TC125 Suzuki motorcycle final thoughts and test ride

Рет қаралды 16,107

Dale Sweger

3 жыл бұрын

Test ride of the Suzuki TC125 and some final thoughts about the project.

Пікірлер: 107

@Thulsardoom 2 жыл бұрын

At 14 years old I bored mine out to 175cc and raced motocross on her. She was my first love, and the old 'top / bottom ' gear lever was designed for your heal not your fingers btw. I also did 'Trials' riding on her. On low gear I could easily jump and lock onto a tree, stop for seconds, jump pop pivot 45 degrees and jump a rock, stop repeat. Wonderful memories I have of mine. I never won any motocross on her of course, she wasn't up to that. But in the 70's, .. she never came last, I can tell you that :)

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jon, that's a great memory and story. I think all of us that grew up around these old bikes have them, and each is unique. As kids the bikes were our freedom and our classroom. We learned how to work on them, and about the world at large at the same time. Thanks for sharing a piece of your story. BTW you are correct about the hi/lo lever, but I had just spent over an hour polishing it, soooooo I used my fingers. Thanks for watchin Jon.

@arturorodriguez2234 2 жыл бұрын

One question sir...would you recommend a 1982 ts125 that am about to even trade for 250cc yamaha morpheous...very popular in Japan...from a maxiscooter to a ts125?

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

@@arturorodriguez2234 Dont think I have ever seen a yamaha morpheous. You have to feel good about your trade, it is your decision. The TS125 is a darn good machine. That I know for sure. Sorry I cant be more help. Thanks for watchin.

@arturorodriguez2234 2 жыл бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer thanks for the advice...cheers from South Texas...👍

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome and cheers back at ya, from Montana. Thanks for watchin.

@jeh3692 Жыл бұрын

Had a '74 TS125 as a teen,trail rode it and also rode it to my restaurant job for a couple years,nice little machine.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

They are sure cool bikes, still enjoy riding them. Don't think I could have as much fun on a new bike.

@marknolan8052 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job, brought back memories of my first real bike, 1972 TC 125. Bought it new for about $600. I keep thinking of restoring one, but it would be tight on my retired pay. I did restore a 1975 Kawasaki 350 Bighorn a few years ago.

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark, great story, man I would try to find one, and restore it to the level you are comfortable with. Bet that Bighorn was a hoot to ride. I just picked up a 1970 model, I will be restoring it sometime in the future. Thanks for your comment and for watchin.

@robertmiller8210 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bike! Nice work Dale! Boy those chrome fenders sure are a blast from the past! Thanks for sharing it with us.

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Robert, thank you so much. Yes just like chrome bumpers on cars...gone and to the way side....however not forgotten by us that grew up with them. I really enjoyed that restoration and am working on another just like it only a year older. Thanks for following the channel.

@driver3306 2 ай бұрын

Very nice bike, I had a nearly identical 1973 Suzuki TS 125 Duster in the same red paint with blue and white gas tank. I used it strictly as a trail/Dirt bike and owned it from 1983 till about 1987. I don't think mine had a low gear on the side cover like yours does. Brings back good memories. I may need to go buy a project bike now.

@montana2strokeracer 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, the TS125 Duster was a straight 5 speed. This is the TC125 model called the Prospector, it had the 4 high 4 low transmission. I highly recommend getting a new project bike, they are just as much fun now, as they were then. Go for it.

@jeffsilver4730 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work. Your vids are excellent, nice combination of comment and visual, well edited and professional. Your tech know how is spot on, appreciate your product recommendations and sharing of your expertise. Look forward to many more videos.

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff, I'm trying to be as informative as I can, I'm not perfect, it just suprises me how many folks are still messing around with these old bikes. New ones are faster and handle better, but these bikes are what created the new ones. Without guys looking for better handling and more power we wouldn't have the new ones. Thanks for the great comment...and thanks for watchin.

@christophemaxilari7678 4 ай бұрын

I love your videos and in particular this chapter concerning the TC125. Bravo ;-)🥰

@montana2strokeracer 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Chris, the TC's are one of my favorite bikes. Also, what I was working on when I started this channel. Fun bikes.

@philipolah7279 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Job!! Great to see it Restored. Can't wait to drag mine out going to go pick it up and get started on it next week.

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Wish you great success Philip. Hey break your camera out and share with us.

@flyingkiwi215 Жыл бұрын

I just got my 77’ going again yesterday after 14 years parked up in my bedroom. Thanks so much for all your time and effort doing these videos. I’m not a mechanic but watched your ones on the carbs as mine was full of varnish and was able to clean it all out and get it all going again. Next is the fork seals.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Awesome man, I am glad some folks are getting some good from these old videos. Sounds like you will have it up and running before no time. Thanks for hanging out in the shop with me.

@flyingkiwi215 Жыл бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer I’m loving riding it. I set the idle quite slow when I first start it and warm it up but like yours in the video it seems to increase when riding it coming up to corners or stops and then will sometimes drop back to slow again eventually or stay fast. Is there something I haven’t quite got right? When I freed the stuck choke piston and cleaned it out, is there a rubber seal on the bottom that would need to be replaced?

