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?
1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?
Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan
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- On the street
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- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1972 TS185
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- Country: United States
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT750, GS750, TC185
Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?
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
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
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- jabcb
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Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?
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.
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
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
- garry55
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Re: 1972 TS185 Electric Upgrades?
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.
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.
I'm addicted to brake fluid, but I know I can stop anytime.