1985 RZ350 Suspension

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Bald Anthony
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:42 am
Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

1985 RZ350 Suspension

#1 Post by Bald Anthony » Tue Jan 24, 2017 11:07 am

Hello,

I'm located in Orange County California and recently purchased an 1985 RZ 350 that is very close to stock. I would like to update the front and rear suspension with preferably Yamaha parts that are available in the U.S. R6?

Can someone point me in the right direction? Does anyone know a shop in my area that can complete the fabrication? What are the best parts to use? Year/model? Anything I should be careful with? What not to do?

I've seen some really nice bikes and projects here and any help would be appreciated.

Bald Anthony

justind97
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Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:57 pm
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#2 Post by justind97 » Tue Jan 24, 2017 11:41 am

Typical rear suspension upgrade is to change the shock to a 99-01 R6 shock. There are companies like Fast from the Past where you can buy them already ready to go. The r6 shock requires sintered bushings which FftP offers.

Front suspension - You can change to your heart's content. Be forewarned by changing the front end to a modern front end you'll most likely be changing the front wheel, which changes the geometry of the bike. It will be steeper, quickening the turn in.
Use All Balls racing front end conversion chart to make sure the bearings are made for the front end you plan on swapping. I ran into this small issue with a bike that I'm building.

99-01 r6 front end is a good front end. 41mm forks, conventional fork, will look somewhat period correct.

Bald Anthony
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:42 am
Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

1985 RZ350 Suspension

#3 Post by Bald Anthony » Tue Jan 24, 2017 12:19 pm

Thank you for the information.

I was thinking of having a r6 swing arm installed in the rear, but I need to find someone in my area that can fabricate and complete the install correctly.

I was thinking of installing the r6 forks complete, but again I need to find someone in my area that can assist me welding fork stops etc.

How do you still use a speedo/tach if the front wheel and speedo cluster is swapped with updated units?

Bald Anthony

justind97
Posts: 202
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:57 pm
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#4 Post by justind97 » Tue Jan 24, 2017 12:56 pm

Find out dimensions first of the pivot area. modern bikes are much larger in this area.

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giron
Posts: 392
Joined: Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:56 pm

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#5 Post by giron » Tue Jan 24, 2017 3:52 pm

The R6 swingarm is not exactly correct for your bike. The popular ones are the VJ22, VJ23 and the TZR250. There is a shop in Orange County called Dr. John. Hang on to your wallet :-)
1991 3MATZR250SP
!993 3XVTZR250SP
1996 RGV250(Lucky Strike)
1994 MC28SP
1995 MC28SP
1996 MC28SP
1985 RG500(Walter Wolfe)
1984 IT490
1985 RZV500R
1985 NS400R
1985 NS400R
1997 VFR750
1992 FZR1000
RGV400
TZR500
TZR350
1990 RZ350
1971 Porsche911S

Bald Anthony
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:42 am
Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

1985 RZ350 Suspension

#6 Post by Bald Anthony » Tue Jan 24, 2017 4:53 pm

Thanks for the information.

Can someone share information regarding the fork and swing arm set up conversion they have used and what was the overall outcome?

Bald Anthony

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giron
Posts: 392
Joined: Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:56 pm

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#7 Post by giron » Tue Jan 24, 2017 6:53 pm

I did several different conversion from a RZ500 swingarm with a MC21 wheel and a CBR600R 1994 front end. I changed it to a VJ22 SP forks and a VJ22 swingarm to a VJ23 swingarm. The space for pipes was very limited. Now I'm happy with what I got a TZR250 SP swingarm. The last conversion will need to shave off the center stand brackets, but them you gain space for fat GP pipes.
1991 3MATZR250SP
!993 3XVTZR250SP
1996 RGV250(Lucky Strike)
1994 MC28SP
1995 MC28SP
1996 MC28SP
1985 RG500(Walter Wolfe)
1984 IT490
1985 RZV500R
1985 NS400R
1985 NS400R
1997 VFR750
1992 FZR1000
RGV400
TZR500
TZR350
1990 RZ350
1971 Porsche911S

