Anybody have any sucessful modifications to the RZ500 frame that stiffens it up for track use? Any details, links, pictures would be very much appreciated. The frame has an r6 front and rear end and so want to make the best use of it, also chopping the fame a bit for the new subframe and so not to worried about attacking it a bit.
Thanks.
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 12:01 am
by pstamper
Not sure what horsepower you are expecting but money is better spent in tires, suspension, and brakes. Oh seat time.
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 2:35 am
by RC45
I am busy removing the angle iron welded to my frame 12 years ago by a previous owner - Would rather save the 3lbs in angle iron than keep any perceived rigidity they added.
I think the stock swing-arm is the weak link, not the frame.
See picture for reference:
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 4:49 am
by Eazy_ways
RC45 wrote:I am busy removing the angle iron welded to my frame 12 years ago by a previous owner - Would rather save the 3lbs in angle iron than keep any perceived rigidity they added.
I think the stock swing-arm is the weak link, not the frame.
See picture for reference:
Thanks for the feedback,
I'm running an R6 swingarm with an Ohlins RZ item.
Don't think I'd be game for welding angle iron to it..
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:23 am
by RC45
Eazy_ways wrote:
RC45 wrote:I am busy removing the angle iron welded to my frame 12 years ago by a previous owner - Would rather save the 3lbs in angle iron than keep any perceived rigidity they added.
I think the stock swing-arm is the weak link, not the frame.
See picture for reference:
Thanks for the feedback,
I'm running an R6 swingarm with an Ohlins RZ item.
Don't think I'd be game for welding angle iron to it..
Which is why I am removing it - it is probably not serving any purpose. I am suggesting you really do not need to do anything to the frame.
Any bracing options would involve welding angle stock to the outside of the frame rails or welding C channel to the underside of the frame rails.
I do have a steel tube running between the 2 frame rails that serves as the mount for the TZR250 1KT tank along with the extra steel rod a previous owner added to serve as bracing a decade or so ago. I feel this is enough bracing as at the level of ridign I do (weekend hack) the bike feels rock solid.
Your R6 swing-arm is strong enough to better resist flex under corner load vs the stock RZ500 swing arm.
My bike has an NC29 CBR400RR swing-arm fitted to cure the weakness of the stock RZ unit.
Bracing and tank mount
Pedestrian Track Action - bike always feel rock soldi
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:18 am
by pstamper
R6 swing arm helps a lot. If you have stock forks loose those and go with something more substantial. Might weigh a little more but the bigger forks and brakes offset the weight.
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 10:28 am
by Rick Lance
There isn't a single solitary OE component of the RZ500 that weighs less than something better or newer with the possible exception of the minimalist swing arm. The forks are crazy heavy.
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:27 am
by Eazy_ways
pstamper wrote:R6 swing arm helps a lot. If you have stock forks loose those and go with something more substantial. Might weigh a little more but the bigger forks and brakes offset the weight.
I'm running an R6 front end so should be an improvement eh!
Re: Frame Mods
Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:38 am
by Smoker
Most people that brace the frame weld a bar below the main rail.
I prefer the bar above the main rail, like on Vin's #2 bike project.
This mod will raise the fuel tank, so keep that in mind.