RZ/RD 350 & Misc. 2-Stroke Tech BBS

seahorse wrote:And a very clean NS 400 HRC that I may have seen before, Long Johns?.

No, not that one, but that is how Dave and I know each other.

We connected via the NS400 forum, and I subsequently bought the very nice RZ350 and then bought the RG250 to satisfy my need to tinker and restore stuff.

Ive had my NS400R for about 3 - 4 years, I did a mainly cosmetic restoration on it with some minor engine and electrical work. I now have a set of original wheels to go on it (current ones have been stripped and painted), I just havent found the time to put them on.

What is the average going price for a NS400R in Canada? Were there as many of those imported in as RZ500's?

busa1300 wrote:What is the average going price for a NS400R in Canada? Were there as many of those imported in as RZ500's?

It depends on condition. There were only about 300 officially brought into Canada in 1986. There are many more now with grey market imports, most of which are not in very good condition. Finding a genuine Canadian NS400R is not easy now.

My Canadian bike was appraised and insured for $11,500 two years ago. It has gone up and needs to be done again.

There are far more RZ500s here. Yamaha Canada brought in 2050 RZ500s from 1984-86. There were 500 bikes in 1984, 1400 bikes in 1985 and only 150 of the very limited 1986 model with the rear crank flywheel. And there are many RZV500s here now that have been brought in from Japan.

Straycat wrote:We connected via the NS400 forum, and I subsequently bought the very nice RZ350 and then bought the RG250 to satisfy my need to tinker and restore stuff.

Ive had my NS400R for about 3 - 4 years, I did a mainly cosmetic restoration on it with some minor engine and electrical work. I now have a set of original wheels to go on it (current ones have been stripped and painted), I just havent found the time to put them on.

Mine is prettier

How fast are they stock? handling?

Well, fast is relative, so it's hard to say. You never really need to use anything above 3rd gear as it is more than enough to feel like you're flying. You're easily at 100 MPH in 3rd. Below 7500 RPM is unimpressive as the ATAC valve is opened, but once the ATAC closes the bike accelerates like a rocket. There are 2 ATAC chambers, one in each of the front cylinders/pipes. The rear cylinder does not have ATAC. ATAC changes the capacity of the exhaust chamber and, thus, the exhaust pulse waves. Below 7500 the ATAC chamber is opened and you have a larger volume/capacity. Above 7500 it's closed and you have a smaller volume/capacity.

The bike handles extremely well. It does everything extremely well. Handling, braking, etc. So well, in fact, that is gets kind of boring after a while. When pushing the RZ350 hard it is exciting because of its wet noodle handling and "barely-enough brakes". The NS400R is just the opposite. I think it is my best looking bike, but it's not my favourite to ride. I haven't ridden mine in 2 years. It just sits there looking sexy.

So silverstorm which is your fav ?

two-stroke-brit wrote:So silverstorm which is your fav ?

Today it's this one.

Dave has been trying to pry it out of my hands all summer long. I haven't given in...yet.

looks a beut, how much reasonable ridding weather you got left up there.
is it all stock ?
cheers mark

I havent given up yet John, im just taking a rest, get all energized for taking another run at you over the fall :) now you have publicly taunted me with more pictures which really lights the fire.

TREX, i agree with John's view on the NS, they handle very well and are fun and comfortable to ride. They are unimpressive and underwhelming under 7500 rpm, then its like flipping a switch and being tied to a missile

of course they're not going to duel on equal footing with a new supersport, but they sure do give you a thrill.

My RZ350 YPVS has a much more even and linear power curve than the NS does, and if I ever get an RZ500 (nudge nudge wink wink) ill let you know how that goes.

two-stroke-brit wrote:looks a beut, how much reasonable ridding weather you got left up there.
is it all stock ?
cheers mark

We get plenty of good riding weather here. By the end of this month it will start to cool down, and that's when I'll start riding more. I usually ride my VStrom until mid to late November. Good riding gear and heated grips help.

This year it's been so hot that riding isn't enjoyable. For the past 6 weeks it's been near 30C and then the damn humidity makes it feel like 40C. Far too hot to be riding the 2 strokes. Too hot to wear riding gear, so I just don't ride. ATGATT

My 500 is all stock. 1300 kms on the engine and gearbox. A full restoration. It looked much better yesterday than it does today. Last night while loading it on my trailer I ripped the belly pan off. What a mess. Tore all 6 fasteners out. I must be getting fat (ter). I'm certain the bike could handle the angle of the trailer before. Maybe I'm just getting old and senile. Whatever the case, I am seriously pissed off. My spare is at the paint shop now and should be ready soon. I'll be forced to ride the NS400R until then. What a tragedy.

I'm hoping Dave and I can meet for a ride this year. Were 6 hours apart, so it is always a challenge.

Hey Dave.... that wrecked belly pan might lower the BIN price

good point John, please Email me the BIN price

:)

your right, we have to meet up for a fall ride, we can time it so we can load the RZ500 on my trailer at the same time

A little more progress. Wheels are painted, front end back together, wheels back on.

Engine apart and new pistons and gaskets waiting

Some updates
Pipes are cleaned and painted (Tremclad high heat gloss)

I stripped the old aluminum sleeves off, blasted and painted the old cans and riveted on the new sleeves. No picts of the finished result yet, but they do look really nice...here are the in progress shots I have handy...

cans stripped and painted (Duplicolour high heat manifold paint)


new sleeves ready to rivet on (protective film left on till theyre riveted)