You think yours is rough you should see the two I started with...lol
Welcome, A good restoration,as anythng will not come cheap..be forewarned youll more than likley end up spending in the end $5000 dollars minimum including engine refresh and all cosmetics..theres no way around it,dont think you can...you cant
![:smt005](./images/smilies/005.gif)
if your buying quality parts and good quality craftsmanship..that being said..your going to love this bike!
You stated you wanted as close to original as possible..but that gets expensive and also poses some problems,as noted like tires,r shock and please oh please dont use LEDs...
One approach you might consider that still keeps originallity..but will allow you to build a GREAT BIKE! with a little flexability from the tedious task od pure OEM Is consider a restored RZ with only really cool"PERIOD CORRECT MODIFICATIONS" Like listed below:
A factory solo seat...this IMO is a absolute must!..LOL
Toomey exuasts or Spec 2 etc..
Old school'telefix" fork braces
Proggressive front suspension'emulators" etc..
Calfab ,JMC,Metachex R swingarm
Rebuilt FOX twin clicker r shock..they still rebuild them!
Corbin "gunfighter" seats
Toomey battery kit and 2-1 filter
Raassak rear sets,or other period brand
This way your not only restoring her..but better and finding some of these parts can be a challenge..but alot if not most can still be purchased brand new! or reproduction! And the best thing is its ALL 1985 BABY! grow your hair long and throw in a Journey CD!!.LOL:smt005
The fuel tank,is a sorespot with almost all RZ owners,,once they tip over fall crash etc..they all dent..lol Be diligent in your search,there out there,but can be expensive..but suprises are out there i just bought a RZ tank here in Los Angeles in really good shape,two small dings,needs only "MINOR" work paint and grapics..but i bought if for 45 bucks on Craigslist,I also bought a equally great daytona Special tank at a 2 stroke extravagana event for $20 bucks...thats right! Start looking alll the time and acumulate all you can,and dont be afraid to look to Yamaha dealers for OEM NOS parts there out there and there are alot of cross referance parts avail,like bearings ,grommets etc..
OG round mirrors,Fuel tank,and the stock undamaged r fender and reflector are always the hardest "original"parts to locate.
good luck and have fun,and no question is dumb..if you dont know the answer just ask.many here differ on advice,but its all genuine good will and help you will recive here!
Again welcome and good luck!