1974 Suzuki TS185 Ride and review

My latest project ` a 1974 Suzuki TS185. My plan is to ride and enjoy, fix what breaks but not to ‘restore’.

[@user-fw5qw8zf4g]

I just purchased an orange 1975 model. A true time machine. Running perfectly. Just needs a bit of love to bring it back to its former glory. I think my favourite road to ride on these days is called memory lane.

[@78a67h]

Bought one new back in 1976. It was my dream bike and I promptly rode it everywhere, town, countryside, and off-road. On the motorway it would happily cruise at 50 to 55 mph all day. I was heartbroken when I had it stolen never to be recovered 2 years later.

[@suespony]

Wow, this brings back memories. I had this same bike when I was 16, back in 1976, wish I could go back

[@geoff9614]

Beautiful little bike could listen to that engine all day long just shows you don’t need a massive engine to have some fun good video Thanks for posting

[@JV-wq6xb]

Love it, my dad had 1973 TS 185 and I remember when I was 4-5 yrs old, sitting in front of him, holding on to the cross bar riding the dirt roads of West Virginia

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Those are the memories that stay with you for ever👍

[@citizenseventies6738]

Wow ! My dad also had a TS185 back in the late 70s, it was a 1976 model in Orange and he also sat me on the tank while I held the crossbar as I was about 6 years old at the time. Happy times when it never seemed to rain as much, even here in the UK.

[@davidandrzejewski9127]

From USA , Michigan, had a 1972 TS 185, brings back memories. In the cold it would burble until it warmed up. Strong engine, and transmission. Never had any problems with it. Great bike for what it was.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Still takes a while to warm it up, but once it is it’s sweet and crisp.

[@lukeduke3001]

i learnt to ride on a ts185 the seat, exhaust, petrol tank, and kick start were all held on with wire permantly no lights no front brakes but it was such a good bike so much fun

[@bryandees8242]

My dad changed the rear sprocket on this bike and competed in trials in the early 70s. About 12 years later, as a teenager, I found the bike dissembled, stored in boxes within the garage. I learned about motorcycles and engines putting this bike back together and getting it to run again. I'm interested in buying another for nostalgia purposes. Thanks for the video.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

I had a Kawasaki KT 250 trials bike - the Suzuki is lighter in full road trim than the Kawasaki!

[@Ausfahrt]

I love it, that was my first bike too. It just freaks me out when you guys ride on the wrong side of the road.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

👍🤣

[@kendentremont8877]

I had a burnt orange “Sierra” in high school. I loved that bike. That soundtrack brings back so many great memories. Thanks for sharing!

[@brentonlett3417]

My first bike in 1974, I was 16. Exactly like the video shows to ride, brings back memories. Great off road, the TS250 was too big and didn't, due to extra weight, produce a lot more performance. The TS 185 was best of the 250 and under trail bikes at the time.

[@Errol.C-nz]

My sentiments exactly.. I bought my 185L in 85.. lots of golden memories.. had a custom plate before they even became trendy.. 1brt.. cheers from nz

[@harleydavidson6851]

These Bikes bring back Such FOND Memories. I was 16 in 74 & Ready to move up from my Yamaha 80... ALL THESE Decades later... STILL A RUSH! 70'S Heaven! 2 Strokes FOREVER!! GOD BLESS..

[@brendabooker3551]

Of of of of

[@tts626]

My first bike too, in 1979. I was 14yo. No license. Road along the rr tracks until I got my permit. First bike I wiped out too. Bike was fine. I got a few stitches and I was back on it. Good times!

[@darrenanderson4921]

Wow! Thanks for the ride. I just love that sound!! My dad owned a 1972 until I was 20th s. He bought me a 1971 when I was 14. rode it every chance I got!!

[@bertayoing]

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.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

You're right it is a little gem! Love the early Japanese two strokes, I've just acquired a '74 Yamaha 175 as a project. Good to hear the Northern accent, I did my U/G training at Manvers/Wath many moons ago.

[@ProlificInvention]

Back 1 year later: Just went for a ridiculously fun ride on my 1973 Suzuki TS185, I love that stinkin bike, it's my favorite of over 50 motorcycles I've had over the years (I'm a rider and a bike flipper as in resale) probably the sentimental value, ol' Grandpa had a 73 TS250 when I was growing up and we would go on long rides, I rode a Honda 70cc mini trail from the 70s vintage that was his, highlight of my young life really-but those just don't cut it although still cool and valuable.

[@tonycoombes2281]

had one 76 ,p reg orange , i got it in 78,one owener very low milege loved that bike ,had it for 3 years. thanks vid gave ne good memorors

[@robertprice7859]

The TS-185 is one of the most underappreciated 2-stroke enduro bikes. Power of a Yamaha DT-250 and nearly as light as many 125's. Here in the U.S. you can find really nice bikes often for under $2,000. Great bike for riding arround secondary roads. Light and Zippy.

[@terrycolley6482]

The TS185 was no enduro bike. A nice trail bike sure but way out of it's depth on anything more than graded dirt tracks.

