Suzuki 2 Strokes

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if there are differences in the cylinders through the years? I know there differences with the nikasil, but for here in the US can I just swap cylinders from different years?

Also my 1973 has the individual cable carbs. Are the later years being shaft opened better? I feel like the later carbs would be easier to tune and less likely to experience cable snags

Thanks for the help!

You can't easily do a carb swap.
You need a new tank as the fuel tap moved - and changed, so you'll need one of those as well - the cylinder head is different to allow the carbs to fit which means you'll need a new ram air cowl. A new set of carb rubbers (carbs to cylinders) and a new airbox. The original barrels will do, but won't look right with the new shorter head, so you might need new barrels - and pistons maybe. A full set of linked carbs, cables, new twistgrip (two cables). The list goes on.

The single carbs are easier to remove and replace (1 at a time) and shouldn't be worse to keep in tune in any case. The linked carbs are a pain to remove and replace (I did mine today and my fingers still hurt).

I have separate carbs on my 1972 K model and they are fine. I also have a set of separate carbs for the J that's next on the cards for resto.

You really want to go through with all this?

No I wasn't planning on doing that. I just wanted to know if the linked carbs were better in reliability or performance.

Since my 1973 cylinders are a little beat up I am wanting to replace them. You said some cylinders are shorter than others. So not all cylinders are compatible with each other through the years?

In my view the carbs actually perform just the same. The gang carbs are more difficult to set up. The cylinders are the same internal dimensions but the exterior fins were changed to accomodate the different carbs. Also the European models were coated bores and given extra ports. I have a J and when i bought it it was fitted with B barrels iron bore and gang carbs. I have restored it to original cylinders and carbs.