How do you start and run a 1971 Suzuki motorcycle? (this is my first bike!)?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am getting a 1971 Suzuki ts 125 this afternoon. It will be my first motorcycle, so please be kind... I know these might seem like silly questions.

First off. I know that it is a 2-stroke, so oil must be added with the gas. How do I do this? How much do I add with the gas? And where on the bike? Also - where do I get this oil?

How do I start and run the bike? Is there anything other than kick-starting and excellerating the throttle that i need to be aware of?

Any other suggestions for this particular bike would be greatly appreciated. It's in good shape, only 9k miles.

Thanks so much for any advice!

Answer 1

You can get a manual here.

http://www.repairmanual.com/catalog/U-SU...

Answer 2

if memory serves me, the TS125 had an oil tank and an oil pump so you don't have to premix the oil in the gas unless this has been disconnected.  I also believe the oil tank was located under the seat on the left side, behind the side cover.  access under the seat with a s***w on/off cap to add oil with an oil sight window thru the left side cover.

the oil pump was located on the left side of the engine slightly above and behind the gear shift lever...

so if that is still functioning, just make sure you have oil in that tank by looking in the side sight window and gasoline in the gas tank.  if that has been disconnected / by passed, you will need to mix 2 stroke oil with gasoline and pour in the gas tank.  

those old bikes were recommended to mix at either 20:1 or 32:1 but the 2 stroke oil from back in those days would breakdown if mixed any less.  You could probably get a good motorcycle 2 stroke oil and easily mix it 32:1 or even 40:1 as long as you don't hold the engine wide open for extended periods of time.  I would recommend you getting the oil from a motorcycle shop, not just a jug of 2 stroke oil from a big box store like walmart.  those usually have 2 stroke oil more for marine application (which is similar to that from when this bike was new but with additives for marine applications).

as for starting, turn on the key (if it sitll has one) and make sure the kill switch is in the 'on" position.  kick the kick starter thru with a steady kick and it should start (might take 2 or 3 strokes).

once you get it started, look at how heavy the smoke is coming from the exhaust pipe.  if it seems like you are fogging for mesquitos, the pump could be set to rich on oil or you have too much oil mixed in the gas...

get a helmet, take your time in learning and a MSF course would sure help you with the basics instead of hurting yourself with the trial & error method.  but if you must, get someone that knows how to ride to take time to show you what needs happen ... putting in text form here would be difficult without writing a book.

good luck and be safe... always wear a helmet!!!  it's saved my life many times.

Answer 3

You cant be serious.

1st, get a manual for the bike.

2nd, You can get 2 cycle oil at most motorcycle shops and

         even at lowes dept stores. The shops can tell you

         how much to mix for every tankfull.

3rd, I assume you dont know how to ride... pitty, however

       there will be a choke to turn on or pull out, Make sure your

       kill switch is in the run position, Bike gears are in neutral, leave the throttle at idol, kick start the bike, once it starts rev only as much to keep it running. Then after a min or 2, shut choke off.

Good luck.

Answer 4

First step, please contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, they have riders classes that teach people to ride motorcycles, strongly recommended.

Second, I'd go to the Suzuki dealership and ask the service manager to look at the bike with you.  He can go over the bike in detail, and explain things.  he won't teach you to ride, and he won't work on your bike unless you pay him/her, but you can get educated there a bit.  They probably won't have parts there for your bike, it's too old for most dealers.

The gear shift is left foot, and the clutch is at your left hand.  The right hand gets the throttle and brake, and the right foot is the rear brake.  

The transmission has 5 gears, I believe, and pushing down the lever all the way gets first gear.  Pushing up just a bit gets neutral, and continuing up gets 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th if you have it.

Ride around in first gear and second gear, just on the streets near where you live for the first few days..  Stay off of busy roads for a while, and go from there.  Have fun, you will enjoy your ride.

NOTE:  Especially for a new rider, get and wear a helmet 100% of the time.  You can find them cheap and good at Pep Boys or WalMart, and get some good leather work gloves to protect your hands.  You are going to fall, and you shouldn't get hurt much when you do. Your hands hit the ground first, so protect them!

Have fun!

Answer 5

This is probably the WRONG motorcycle for your first bike.  

Does it have modern tires? When was the last service? When were the cables last lubed? Where do you get replacement parts? Start with Google etc for searching all of the pertainant questions.

If it really has only 9000 miles I would sell this to the collector market and get a used modern cruiser- something 10- 15 years old not 37 years old.

Also don't believe anyone that a Suzuki dealer will want to even look at it since most people at the dealer weren't born in '71 and the parts are long gone from the dealer system...