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View Full Version : 1983 Honda 185S HELP


Kerick
06-19-2009, 06:10 PM
IM thinking about getting a 1983 honda 185s for 120$. He has the frame totally redone and just replaced rings and lost interest.Its totally disasembled but i want to learn how to assemble everything so when im older i can be a mechanic. But my questions are do they all have keys? and Do some years have shocks and some dont? Thanks
redryder
06-19-2009, 06:51 PM
The 83 has front shocks. No key. :beer
Vealmonkey
06-19-2009, 07:19 PM
None of the 185s had rear shocks, they were all hardtails. There were rear suspension conversion kits though that added a rear monoshock for rear suspension. Kind of primitive by todays standards, but very trick for their time. They are rare and hard to find. Make sure you have a shop manual and a nice foot pound and inch pound torque wrench and some halfway decent tools and you will be on your way to the start of a nice project. Welcome to the site. I recommend using the "search" feature near the top of the page. I hope you have fun and that you have someone close to you that has some mechanical knowledge to help you through the tough situations. Try to be patient and not lose your cool. Once you build your first, you'll want more.
Lukeatc185
06-19-2009, 07:32 PM
ill be putting a key on my 185s, thats forsure. a kill switch is not good enough for me lol
Kerick
06-19-2009, 08:43 PM
the 185s i am looking at has no front shocks????
rdlsz24
06-19-2009, 08:58 PM
They could have been switched to solid forks, or it might not be an '83. That would be my guess. Run the VIN at http://atcvin.webs.com

Rob
Kerick
06-19-2009, 09:26 PM
Heres pics
Kerick
06-19-2009, 09:27 PM
...............
4 wheels?
06-19-2009, 09:36 PM
It is not an 83. 82 or 81
firehart
06-19-2009, 09:47 PM
The 83 has front shocks. Here's a photo of my 83 185s.
PaTriker
06-19-2009, 09:52 PM
If you look at the brochures, the gas tank looks like an 82.
MonroeMike
06-19-2009, 10:03 PM
If you look at the brochures, the gas tank looks like an 82.

^I agree...
Lukeatc185
06-20-2009, 04:16 PM
yep i have a 1982 185s complete frame, and a complete bike 1983 185s, yours in an 81 from what i can tell, theres no key for it, just a killswitch /w a pull cord. you should be able to find yourself a 1983 front end for really cheap. considering these are hard tails, front suspension is a must unless its just a yard horse.
MonroeMike
06-20-2009, 09:18 PM
What's the VIN number?
Kerick
06-20-2009, 11:49 PM
well i looked at it and the tank was totally rusted out, seat was crap, needed new steering bearings, and axle bearings, chain, sprockets, and plenty more....sooo decided not to get it but thanks for the info!
firehart
06-21-2009, 12:13 AM
If you watch real close you should be able to find a nice one for a reasonable price. I bought mine out of a field for $50.00. I stopped and knocked on that guys door at least a dozen times before I got him at home.
rdlsz24
06-22-2009, 01:27 PM
I too bought a decent one for $50. All it was missing was the front wheel and recoil but it smoked like a train. Almost every body part on it was better than the parts on one that I paid $250 for lol. I ended up using the nice parts off it for my '82 and eBayed the rest.

Rob