1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

All to do with wiring, charging or just trying to figure out whats gone wrong.

Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan

Post Reply
jamesv220820
On the street
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Jan 04, 2021 1:51 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1972 TS185

1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

Post by jamesv220820 »

Hey guys first post here. Resto-Modding a 1972 TS185. I have restored a 66 Honda S90 and a couple SOHC4 Hondas. This is my first 2 stroke and first suzuki!

The bike has barely any miles and has great compression but has been sitting since 85.

What I am wondering is what electric performance upgrades can I do? I am not looking at performance like in the sense of more HP but better overall tech in it.

So for instance electrics. Is there a more modern high performance coil like dyna , rectifier , regulator , etc that you can do to these bikes?
The1970's
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2020 8:49 pm
Country: United States
Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT750, GS750, TC185

Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

Post by The1970's »

I think you won't find much support for aftermarket "tech" in regards to your TS185. I had a TC185, which is essentially the same bike plus electric start and a high/low gearbox. What exactly are you trying to do with it?

The charging system is minimal on these bikes because they have almost no electronics to begin with. So start adding a lot of parts and you may run out of charging capacity. Upgrading the regulator/rectifier is possible but the factory units are reliable and work well. I don't know the TS series well enough to tell you if you have ignition points or Suzuki's "Pointless ignition system", but if you do have points you could potentially upgrade to a power dynamo. You won't notice really any difference between properly adjusted points and a powerdynamo, but many people don't like adjusting points. Sure you could install a modern ignition coil, but you'll likely be disappointed to spend that money and not notice a difference. The main appeal of these bikes is that they're incredibly simple, reliable, and fun to blast around in the dirt. In my opinion your time, money and effort is better spent in maintaining the engine/suspension to factory condition and enjoy riding it.

I'm all for modifying old Suzuki's but this is one area that these old enduro's don't need upgrading
alanr
To the on ramp
Posts: 260
Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:51 pm
Location: New Zealand

Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

Post by alanr »

If it runs well it ain't broke.leave alone.
CB360T
TT250
User avatar
jabcb
Moto GP
Posts: 4240
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
Location: southwestern Pennsylvania

Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

Post by jabcb »

The headlights were not standardized like they were in older cars. So a good new headlight unit can be hard to find & pricey.

A modern voltage regulator is worth considering because your headlight unit should last longer with it.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
User avatar
garry55
Yeah Man, the Interstate
Posts: 629
Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2014 2:04 pm
Country: UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT750 hybrids (x2) RGV500

Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?

Post by garry55 »

The early TS 6 volt models can be upgraded to 12v electrics.
Details are on the suzukits forum, if it's still up and running. I haven't been on it for years.
Garry


I'm addicted to brake fluid, but I know I can stop anytime.
Post Reply