Another LC BOTTOM END.

Got a customizing or restoration project? Discuss it here

Moderator: rztom

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

Another LC BOTTOM END.

#1 Post by hondaror » Thu Feb 22, 2018 10:40 am

Well, I'm back from school, really happy about that, and the boss owed me for some work. I managed to acquire another LC bottom end. I think I have 5 now. When I get things cleaned up, I'll have an accurate inventory. No such thing as too many engines. I need to power 10 more rollers/basket cases.
I'll document the LC powered builds here.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#2 Post by JonW » Thu Feb 22, 2018 6:30 pm

Excited to see these progress Rory
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

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#3 Post by hondaror » Fri Feb 23, 2018 2:00 am

Thanks Jon, so am I. I've been collecting parts for about 6 years. Thankfully I have a runner to have fun on. Eventually I should have a couple of interesting RZ/RD combo bikes, backwards cylinders, pipes under the seat. I love the RD/LC engine and power delivery. That engine tweaked and in the much better handling RZ frame should be a supreme blast. We'll see how creative I can get. Many bikes, tons of options, '80s GP influence. Not too much power, but reliability, and fun enough to keep things entertaining on the street, without getting into trouble...or should I say, much trouble.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

User avatar
OldTZracer
Posts: 240
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2010 2:21 am
Location: Alberta Canada

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#4 Post by OldTZracer » Fri Feb 23, 2018 2:18 am

There goes the neighbourhood... We will have to compare notes once you get moved into the new place.
"...its a 2-stroke ya twit - Its supposed to smoke..."

(F5)
Posts: 630
Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:21 pm
Location: Wellington New Zealand

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#5 Post by (F5) » Fri Feb 23, 2018 4:47 am

Never understood that.
Can't you just take the ypvs fuse out if you want a lack of midrange?
496 Cheetah. TSS PVs, PWK35s, Ignitech, RGV(ish) chassis

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#6 Post by hondaror » Sat Feb 24, 2018 3:45 am

Porting, carburation, pipes are the main components for engine characteristics. The LCs punch, comes on rather abrupt after 6000 rpm. The RZ is linear by comparison. It does not feel as fast as the LC, when in fact, it's faster. They are much closer in top rpm performance after some radical changes to the LC, but, you lose ridability. The LC is much tougher to ride fast after the big mods.
I have plans to build a couple of Banshee top end RZs, no power valve. I have 3 to play with. I think 5 LC engines now, again some playing...hopefully on the dyno. I will also do some conventional RZs. Nothing too radical, but improved top end performance. It will be fun.

Taking the fuse out, or jamming the power valve in one position, is not as effective. There are still port differences due to the presence of the power valves. Also chance of air leaks, carbon build up that can alter performance. Ports are your timing. Shape, size and heights control flow. As simple as the two stroke is, it is extremely complex for tuning. There are so many variables, and many hard fast rules, generalizations. A good tuner, gets great results with very little change to the engine and reliability. Making the engine go faster is relatively easy, but getting it to perform better, all round, is another story. Top end performance, always comes at a price. The key is finding the balance that works for the rider. Most people that own these bikes, truly don't know how to ride them well, or tune them.
Jamming the power valve open all the way, does not "get rid" of midrange power. It maximizes top end, wide open riding. A good rider, can keep the bike in that top end power, and has little use for the mid range, due to the fact that he/she is always on the pipe. The power valve is a tool that allows the rider to get on the power earlier in the corners. The power surge is delivered in a more manageable, linear fashion. In other words, it makes the bike easier to ride, for the masses. In the '80s and '90s, the gp bikes were such a hand full, even with the power valves. The engineers had problems with the delivery, so much so, that the bikes were wearing out rear tires before the end of the races.

I watched a video of a guy in the southern states riding his RZ500. It was a 4 year old video. The bike had GP style pipes, and the bike was a pathetic performer. It was running too rich, a most common error, and the guy had no idea how to ride it. His idea of fun was blasting by cars on the highway. The throttle response was non existent. On the pipe, the bike sounded no different then a totally stock 500, being ridden very hard by a good rider. The saddest part of this vid? Was the guy wearing shorts and a T shirt. Some of you may have seen the video. Stock RZ500, with $h!t aftermarket gp pipes, and white mirrors bolted on to the fairing. Really, quite sad.
I do like the 2 stroke following, and the fact that so many of these bikes are being restored. I have a hard time with the bikes that no longer see the light of day. This guy was a total parade lapper. He was happy to have his 500, and was oblivious to the ill handling of the bike. It was very apparent to me. I had 3 of these bikes back in the '80s. They are just plain dangerous handling machines when pushed to the limits.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#7 Post by hondaror » Thu Mar 01, 2018 11:41 pm

OldTZracer wrote:There goes the neighbourhood... We will have to compare notes once you get moved into the new place.
What is Bryan talking about? Ah, well...I'm moving up to the Edmonton area. Near him. I think Solo isn't too far away. Reg is close as well. Anna wants to be closer to her folks, who are starting to rely on others for help with day to day living. We'll be up there as of March 28th. Not much time to pack. Steve may help me at the Calgary end. I may drag him north with me to unload as well. Shops up there are busier then Calgary, so there is hope for me making a decent living, with my soon to be, new status of Journeyman Motorcycle Mechanic. Lots of bikes, sleds, quads, and side by sides. Who knows, maybe year round work. That would be a nice change.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#8 Post by JonW » Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:12 am

Exciting times Rory, pleased for you m8.
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

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#9 Post by hondaror » Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:36 am

Thanks Jon. Big changes. Scared stiff. The unknown, new city, new job, new people, and some I know. Nice house, 3 car garage, I think we'll be happy.

Oh, and I have a garage full to move. That's not going to be fun! Although it will be organized once I load it all in.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#10 Post by JonW » Fri Mar 02, 2018 2:05 am

more trips for the perv van, nowt wrong with that :)
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

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#11 Post by hondaror » Fri Mar 02, 2018 3:52 am

Lol...$h!t, what are the neighbours going to think...didn't give that any thought.

I'm really excited. Fresh start for both of us after losing our spouses.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

evan_calgary
Posts: 1368
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2013 2:34 am

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#12 Post by evan_calgary » Fri Mar 02, 2018 2:28 pm

Rory, where are you off to?

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#13 Post by hondaror » Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:26 am

Edmonton
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#14 Post by hondaror » Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:12 pm

The last couple of days I've been in the garage gathering RZ stuff and packing it away for the move. I'm really happy with the quality of some of the parts. I have a ton of stuff. The builds should be a lot of fun when I start assembling everything.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

rzrej
Posts: 142
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 2:05 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: Another LC BOTTOM END.

#15 Post by rzrej » Fri Mar 09, 2018 1:19 pm

Hey Rory, probably posted this before, can't remember. LC engine in a 83 frame..............and no, I didn't paint the bike, got it like that.
Pic is from about '97 I believe. Kids were young then! Speaking about prices on that other thread that Steve posted, the LC frame and engine cost $250 and the RZ roller with no engine was $500.

Used RZ engine mounts, and had the CDI worked on as it wasn't plug and play. I didn't do the wiring. Worked great.

ImageIMG_4673 by reg, on Flickr

Post Reply