First Post - New Project TZR

Got a customizing or restoration project? Discuss it here

Moderator: rztom

Post Reply
Message
Author
Hamr Mark
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 4:55 pm

First Post - New Project TZR

#1 Post by Hamr Mark » Sun Mar 25, 2018 12:38 pm

Hey gang,

Mark from Hamilton here. Long time lurker, first time post. I have been looking for a new project now that I have the space once again. In the past, I have brought back a '71 DT250, a '73 Triumph Daytona (total strip and rebuild) a '68 Triumph Bonneville (fluids and battery and it was good to go) two early '70s Triumph dirtbikes (where I learned to HATE British electrical) several 80's DT200s and the usual tinkering on my daily bikes, a Yamaha FJ09 and a Yamaha WR250F.

I posted a 'wanted ' ad on kijiji looking for a RD/RZ when I was finally contacted by a seller who had a RZ. His price was right, but then he found the ownership, and it is in fact a 1987 TZR250. 21,000kms, engine is free, but low compression, electrical seems to be in good shape...seller says that it hasn't been ridden in 10yrs or so. So I picked it up yesterday and now the hunt starts for parts. Are there any sites that are better then others to find the fairing for this little sports bike? And what are people using now to post pics since photobucket went to hell?

Appreciate any guidance.

Thanks.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PjyF7C8zOLZ6EbYD3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thanks...Mark

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#2 Post by hondaror » Sun Mar 25, 2018 10:42 pm

That sounds like a great acquisition. Parts are not as plentiful as the RZ.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

User avatar
2smoke
Moderator
Posts: 1005
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:56 pm
Location: Niagara Ontario Canada

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#3 Post by 2smoke » Sun Mar 25, 2018 11:56 pm

Hi Mark.
I work in Hamilton(Ontario) actually.
TZR is an awesome bike, watch for petcock/carb leaks and resulting rusty crankshaft/crank seals very popular on this model.
You are going to be better off repairing your fairings, if you have them all.
I am using postimage. now.
https://postimages.org/
Colin
79 RD400F Daytona Special
81 RD350LC
89 TDR250
75 Kawasaki H1 500
77 Can-am Tnt250

LC Cnd
-----
-----
Posts: 1454
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Vancouver Is. Canada

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#4 Post by LC Cnd » Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:28 am

Nice Mark and welcome to the lime light. Suspect the cheapest restoration on your project will be replacing Ken's name off the fairing visor or taking it off all together the cheapest.

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#5 Post by evan_calgary » Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:26 pm

Let me know if you are in need of parts. I have limited fairing bits but lots of other parts.

Importing from Japan is the most cost effective. I brought in the 2 side fairings inc. shipping for around CA$300. OEM stuff.

The TZR is an awesome bike. It is basically a modern and well handling RZ350. It may be short 100cc but it is easily made up for by being 80 lb lighter. I sold my RZs after finding out about the TZR.

User avatar
two-stroke-brit
-----
-----
Posts: 1701
Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:49 pm
Location: Houston texas

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#6 Post by two-stroke-brit » Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:12 pm

evan_calgary wrote: It may be short 100cc but it is easily made up for by being 80 lb lighter. I sold my RZs after finding out about the TZR.

that's quite a statement :smt023
is the tzr a smaller bike physically or not much in it.
thanks mark
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
1967 TRIUMPH TIGER
2001 TRIUMPH TT600

User avatar
JonW
Posts: 10600
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:33 am
Location: Sydney
Contact:

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#7 Post by JonW » Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:45 am

Or fit the RZ motor in the TZR... a guy here is doing one.
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

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#8 Post by justind97 » Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:43 am

JonW wrote:Or fit the RZ motor in the TZR... a guy here is doing one.
It's not cheap. :smt021

Cradle - $1000
Pipes - $900
New rad - $175
Plus the motor.


Adds up stupid quick...

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#9 Post by justind97 » Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:45 am

Oh and there's a group in England, Yamaha Past Masters Racing Club.

TZR race group. Post there for parts. TONS of them over the pond. And they know their stuff.

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#10 Post by evan_calgary » Fri Apr 13, 2018 9:04 pm

two-stroke-brit wrote:
evan_calgary wrote: It may be short 100cc but it is easily made up for by being 80 lb lighter. I sold my RZs after finding out about the TZR.

that's quite a statement :smt023
is the tzr a smaller bike physically or not much in it.
thanks mark
The first gen RZ350 is only rated at 9hp more than the TZR (I also have the later F2 barrels). I have a heavily modified RZ (without bumping discplacement) and the TZR is just much better when it comes to fun riding. The TZR is what Yamaha should have done with the F2 RZ350. Sad they didn't go that way.

TZR is physically considerably smaller in all dimensions than the RZ350. Aluminum frame, smaller tank, larger forks, narrow light wheels, single disc etc. It is built on very much the same architecture as the F2 RZ350 from the PV setup (added cable for PV oiling), bottom end (very similar), accessories just with everything updated with things such as case induction.

The RZ350 is an excellent bike don't get me wrong and i'm sure if you don't enjoy revving the engine it is likely more compliant but the TZR is a heck of a machine. I think you will be very happy with it once you get finished.

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

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#11 Post by hondaror » Wed Apr 18, 2018 2:11 am

They are both Yamahas, but the technology does not compare at all. The TZR is so many years advanced. The RZ was a long run of old TZ influence, with the exception of the shock and linkage. The TZR is fast tech passed down from the fast changing tech in the mid to late '80's thanks to the heavy competition from Honda. The RS's were the 250 GP bike to have back then.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

User avatar
dberry
Posts: 34
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:19 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: First Post - New Project TZR

#12 Post by dberry » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:37 pm

Hey Mark, congrats on the TZR. They are getting harder to find as the years pass. I`ve had 6 of them (down to 2 now) and dozens of RDs and RZs over the years, you won't be disappointed. Also have a 2XT TZR with RZ350 engine and like Justin said, its not cheap. The value is in a stock, matching numbers Canadian model. I have over 10K in my TZR350 but might only get half that if I sold it, but then again I built it to ride not show, lol. I do have some TZR250 parts here but no bodywork left. Take care and best of luck with the project.

Post Reply