1974 GT185 questions.

S

Sexy Bastard

New member
I have a GT185 that belonged to my dad. I learned to ride on this bike but I have never owned my own. Dad will be 78 this year and decided that he wouldn't ever ride again so he gave the bike to me.

It hadn't been started for two years and the battery was completely dry but after putting in a new battery it fired up on the second try. Today I've been cleaning it up checking everything over before I take it out for a ride, new battery, new air filters, brake fluid, etc. When I got to the transmission/engine oil it was low but I don't know what weight oil to use.

What weight oil should it be? Is this a combination transmission and engine oil or since it's 2 cycle is it only transmission oil?

Once I get it running good I want to replace some of the chrome parts. They are rusted an pitted. The paint looks good after I cleaned off the layers of dirt but the chrome needs help. Where is the best place to buy replacement parts?
 
Your Dad is a valuable resource. Don't let pride or stupidity prevent you from asking HIM what you need to know about the bike (asuming he is in good health).

There are a LOT of things I wish I'd asked my Dad before I lost him!


As for the chrome, you'd be surprised at what you can do with a little chrome polish when applied and rubbed a bit with the finest steel wool you can find (000 or 0000). If you don't press too hard, the wool won't harm the good parts at all.

Replacement parts for a 33 year old bike? Good luck with that.
 
If all else fails, and your hearts set on chrome, you can have the parts dipped and re-chromed. Just check the yellow pages in your area or check with some machine shops.
 
I've learned a lot from my dad and I'm never too proud to ask him questions.
He wasn't sure about the transmission oil but I found out from another source.

Some of the chrome is too far gone. The headlight chrome is peeling off in places. Once I get this mechanically up to spec then I need to decide how far to go with the cosmetics.
 
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