1971 Suzuki TC125

Suzuki TC125 trail bike, 1971 “Prospector” Original patina and pretty much complete. Lightweight 125cc with impressively low gearing and a bit of 2-strole poke; these bikes are none too shabby off-road and light enough to heave out when you finally bite off more than you can chew.

So: You know how it is when you’re looking at one bike and then get offered another, just a frame with half an engine and no tank, saddle or forks? And you get to thinking: “At home I’ve got some forks, two wheels and a same year tank, and well..”

This is one of those bikes. It’s a reasonably rare entirely unrestored TC125 Suzuki, which is the type with the dual range box, so instead of the 5 gears on the TS125 (with a quite high 1st) you get four gears on the TC with a transfer case for low ratio, of which 1st is appreciably lower. The transfer case is actuated by a T bar on the left engine casing; you click it over with your heel.

The TC was for the US market, and if you know your TS/TC Suzukis this has a frame almost identical to the TS, but smaller and lighter forks and a 19″ front wheel rather than the 21″.

After I put the wheels on, replaced the bearings, tank, handlebars, saddle, added new tyres and the forks I then set about sourcing all the parts to make it a Sunday afternoon runaround. That was six years ago and I have way too many projects, so she has to reluctantly go. I don’t need three Suzuki 125s. One is quite enough.

PLEASE NOTE: Bike has never been running, but all feels as though it should – gears click up and down and I can’t feel any wear in the main and big ends. I was going to assemble it, see if it worked and if it did, all well and good, if it didn’t, strip it down and rebuild.

** Original tank with very lovely bleached look; ‘Suzuki’ badges original and correct.

** Lots of surface rust as you can see, but nothing structural – everything pretty sound.

** Rebored cylinder with new rings and piston sourced.

** Transfer gearbox actuator rebuilt and all functioning (This was missing when I got the bike; lots of twiddly bits ordered and assembled)

** Forks all in really good condition, and correct size for year. Front tyre needs replacing.

** Replacement seat is not original.

** Ignition switch (low down left on the frame) sourced, with key

** numerous parts to carry on the project. New carb as well as old, heaps of wires from the loom; I was going to start anew.

** set of correct side panels, only with later stickers.

** Rear light probably from the 250, but correct style.

** No instruments.

** All parts pictured to go with the bike.

I have the NOVA number and receipt from the importer, taxes are paid. You will need this and a dating certificate from Suzuki to have it registered and get an age-related plate.

I have a TS125 also in original condition listed (not the restored one you can see in the pictures). Any questions please email or if you want to have a look, I’m on the Powys/Hereford border.

Price will lower over time. It will go one way or another.

Thanks for looking