Suzuki TS series

The Suzuki TS series is a family of two-stroke, dual-sport motorcycles produced by Suzuki Motors from 1969 to present (TS185ER only, and available in a few countries) and sold in many countries. Most of the TS line had an air-cooled engine and most models were introduced alongside the closely related TM (Motocross) or TC (trail) models,TF(farm) and also the DS (for Dirt Sport, which had no turn signals, and simplified lighting) which in most cases shared engine and chassis designs. Suzuki's first mass market motocross bike, the TM250, was introduced in 1972 and was based on the TS-250 that first hit the market in 1969. The TS series were the first Suzuki trail bikes sold on the mass market. They were robust, reliable and performed well. They were best suited to unsealed roads or off road in dry conditions-the limit being the lack of tyre grip with the standard tyre.

Possibly the pick of the models was the TS185 which is actually lighter than the 125 by a few lbs(3kg) and nearly the power of the 250 but with a much more free revving motor. The 250 is 62 lbs(about 26kg) heavier than the 185. The larger TS series, 125 and over had piston port engines while the smaller TS series-90 and 100 had rotary valve induction, until the introduction of the ER series motors. With the only major redesign of the motors of this series, the new range shifted to a combined reed-valve and piston port type.

A factory race kit was available for the TS90 which consisted of an expansion chamber,light piston and rings,carburetor and harder(colder range) plug and head which increased the size to 100cc. In the North American market a 175cc race kit was available for the TS185. The 175 size was to match an established class. It consisted of an expansion chamber, new cylinder and head,piston,thin rings,larger carburetor and much lower gearing. Different gearing was available for most models. The TF model(Mud Bug) was developed and sold mainly in New Zealand and Australia. The TF series was made in three sizes; 100cc, 125cc and 185cc engines. These bikes were based on the ER range. The TF125 is still in production. It came standard with 2 side stands with large bases,a large rear carrier,headlight and lever protection, a single seat, bash plate, large mud flaps and knobby tyres.

The very similar TC series was heavily based on the TS series in main, with dual range gearboxes being a common feature. The TC185 also features Dyno Starter, a DC electric combined DC generator/starter motor.

Models

1981 Suzuki TS125

• TS50 (1971–2009)
• TS75 (1975-1977)
• TS80 (1984–1990)
• TS90 (1970–1976)
• TS100 (Unknown)
• TS125 (1971–2007)
• TS185 (1971–2012 )
• TS200 (1989–1996) 195 cm2,2 stroke liquid cooled, 3 piece powervalves, 6 speed transmission
• TS250 (1969–1981, 1985 - ????)
• TS400 (1971–1979)

Model names also may have a suffix. For example the 'ER' series popular in Britain such as the TS100ERN, the TS100ERT and TS100ERX which were air-cooled twin-shock models made between 1979 and 1981 with only very minor technical and cosmetic differences between them. They were then superseded by the mono-shock TS100X model.

Transmission

Wet clutch pack, with sequential manual.
TS185: 5spd. 87 mph

TS100: regular 5spd

TS75: 4spd. top speed 51 mph.

In popular media

1994: A yellow Suzuki TS125 was used in the MacGyver episode, "Trail to Doomsday."
1977: A blue Suzuki TS400 was used in the 1977 film starring James Brolin, "The Car."
1972: A red Suzuki TS400 was used in the Primetime Emmy-winning TV Movie, "Gargoyles."

External links

• Suzuki TS TC and TM forum and information