My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

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mixalive
Posts: 101
Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:11 pm
Location: Austin, TX

Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#31 Post by mixalive » Fri Feb 12, 2016 5:19 pm

Delivered the frame to the welder dude yesterday.
RZ350 with FZ600 swingarm, FZR600 wheels, front end and FZR400 bodywork.

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mixalive
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Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:11 pm
Location: Austin, TX

Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#32 Post by mixalive » Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:17 pm

Got my frame back from the welder. He did an awesome job.
Image
Last edited by mixalive on Sun Jul 21, 2019 6:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RZ350 with FZ600 swingarm, FZR600 wheels, front end and FZR400 bodywork.

hondaror
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#33 Post by hondaror » Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:15 pm

That's really nice!
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

Hellgate
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#34 Post by Hellgate » Sat Dec 03, 2016 10:30 pm

Any updates?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Cheers!

Pete

'12 Tuono V4R APRC, '05 R6, '88 RZ350, '82 XV920R

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Smoker
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#35 Post by Smoker » Sun Dec 04, 2016 7:57 pm

Your frame work is very impressive.

Can't wait to see what else you what you do with your project.

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mixalive
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Location: Austin, TX

Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#36 Post by mixalive » Wed Feb 15, 2017 6:05 pm

Sorry. I haven't worked on the RZ since the Fall. Other projects have gotten in the way. After the March SXSW/Rodeo season, I plan on completing my paint booth and get to work on the RZ.
RZ350 with FZ600 swingarm, FZR600 wheels, front end and FZR400 bodywork.

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mixalive
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Location: Austin, TX

Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#37 Post by mixalive » Wed Jul 04, 2018 4:53 pm

I finally finished my paint booth. I recently paint stripped and etched the frame.
Image
Image
Last edited by mixalive on Sun Jul 21, 2019 6:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RZ350 with FZ600 swingarm, FZR600 wheels, front end and FZR400 bodywork.

(F5)
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#38 Post by (F5) » Thu Jul 05, 2018 6:36 am

Being a little mischievous I will share my story of frame bracing.
So RZ350 big bore into RG250. So far so common, at least in markets that got both bikes. But I lined up some bracing lower rails. Clamped them in place and tried it out fitting the engine. About now your pulse may be quickening (haven't read rest of thread).


The welder had a better bracing line and carried it down further which was much neater and clearly would be stiffer. And the top of rail was at a more shallow angle. . .

But the engine would no longer fit in as is.

So taking off bits, the barrels couldn't be removed in situ. But with the head, clutch and even the sump bolt it looked close. I had a few drinks. Applied tape to frame rails and eventually found a way to twist it into position. Next day I couldn't remember how I did it.

Now my technique for engine removal or replacement involves getting drunk first.
496 Cheetah. TSS PVs, PWK35s, Ignitech, RGV(ish) chassis

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Smoker
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#39 Post by Smoker » Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:09 pm

(F5) wrote:But the engine would no longer fit in as is.
If he copied my frame design properly, the engine will fit in with the head installed. :smt023

The important part is to have a bend in the lower rail. I welded 2 pieces together at an angle. Can't tell from the pics, but the lower rail looks straight on this frame. I also welded the lower rails to the top of the swingarm pivot blocks on the frame for strength. The lower rails on this frame are above the blocks.

I'm guessing that the head will have to be removed to fit the engine in this frame.

My frame:
Image

Image

Image

Darrell
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Location: Crab Orchard, TN

Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#40 Post by Darrell » Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:00 pm

Just out of curiosity, did you weigh the frame before and after adding the bracing? It looks like great work, but I wonder how much weight was added.

And how exotic are you going to go with the engine?

Sure wish I could find an old Fox Twin Clicker for my RZ.
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

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Questo vecchio rz
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#41 Post by Questo vecchio rz » Thu Jul 05, 2018 10:06 pm

Darrell wrote:Just out of curiosity, did you weigh the frame before and after adding the bracing? It looks like great work, but I wonder how much weight was added.

And how exotic are you going to go with the engine?

Sure wish I could find an old Fox Twin Clicker for my RZ.
Guesstimating 3-4 lbs heavier even with de-tabbing. As done Its primarily done just for Aesthtics, however if done with some thinking behind it, it will strengthen the frame. One doesn't really need to strengthen the frame unless you just want to, or if your a serious level racer or track day rider.