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JonW
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Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:33 am
Location: Sydney
Contact:

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#8 Post by JonW » Tue Jan 24, 2017 7:48 pm

Anthony, have a bit of a search around this forum and see the builds that have been done, there is quite a bit of info out there. If you want to see the VJ22 on an RZ conversion look at my 83 project (not done) on my website (link below), ive also fitted a vj22 unit in my LC, both bikes with RGV VJ22 forks and wheels etc. If you remove the c/stand brackets for something else then you wont be able to use the RGV VJ22/3 units as they use those for their pickup. I host plans for this stuff on my website too.

Of course, you can pick anything and make it work, some easier than others... longer or shorter forks can change the steering angle, longer swingarms with slow down steering too, and the list goes on... you need to either pay someone who knows or do research yourself on this stuff, offroad did a vast piece on working out the geometry for his build etc

What I will say is that if you want the handling of say the new R6, then you need to buy a new R6... the frame on our bikes is not as strong as a modern alloy extruded unit and you might want look into that, Im currently working on strengthening my LC frame for my 421, here: http://rdlccrazy.proboards.com/thread/3 ... g-lc-frame" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but the RZ frame is different again and I started my work with bringing my LC closer up to that spec in the places where i could, and am now adding extra strength as I go.

So, what works best? well most people pick what builds easiest and others have done etc. the Suzy stuff works on the RZ so lots use it, is it the best, probably not but it beats the old spindly forks and 18inch skinny wheels and 'ish brakes etc.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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giron
Posts: 392
Joined: Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:56 pm

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#9 Post by giron » Tue Jan 24, 2017 9:50 pm

the last thread said it best. Don't rush do your homework. The best part you are in California
1991 3MATZR250SP
!993 3XVTZR250SP
1996 RGV250(Lucky Strike)
1994 MC28SP
1995 MC28SP
1996 MC28SP
1985 RG500(Walter Wolfe)
1984 IT490
1985 RZV500R
1985 NS400R
1985 NS400R
1997 VFR750
1992 FZR1000
RGV400
TZR500
TZR350
1990 RZ350
1971 Porsche911S

hondaror
Posts: 2828
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:44 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#10 Post by hondaror » Wed Jan 25, 2017 12:41 am

You just can't beat stock wheels and tire sizes for maneuverability. Best bang for your buck is aftermarket shock and upgrades in the forks.
Most like the look of the newer suspension, and the choice of rubber for the 17" wheels. They now make radial tires for the RZ.
I'm a massive fan of skinny tires and functionality. It's a blast learning to ride the wheels off an RZ. If you want fat tires, find an Aprilia RS250.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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Questo vecchio rz
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Joined: Sun Aug 16, 2015 5:55 pm
Location: Reconquista of California

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#11 Post by Questo vecchio rz » Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:57 am

The most comon rear swingarm conversion has always been the 1986-87 FZ600 (aluminum) rear swingarm, w 17" or 18" then the Suzuki RGV theres alot of documented info here & on the net. The RZ frame will not accept a R6 swingarm, its too wide as is the rim & tire. You have sprocket alignment to consider. Generally a 4.5" rear wheel is your limit.

Realistically you have to ask yourself whats your budget? I'll give you good 1st hand advice..you will NOT achieve a front & rear conversion (done properly ) for under 2k USD.... Add another $500-$1500 for a rear shock.(just the facts.) Shop rates for a shop to do a conversion with fabrication, I've had quotes from $700.00- $1500.00 & up, I think others here will state similar.

Rear shocks: I'm gonna tell you st.raight out..just purchace a aftermarket replacement..either a bargain Hagon rear shock for around $400 is the cheapest (but still a good improvement) up to a $1500.00 race spec Penske. Other brands to consider a (rebuilt ) FOX Twin clicker w or w/o ride height adjustment. Nitron, Ohlins etc..
Dont get me started on the worn out 10- 15-20 year old CBR or R6 shock swaps :smt011 IMO your better off buying a properly built & valved rear shock..If you cant afford one, frankley I'd reconsider taking on a endevor such as a complete suspension conversion until your ready.

