Suzuki
TS90 model history
1970—1976
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The first Suzuki TS bikes,TS250 (called Hustler in Japan) was released in March 1969. After that, the series was increased, and in total there were nine different models of 50, 75, 80, 90, 100, 125, 185, 200 and 400 cc.
Suzuki first generation of the TS90 – Hustler 90 – was released in Japan in February 1970. It had a double cradle frame, a 90cc single-cylinder rotary valve engine that generated 10 horsepower, CCI gasoline/oil mixing system, primary kick (can be started on any gear), five speeds and high-drawn exhaust pipe.
The TS90 was introduced also introduced to the US market in 1970, with a nickname Honcho. It was advertised as an enduro machine but just by looking at the pictures you can notice that the close fitting front mudguard on the early models made the bike more suitable for roads, or perhaps for dry trails.
The TS90 also had a sister model, a trail version called TC90 Blazer with dual-range gearbox with eight speeds, luggage rack and higher mounted front mud guard that made the bike more suitable for terrain. The TC trail series were built from 90 to 250cc but the whole model series was discontinued in the seventies. The TS series was more successfull and some TS models are still being produced.
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The Hustler 90 was presented in Japan in February 1970.
The colors available were Yellow and Green. It was slightly different from the export version that had chromed mudguards and was offered in Green and Orange. It was called TS90 Honcho in the USA.
Both domestic and export models used the
old had the ”S”
bagde on the fuel tank but even a Suzuki in plain text below it, black letters on on a white background.
The USA brochure claims that the engine delivers 11 bhp at 7,500 rpm. The Japanese version says 10 bhp. Both bikes has the same carburetor (Mikuni VM19) so I don't know whick figure is closer to the thruth.
The exhaust pipe was drawn on the left side of the engine and
a chromed galler was mounted on it to protect the rider from burns. It had drum brakes both front and rear.
The Hustler 90, sold in Japan, used the old-style horse shoe formed headlight and had turning indicators. The export model had round headlight and no flashers. As Japanese drive on the left side of the road, like in UK, the rear mirror was mounted on the right side of the handlebar.
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1970 Suzuki TS90 Hustler, Japan model with painted mudguards
1971Suzuki year code: R
On American market the 1971 TS90R Honcho got new Suzuki badges
in the fuel tank. In Japan the model was called TS90T. It had turning signals and was
listed as a street sports bike. The color options in the US were Pop Green and Daytona Blue. The T90T, launched in February 1971, was available in Candy Jackal Blue Red and Candy Orange.
A scrambler model of the same
bike, the Hustler 90, remained unchanged. It still had the sixties-styled
bagde on the tank and painted mudguards instead of chromed ones
(see the yellow bike below). Color options: Yellew and Green.
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1970—1971 Suzuki TS90 Hustler, Japan model
1972
Suzuki year code: J
No signinficant changes were made to the TS90 for 1972. New larger fuel tank. The teardrop shaped tank design was changed to a more angular one. New graphics.
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1972 Suzuki TS90 J was available in Scarlet Medium Red.
 1972 Suzuki TS
90 J
Overall Length: 1 875 mm (73.8 in)
Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Overall Height: 1 080 mm (42.5 in)
Wheelbase: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Ground Clearance: 173 mm (6.8 in)
Dry Weight: 89 kg (197 lbs)
Engine: Air-cooled 89 cc 2-stroke. 11 hp (8.09 kW) @ 7 500 rpm, 10.57 Nm (7.81 ft-lbs) @ 7 000 rpm.
96–105 kph / 60-65 mph
Click on the image for larger format.
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1973 Suzuki year code: K
The first three years, TS90 had a twin downtube frame and the exhaust ran high on the left hand side. There appear to be very few changes apart from brakes and the '72 TS90 had a larger fuel tank.
The 1973-year's TS90K was launched in Japan in December 1972. The model got a new design with high-mounted front mudguard and the wheelbase was longer. The exhaust pipe was drawn under the engine and then upwards on the right side of the bike, similar to the earlier TS125 models. Aluminum cylinder with good heat dissipation was adopted. The engine had the exhaust port on more of an angle to the left and the stud spacing on the cylinder was wider.
The '73 TS90 had a 19-inch front wheel, while the earlier models had 18-inch wheels front and rear. From '74 the TS90 had the same alloy lower fork legs as the bigger bikes. The bike was always called a TS90 by Suzuki as their local rego/taxation was cheaper with this size (Yamaha produced a 90 as well) but from 1973 the export model engine size was increased to 97cc with an over-bore.
After this upgrade the model remained practically the same, except for new graphics and color schemes and some minor changes, until the TS90 was discontinued in after five years of production. The TS100 (see the picture below) replaced the TS90 in America with similar design.
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1973 Suzuki TS90 Hustler, Japan model
A motocross version of the TS90 was launched
for the 1973 season in Japan. The TS90MX had was lighter, had more power and was made purely for racing without lights, mirrors or street-legal exhaust system.
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1973 Suzuki TS90MX, pure motocross version
1974
Suzuki year code: L
No mechanical changes were made to the TS90 for 1974. The model was presented
in Japan in January 1974.
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The '74 Suzuki TS90 Hustler was launched in Japan in January 1974.
1975 Suzuki year code: M
A new, longer plastic front mud guard and new graphics were the
changes made for the 1975-year's TS90M. The model was presented
in Japan in January 1975.
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1976 Suzuki year code: A
The 1976-year's TS90A was presented in Japan already in July 1975.
The most eye-catching upgrades were the black coated engine and
new design for the chromed exhaust guard. Very simple graphics. Color options were Black and Red.
As far a I know. the model was discontinued after the TS90A model. In Japan, the model was replaced in 1981 by the TS80.
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The 1976 Suzuki TS90 Hustler was launched in Japan in July 1975.
More: Suzuki
TS90 brochures
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TS series
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Suzuki models
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1975 Suzuki TS
90 Hustler
