I don't have any Suntour parts, but I saved it for the "just in case" I might someday need to reference it.I don’t know if it will help for your vintage of shifters. But I have a pdf bulletin for Suntour and it worked for the series on my 88 Black Lightning.
I'm wondering if someone could have replaced the original shifters with Shimano compatible ones. I don't know if there's a way to ID them. SunTour thumb shifters exist.Parts arrived and I installed the SRAM chain but cannot get the shifting/indexing right. This is my first dance with Suntour components and I’m questioning my decision to stick with it.im also not loving the grip shifters… at all.
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I'm wondering if someone could have replaced the original shifters with Shimano compatible ones. I don't know if there's a way to ID them. SunTour thumb shifters exist.
I'm interested in hearing how the first ride goes for you.The shifters arrived today and are really nice but will need a bit of work to them to shift better - no biggie. They are installed along with the original Suntour brake levers and Ergon grips. I tried my regular approach to setting them up and kept running into skipping gears or not shifting at all. I need to review the Suntour info shared by @IdahoBrett and give it try again. I also swapped a shorter stem to add to my comfort. I'm so excited to get this one on the trails.
I am hoping the lube and use will improve the shifting and thus my contentment with most of the bike as delivered. The bike is safely hanging in theGood to hear that you're making progress on the shifting. The SunTour thumbshifters have always been good for me. I've had them on several bikes and never had a problem with them.
I need to get the planned changes (tires, etc.) done to my 1992 M1000 and get it out for some photos. It's nearly identical in spec to your bike with the exception of the shifters.

I'd agree with you on the Full XT M737 would look super sweet on it.Been thinking about the last ride and the reach feels too long to feel comfortable. According to the size charts I'd be one size smaller for shorter reach but since standover works and overall condition is amazing I'll make the work and store the original parts.
Started the quill stem adapter/stem/bar swap over the weekend by borrowing adapter/stem/bars the '88 SM500 (AKA -The Bleuberry). The stem adapter is shorter than I want. If I can gain .75-1" more bar height beyond the additional rise in the VO hot bars the fit should be right where I want it. Now to find a longer silver option.
I'm still mixed on the Suntour components...
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With these and extra XTR 950 brakes hanging on the wall hunt, I’m very tempted to hunt down a 8 spd freewheel and swap components. I think XT M737/739 would look great on the bike with the classic black/silver theme.
I'd agree with you on the Full XT M737 would look super sweet on it.