Suzuki TS 185 mileage?

**unstuck** · 6th January 2013, 19:02

If the filter is to the point where it has dried out that much that bits are falling off it, then I would clean the carby just to be sure there are not wee particles fouling up the carb.

I must be still learning, cos I fall off on the dirt all the time.

**Matariki** · 7th January 2013, 09:33

I have the Hynnes manual for the motorcycle. Should I clean the carb myself, or should I find someone experienced to do it for me?

I would like to clean it myself because it would be cheaper (if I don't screw it up), and I would learn something from it. I don't know though how intricate the carb is on the TS.
My dad said he wouldn't even touch it (that's how nervous he is to look at it - but surely it can't be that bad). I would prefer it of course if someone could show me in person how to do it, but I highly doubt the local mechanic would.

**ktm84mxc** · 7th January 2013, 09:57

Cleaning a carb usually just means draining the float bowl and blowing through the jets with compressed air, reconditioning the carb is a whole different job.
Loosen the carb in its mounts rotate it so you can undo the float bowl 4x philips heads , gently remove the bowl chances are there will be crud in bowl , rinse out, turn the fuel on to let any shit under the float to be flushed out only do this for 5 sec. refit carb bowl get it level and tighten the clamps.
Get a new air filter from Suzuki use a air filter oil not engine oil as this just runs to the bottom of the filter over time leaving it dry. A dirty/ripped filter we quickly ruin a engine.

**neels** · 7th January 2013, 12:18

Originally Posted by Matariki

I have the Hynnes manual for the motorcycle. Should I clean the carb myself, or should I find someone experienced to do it for me?

TS carbs are pretty basic, if you've got a manual just follow the instructions.

Usually pays to give the float bowl screws a good soaking with CRC for a while before you try and undo them, hopefully someone hasn't been there before you and chewed the heads out of them, while it's in bits I usually replace them with allen head cap screws to make it easier next time.

**Matariki** · 3rd February 2013, 14:44

Well, I finally got round to seeing the local Suzuki Dealer and asking them about it. The air filter in my opinon is fine (thats not dry or falling apart) but for some reason, the housing that the air filter sits in had a padding of foam around it. I asked them about that, and they said that wasn't a part of the original bike and someone had put it in there. Why someone would do that I'm not sure. But here's a picture to help explain where I found the dry, crusty foam (this isn't from my motorcycle, but its the part that I'm referring to): The foam was located inside the housing.

Click image for larger version.

Name: $(KGrHqV,!pUE+-q8Vs5zBQSBuZ1V7w~~60_35.JPG
Views: 21
Size: 22.5 KB
ID: 277811

http://images.cmsnl.com/img/partslis...fig-6_1cae.gif

It could be that the previous owner was trying to modify the original air filter to operate similar to this one here (this one here is a modern air filter designed for the Suzuki TS 185)

Click image for larger version.

Name: $(KGrHqNHJ!0E63RuBb3yBO3RJmjEmw~~60_12.JPG
Views: 14
Size: 21.4 KB
ID: 277813

The Suzuki Dealers recommended to me that I removed the foam that had been installed, but I'm not sure how I should go about doing that. Could I use CRCMarine to help me clean out the housing and the carburetor or would that be a really bad idea?

**Ocean1** · 3rd February 2013, 16:15

Originally Posted by Matariki

Well, I finally got round to seeing the local Suzuki Dealer and asking them about it. The air filter in my opinon is fine (thats not dry or falling apart) but for some reason, the housing that the air filter sits in had a padding of foam around it. I asked them about that, and they said that wasn't a part of the original bike and someone had put it in there. Why someone would do that I'm not sure. But here's a picture to help explain where I found the dry, crusty foam (this isn't from my motorcycle, but its the part that I'm referring to): The foam was located inside the housing.

It could be that the previous owner was trying to modify the original air filter to operate similar to this one here (this one here is a modern air filter designed for the Suzuki TS 185)

The Suzuki Dealers recommended to me that I removed the foam that had been installed, but I'm not sure how I should go about doing that. Could I use CRCMarine to help me clean out the housing and the carburetor or would that be a really bad idea?

