My New RZV500 Introduction

[D6lc]

So 3 weeks after picking up my RZV I have finally got to the stage where I can post to the list without spiraling into a depressed state.

Bit of history, as a 46 yr old brit (live in US now), the RD500 was THE bike I wanted at the age of 15, to me nothing came close, I know the RG was faster but the RD just did it for me. So over the years I’ve had too many bikes to list but always wanted one. Moved to the US in 2010 and thought I would struggle to get one as they are pretty rare here vs the UK.

Fast forward 6 yrs and I see what looked like a very clean RZV listed on Ebay in Wisconsin.


I won the auction, hired a trailer with wheel chock and drove to Wisconsin from MN to collect it. Having purchased many bikes off ebay over the years you come to expect that the pics look great and the bike in person usually isn’t as impressive. But like a dog with 2 dicks I couldn’t believe how nice this bike was, it had nicks and marks but as I glanced over it, you could see it was a beautiful original example with great patina. I was also blown away by the seller, one of the nicest guys you could have ever met. He had owned the bike 12 yrs, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I couldn’t have been happier.

So loaded the bike up, strapped it down and drove the 5 hrs home, mind racing on how quick I could get it registered and insured so I could ride it and enjoy it.

Got it home and opened the trailer:


Words do not describe the sinking feeling on seeing this, anger, frustration, guilt at damaging such a great bike. What seems to have happened is the wheel chock came lose and the bike fell over, I will admit I never checked if it was totally tight before leaving, so my bad. If there was any saving grace, its that the straps stopped the bike sliding around too much, so the damage was contained to the side fairing and the tail unit has a scuff, thankfully the tank and screen are intact. The gear lever broke and the Lomas pipes now have a dent. Like I say it could have been worse, without the straps it would have just slid around the trailer and smashed itself to pieces.

3 weeks on and I can just look at the bike without wanting to turn to alcohol, winter is on its way so a modest restore and repaint is on the cards. I think I am more pissed that it will not be totally original vs the $$ to fix (don’t get me wrong that still pisses me off), so many more questions and posts to come as I start tripping the bike.

Next year can only get better!!

[tacky1]

Ah man, I can feel your pain, How does it look once you have it standing up

[podman]

Ah man, I can feel your pain, How does it look once you have it standing up

Yes, how does it look?

If its any consolation, my newly purchased 350LC went over on the way home in the van a few years ago and I felt exactly the same but once you have repaired/dealt with it, the pain does fade!

[gpaddict]

That sucks really bad, i feel for you! What part of Minnesota are you from? I'm just over the border in Wisconsin.

[D6lc]

The damage is pretty limited to the paint and pipe

[podman]

Bugger...bike looks a great example mate, youll get her sorted.

[D6lc]

That sucks really bad, i feel for you! What part of Minnesota are you from? I'm just over the border in Wisconsin.

I'm just west of Minneapolis

[pstamper]

That is a bummer. I always hate transporting bikes. Especially someones or a new bike. I finally have a rear wheel restraint for track bike and never worry about a thing. Goes to show you never can secure them enough. The bike will turn out great and you will soon forget about it. I just posted my pain to make you feel better.

[2002tiil]

Dent in pipe can be fixed: Close the openings, (evt one side air pressure it/ fill up with water), heat around the dent and it can come out.
Search the net for more info.

Terrible to see it laying that way: But it all can be fixed!

[Questo vecchio rz]

We learn from our mistakes. As you now know just a simple fall over will cost between $1000-$2000 dollars in repairs..that just sucks!

Now give those those crappy home depot "orange" tie downs, the middle finger, there good for nothing but cheap cargo if even that.
Question: How many orange tiedown have you viewed in the roadway or side of the road? I'll bet its dozens. Thats all you need to know. Generic tie downs damage paint and scuff finishes &permenantly damages anodized coatings.. I always laugh when I see guys/girls with a 15-25k sportbike & fancy GP style rear and front wheel stands each costing a couple hundred bucks, then you see the orange tie downs or other "harbor freight style crap

If you havent already... buy a high quality wheel cock along with purpose built protective motorcycle straps and tie downs, and you will never have this happen to you again ....ever.

[pstamper]

I use a Backsley front chock if transporting with some good 1" straps from motorcycle shop along with canyon dancers to keep straps away from bodywork. The dent is fairly easy to pop out. The hard part is putting an attachment that stays on while under pressure. I used a hand torch with about 60 psi. Careful on the ends because one blew off. Make sure they are pointed away from you and anything else you do not want damaged. It could of always been worse.

[Questo vecchio rz]

Double posted

[silverstrom]

Was the wheel chock bolted to the floor? If not, that will explain the carnage.

A good wheel chock that is properly attached to the floor and a good handlebar strap are essential. Attach the handlebar strap and tighten the tie down straps to compress the forks. At the point the front isn't going anywhere. 2 more straps to keep the rear from pivoting and you're good to go. You don't need really expensive straps if you do everything correctly. Inexpensive straps will work just fine. One thing to keep in mind is when you tighten the straps you should tie the strap off at the ratchet/buckle. A couple of half hitches will do. Then there is no chance that the strap will loosen. I transport bikes often and the info above has never let me down.

[D6lc]

Thanks for all the comments, they motivated me to get the bike running, rode it to the DMV this morning and got it registered!!

The side fairing cleaned up pretty well actually, it doesn't look that bad now in person. However I'm leaning towards a stripdown and restoration this winter. Its only got 7,400 miles on and is all original so those crank seals are living on borrowed time!

Hope to at least get out on it a few more times in the coming weeks before stripping it down, I have a ton of questions but will do some searching first before posting.

[pstamper]

Good idea on engine.