20Likes
|
|
22 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
Do the TF185 and TS185 share the same motor?
Hi all, I have recently taken on a Tf185 and was wondering, Does the TF185 and TS185 share the same motor? I can only find TS185 rebuild kits and dont want to buy it then find there are subtle differences between the 2 motors. Please help, I have been reading flat out and cant seem to find a clear answer.
Kind regards, Rhys
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
22 Jul 2020
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
|
|
Hi Rhys. I've had many of both and still have two TSs.
The TF & TS 185 motors are almost identical. You probably know the TF (Suzuki called it the MudBug) was for farm work and had some minor tuning and gearing changes to make it more suitable for that. The barrel porting is different, especially the exhaust port, and it has a smaller carb. This have a noticeable increase in low end torque. It has a smaller front sprocket and larger rear sprocket for lower and slower gearing for climbing steep hills, and for dawdling behind walking herds of livestock. Other than that, the motors are the same. The TS185ER was about 18.5hp and the TF was just over 13hp.
I had my TFs for dairy farm work and they were just the best farm bikes. I had a TS barrel that I'd had ported slightly giving about 20hp, with a correctly jetted carb attached. I used to use this for trail riding. When I was going trail riding, I'd undo the exhaust studs, head studs, plug lead, and air filter boot on the TF motor and pull the barrel and carb off. The tuned TS barrel and carb would go on giving a decent increase in power. I could do it in about 10-15 minutes.
Another tip with these motors is NEVER run them on pre-mix fuel, except for the first start after a rebuild. The CCI oil injection system feeds into two points. One is directly to the piston, and the other to the left main crank bearing and the big end bearing directly. They will run for a surprising amount of time on pre-mix but these two bearings WILL fail in time. Also the CCI system automatically varies the oil to fuel ratio according to the load on the motor, from a low of about 110:1 up to about 25:1 under full throttle. You get less carbon and oil residue build-up on the piston, exhaust port and inside the exhaust pipe and silencer.
Hope this helps. Where are you? The TF was sold mainly in New Zealand and Aussie.
Best regards
Nigel in NZ.
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
|
22 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
Cheers Nigel, that's all very helpful . I love how you were swapping between setups for different applications.
I might run with the Ported Ts barrel and carb, sounds like nice little upgrade. What size piston/ring were you running? And how much did you have the barrel ported?
Sorry for all the questions, I might have a few more over the coming weeks.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
23 Jul 2020
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
|
|
I had a number of these bikes, usually at least two at a time as working bikes, so they would have had various Suzuki pistons and rings. We could only get Std., 0.5mm & 1.0mm oversize in New Zealand.
As far as the porting went, I did it myself. I made sure all the ports in the cast iron barrel matched the alloy, smoothed the alloy in the inlet piston port and reed valve port, knife-edged the transfers and enlarged the exhaust port, with a small T-port.
Always happy to answer questions.
Cheers
Nigel Marx in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
|
23 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
Having two bikes would definitely be handy, Somday I hope to have a second engine as parts, and also have the confidence to take on such a procedure as you describe. Very impressive
I think I'll go 1mm os, maybe even on the stock TF barrel, if I have no luck finding a Ts donor.
I went ahead and dismantled the entire bike today. I labeled everything as I went and bagged it. I thought I was being careful but as always I had 3 items left over haha. I'm now unsure where they belong.
If I was to send through some pics do you think you could have a guess?
Oh! And I'm is South Australia
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
23 Jul 2020
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
|
|
Yes, post any pictures.
Another point to check is the swingarm bushes. They wear quite quickly.
Cheers mate
Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
|
24 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
It's ok, crisis averted. I worked out it was the brake pedal spring, and a couple of other frame bolts. No biggie.
Thanks for the tip, I checked the bushes and they are still in pretty good nick.
I'll attach some pic anyway lol, might aswell
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
25 Jul 2020
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
|
|
TS185 Special
Can't help myself, I love TS185's, so here's a pic of my ISDT Qualifier bike, a 72 TS18J with Wiseco - or was it Webco? high compression head, Wiseco piston, heavily ported, Bassani pipe, extended and braced swingarm with Boge/Mullholland shocks, Preston Petty fenders, fork damper rod extenders for an additional inch travel, alloy handlebars, everything not REQUIRED thrown out, and probably a few things I've forgotten. It's supposed to have a Preston Petty headlight but I think it was off for a repair at this point.
It worked REALLY well, and of course was super light. At one of the Qualifiers got fastest time of the day in a special test through the woods, and finished on Gold. This would have been in 1973.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
25 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3
|
|
Great reading, and cool photos. Memories of a TS100 I once had..
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
|
29 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
|
31 Jul 2020
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
|
|
generally looks pretty good, but the blue on the crankshaft is very weird!
I'd either clean it and put it back together, or give it a good clean, a very very light hone and fresh rings. Of course first measure to make SURE it's all within tolerance, but should be fine.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
31 Jul 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
Looks pretty good to me too. Not much blow by on the piston which suggests the rings are good but as Grant suggests it would be a good idea to check the end gaps before reusing them - or, if you can get suitable ones, replacing them. If you are replacing them (and they are almost a service item with two strokes) a very light hone would give them the best chance of bedding in but you need to remove almost nothing. Certainly new little ends - and circlips - and have a close look at the gudgeon pin for wear.
The crank looks ok although the bluing on the flywheels does seem odd. Because of that I'd check the con rod side shake to get an idea of the state of the bearing. Check the rocking side to side movement at the little end of the con rod - anything up to about 1.5 / 1.6mm suggests the bearing is ok. Other than that I'd be happy with how that looks.
|
14 Aug 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
Sorry for the late response, I dont get time very often, but I really appreciate all your help and advice.
I decided to replace the piston and rings, then lightly honed the cylinder. I then stripped the head, and it is now painted and back on the motor. I will post up some pictures soon, but for now I'll show how the bike itself is going.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
15 Aug 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
You've got a posher shed than me!
This is one I'm just finishing off -
|
15 Aug 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
|
|
I wish that was my shed, it's my spair room lol.
Really nice bike mate nice work
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|