No idea why someone might have stuck some foam in there. If the guys at the shop said to take it out I'd just scrape away with a knife or chisel, a solvent might damage the plastic airbox and any crumbs you miss aren't going to get past the filter anyway.

To clean the carb you can do worse than to use acetone, (nail polish remover) and cotton buds. Just make sure you keep the acetone away from any seals and gaskets. If you've still got some of that engine starter left you can use that to give things a final blast out before reassembling. No smoking, eh?

Luck.

**FJRider** · 3rd February 2013, 18:02

Originally Posted by Matariki

Well, I finally got round to seeing the local Suzuki Dealer and asking them about it. The air filter in my opinon is fine (thats not dry or falling apart) but for some reason, the housing that the air filter sits in had a padding of foam around it. I asked them about that, and they said that wasn't a part of the original bike and someone had put it in there. Why someone would do that I'm not sure. But here's a picture to help explain where I found the dry, crusty foam (this isn't from my motorcycle, but its the part that I'm referring to): The foam was located inside the housing.

It could be that the previous owner was trying to modify the original air filter to operate similar to this one here (this one here is a modern air filter designed for the Suzuki TS 185)

The Suzuki Dealers recommended to me that I removed the foam that had been installed, but I'm not sure how I should go about doing that. Could I use CRCMarine to help me clean out the housing and the carburetor or would that be a really bad idea?

A filter of ANY kind is better than nothing. The previous owner may just have been cheap. Too cheap to get a new air filter.

To remove it ... a sharp craft knife (in one hand) and a vacuum cleaner (in the other) ... no mess.

**Matariki** · 8th February 2013, 15:20

Originally Posted by Ocean1

No idea why someone might have stuck some foam in there. If the guys at the shop said to take it out I'd just scrape away with a knife or chisel, a solvent might damage the plastic airbox and any crumbs you miss aren't going to get past the filter anyway.

To clean the carb you can do worse than to use acetone, (nail polish remover) and cotton buds. Just make sure you keep the acetone away from any seals and gaskets. If you've still got some of that engine starter left you can use that to give things a final blast out before reassembling. No smoking, eh?

Luck.

My air filter is made out of plastic, can I use turps to help remove the foam?

**ducatilover** · 8th February 2013, 15:47

Yeah turps will work. Or a knife, or a scrubbing brush and petrol

**SMOKEU** · 8th February 2013, 17:46

I get well over 100km on a tank from my TS185.

**Matariki** · 8th February 2013, 21:49

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I get well over 100km on a tank from my TS185.

Hmm... either I'm doing something wrong or there's something wrong with the motorcycle. Probably a combination of the two.

**FJRider** · 8th February 2013, 22:16

Originally Posted by Matariki

Hmm... either I'm doing something wrong or there's something wrong with the motorcycle. Probably a combination of the two.

A lot will depend on the bikes fitted gearing. If a larger cog has been fitted on the rear wheel ... it will go slower than standard. And use more petrol.

**Ocean1** · 9th February 2013, 08:30

Originally Posted by FJRider

A lot will depend on the bikes fitted gearing. If a larger cog has been fitted on the rear wheel ... it will go slower than standard. And use more petrol.

Yeah, but it won't triple the fuel consumption. If that 50 odd litres per tank was from riding off road in 1st-3rd gear then it might be normal. I suspect that's the case as I don't think the bike could use that much fuel in normal road use and still run OK. Really need to fill the bike up, zero the odometer and take it for a ride down to Martinborough and back, and then refill it to see how much it's used.

**FJRider** · 9th February 2013, 08:42

Originally Posted by Ocean1

Yeah, but it won't triple the fuel consumption. If that 50 odd litres per tank was from riding off road in 1st-3rd gear then it might be normal. I suspect that's the case as I don't think the bike could use that much fuel in normal road use and still run OK. Really need to fill the bike up, zero the odometer and take it for a ride down to Martinborough and back, and then refill it to see how much it's used.

True .... but it certainly wont help the problem.