuilt the bike, but only ever putted around the lawn on it.
Sometime in the 90's when I was little he took the clutch cover off to investigate a sticky clutch and then passed away in 2001 when I was 14. I traded it to my cousin for a quad (that I still have!) and I'm glad it went to a good home with someone who had motorcycle knowledge (he put it back together and had it riding last I knew) but I'm regretting it now. I think I'll shop for and buy one to restore, will be a nice reminder of something I don't remember him riding but was always a source of interest and intrigue while I was growing up. Yours came out great thanks for the video!
Wow! Thats an interesting story! Sorry to hear about the accident your Dad had. I hope you do find one, let me know if you have any restoration questions
@@theclevercraftsman thank you! Apparently he had the factory knobbies on and a cousin on the back when a woman in town took a sharp turn with no signal, they went into the back of the car and he went over it. I may take you up on that offer, thank you!
I had the exact same TS 185 when they were brand new as a kid . I could do one handed wheelies for ever and run from the cops and get away clean because they couldn't chase me through yards and places cars wouldnt go ..lol . But I was 14 years old and scared of nothing ..times do change ..lol . Great bike and great memories .
Legend
Fabulous resto your dad must be really pleased he,s very lucky.
Power Dynamo,s are a great modern solution to old ignition systems loads of us fit them to classic two strokes here in the UK.
That VAPE ignition/alternator is sweet, I installed it on a 71 TC125…allowed me to run a halogen H4, lights up the night like a modern machine, starts first kick….
It's almost ironic to see you fixing this up for your dad. I wrench on bikes for a living and just bought a 74 TS185 for my dad for Christmas. It runs and rides but needs some love. He bought one when he was stationed in Guam in the U.S. Navy back in the late 70's. He smuggled it on board ship and would ride it on deck when he could. He sold it when he came back stateside. I figured he deserved to have another one in his life. The hardest part is not fixing everything before I give it to him so he has a project to tinker with. Good video. I need a make shift paint booth in my shop now....
He would ride it on deck? Wow! That is crazy to think about.
I hope you get it fixed up and your Dad enjoys the bike.
Fantastic resto mate, that was my first motorcycle back in 75, same colour except when new it had a low chrome front fender,thanks for the memories.
Amazing! I had a '75 back in the day, and have had a '78 for 12 years now, super-fun bikes.
Dude, nothing like putting a big smile on your dad's face, good 👍 job.
Great job!! Simple and straight forward resto but the fact that you did this for your father is just over the top!
Check out the follow up video
th-cam.com/video/L_cSM5bvBvg/w-d-xo.html
Brings back memories! This is the bike I learned to ride on way back in about 73. Nice job!
Cool. Don't see many of those anymore. I have a 1974 TS185 sitting in my barn.
I notice your tachometer is dead. I might have one if you want it.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Very nice. What a beauty. I will buy the same orange one in a few days. Bravo, Christophe from France 😍
Hard to beat the oarnge
FLAMES 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I had, if l recall correctly a Suzuki TS185, basically the same bike.
It featured electric start +usual kick starter.
It had a high/low ratio transmission swapped via a lever above the usual gear shifter.
Great bike, good times.?
Those two features were not available on the Ts185. At least not on the ones of the era we had here in the USA. I know the 90 had the hi/lo option. Maybe it was a 250?
@@theclevercraftsman
Dear sir,
Thank you for your reply.
I was incorrect, I had a TC 185, not a TS!
I still have it's as new handbook.
Saw an identical one on the internet yesterday same 'burnt orange' type of color and same tank graphics, and sounds, what a lovely looking machine.!
In 1970's wanganui (New Zealand) a small group of us used to ride assorted trail bikes, mainly on local farms but sometimes for longer rides.
I've owned all two strokes, Tas 'Taka', Yamaha TY 250 trials bike, Suzuki RV 125( fat tyres.)
Road bikes, Kawasaki 500 triple, Suzuki X4 125 twin, Kawasaki KR150.
Thank you again for your reply and your very good web site.
Kind regards from me, Geoff
( Feilding NZ).
Awesome job, just picked one up for dirt cheap. Thanks for the inspiration my friend.
had a red one like this back in the day ! how lovely to have a cat to help you in the garage !
I had 3 or 4 ts 185s back in the day the stock cdi ignition was a super powerfull spark and it dosn't need a battery to run, however charging coil 6v was weak. good old bikes them motors will out last the rest of the bike.
Fantastic..all the best from England.
I had one exactly like this back in 1975 when I was 15 years old
Nicely done, vintage bikes are a lot of fun.
The only thing missing is a dual sport dash!
incredible restoration.and in only 12 miniutes. amazing
Beautifully done.
Very nice that you did that for your dad. Thanks for sharing
What a great son.
And a great bike.
i might be picking up a 72 this weekend, super excited, nice video man!
Awesome! They are fun old bikes. Have you gotten to ride it yet?
@@theclevercraftsman not yet it needed some work done but it’ll be up and going hopefully by february
You’re a good son. I have my dads old 240z that my goal is to do the same thing
great job ,I had the TS400 for years but sold it a big mistake cheers
Thanks. Bummer you sold it!
A labour of love. What a lovely surprise gift for your dad. 👏👏
Thanks! He was surprised and it turned out great!
Real love, Congratulation!
Good job and a lovely thing to do for your dad 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻
Enjoyed your video. Excellent restoration! I own the same bike. May I ask which paint (color/brand) that you used on the chain guard? Did you say that you polished the engine? Also, I believe you mentioned that you used a Ford black...would you mind sharing which paint (color/brand). I really appreciate your help!
