Archived Posts

[Admin]

My guess is that it is either a 73 or 74. FWIWIMHO The rear shock covers and that style exhaust shield together were on the K and L models.

All this depends on if those are the pieces that came with the bike originally.

[Admin]

I pulled off the tank and happened to notice some bright orange underneath the blue color. Either this is some strange color primer or the tank was orange at one time. This would explain the unusual decals on the tank. Looks like it maybe a '73 if that is the case; I see they came in an orange color.

[Admin]

You are right, there is no doubt your bike was repainted. There was no original TS250 painted up that way.

[Admin]

The decals look like '80 or '81 TS decals, but definitly didn't come on that tank.

Well, I've attempted to research this a bit but haven't reached a conclusion. The heat shield on the pipe looks to be '73 - '75. I believe both of the following are true, but I'm not 100% -

1. The ignition switch under the tank - I think beginning in '74 it was moved to between the gauges. I'm 99.9% sure that the 125 and 185 had it moved there beginning in '74, but not for sure on the 250. That makes me want to say it's a '73.

2. The angled style fins on the cyl head. Again I think beginning in '74 they went to all of the fins parallel - front to back - and no longer angled like that. That also would indicate '73.

Also the foot peg covers - the cross hatch pattern - not sure when the last year was for them but I believe at some point they did away with rubber covers and just had steel pegs.

Can anyone confirm or deny any of the above? If I can find out for sure I'll let you know.

Pete

[Admin]

My 76 TS400 has the key under the tank. Not positive on 250, but TS400 went to straight fins on the head, AND centered exhaust port in 74.


Lane

[Admin]

1971 was the first year for non-chromed steel fenders, and in '71, there was a dark blue color offered. Could also be a '74, depending on the shade of blue.

[Admin]

71 was also (I think? I could be talking out of my Ass Here) the first Year for the Non Stamped ID plates All of my T500's 68-70 have the Motor and Frame Numbers Stamped into the Plate.The later 71- Models Have a Brown Sticker type ID plate.

[Admin]

One of the leading magazines back in the day (I believe it was Cycle) did a test of the 322cc Savage with this kit as one of the earliest "project bikes" in print. Article said there was a decent boost in power across the entire rpm range, and reliability wasn't compromised due to the robust construction of the TS motor. I had two of the TS250s - both 1970 models - and can attest that they were indeed overbuilt. However, 15 HP in a 300 lb. package wasn't a terribly inspiring ride. Today, I'd refer to them more as street bikes in off-road clothing. Throw in the tendancy to launch you over the bars while starting it and you have a bike that's really better left in the past...at least for me anyway. My '72 TS400 though, was an entirely different story. I'd have that one back in a heartbeat!

[Admin]

I thinking of getting a vintage Suzuki enduro bike to tool around on, either a 185 or a 250.

What is the difference between the TS and TC models? I see there's a TS185 Sierra, and also a TC185 Ranger. Were these models similar?

Thanks,

[Admin]

The TC series were more like a (forgive me) Honda Trail 90. They weren't step-through, but they had dual-range transmissions and were meant for more utilitarian uses. The TS's were Enduro bikes.


Lane

[Admin]

They are basically the same bikes, but like Lane said, the TC has a dual range transmission. The 2 TS185's that I bought at Mid-Ohio turned out to be a TS185 and a TC185 with a TS motor in it. Other than paint (different years) they look pretty much identical. There are some electrical differences, however for lighting and such. The TS is a 6 volt system and the TC is 12 volt.

[Admin]

They are basically the same bikes, but like Lane said, the TC has a dual range transmission. The 2 TS185's that I bought at Mid-Ohio turned out to be a TS185 and a TC185 with a TS motor in it. Other than paint (different years) they look pretty much identical. There are some electrical differences, however for lighting and such. The TS is a 6 volt system and the TC is 12 volt.

It wouldn't surprise me if the early models were 12V and the late models 6V. That's the way the TS400s were done.


Lane

[Admin]

I just took a quick look at the 1974 model year fiches. In 74, the TS was 6 volt and the TC was 12 volt.

[Admin]

Interesting. I guess they weren't worried about the extra weight on the TCs.


Lane

[Admin]

So the TC was more street ortiented that the TS?