1980 Suzuki PE 175

Make Model	Suzuki PE 175
Year	1980
Engine	Two stroke, single cylinder, piston and reed valve
Capacity	172 cc / 10.7 cu in
Bore x Stroke	62 x 57 mm
Compression Ratio	7.9:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Lubrication System	Fuel/oil premix, 20:1
Induction	Mikuni VM34SS carburetor
Ignition	Suzuki PEI
Spark Plug	NGK B10EGV, Champion N-59G
Starting	Kick
Max Power	18 kW / 24 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	18.5 Nm / 1.9 kgf-m / 13.7 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiplate
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain, DAIDO DID 520UB, 106 links
Primary Reduction	2.761 (58/21)
Final Reduction	4.000 (48/12)
Gear Ratios	1st 3.00 (33/11) / 2nd 2.142 (30/14) / 3rd 1.647 (28/17) / 4th 1.300 (26/20) / 5th 1.045 (23/22) / 6th 0.875 (21/24)
Front Suspension	Telescopic pneumatic/coil spring, oil dampened
Rear Suspension	Full-floating suspension system, swingarm, gas/oil damped, sprin pre-load adjustable, damper 4-way adjustable
Front Brakes	Drum, internal expanding
Rear Brakes	Drum, internal expanding
Front Tyre	3.00-21 4PR
Rear Tyre	4.00-18 4PR
Caster	62^o
Trail	113 mm / 4.45 in
Steering Angle	45^o (left & right)
Turning Radius	2.3 m / 7.5 ft
Dimensions	Length: 2100 mm / 82.7in Width: 880 mm / 34.6 in Height: 1200 mm / 47.2 in
Wheelbase	1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance	280 mm / 11.0 in
Dry-Weight	98 kg / 216 lbs
Transmission Oil Capacity	0.8 Litres / 0.85 US qt / 0.7 Imp qt
Fuel Capacity	12 Litres / 3.2 US gal / 2.6 Imp gal

There I stood with an original 1981 PE 175 that had less than 800 original miles on it. It was not locked up, and it had good compression. I took it home, cleaned the carb and changed the oil. One kick later and it sprung to life!

I have to admit, it was a great bike. It was super reliable and was a blast to ride on the trails. I installed new fork seals, sprockets and chain. It was truly like a new bike. After a short time I added an FMF universal spark arrestor and some boyeson reeds. This coupled with a larger rear sprocket made this bike that much better. It was quiet, but had a nice tone while on the pipe.

Back in the late 1970’s, there were some really good woods bikes being developed. Yamaha had the IT series, Suzuki had the PE series, and Kawasaki had the KDX series. At that point in time the popular size was 175cc. This was a great mix between a 125 and 250. These bikes were meant to be light like a 125 but with power characteristics more of a 250. At the time, the PE 175 was the most technologically advanced. It still had twin shocks until 1982, but regardless the bike outhandled the Yamaha IT 175 with it’s “Yamahop” rear suspension known to mysteriously kick out over roots and large bumps. The Suzuki offered a well rounded package and the rear wheel and axle could be removed in 30 seconds. This bike was truly built for trails. The suspension was adjustable, and the power was there – from top to bottom. The Yamaha had more of a pronounced midrage hit and would fall flat on top. Having owned both bikes, I can attest to the versatility of the PE 175. It was truly a great play bike and I can see how it was so competitive in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. If you ever come across one, don’t turn it down. Restore it, ride it, and enjoy it! You can’t go wrong.