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A couple of extra projects have crept into the shed...
Elizabeth, my darling wife has gone 'back to school' at a nearby education facility. It's only about 1 kilometre from our home but parking there is a real problem. She grew up in New Zealand where at the age of 14 you are able to legally ride a small motorbike. Elizabeth had an early 70s, Yamaha V50 'Step through' motorbike and was keen to find a similar bike to ride to school.
So I found one for her...A 1964 Suzuki K10, a little sports bike. It's very rare in Australia. So it's being resto'd for full road registration and use. A great retro project.
Whilst looking for the bike for Elizabeth, I came across the Suzuki TS185 below. Love these models. This restoration is driven by nostalgia (again, another?) and I hope to get it roadworthy and registered as a recreational vehicle. Low cost, but you can only ride on minor roads in the bush.
Found this old gem on eBay.
A Suzuki TS185, made in 1972.
10K miles on the speedo and in pretty good condition!
I think it has been left out in the weather for a few years, but I am sure it can be cleaned up with some tender loving care (TLC).
Motor is very good. I fitted a new spark plug and it started after a few kicks. Just as I remember; lots of smoke and that famous 2 stroke sound!
This very rare 1964 Suzuki K10 was a really good find. Seems there are a few in the US and UK from the eBay activity but I'm not really sure of the number so some more research is needed! I think there are still many of them running around in South East Asia.
The restoration is well underway with a target of September 07 completion.
The text below is the blurb the eBay seller posted with the auction of the bike:
FOR SALE IS A SUZUKI 80ccROAD BIKE I DONT KNOW THE YEAR THIS WAS MANUFACTURED BUT ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER IT WAS LAST REGISTERED IN 1974 PREVIOUS OWNER INFORMS ME THAT HE WAS IN NAVY IN SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES AND WAS IN ASIA WHEN HE PURCHASED IT HE SENT IT BACK ON THE SHIP AND RETURNED AFTER THAT AND WAS BASED IN ADELAIDE WHERE HE REGISTERED IT AND USED IT AROUND ADELAIDE FOR A FEW YEARS IT WAS PUT IN A STORAGE SHED UNTIL I PURCHASED IT LAST YEAR IT WILL GO IF FITTED WITH NEW BATTERY STILL HAS ORIGINAL FRONT TYRE ALTHOUGH PERISHED HAS NO RUST OR DENTS IN FUEL TANK LIGHT SURFACE RUST ON CHROME TANK DECALS ALSO HAS ORIGINAL HAND GRIPS AND A FEW CRACKS IN HEADLIGHT SURROUND SEAT COVERING IS POOR BUT SEAT FOAM IS STILL FINE
September 07. I have finally painted all the chassis parts.
Finding it a little difficult to locate some fork seals for the bike though.
Gearbox is ready and reassembled.
Cylinder needs to be honed and painted, crankcases need painting, then the engine can be reassembled.