Front: there are many, many options out there traditional & USD (definatley do some research (alot) on the subject). For front end swaps w larger dia forks, Custom triple clamps are the correct path, & often the only way to acheive optimum geometry & desired handling.

Frame mods: (gussetting) totally NOT required even w radials..but doesnt hurt anything if you choose to do so. Only if your a expert level roadracer would you actually need it.

As mentioned, you can have a great handling modified basically (stock) RZ w current 18" radials!, with a "new shock or rebuilt FOX. Race Tech, is the go to for suspension(valve emulatores & springs), so is LE (in Redlands. With these mods a good rider will lap just as fast or faster than 95% of USD conversions.

Here is a list for you to start researching most @ top list are local to So. Cal :smt002

Race Tech. Suspension.
LE Linderman Eng. Suspension.
RZs Unlimited. Everything RZ $$ but done right. Usually stocks Rebuilt Fox shocks.
The Garage Company. (World Famous) anything.
motorcycle & fabrication.
Works Performance. Shocks & suspension
Spec 2. Everything RZ since the beginning.
Hagon shocks USA distributor is Dave Quinn Motorcycles

NK Racing. UK. (Custom Parts & Fabrication)
RDLCCRAZY.com Good supply of goodies.

Economy Cycle. All various performance supplies
HCV Cycle
Fast From The Past
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

Bald Anthony
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:42 am
Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#12 Post by Bald Anthony » Wed Jan 25, 2017 12:05 pm

Thank you for the replies. This gives me a few things to think about before I dig into the build. Another question I have: How do I get a an aftermarket speedo/tach to work when using a different front wheel then stock that does not have the speedo cable set up?

Can someone recommend an after market unit and how would I set up the speedo/tech to operate properly?

Bald Anthony

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giron
Posts: 392
Joined: Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:56 pm

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#13 Post by giron » Wed Jan 25, 2017 12:24 pm

As far as the electronic speedo is concern. Look up SMurph. He has a thread on this site under the conversion. As far as the RZ350 front wheel I try to stay no larger than 3". The gentleman that did the conversion on my RZ350. He made a realistic comment on the bracing for the RZ350 frame. Who do they think they are? Valentino Rossi? The RZ350 frame is very limited. You want something better a delta box frame will do. Again take time and do your research. Do you want a fun street bike or a full blown race bike.
1991 3MATZR250SP
!993 3XVTZR250SP
1996 RGV250(Lucky Strike)
1994 MC28SP
1995 MC28SP
1996 MC28SP
1985 RG500(Walter Wolfe)
1984 IT490
1985 RZV500R
1985 NS400R
1985 NS400R
1997 VFR750
1992 FZR1000
RGV400
TZR500
TZR350
1990 RZ350
1971 Porsche911S

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JonW
Posts: 10599
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:33 am
Location: Sydney
Contact:

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#14 Post by JonW » Wed Jan 25, 2017 7:24 pm

you can run a GPS speedo if you want... again do have a good look round the builds on this and other forums, you'll learn the answers to questions youve not yet considered doing it that way, its eye opening!
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

RuZty
-----
-----
Posts: 3584
Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2003 11:11 pm
Location: Southern Ontario, Canada

Re: 1985 RZ350 Suspension

#15 Post by RuZty » Wed Jan 25, 2017 8:20 pm

I stuck an R6 shock in about 15 years ago and it's now as old as the stock one was back then but it was a cheap and effective upgrade at the time. There is a write up on here about swapping in a newer (2015 or 2016) R1 shock that would be good if you could get one for a decent price, but if you are much over $100 you might as well spend it on something better. I don't think you need to shorten the stock like the OP did unless you can't touch flat footed on the bike stock.

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