1969 Suzuki TS250 Brat Tracker

[PNWRider]

Hello DTT! I am new here so you're going to have to bear with me. I just picked up a 1969 TS250 with 18,000 miles on it an I'm planning on turning it into a brat tracker of sorts. The previous owner said the bike is not running (kick starter isn't working) and it is hotwired....so I have a little bit of work cut out for me. Another thing I noticed is that there appears to be an oil leak around the base gasket, so I think I'm going to order a gasket set and replace the gaskets when I drop the engine to look at the kick starter.

So far I'm planning on the following:

1. Brat seat
2. Gut expansion chamber, re-weld, and re-jet
3. Possible 12V conversion
4. Front end swap to something with a disk (Most likely next summer)
5. New rear shocks

This is my first bike and build, but I have some fabrication and welding experience, so any and all input is welcome! Especially with the electrical...

 

[xb33bsa]

so you are going to modify a bike and you don't even know how the engine works ?
there is really no oil in the crankcase only in the grearbox that mess is simply from exhaust leakage and being a 2 stroke the exhaust is oily
that is a first year model savage and worth a lot more unmolested than it will be after you ruin it
18,000 miles is amazing though a full engine rebuild at considerable cost will likely be in order for it to be street worthy

 

[CALfeRacer]

Hey, that's my truck!
From what I understand he's going to keep the frame un-cut, just fab up a seat. I'll be around to keep him from ruining it
Also we will be tearing the engine down whenever he gets the money, and doing it right. Everything checked to service limits, etc.

 

[PNWRider]

Got it running yesterday, all it needed was a new plug! Pulled the carb too and all the jets were completely clear (cleaned them anyway) and the gasket looked good too. The kick starter also works, usually kicks on the third or fourth kick. The one problem I did run into is the bike won't idle. I've tried playing with idle screw and it hasn't really helped, anyone else have any ideas?

 

[xb33bsa]

it is impossible not to get some kind of idle with the idle speed screw,even if on the high side, if it is running decent
are you trying to adjust the idle speed screw or the mixture screw ?
the other thing to at least check is the point gap set it to specs

 

[PNWRider]

I played with the idle screw a little bit more last night and it seems to be idling good now, but when I was attempting to get to the points assembly I found a majority of the case cover screws on both sides are either stripped, cross threaded or just plain stuck, so it looks like I'll be dealing with that in February when I drop the engine. I am going to try my hand at designing a wiring harness this weekend so I can have an ignition again and I'll post a pic of it when I finish!

 

[PNWRider]

Took the TS out a couple of times this past weekend and it still really doesn't like to idle until it's nice and warmed up. Starts first kick, idles for about 10 seconds and then dies. Also, after stopping for a few minutes the bike really doesn't want to start unless you leave the gas on for a little bit (goes against common sense I know). Since I have to leave the gas on for a little bit to get it started I'm thinking the problem is somewhere in the fuel system, and more specifically the petcock. I'm gonna ride some more tomorrow since I don't have class and try to figure it out. You guys have any ideas?

 

[PNWRider]

Well it took a little longer to get back on here than I thought....a lot longer actually. Anyways the bike runs great now, the electrics are all sorted, and I installed an ignition! Still thinking about keeping the stock seat, but putting something a little more sporty/flat trackerish on, and most likely replacing the rear shocks. Thinking about making a bike rack that would mount onto the rear hoop and where the passenger pegs currently are, but I'm not sure if I'll have time for that until the summer.