Can't figure out Suzuki TS 185 year

[Ninjafoof]

Hello! I was recently gifted this ol Suzuki TS 185 from my partners parents, taking it on as my first restro project. Unfortunately I'm stuck on figuring out what exact year it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[William1]

Look up the frame VIN.

[DOSHOW]

I believe it is a 1976

[Ninjafoof]

11 minutes ago, William1 said:

Look up the frame VIN.

I tried looking up the numbers I posted, didn't find anything. I also tried looking for a VIN elsewhere on the frame, can't find anything. 

[DOSHOW]

https://www.suzukicycles.org/1970-1979/1976b.shtml#gsc.tab=0

[Piney Woods]

Great bike!

[Vettepilot]

We just restored a 1978.  Kind of converted a DS185 to a TS185.  I've never seen nor heard anyone speak badly of them.  I chased all over for parts, but did find them all.  Nice bike-->  have fun!

Vettepilot 

[ThumpaGreg]

Look familiar? 1976. Don't bother looking for a VIN; they did not have them back then.

[S.O.A.N.Z]

76 frame numbers started at 142743

[CR-Dude4]

Early to mid 70s for sure.

[Vettepilot]

21 hours ago, ThumpaGreg said:

Look familiar? 1976. Don't bother looking for a VIN; they did not have them back then.

Oh, it should have numbers.  On the frame at the steering head, and an engine number on the top left of crankcase, beside the carburetor.

Well hell, his pics show the numbers.  All you have to do is look them up.  Don't have a reference handy...

Vettepilot 

Edited June 23, 2024 by Vettepilot

[Vettepilot]

Hmmm...   still can't find my free Suzuki VIN reference.  Just purely by the look of the exhaust and this site, maybe a 1976??

https://www.suzukicycles.org/TS-TC-series/TS185.shtml#gsc.tab=0

Vettepilot 

[ThumpaGreg]

1 hour ago, Vettepilot said:

Oh, it should have numbers.  On the frame at the steering head, and an engine number on the top left of crankcase, beside the carburetor.

Well hell, his pics show the numbers.  All you have to do is look them up.  Don't have a reference handy...

Vettepilot 

You missed the point Mate. I was not saying that it won't have numbers, just that they are not VIN's. They are just the frame and engine numbers. Suzuki did not start using actual 17 digit VIN's until later (think it may have been 1981)

[KnotAPro]

go to PartZilla.com

look up the 1976 TS185 and TC185

most of the engine and various other major components / parts fit a range of year/model(s) from 1974-1976

this will test your patience doing this type of research but if you can persevere by looking at comparison illustrations of parts systems of your bike through the TC & TS 185(s) especially the carburetor(s) and ignition components, maybe exhaust and various brackets you'll achieve your goal.

Disclaimer: IMO 2000 and early Suzuki's especially dirt bikes are hard to determine which model you own. Barn finds, freebees other people have given up on and purchasing ancient racing machines is/are nothing short of a challenge. But I do highly suggest you keeping that bike. One day it will become a true hard to find Suzuki someone is willing to pay huge money to buy it off you running or not. One day it will bring you a financial win.

[Jon houle]

I used to have a a 1981 DS until somebody stole it that bike was so reliable it ran so good I put a million miles on it it was my first bike I ever owned but I do believe you have a 79 or a 78 because the 80 and 81 had a straight rear under and the older years had the curved one

[DOSHOW]

https://www.suzukicycles.org/1970-1979/1976b.shtml#gsc.tab=0

[Petr Romano]

It a 76 It will buy it the it is petr wooluf7176@gmail.com 6033403103