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New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 12:10 am
by sxk122
Howdy all! I'm Simon from Dallas, Texas.

Just picked up a 1966 Suzuki s32-2 Olympian today. This is my second foray into Suzuki 2 strokes, my first was a 1986 Suzuki FA-50 Moped that I recently sold.

1st big question..... Where is the VIN????? or is there a VIN? All I find is a frame number, an engine number, and a plate on the frame showing both of these numbers......

I just ordered a reproduction shop manual via ebay (kind of miffed to pa almost $50 shipped for a repro... oh well)
I already have a "model specific" pages from I believe the Clymers 2 stroke manual thanks to the Garland, Texas public library..... they have a ton of free DIY resources online- ranging from quick reference guides to complete manuals.... I have the PDF linked below.
The bike is in Rough cosmetic shape, but I believe decent mechanical shape.
The chain tensioner on the clutch lever side is broken, the clutch cable possibly needs to be replaced, needs a new air filter, and the tires are dry rotted. She runs and stops properly (at least as fast as I want to go on dry rotted tires and missing that tensioner....)

I just ordered a used tensioner on ebay, and I am also kinda mad about that, but I need the part. $7 part, $8 shipping.... Gouging on shipping much????


I'm having issues locating parts outside of ebay..... suggestions on other reasonable sources?

Also, what do y'all suggest for the air filter? Should I just find a larger foam filter and cut to size? I know 2 strokes can be VERY finiky about how they receive their air......

Thanks for any help. Hopefully I'll be able to reciprocate at some point. Sorry for the long post

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Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 6:39 am
by zlrig
Nice find! That looks to be in great shape!
I have one, but it is not quite as nice.
Yes, there is a stamped VIN# on the bike. It is on the Right side of the frame. Look just midway between the swingarm and the shock on the edge of the fender lip. The VIN plate should be on the opposite side but closer to the shock.
I tried to attach a few pic's, but no luck.....
JB

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 10:34 am
by oldjapanesebikes
sxk122 wrote:.... Where is the VIN????? or is there a VIN? All I find is a frame number, an engine number, and a plate on the frame showing both of these numbers......
Simon - on these older bikes, the frame number is the VIN, and will be something like S32-xxxxx - quite different from what you see on machines form the 1980's. I have started a listing to try and get additional information on these pre-1971 machines by year which you can look at on this page: http://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_G ... /index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Contributions welcomed. 8)

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 4:06 pm
by sxk122
Awesome! Thanks guys. Sounds like I had found the VIN and not known it, lol.

The bike looks good from 10'. Sometime in the distant past it was rwpaintes ( with a brush by the look of it). After I'm happy with how she runs and I've had some fun I will likely tear her down for a repaint.

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:20 pm
by SOman
Ooooo - an S32 - haven't seen one of those for a long time. My mates both had S32's and I had a YL1 Yamaha 100 twin. I could still see them off......

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:24 pm
by sxk122
Any tips on what to do for the air cleaner? I can't seem to source an OEM or NOS unit.... What do most people do???

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 11:30 pm
by sxk122
Ian, here is a picture of the plate if it helps for your list..... need any other info from me?

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Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:31 am
by sxk122
So question.....

Manual calls for 20w 40 oil in the gearbox..... that particular weight of oil appears to be about as common as unicorns..... anyone want to point me toward some, or suggest an alternative?

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 9:32 am
by oldjapanesebikes
sxk122 wrote:Ian, here is a picture of the plate if it helps for your list..... need any other info from me?
Thanks Simon - I've added the info to the spreadsheet. Appreciated ! :up: :up:

Just out of curiosity, what is stamped on the wheel rims ? There should be something in the format of "TAKASAGO 185 x 19 6F 103" - its the '6F' stamping (yours would be different of course) that gives the rim manufacture date which can sometimes help to confirm the year of manufacture.

And I'd just use 10W40 8)

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:57 pm
by sxk122
I've got 15 40 in there now.... Seems to run fine.
Stamping says
Takasag 160AX17 W 5I Japan


(I think it says 5i Japan)

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 11:30 pm
by sxk122
Also, I somehow lost an exhaust baffle while riding tonight. Any suggestions on aftermarket replacements? Or just go without.....

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 10:38 pm
by oldjapanesebikes
sxk122 wrote:Takasag 160AX17 W 5I Japan
Right - so the rim was made in September of 1965 which makes sense, and also fits the registration year. Thx. 8)

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:52 pm
by sxk122
If mine is a 66 is it a s32 or an s32-2 .......

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:48 pm
by oldjapanesebikes
sxk122 wrote:If mine is a 66 is it a s32 or an s32-2 .......
S32-2. The S32 was 1965, and so the build dates would have started in 1964. I think you'll find that the only way to tell is if the ID plate is still attached. I'm pretty sure the frame is only stamped as S32-xxxxx for both of them. Likewise the engine. 8)

Re: New user, New Bike 1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 4:48 pm
by sxk122
I posted the ID plate a bit ago. It does say 32-2.... so she is a 32-2. For some reason I mis-interpreted something I saw, leading me to believe the -2 designation was a 1967/68 thing.