[@robertprice7859]

@@terrycolley6482 The TS-185 came out in 1971. Does it compare to a modern duel sport? Absolutely not. But for 53 years ago it was pretty good.

[@richards933]

no they didnt have the power of 250,s no way,i should know had a TS185 and rode a friends 74 DT250 had a ton more grunt

[@GixxerWayne]

Fantastic vid , and a great example of the TS185 , im looking at building one in the near future , i saw a wtite up in classic bike mechanics a year or so ago , probably one of the most affordable and usable classics around. Once again great vid 👍

[@jamespitchford7390]

Thank you for posting. I am looking for a TS 185 and appreciate its power to weight, nimble handling characteristics for Sunday drives on local back roads and trails. In fact there is a 185 for sale currently in Doncaster. The rib is I’d have to pay for shipping to the states. Shipping prices have skyrocketed due to energy prices hikes. Thanks again for posting.

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

UNRESTORED! Holy crap! For a 48 year old bike it looks incredible for an unrestored version. Yes, you absolutely do have a "gem" there! My first bike about 53 years ago was a Suzuki A 100 and after flogging that poor thing around the bush for a few years I bought a TS 185 and loved it so much that when it finally got to being just not worth fixing and patching any more I bought another one. Oh man, listening to that brought back such great memories. At first it didn't want to rev but I guess just needed a bit more warming up since it pulled and revved nicely after a bit of running. I'm absolutely gobsmacked that not only did you find one, not only did you find one running, and well but, you found one in remarkably fantastic condition. I'm green with envy right now. Kind of hilarious seeing a tacho red line of 8,000 rpm after my last bike which was a BMW S 1,000 R which is a 4 cylinder 4 stroke and it revved to 12,000 while it's racier brother red lines at 14,000 rpm because they put lighter valves and tuned that same engine a little differently. So weird when I always thought of 2 strokes as the revvy engines. Good luck with your great find there.

[@markconlon814]

that takes me back, my 1st bike in 77, when I was 16 !!

[@brodynchrisp3333]

My 1st bike was a ts 185 thrashed the nuts off it and couldn't kill it to bad suzuki can't make bikes that good now

[@MrK-mj4hu]

Superb I had an orange 185, nostalgia overload.

[@Quadrenaro]

I just bought a 1975 TC185

[@thevoxofreason8468]

I had the exact machine back in the late 80's. She was just an "old bike" back then. It was my first machine.

[@Jimmyzb36]

I might have that bikes sister. All original needing a bit of cleaning up. Runs like a Top! Thanks for the video.

[@FunAllDayLong4353]

Sweet little bike - one of the all-time great green-laners.

[@joeromano5128]

Nice bike and nice place you live

[@ProlificInvention]

I have a 1973 that was stripped of lights, gauges, mirrors and has a climbing gear on the back. I'm converting it to a street legal adventure bike using modern battery/wireless accessories. Runs like an absolute unit, it is the blue and yellow tank Sierra version

[@hkk3656]

I had to seal the tank because of rust. It had sat too long. Not really a big deal. I love this bike. Definitely one of my favorites.

[@jimcollins2466]

Hello and Well Done from Long Island, New York, USA!

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Thanks

[@72859396]

I had a older blue and white one it was a great bike. Makes me wish I still had it.

[@jah_b]

love this! definitely shifting earlier than I would. But, when you're going for a cruise wringing out every gear isn't exactly the goal 😄

[@Patches-vq8cd]

nice land rover! and great vid

[@dcwebb1]

Had a 1972 TS250 Savage back in the day, I'm sure this TS185 is probably just as enjoyable.....damn good two stroke bikes!

[@johnthorp3649]

I've got a 1962 Lambretta. Half of the engine and transmission is Suzuki, and it goes quite nicely. It's got a Suzuki TS185 piston in the top end, and the clutch is made from a Suzuki RM125.

[@artfantasies]

Wow, it's in great condition! Must be fun to ride :)

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

It’s great for short journeys but wouldn’t want to go too far 😆

[@johnnuth2989]

Hi John here in sydney Australia I just bought a T's 185 sitting in a old warehouse for last 4 years head light missing few dents and scratches engine all complete and turns over just paid 600 bucks for her il do her up and see how we go

[@ianbarnes8593]

I’ve the exact same bike. Restored it during 2020. Mine was it a bit shabbier than yours when I bought it. Engine was good and still with standard piston. Lots of time and NOS parts later it’s a great bike to own. Runs fairly sweet and will buzz up to around 70mph with std gearing. If I had the chance to do it again I’d probably fit the smaller rear sprocket just so it didn’t rev so high at 50-55mph. Good luck with your bike. They’re little gems and worth keeping roadworthy. p.s. The clocks suffer from the internal lube drying out making them flicker or stick. Don’t be tempted to squirt WD40 inside as you’ll properly knacker them. Even NOS ones suffer from inaccuracies; it’s just an age thing.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Hi, yes both my clocks suffered from flickering on the needle. I managed to pick up a decent 2nd hand pair as the trip meter button was broken and glued back in place, but didn’t work! Didn’t swap the Rev counter as it’s getting better with use. Down side is replacement speedo shows 20000 miles - original had 2924 on it.

