Service

SERVICE

Collectors Suzuki

In the spring of 1972, I bought a beautiful new Suzuki Sierra TS185. Six months and 447 miles later, I stored the bike in my garage where it still sits in mint condition.

I now want to re-enter motorcycling. Is my 185 Sierra a possible collectors bike now? Would I be smart to continue to preserve it, or should I sell it and purchase a new bike?

Rev. Mark E. Woldseth Seward, Alaska

Your Sierra TS185 was a nice bike in its day; but it has no special value as a collectors piece—unless you should happen upon someone who has a longing for such a model.

Before you attempt to start and ride the bike—either to renew old memories or for preparation for sale— several chores should be performed. The tires undoubtedly have been flat for several years. Replace the inner tubes with new ones and check the tires for severe cracks which could cause a blow-out. Other rubber parts on the machine may also require attention due to deterioration. The fuel tank may be full of rust and, if so, will need a thorough cleaning; a rustremoving chemical followed with a sealer may help with this job. If gasoline was allowed to evaporate in the carburetor; it may have gummed up the jets, especially the small pilot jet. Remove the carburetor and clean it, paying close attention to the tiny passages in the carburetor body.

And welcome back. Reverend.

Honda rough rider

I have a 50,000-mile, 1984 V65 Honda Sabre and feel that its suspension is unreasonably (and sometimes unbearably) stiff. Every little bump feels like a jolt; expansion joints on concrete freeways are J torture. ,

There seems to be little or no effect from changes in the front and rear damping adjustments. Eve replaced the fork springs, changed the fork oil to 10 weight, the anti-dive setting is on its softest position and I use no air pressure. The shock is stock. Is there any way I can smooth out my Sabre’s ride?

Bryan X. Sherrod Los Angeles, California

Your Sabre's suspension harshness j. is probably the result of the high miles on its odometer: It's time to rebuild the suspension parts. The rear shock is in need of replacement suspension fluid, a new shaft seal and possibly new bushings. And the rear suspension's linkage arms and swingarm pivots need to be disassembled, inspected and greased. The fork probably needs bushI ings and seals, as well. Worn fork bushings will let the fork bind rather than move when it encounters small bumps. Be sure to use a high-quality suspension fluid when refilling the suspension parts, too: There is a giant improvement in suspension compliÁ ance and rider comfort when using premium suspension lubricants.

You didn't say who changed your bike's fork oil, but it's possible that someone overfilled the fork with oil.

Too high a fork-oil level will cause a rough ride. A lighter-weight suspension fluid (try 7.5 or 5 weight) may further smooth the bike's ride over small bumps.

Rebuilding the shock and fork requires special tools and knowledge, so the job is best left to a Honda dealer.