@kevinrogers6415 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great Dale, sounds sweet too....looking forward to the ride.

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin

@cainbeeping8480 2 жыл бұрын

Great job thanks for sharing brother.

@ianmangham4570 11 ай бұрын

Beautiful sound

@montana2strokeracer 11 ай бұрын

Thank you, they are fine bikes, love the 2 strokes.

@michaelcrosby6071 7 ай бұрын

A beautiful job

@montana2strokeracer 7 ай бұрын

Thank you, Michael, appreciate your comment.

@michaelroy849 Жыл бұрын

WOW I'd almost give anything to have that bike. I got my freedom on a new 1974 TC 125 when I was 15.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

I know, they were great bikes, freedom, yes, we all have that story, although it may be different bikes. Certainly the best part of growing up. Thanks for watchin.

@walleye1558 3 жыл бұрын

Looks good thanks for letting me watch

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to have you watchin. Thank you

@LarryJohnson-tc7xc 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bike

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Larry, it was a fun build.

@Victor-tl5eg Жыл бұрын

I did the same with my TC 100 in the back roads in Maple Ridge , B.C Canada, great fun.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Yes, these small bikes are so much fun to ride about town and some trails too, so easy to operate and maintain. Thanks again for hanging out in the shop with me.

@Victor-tl5eg Жыл бұрын

Love the sound , awesome 😎

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Yes sir, love the sound and the smell of the two stroke, nice bikes. Thanks for following the channel.

@Free_Ranger_CT110 Жыл бұрын

Great job on a great little bike. What's not to love about a 70's two stroke. I've recently acquired a 1974 Yamaha 175 'ag' bike but I'm still undecided on whether to spend the money on fixing it up. If it was a DT I'd be jumping right in.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Hi there, yes, these old bikes are just a hoot. These days the 175's are my favorite bikes, the weight and size of a 125 and almost the power of a 250. That is just cool. I hear ya on the DT250's they sure are hard for me to find here. I hope you decide to jump in and fix the 175, I really think you will enjoy it. Let me know what you decide.

@ianmangham4570 11 ай бұрын

Wonderful handlebars 😮

@montana2strokeracer 11 ай бұрын

Hate to say it.... they are Yamaha bars. Oh, my did I say that. Thanks for watching.

@roar666 Жыл бұрын

That was my first bike on the farm when I was a kid. You were a lot gentler on the high/low range lever than I ever was though - I used to kick that suck back with my heel after going through (eg) a creek and up a steep inline on the other side. Beautiful restoration.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Thank you, yes, I know they were made to kick with your heal, but I had just spent a lot of time polishing it.

@roar666 Жыл бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer I was a kid then - polishing was the least of my worries. Now.... I'd be doing by hand like you 🤣

@lancenutter1067 Жыл бұрын

Nice! I have a good 1972 TC125 and a TS125 I’m just starting to put back together.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Thats great Lance, both are really good bikes, designed for different riding. I always enjoy working on/riding them. Good luck with your project, hope some of the videos are of some help to you. Thanks for spending time with me in the shop.

@lorriecarrel9962 3 жыл бұрын

I had the same bike,had high and low trans,my father bought it for me when I was 15,miss my father..

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watchin Lorrie, nice memory about your father, miss mine too.

@anttonydamico2578 3 жыл бұрын

Looks & sounds sweet as 😲

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir.

@wayback75 Жыл бұрын

One cool looking motorcycle,,

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Thank you, was a lot of fun restoring.

@earlmarsh2285 2 жыл бұрын

Had one just like it back in the 70s Thinking it was a 1973 bought it from a buddy in 1975 for 550.00 dollars. Great bike !

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Earl, man Ive had a lot of storys like that with that little bike. I cant believe how many folks had one. Each story is unique and just as good as the others. They were great bikes, thanks for sharing, and for watchin.

@johncasertano1687 3 жыл бұрын

looks and sounds great nice job

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John I appreciate that...how is your project going? Hope your pressing forward with it.

@johncasertano1687 3 жыл бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer its going .Motor back together except trying to get ohtokc ignition also waiting for new steering bearings. I am doing total restore so it going to take time all frame and motor should be back together in couple weeks then i will need to paint tank ,side covers and my fenders also recover seat .Dale it took me about 5 hours to change the crank so wasn't that bad

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad your going forward. We all have those issues from time to time. 5 hours...man that's moving. Hey keep us updated once and awhile. Still think you should video your progress. Good luck brother.

@worldsnextsupercar4362 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 1976 Tc 125. Nice bike. The amazing thing is that it has 16,760 miles on it and it all works perfect. What a machine. The guy I bought it from it was his Dad's bike and he must have cream puffed every mile. I feel guilty owning it beacause how I trash stuff. !

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thats a lot of miles, they are indeed good machines, Dont feel guilty, just enjoy it.