Last I knew, Cary at RZs Unlimited usually has rebuilt RZ350 twin clickers in stock, both standard and ride height adjustable, there not cheap, but what is these days. There is no one else whom does the refurbishing on behalf of RZs. I dont remember for sure but I think the prices were around $600.00-$700.00, completely rebuilt to as new condition. Great shocks, Id love to get one for my RZ too, My GSXR has one and its awesome.
You rarely see them even on E bay anymore and when you do price is similar and there not road worthy..generally.
Banshee (Baja) race bike,+ 2 A Arms,L.E.Ds, Toomey, +4 stroker IMS tank, run flats.
96 GSXR SRAD, Future Yoshimura rep.
85 custom Tri-Z
RZ/YZR bike(project)
86 VFR750 RC24 Merkel replica (project)
Royal Enfield Bullet 500

Darrell
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#42 Post by Darrell » Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:34 pm

$600 or $700 huh? Maybe too rich for me. That R6 shock conversion is looking more attractive.

Four or five pounds up on the frame is no big deal. I could make up for that by skipping a cheeseburger or two! Great looking project, I'm jealous of the man's skills.
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

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Questo vecchio rz
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#43 Post by Questo vecchio rz » Fri Jul 06, 2018 4:00 am

Darrell wrote:$600 or $700 huh? Maybe too rich for me. That R6 shock conversion is looking more attractive.

Four or five pounds up on the frame is no big deal. I could make up for that by skipping a cheeseburger or two! Great looking project, I'm jealous of the man's skills.
Yeah , if you like the way it looks, get to it :smt039 If you think you need it...think again [smilie=ok.gif]
As far as a rear shock goes, HAGON is likley your cheapest option, at about $500.00 U.S. dollars. It's a good replacement shock.Most all High end shocks will set you at the $1000.00 mark and up. So the Fix us a good deal, if he has any.
The R,-6 shocks/CBR shocks etc.. I don't embrace the nitiin. Call a good suspension shop like Race Tech, or L.E. (linderman Engineering). Give them the specs for each shock RZ and Year if R-6 and let them explain reality to you.
Most of the shocks are very old now anyways, you just might be in the same boat w a used shock. Thus was mentioned recently. ." buy cheap"..." Buy twice".

A good suspension is more important than any Hugh perf engine or custom a frame etc.. good suspension is the #1 priority....just sayin. :smt023
Banshee (Baja) race bike,+ 2 A Arms,L.E.Ds, Toomey, +4 stroker IMS tank, run flats.
96 GSXR SRAD, Future Yoshimura rep.
85 custom Tri-Z
RZ/YZR bike(project)
86 VFR750 RC24 Merkel replica (project)
Royal Enfield Bullet 500

ZedSledder
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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#44 Post by ZedSledder » Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:56 pm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-rd-350- ... tCrufsbWjg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I got this one from this exact seller. it came last week and it included free DHL shipping.
I did have to pat a whopper of a tax and duties bill. came to 150$ cdn for that,
says they have one left and mine came in less than 2 weeks.
Attachments
looks like this
looks like this
IMG_0625.JPG (31.6 KiB) Viewed 6841 times
1985 Canadian Rz350. Restored with collector plates. Stock VM26, Triumph Calipers, Galfer brake lines. Brand new DG’s, 260 main, 22.5 pilot jet. Economy pre-load adjusters. Ohlins shock. Oem Banshee crank.

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Re: My RZ350 Project in Austin, TX

#45 Post by ZedSledder » Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:00 pm

https://store.hardracing.com/cart.php?t ... uR8HXpaqkz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

these guys said they will have more in September.

this shock has internal chamber. (was hoping for remote clicker, cause thats cool)
you might be able to add on a remote chamber, I've heard its possible. I'll just keep it as it came.
1985 Canadian Rz350. Restored with collector plates. Stock VM26, Triumph Calipers, Galfer brake lines. Brand new DG’s, 260 main, 22.5 pilot jet. Economy pre-load adjusters. Ohlins shock. Oem Banshee crank.

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