Topic: Suzuki GT185 2 stroke twin info needed

[hapsh]

I found a decent shape 76 GT185 in stock form with everything in good condition.  They are wanting $1k.  Anyone have any knowledge of these bikes.  I really like smaller 2stroke street bikes and was wondering about the reliability and known concerns of this one.

[Aaron J Williams]

Don't know much about the gt185 but I do have one for parts if you need any. I do know about the Suzuki triples - GT550 & GT750. The only real problem they had was keeping 3 sets of points adjusted and timed. They were good solid bikes but a little heavy and mushy suspension.

[kirkn]

Kewl!

I've come across 2 or 3 nice shape 185's and 250's recently, but just could never bring myself to pull the trigger.

IMHO, Suzuki street bikes were some of the best all-around bikes made.  Highly underrated, to me.  The triples had a very good reputation, reliability-wise.  Not really superbikes, but "Joe Everyman" bikes.

Thirstier than a comparable 4-stroke, but usually zippier, too.  But, you probably knew that already.

Good luck with it.  Maybe post some pix if you get it.

Kirk

[bryanj]

Need to be run regularly or crank seals/bearings go west, eat pistons if timing not done with a dti and spot on Parts for old Suzuki's are not as easy to come by as Honda as Suzuki have always had a policy of selling off stocks of spares at about 10 yrs old to specific dealers and then those dealers have to order what they wish to stock (and that will be fast moving stuff-obviously) direct from Japan which takes forever

[crazypj]

isn't the 185 a dyna-start motor?
(DC dynamo instead of AC alternator)
 I remember them being quite quick and very smoky.
 Never did much work on them soI guess they must have been pretty reliable
PJ

[kirkn]

Here we go:  a '75 GT185 and a '73 GT250.

[hapsh]

I test rode it this weekend and found it to run really well except for a fuel supply issue.  It started quick and had a decent amount of power.  It does have a couple problems, the tank is rusty and needs cleaning, and there is no ignition switch, just a toggle switch.  I think they are asking way too much for it.  I will wait and see if they will accept a lower offer later.  I am aware of the crank seals, I had the same thing happen on my 79 RD400, requiring a full rebuild.  This bike does not show any signs of that yet.  Lean burning on one cylinder and oily smoky running on the other.  Both plugs match with good color.

[bryanj]

If the oily smoke is the RH cyl the seal to gearbox oil is going/gone

[Frank T]

Visit this Suzuki 2-stroke message board, lots of knowledgeable folks...

http://vancouver.globat.com/~sundialmotosport.com/phpBB2/

Frank
Decatur, AL