Issues with TS 185
 

Hey guys,

I picked up a 72 Ts185 a few months ago and have been trying to get it into the best shape I can for a epic ride from Milwaukee to South America in January.
So far I have done a lot of work and thought I had it running good until a few days ago.

http://dantpeters.smugmug.com/photos...5_bSCWx-XL.jpg:taz:

I took it on my first longer ride and it seemed to do great for an hour but after I stoppped, I coulden't get it to run. It would start and rev high then die and not work for an hour and then do the same thing. I had good spark, fuel and compression so I figured it was my carb.

I cleaned out the carb and it started right up, but would not run without the choke. I rode 10 min home with the choke on and the bike would die if i let off the throttle. Once home I tried playing the the fuel mixture and idle screws but it did not help and now the bike will not start again.

Other possible issues are:
That the copper ring between the engine and exhast is fried and leaking. Trying to track down a replacement.
The previous owner replaced the stock air filter with a cone one.

I would love some guidance and ideas!
Thanks

DUDE. This is brilliant.
 

Well done in so far as you have the gumption to ride that bike to South America. I had one of those for a brief 6 months last year. I rode the hell out of it and sold it for the $500 I paid for it. I still have a '72 TC90 and TS400.

First off, that exhaust leak that you mentioned could very well be the stem of your problems. I had issues with my bike as well that seemed to clear up after replacing that copper seal, along with a good carb clean and fuel change. You may also have a crank seal leak, that could cause you some issues as well.

I'll leave the rest of the mechanical talk to the 2 stroke gurus out there.

Either way, I hope you enjoy getting 30 miles to the gallon on that beast. I remember hitting 72 mph on mine before I felt like I was killing it. If you can find an old TC185, you'd have a 5spd dual range transmission with an effective 10 gears. Good luck finding one of those however, as they are nearly impossible to locate.

Keep us updated on your adventures. I trust that you plan to carry a replacement of all of the major seals and gaskets for the bike? You'll need one of them eventually! :thumbup1:

--Alex

As he posted also on the TS/TM/TC forum (Suzuki TS TC TM Forum • Portal ) I have replied over there. This forum started as there were so many posts here for advice on these great old bikes, and I have the privilege to be the Admin there.

However, any words of advice here will also be helpful to others reading this post, so feel free to post.

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