Motorcycle Repair: Poor Idle and clutch adjustment and brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, rear brakes

Question
My family just purchased a 1978 Suzuki TS185.  It is in rough shape (175.00) but it runs and we are enjoying teaching the kids with it.  It does not idle at all.  When the kids stop they can control the throttle and it dies.  
Also the rear brake and clutch needs adjusting.  I just dont know how.  
We want to learn together so I dont want to take it to a shop.

Answer
Hi Rob,

It's difficult to diagnose the running problem from the information given. Check the idle adjust screw. It may simply need turned in a bit to keep rpm's up. Located either on side of the throttle slide (vertical chamber on carb body), in the area of the throttle grip where cable connects, or above throttle slide on cap of carb, via lock nut and cable holder/screw (usually brass).

Rear brakes have a long slim metal rod connecting from the brake pedal and to the brake drum lever. The end of this rod is threaded. Turn the nut in to remove travel in the brake pedal (excessive play).

Clutch adjustment is easy, but more difficult to explain. I recommend the "service manual" for this adjustment.

Send me your email as requested and I'll return information files to assist you with repairs. The files may spare you the expense of a manual. However, service manuals usually pay for themselves with the first repair.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively
mshively1@woh.rr.com