@jayjohnson-sh9t 2 жыл бұрын

So I subscribed to your KZfaq channel although most of my motorcycles are 2 stroke single bore Kawasaki I'm still interested in all phases of all Restorations of the early 70's model motorcycles I'm kind of in between you and Kevin I'm over here in Sheboygan Wisconsin retired and I travel all over the place picking up Kawasakis

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Well thank you very much for the subscription, You are in luck for I will be doing two Kawasaki single cylinder bikes sometime in the future. The 1970 F5 Bighorn, and a 1971 F7 175. I am also retired and doing this for extra money and just because its fun. I know I also have the old motorcycle drag them home sickness. Its a terrible thing. But I enjoy none the less. Thanks for coming over for a look Jay.

@WolfRichter337 2 жыл бұрын

buddy sounds like hank hill... keep up the work

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Klaus, not real sure who hank hill is. But he must be a good dude. Thanks for hanging out in the shop with me.

@tbsmith-ht6ej 2 жыл бұрын

Bought one of these used for $450 (same color - 72?). purchased in ''75 / 76? Can't remember for sure...getting old. Put a 3-4 tooth smaller sprocket on back and got it up to 70 mph.

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the comment, and for watching the channel, This bike is a 74, but I think they used that color with other models as well. Yes I think it would take just about every advantage to get this bike to 70mph. Smaller sprocket and wind at your back might do it.

@jlrutube1312 7 ай бұрын

My Yamaha 125 Enduro would do about 50. I put a 1 or 2 tooth bigger sprocket on the front and then I could get it up to 55 easily and I think I could have probably gotten 60 out of it with a little wind at my back.

@robertrodriguez8167 Жыл бұрын

My ts400 has the same paint and tank decals.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

I was not aware the 400 used the same color and decal scheme. But not surprised. These were beautiful bikes back in that time. Thanks for hanging out in the shop with me.

@NinjaJoey23 8 ай бұрын

hey there, not sure if they have the same carburetor but I have a TC100 I'm trying to find a pilot jet for. any advice on where to look? we bought a reproduction carb but the pilot jet is huge.

@montana2strokeracer 8 ай бұрын

They are available from your local Suzuki dealership. Yes, aftermarket carbs don't have the same jets or parts as the original.

@kevinc.8869 2 жыл бұрын

I owned a 77 TS125 when I was 15. I think the top speed for that bike was about 45mph, maybe 50 on a good day, lol!

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Your right Kevin, your not going to set any land speed records with one. LOL

@american236 2 жыл бұрын

MINT! 👌🏽

@montana2strokeracer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Cody

@stunna1050 Жыл бұрын

That rear cargo rack is practically unicorn piss. Can't find one anywhere.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Yes, they are hard to find, this one came on the bike, but the 73 I just restored, it took a while, but I was able to locate one for the owner. He was happy with it...but the chrome was not stellar. Thanks for hanging out in the shop with me.

@jamesbartrup6326 Жыл бұрын

Im in London UK. Would you know the standard sizes for front and rear sprockets? thank you.

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

Im sorry I dont remember, you might check partszilla.com they should have the correct ones listed by suzuki.

@SH00T_TH3PUMP Жыл бұрын

Have the exact bike. Need front turn lights, and the mirrors. Know where to get them? 😁 Also, just throwing it out there, ive got mine well past 40mph!

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

You can get reproduction mirrors and lights on Amazon. If you're looking for original stuff, you're going to have to go to a motorcycle salvage or try Ebay. Thanks for following the channel.

@ianmangham4570 11 ай бұрын

I wish it was me 😅🤠🙏🇬🇧👍🤟

@montana2strokeracer 11 ай бұрын

They are around, try to pick one up, you will enjoy it.

@grajalesracingteam5242 7 ай бұрын

Is the bike in high or low when the shaft is inward position?

@montana2strokeracer 7 ай бұрын

When the rod is pushed in it is in touring, high gears.

@grajalesracingteam5242 7 ай бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer thanks for the reply the owner said it was stuck in high will see when i get the shifter on. Cheers

@sergioflores7169 3 жыл бұрын

What year is the bike? My blue 74 ts125 looks just like it.

@montana2strokeracer 3 жыл бұрын

This one is a 74 TC125L. Thanks for watchin.

@mikga45 Жыл бұрын

I had one as a kid, hated it and wish I had a TS 125 instead with 5 speed gear box. The TC model has a lever u use for 4 speed street or 4 speed off road. In my opinion it was a mistake using that gear setup

@montana2strokeracer Жыл бұрын

I know that is how I feel too, I much prefer the 5 speed, but for what the TC was made for it is hard to beat. The TS just suited my riding style better. Thanks for hanging out in the shop with me.

@grajalesracingteam5242 7 ай бұрын

How did you fix the bogging Dale?

@montana2strokeracer 7 ай бұрын

Oh wow.... that was over 3 years ago, and 100's of bikes later, don't remember what the issue was. Sorry!

@grajalesracingteam5242 7 ай бұрын

@@montana2strokeracer I fixed it today by adding 2 washers under the last needle clip!

@grajalesracingteam5242 7 ай бұрын

Turns out she needed more fuel so I put 3 tiny washers under the needle clip to lift the needle up to avoid buying a shorter needle or replacing the main jet! Shes super happy and zingy now! Tons of high rev power! Cheers Dale!