Tim the Zedder software is good but it has it's limitationss and homework is still needed to get better search results. For example it does not show substitute numbers only the model the actual part number fits. Say you are hunting a rear chain adjuster for the TS. You go to yee ol' parts book and get the number and feed it into zedder and it comes up with 90 models, wow! but even better is then go to Alphasports and see if that number superceeds or if maybe they shown aanother number. If it does sup. or if a different number is given then feed that into zedder and you may well come up with another 90 models that used the new number. A little homework helps but it's the best we've ever had it in relation to parts and listings and the software available to the public. Parts books or microfiche were once sacred and only for the shop owners eyes unless he could not find the bit you needed and had to point it out
I also found out something interesting today..a factory kitted TS185 is actually not a 185 but sleeved back to 175. Onto a little more indepth info on these kits hopefully. I've just stumbled upon a US Suzuki factory test rider from the late 60's to early '70's by the name of William (Bill, Willie) Harden.
Firko, you may have have heard of Willie, he was sort or finishing off as I was getting into things in the early 70's? There was another high profile rider of the time named Bill Harding not Hardin who was not the same person. Anyway we struck up a little conversation via emails. He successfully raced road circuits on early zooks but he also successfully raced the kitted 185's 250's and converted A100's for the 100 class, bikes he built at California Suzuki for AMA events of the era. Some great pictures of these bikes I've seen already and I'll post em' as soon as the forum linking prob is sorted. He was also the guy riding the TS125/185 and others in the official sales brochure pictures. I was/am mainly hunting after any '69 TS250 DT info but any info for any of the late 60's early 70's zook singles is worth knowing and archiving for future vintage enthusiasts I'd reckon. Bill may not have much info onhand but worth a try as he had the factory backup and expertise. The kitted TS185 ran in the 200cc class over in the US and by all accounts were the QUOTE "Bultaco Killers" UNQUOTE of the day