I used Omni Plus (by PPG). I would have to look up the exact paint codes, but I know both the silver and black are Ford Superduty colors, like the 99-04 style, black and silver.
How did you time the ignition? I bought the kit but i cant find the mm BTDC anywhere. Very nice build by the way. I bought mine 2 months ago and i cant wait to ride it.
I just took a shot at it, ran good first try
I have one also! I loved it. Mine is a '73 in "Desert Yellow". It's a beautifully balanced trail bike. My question: I had a Suzuki parts manager tell me years ago there was no just hope of finding a replacement front tire. It looks like you solved that problem! Where did you find it?
I used to have a yellow 73’. I kick myself bow for ever selling it.
There are actually many different tires that will fit! The one I bought is a Dunlop.
I also have a '73 -ride it all the time and I love it.
Thanks for sharing! Just getting started restoring my Dad’s 73 250 Savage. Watched your video quite a few times as very good info. Especially interested in the Vape 12v system. I found them online - just curious if directions were clear and if connections to existing system went smooth? Our bike has a CDI/igniter and not sure if the vape system will work or not. Thanks again for posting as this has given me inspiration to start on my Dad’s bike.
Yes the Vape directions are very good. It is super simple and will come with a new CDI.
That was an awesome video, nice job! I have one that my Dad bought for me 2nd hand when I was a kid. I'm in the process of restoring it now.
Thats great, share a video of it!
@@theclevercraftsman there is one of the first start on my channel
@@hammer5475 I checked out your bike in the video, these old TS sure run dependably! I wanted to comment on there and tell you if you need a link to any parts I got let me know! Didnt look like comments were turned on though? Anyways, if you need something hit me up. Keep up the good work!
@@theclevercraftsman thanks! I have it all together now except the cable pulled and broke the tachometer. It busted the section off where the cable screws on so if I had a parts tach with the same size cable attachment I think I could fix it. Also I sealed the tank which was in rough shape and it still has a really small leak but otherwise I have it running great, lots of new parts. Once it’s done and really rideable, I’m going to do a complete restoration. I’m in the middle of doing a can am right now but it’s close to getting put back together.
Great job mate, well done. 😊
Thanks
where did you buy all of the new parts?? Great build
Mostly Ebay! Vape parts came from a local Vape distributor
@@theclevercraftsman Thanks man!
That looks really good for a unrestored bike.
Yes my Dad took good care of it.
amigo que gran restauración, te felicito! es posible me puedas compartir el manual de servicio de la moto por pdf?
Yes I found it online. If I can find the link I will share it here. Thank you
man I wish Id kept mine
paid $180 for it in summer 1985
sold a fee years later for $240
ran great. lights were screwed though
Fun bikes!
Nice job man
Thank you!!
Hi I found this video and hope you still read the comments I'm looking for parts for mine which looks dead like this one you have could you give me some links on some of the parts especially the kit to convert this bike from 6 volt to 12 volt thanks in advanced
www.powerdynamo.biz/eng/systems/7653/7653main.htm
This is the unit. You can buy it a few different places on line depending on your location. I found it from a nearby seller and shipping was reasonable.
Where did you get those parts? I am having a hard time finding an overseas supplier. Thanks
Most of them were on Ebay
My first bike
Cool! They are fun
when you installed the vape magneto what height BDC did you set the timing? I set mine at 2mm BDC and it runs hot like it's too advanced.
that was awesome!
Thanks!
What brand is the new magneto ignition? I have a 1974 Tc 185 that needs upgraded. Thanks
Its a vape
I need the links to your parts siteeee!!!!’ I need parts for 185 81!!! I’ve been looking for months
Parts came from several sources. I mostly used ebay, just searched by part number to find it. These bikes were made for many years after US sales stopped in one form or another. The coil I ordered from a local company I found that was a Vape dealer
Question about replacing the Magneto and upgrading to a 12v system: in the comments you mention you got this from VAPE? How did it turn out ? Did you upgrade the lights to LED or get a brighter Halogen setup ?
Yes! th-cam.com/video/L_cSM5bvBvg/w-d-xo.html
Here is a video of it I did at night. All Led lights even did underglow!
Very cool. Do you have any links to the parts you used for that
Do you buy those parts directly from Suzuki dealer??
No most of them were found online through someone selling suzuki parts on ebay.
Most suzuki dealers have long ago cleaned out ts inventory
Hi there. I just got a ts185 and a ts250. Where can I buy this stator conversion kit? How much? Do you know if they have for the TS75
Congratulations on bike purchases! I purchased my stator on Ebay because it shipped from a pretty local to me supplier. It was $550
Check out Power Dynamo’s website for availability on your 75
Can’t find dynamo at that site
Can we get a collaboration with Jeremy?
We could do that! What kind of project would Jeremy like to do I wonder?
@@theclevercraftsman
How about restore Old Blue?
We want Jeremy!!! Now
Sister says it was your pet raccoon too!
That was def her project
Loved my ‘76, sorry I ever sold it : - (
Why don't I have a son like you? 😢
What stator did you use? I have one of these and would like to convert to 12 volt
From Vape, it is great!
@@theclevercraftsman I can't find that part number on the VAPE website.
Where did you order the parts from?
Many on ebay and amazon. Do you have a specific part? The Vape system came from a stateside supplier
@@theclevercraftsman I got a lot to work on,on the one I got. Bought it for 30 bucks. It's a project for sure.
🤤🏍