'83 vs '85 rz350

Message

kpke · #1 Post by **kpke** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:56 pm

Just looking for thoughts/opinions on this.

There is a stock '83 Canadian model in town I could go look at that seemingly needs almost nothing. It was just on ebay if anyone saw it.

I am almost ready to tear my '85 r/w/b down for top end, crank bearings and seals, repair a dent in the tank (expensive), fix plastics that need repair, powder coat the frame, paint it, etc., etc. All of this will cost a lot of $.

My thinking is if the 83 needs (almost) nothing and is well preserved I could buy it and sell my 85 r/w/b. Maybe I would come out ahead in the long run if the 83 does not need paint and body work. I know it has one big scuff on the upper fairing piece that would need repair. I am hoping thats all but probably dreaming since I have not seen it yet.

What are the drawbacks to the '83 Canadian model?

I think the 83 is not a "Kenny Roberts" model. Does this matter?
Maybe has the ignition/CDI problems associated with the 84, where the 85 models were improved in this area.
It would be a gray market bike (at least in wonderful CA).

Any input or thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

Baddad · #2 Post by **Baddad** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:02 am

There are both RZ's....

Keep the '85 restore it when you have time and money. Buy the '83 and ride it in the meantime

As far as I know of, the Kenny Roberts were only sold in the states in '84 & '85. I could be wrong though.

aaronmvrider · #3 Post by **aaronmvrider** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:06 am

i agree have 2 bikes, it is a cheap thrill to rebuild and restore a 350 and ride the other whilst in process, then build a monster big block custom job with the other one when your super annuation payout arrives

Smoker · #4 Post by **Smoker** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:14 am

Beware when considering the '83 - the powers that be (police & DMV) are cracking down on gray market bikes here in Cali.

If it were me, I'd stick with the '85.

aaronmvrider · #5 Post by **aaronmvrider** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:15 am

must suck to live in such fear

Smoker · #6 Post by **Smoker** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:42 am

aaronmvrider wrote:must suck to live in such fear

I get by okay.

None of my 6 vehicles are completely legal. 5 of the 6 have no chance in hell of passing any emissions test. Only the NS400R isn't registered, yet.

Still, it makes more sense to me to choose the '85 over the '83.

aaronmvrider · #7 Post by **aaronmvrider** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:29 am

sorry i was not just referring to you i was talking generally about the emission controls you are faced with over there, such a shame to not be able to enjoy your hobby/obsession

no such problems over here in australia, anyway i am going out into the back yard to burn some tyres

thats if i can avoid the swine flu

Cheers
Aaron

kpke · #8 Post by **kpke** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:52 pm

Thanks for the feedback. I went and looked at the 83 Sunday. What a treat to go to this guys house (garage). In addition to the rz350 there was in his garage (sorry I don't know all the years/models-all bikes are bone stock, unrestored, low mileage, etc.)
Suzuki rotary
Honda cbx 1300 miles just sold on ebay
Laverda jota on ebay now
Norton twin rotary 1 of 6 prototypes only 2 known to exist
HD cafe the black one they made for 2 years ?
BMW signature model around 1990?
BMW red looks like a mad max bike unsure what model 1980s?
Kawasaki 900
HD 1200 ?
BSA WWII military (the only one that he tore down and fully restored)
Yamaha late model sport bike his "driver"
There were more, my memory fades quick these days. Recent sales were an H1, H2, and a Gamma. He's making room for a muscle car.

He was not in a hurry to sell so gave me some time to "think" about. Still don't know what I will do just yet.

nberchem · #9 Post by **nberchem** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:26 pm

How much is he asking?

Nick

nokturnal · #10 Post by **nokturnal** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:56 pm

83 has the same CDI as the 84.

83 canadian has better carbs/cable (easier to work on), other than that they are the same but for colour and stock pipe config (no cats).

pvehling · #11 Post by **pvehling** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:45 pm

Hey, I saw a bunch of those bikes on ebay. I bid up that RZ to about $3400 and gave up on hitting the reserve.

kpke · #12 Post by **kpke** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:30 am

I bought it. 3200 Will ride it home early next week as this weekend has been baseball tournament and family stuff (Fathers day).

pvehling You almost bought the bike (I watched it bid only to 3250 on ebay). Reserve was at 3500. I thought it would sell.

Now I need to sell my 85 rwb. 3 is too many (or is it?). Also been trying to pick up another "parts" bike with a good tank (for the yellow 85) but the guy won't come down enough, dang it.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

nberchem · #13 Post by **nberchem** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 3:29 pm

Congrats kpke. Sounds like you got a good deal, from what you described of the bike.

Nick