Suzuki GT185
Wed, June 23rd, 2010
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IT’S SUZUKI WEEK!
Featuring a different Suzuki street bike each day.
| 1973–77 Suzuki GT185 Adventurer | |
|---|---|
| Performance |    |
| The smallest Suzuki GT had about the same power as today's Honda Nighthawk 250, but felt spunkier off the line. It was not as fast as other, peakier two-strokes, but was delightfully easy to ride due to the same wide powerband that Suzuki GTs were known for. Pre-emissions carb settings were thankfully free of newer carbureted bikes' low-end leanness. | |
| Handling | |
| Suzuki's two-strokes were never exemplary handlers. Despite admirably light weight, the GT185 is no exception. It feels flexy and the suspension is underdamped and oversprung. The disc brake fitted to '74-on models is not bad for the time, but its effectiveness is limited by the skinny front tire. | |
| Looks | |
| The rest of the bike is ordinary, but the engine has a remarkably sculptural and pleasing shape. | |
| Reliability | |
| The GT185 motor is basically unbreakable, and it doesn't wear out. The big problem will be bad seals and rubber parts in the motor and brittle plastic chassis parts. | |
| Practicality | |
| From a purely practical standpoint, the GT185 has nothing to recommend it over the aforementioned 250 Nighthawk. | |
| Desirability | |
| The GT185 is buckets more cool than modern 4-stroke commuter bikes. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| The GT185 is a charming little engine trapped in a chassis that was exceedingly ordinary, even back in the mid '70s. | |