New to me Cheapo 84 RZ350 build

[addicted to relics]

ok here's another RZ 350 build tread
I wanted to do this thread but I kind of started the rebuild process already
so it wont totally be from scratch but close

I got this bike from kijiji here in nova scotia the guy wanted 200$ for the rolling frame no papers.
He ripped the heart of this bike for a banshee project and left the rest to rot in his yard for a couple years I imagine.
I am in the process of getting title for the bike (not easy!!)


I got a 84 rz 350 rolling chassis
no engine, no electronics whatsoever (oh yeah brake and kickstart sensor were left on )
No pipes, no lights , no controls, brake pedals bent, seat was duck tape job,
the tank had a million dents in it and is rusted on the inside and one of the seam.
the clip-on (Canadian version) are all bent out of shape from getting thrown around the yard
the rubbers were hard like hockey pucks
that is the bad

now for the good;
the wheels are great just dirty
the frame is in great condition rust is very minor and is fixed
the tank can and has been repaired using a boatload of bondo and tank repair putty
the seat and foam was ok so I went to a canvas shop and for 20$ of vinyl=new seat
all brakes were there ant not seized to my surprise everything was fixable so I did fix, clean, paint
frame is primed grey but will have to be redone it didn't stick plus I will chop some of back frame
ill explain in another post the parts gatering if you guys want so did I score or wasted my time
what you guys think so far

[RuZty]

I'd say wheels, straight forks and straight frame are worth $200, especially if you can get an ownership. I wouldn't spend a lot on it until you do. You can buy used or repro wiring harnesses, used engines come up, and a surprising amount of it is still available new. Be realistic though, you will probably spend another couple of grand to get it operational. Also be aware of the differences between models, yours is 31K, the US ones are 48H, similar but with lower spec brakes and different carbs, pipes and cylinders to satisfy emissions. Most other stuff will interchange. The '86 and up 1UA model wasn't sold in the US and has different tank mounting, bodywork, and carbs, but most mechanical parts interchange. The '85 was a bastard year, same as yours but with the later model full fairing. The charging systems and ignition are not all compatible with each other. Get a manual, and you can't go wrong with Martins book; http://rd350.gmxhome.de/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, he is on here as MK.
Good Luck! You'll find lots of knowledgeable help on here, some of it in your neck of the woods.

[nokturnal]

what he said

watching with interest

[hondaror]

I've paid $200 for just a frame and rad. Decent deal for sure.

[Redline Junkie]

Hey Bryan

Glad to hear you got the papers. Now you know my handle on this site. I will be in touch next week, I should have almost everything you will need to put it together, especially if you go the street fighter route. Fairing are tough to find now, at least good ones.

Regards Rob

[addicted to relics]

oh well
time for an update
btw tks RuZty I will check out your link:)


good news as I told Redline Junkie I got papers now yay!!! my bike is actually worth putting money into it.
I did the frame cutting yesterday I removed about 7-8 in of the back with a cutting wheel and the mounts for the center stand and the cutaway to use my r6 shock
(whole r6 frame with swingarm, shock ecu, rectifier bought on kijiji 140$)
I was only after the shock and rectifier I am trying to get most used Japanese parts as I have had and heard horror stories about Chinese parts especially electronics, just not the same quality and alloys it just don't last.
today I decided to work on the seat .
DISCLSAIMER I am not a upholstery guy whatsoever
but I did decide to wing it and came up with what is decent to me for the time being "being on the cheap"
so the bike lost 8 in and is now a single seater with a hump on the back(no re-welding as of yet)
I will post pictures just got to figure out the interface and buttons

[addicted to relics]

crop 26.gif (223.03 KiB) Viewed 2649 times

here's the finished result

[addicted to relics]

another update with pics

I got the old carcasses of rubber of the beads, the machine shop really had hard time removing 20 years old plus dried rotten tires.
but was a breeze to put the new ones back on, IRC durotour RS-310R 120/80/18 & 90/90/18 (cost 200CAD) not bad
ready to plati dip them in the newer FZ07 / R6 gun metal grey / yellow fluo
I did the weld on the frame took me quite a bit of time to get the welder to feed properly,
so my first attempt was bubble gum weld to say the least.

I did some work on the tank but it didn't turned out as expected.
I used protect dip gun metal grey the dawn can wasn't spraying right at all.
I email them and we worked it out they will send me a free can with my other purchase.
I may have shorted the amount so I will use 2 cans next time.

btw any suggestion on how to line the tank for cheap its pretty rusty inside

[nokturnal]

if no holes use muriatic acid and burn it out. carefully

no lining needed

[JonW]

Defo do the rust treatment / liner before painting... much simpler if not trying to save your other hard work.

[addicted to relics]

There was holes but i got it fixed with fuel tank repair putty.
I haven't put any fuel or fluids in it to see if it leaks, I used that stuff on my leaking ysr50 tank and it worked bomb,
so I will see if it leaks before I throw muriatic acid around
you get that stuff at pool places right?

[nokturnal]

Don't use the acid now....

better to use POR-15 at his point.

[ZedSledder]

I used por 15. So far so good. Scrubbed the inside with chain link and metal rescue slurry. Aluminum foil tape over the openings. Do the inside first.

[addicted to relics]

Don't use the acid now....

better to use POR-15 at his point.

oops!! got the 10% acid vinegar from work chuck 2 gallons in and added the salt for faster reaction hope I don't fuck my work up
btw if you guys using plasi dip DO NOT this thing is shit and shit and shit and expansive as hell 73$cad for 3 cans are you kidding me 1 of them failed me


at least no ill know if it leaks or not

Cheers Bryan

[addicted to relics]

not leaking from the fix or the petcock leaking from the top but I wasn't expecting a huge seal with tank upside down