Any RZ500-Based Retro / TZ500 Builds Out There!?

[JungleJustice]

Has anybody done a slightly modern / slightly retro interpretation of an RZ500 - back to the TZ500...? Not trying to build a "replica" per se, but more of an aesthetic interpretation to distinguish from the R1 / Sportbike look. Not naked, not Cafe - a 70s TZ, long-tank look!

So, keep the RZ/RD/RZV-whatever frame and V4 motor (still do a more modern suspension with inverted forks and a somewhat modern swing-arm and single rear shock), but not too much bling on the gold and black chrome and crap! Just a more updated, but subtle suspension and brake package.

Then, totally old school on the bodywork - all of the way back to something like a TZ500-style fairing, dome bubble and low-sides tail section! Retro instruments.

Wheels - either have some new technology wire wheels laced up - a la Ducati Paul Smart / GT1000 - or go for that TZ750 / Ducati 900 Darmah gold mag wheel look even...?

Anything similar out there!?

[RC45]

This is exactly what my OW53/4 build is.

http://www.rzrd500.com/500phpBB3/viewto ... &start=390" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rd84]

This one is probably a bit too early for you ? ............ but very nice !!



Cheers
Paul

[2smoke]

This one is probably a bit too early for you ? ............ but very nice !!



Cheers
Paul

More pictures and info please!!!!

[JungleJustice]

Interesting, thanks.

Seems like a good way to go for something a bit more unique. I want to stay away from the pretty well overdone Cafe themes. The R6 bodywork bikes look great, but it's been done. The R5 bike is amazing, but again - very modern. There are guys here with '90s themed replicas that I can't even begin to aspire to - been done! I'm not attempting to build a replica - just a modern interpretation of that '70s them.

Any other pictures, links, or ideas?

[two-stroke-brit]

all that GO with drum brakes for stopping would terrify me.

[JungleJustice]

Nope! Not for me either. But, there were already dual discs in that era, so I can carry that theme with modern discs!

In the case of my RZV, I’m already converted to the YZF750 swinger and forks, so it helps the width / size / fitment aspect of it, but I haven’t located custom wire spoke-ready hubs for that model, so I’m back to square 1. Custom CNC hubs, or…?

Well, what I'm doing is going the Ducati GT1000 / Sport Classic / Paul Smart route...

Turns out that the entry level model GT had steel rims and spokes, whereas the Sport Classic and Paul Smart variants had aluminium rims and steel spokes! This works for me, because while I’m going for that partial retro-theme, I don’t want to end up with disparate front and rear wheel diameters, or antiquated technology rims, or tires that are too skinny, or 18” or 19” rims where rubber is difficult to source!

The nice part about this route is that they already run 180 rear tires, they’re both 17” front and rear and the Ducs run a brake offset that is very similar to the Yamahas! I could keep the R1 calipers (perhaps with minimal spacing one direction or the other) and then run the stock Duc rotors on the Duc hubs / wheels… The wheels may need wider hub / axle spacers (since the spoke hubs might be narrower that the 3-spoke rims that I have on the bike now), but I’ll just have to see.

[rd84]

I promise this is the final thread hijack - but thought you might be interested in a couple more pics of the R5.......





I saw this bike at Mallory Park in the UK - the quality of it is superb and it sounds amazing !

I like your idea of using the modern classic Ducati wire wheels and brakes for your project.

Cheers
Paul

[Ronnie]

That is outstanding. Love it.

[hybrid]

Was the bike used/raced?

Those pipe bellies look way too small to be any good.

[RC45]

Was the bike used/raced?

Those pipe bellies look way too small to be any good.

I believe it is a replica of the 1968 250cc V4 RD05A GP bike. So perhaps the 'period correct skinny look' pipes still give a realist 250 GP style performance from the 500cc lump.

[WVWRZ500N]

I agree, nice to look at not as much fun to ride.

Regards,
Bill Wilson
Wilson Performance
Lee's Summit, MO
http://www.wilsonperformance.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Member RZ500 Owners Group #573
816-377-3185
WVWRZ500N@aol.com

[rd84]

I've only seen the bike do demonstration laps.

Cheers
Paul

[Andrew]

Love it!

I'd also love a set of spoked rims on my bike. Keep us posted on the Duc wheels.

[JungleJustice]

I have decided on the wheels and they are sourced now. Wire spokes all of the way. Wire wheels will be the only way for me to pull this off - given the more modern tendencies to the rest of the bike! I have the option to go with the steel rims from the GT1000, or with the Paul Smart / Sport Classic aluminium rims...

Reading up on it now - there were some issues with one of the types... Issues aside, I hear about a great deal of improvement in handling and less flex etc etc from upgrades to mags on those bikes, so maybe this is dumb, but it's okay. This is for the naked RZV that I have here; she's begging to have a more finished look!

I still have the 3MA TZ250 frame, banana swinger, VF400 tank etc sitting here and that can all become a mid-90s GP replica -also with a V4 in it - and mag rims and more modern bodywork etc!