[@ianbarnes8593]

@@barnsleybikervideodiary7694 The threaded portion for the drive cable was broken on my Tacho, so unable to repair it. A new set of clocks set me back £200 with only 2 miles showing on the speedo. Even these are iffy, mainly the Speedo accuracy at lower speed. But you’re spot on about them improving with use. Happy days!

[@markkumanninen6524]

Oh my, I'd love to have one of these - or a TS250. I rode a TS125 back in the 70s, till it was stolen. Now there's a DR650 in my garage, but there'd room for smaller stroker.

[@tonycoombes2281]

ps whaching the vid you riding it the sound and looking at the clocks etc brought back brill merours

[@tomobedlam297]

My first bike too. It could outperform the Honda XL250 my brother had.

[@alexberry5118]

First bike I got a 1976 TS185 in bright orange happy days😂

[@mastercylinder1939]

From Sheffield originally, had a TS-100, back in the day. Now looking at a TS-185 over here in Canada, but I doubt I’ll be able to afford it.

[@nonservitium]

The ts185 is by far my#1 favorite bike. My uncle and I built a Cafe with a ts185. Try replacing the airbox with a k&n and rejetting. And you can also ring the motor out a little more. Sadly, here in California, these thing will be illegal soon... so I need to get one before that happens!

[@russellchristian4320]

Care to elaborate on the legal thing? I'm looking at one of these in the bay area because it looks like a good bike to fart around town on.

[@nonservitium]

@@russellchristian4320 California is outlawing 2 stroke motors

[@jimmarshall807]

First world problems: I've got a new bike coming next month, and space is tight in the garage. My original plan for today was (after not having ridden it in months) take my TS185C out of the back of the garage for a fresh MOT to make it easier to sell (it had six months left on the old one) but after riding it to the MOT shop and then taking it for a 20 mile ride (they're not long distance bikes) I remembered why I'd kept it so long (12 years and counting). No way is it going up for sale. Light, flickable, super-fun engine (albeit limited to town and country back roads by its 18 bhp) and just a very cool ride, I won't be selling it, something else will have to go!

[@tttony9426]

nice bike,, my 72 /185 was deep blue,,do you remember the suzuki hillbilly 80 cc,4 gears street 4 gears trail

[@garywinterbottom6073]

My cousin had a v reg 185er in green now very rare.

[@tomwarner5331]

Just got a 85 model ts185 in oz for $400 😮😂😊

[@therealslimshady4555]

I have a mint 1971 suzuki ts 250 savage in blue and white.your 185 is my favourite in that colour. Brilliant 🏍 bikes

[@fredtedstedman]

lovely......had a red one backin the day ! always felt as if it needed anothe gear when you got to 50mph ?

[@dirkdiggler4860]

I had one of these a bit newer but not much. Fun little bike small enough to throw around the trails. Mine would do 110km/hr not sure what that is in m/hr. Mine had high and low range. Lots of torqe in low but only abou 30/km/hr

[@dietznutz1]

68mph

[@dwightcrapson135]

It appears that when Suzuki changed from 19 inch front wheel in 1973, to a 21 inch wheel in 1974, that they didn't change anything else to adjust for that, which means the steering geometry got screwed up at that point.

[@IanFrancisco-CAPianoman]

I am hoping to upgrade my 1974 TS125 to a larger bore and wonder if the TS185 parts would fit. The engine cases and chassis look identical to a 125.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

They share many components and I believe the 185 motor fits into the 125 frame but not sure the barrels are interchangeable.

[@sicks6six]

I had a TS100 new on my 17th B/D and later a TS250 which was really quick for a trail bike, the 100 had rotary disk induction which I would never have again, the disks keep breaking up and they end up in the crankcase,

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

My 1st bike was TS100 with the rotary disc valve, and yes mine broke up 🥴🥴😉

[@faiqskin6901]

where u got part this motor?? i want signal back n seat.. my motor not have n break

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Parts are hard to find, I need L/H switch gear. So far the few parts I have needed came off eBay! America is best place but expensive.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

EBay mainly but parts are hard to find. Most are in America ☹️

[@faiqskin6901]

@@barnsleybikervideodiary7694 oww ok tq.. nice motorcycle

[@TheButlerNZ]

Pull the plug to the ignition tumbler and it's instantly live to start & ride.... Small flaw.

[@bigears4014]

They were noisy and had no torque, but went OK. Hard to take of on steep bush tracks

[@baileynancy1559]

Wish I never gave it away

[@mcfast52]

Is that right-hand drive or left-hand drive? lol

[@mikeschlup5279]

You did take it for a bit of a thrash....

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

No point wrapping it in cotton wools

[@richardmassey2699]

You can pickup a woman on a ts185 no problem and almost any age too.🤠

[@mcshaggyswildadventures3952]

Thank you as a broke teenager this was my concern

[@stuarthammond1009]

Undoubtedly the worst headlight ever, but still wonderful

[@darrellfincher2948]

Had one. Ran great but very slow

[@andrewlambert4934]

Thas gotta sell it me mucka

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

Unfortunately I have to make way for my Yamaha project

[@sandmanbub]

Whoop!