RZ Fork Swap

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Hooligan
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RZ Fork Swap

#1 Post by Hooligan » Mon Jan 30, 2017 4:07 pm

Anyone ever swapped early model RZ forks onto an LC? I've got it almost done and have run into an unexpected complication. Seems the RZ forks are longer than the LC. The result being the speedo cable no longer reaches the lower mount.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

justind97
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#2 Post by justind97 » Mon Jan 30, 2017 5:13 pm

If that's the case, then lower the forks through the triple?

Hooligan
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#3 Post by Hooligan » Mon Jan 30, 2017 5:30 pm

Already done as far as they can go and still no go.

Only thing I can think of is the instrument mount is supposed to go under the triple clamp rather than on top of it?

I've got the old LC forks here so I should actually measure them and find out.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

Galant2NZ
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#4 Post by Galant2NZ » Mon Jan 30, 2017 7:09 pm

Hi, yes instruments mount under top clamp.

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two-stroke-brit
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#5 Post by two-stroke-brit » Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:57 pm

Galant2NZ wrote:Hi, yes instruments mount under top clamp.
^^^ :smt023
350LC,Athena 392 big bore,stock porting,swiss cheese air box,stock reeds,spec11 pipes.(now TSA big bore pipes)
She might not be pretty but she will always be a fun ride


1982 YAMA RD350LC
98KDX 220R
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L.B
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#6 Post by L.B » Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:58 pm

Guessing your using the rz cable? Either way I think they all same length but as Galant said,mount under top triple.
Did you use the lc calipers or rz Pete?

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2smoke
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#7 Post by 2smoke » Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:10 pm

My speedo cable reaches no problem. :smt017
And the gauges are mounted above the triple. (incorrectly it seems)
It is an aftermarket cable though.
Did you notice yet that you will need a pair of early rz hose clamps for the caliper hoses as they bolt up with a fender attach bolt vs. the LC forks that have mounts on the forks for the caliper hoses.

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Colin
79 RD400F Daytona Special
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Zedixe13
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#8 Post by Zedixe13 » Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:57 pm

They are a straight swap with the correct T , same length .

Image

Image

Hooligan
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#9 Post by Hooligan » Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:21 pm

Galant2NZ wrote:Hi, yes instruments mount under top clamp.
I looked at it t today and you are correct.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

Hooligan
Posts: 1966
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#10 Post by Hooligan » Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:24 pm

L.B wrote:Guessing your using the rz cable? Either way I think they all same length but as Galant said,mount under top triple.
Did you use the lc calipers or rz Pete?
Neither. Have a set of Blue Spots on NK Racing adapter plates
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

hondaror
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#11 Post by hondaror » Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:40 pm

This forum really rocks. You guys are great.
Rory
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Hooligan
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#12 Post by Hooligan » Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:38 am

2smoke wrote:My speedo cable reaches no problem. :smt017
And the gauges are mounted above the triple. (incorrectly it seems)
It is an aftermarket cable though.
Did you notice yet that you will need a pair of early rz hose clamps for the caliper hoses as they bolt up with a fender attach bolt vs. the LC forks that have mounts on the forks for the caliper hoses.

Image
I mounted the clocks under the yoke and amazingly the speedo cable fits now. :)

Honestly the biggest issue is finding headlight mounts to fit the larger diameter fork legs. The 83 RZ headlight mounts are quite different and would look terrible on an LC. All the aftermarket stuff is universal, multi fit and kind of cheap. I happened to have a chrome set which will do until I can find something better.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

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Zedixe13
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#13 Post by Zedixe13 » Thu Feb 02, 2017 3:17 am

Hooligan wrote: Honestly the biggest issue is finding headlight mounts to fit the larger diameter fork legs.
LC brackets will fit without problems if you stretch them open and use a longer bolt . That's what I did on mine with 1985 legs or you can use
the 1983 shouldered ones , I think they have the same upper diameter as the LC .

Angus McL
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#14 Post by Angus McL » Wed Apr 11, 2018 12:11 am

Ahh... I love dragging up old threads!!

I picked up some RZ parts from Redline Junkie to upgrade the LC.

I'm wondering what you guys did for handle bars after your swap? Switch to clip-ons like the RZ, or modify the top yoke to accept clamps and regular bars?

Also, what was done to make the LC ingition switch mount to the RZ top?

Thanks,

A.

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JonW
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#15 Post by JonW » Wed Apr 11, 2018 12:16 am

early model RZ top triple fits these forks and gives you normal bars and ign switch will mount to either, its the same base unit.
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