500 Two-Stroke Tech

I have semi recently purchased a complete Yamaha 1985 RZ500. I would like opinions on frame and running gear options from a more modern bike. I am considering a R6 for a chassis donor, but it seems like this may be somewhat of an overkill. I have seen many of the RG500 Suzuki engine implants in Aprillia RS250 Chassis and owners seem to be happy. I am just going to ride it on the street, country roads etc, so maybe a 250 based platform might be better, certainly lighter I would suspect. I am looking for opinions, crazy ideas, fire away?

Huge advantage for me with the R6 is price. Even buying a new bike for a donor may be a reasonable start financially. old guy looking for a project..

Thanks a bunch, Frank

My advice...keep the stock frame and add whatever front & rear conversion.
You will never notice any difference between a custom framed conversion and a stock frame on the street. Be honest...it's only for looks on a street based machine. A good complete conversion is going to cost you 15k-20k...or more... period.
If it's what you want...then do it, as that's all that matters. As far as frame conversions...A R6 could feasibly work..but the configuration from a 80s V-4 to a 2000s era inline 4 is questionable. If your really serious regarding a frame conversion I'd steer you toward Nigel @NKRacing, or even Mick Costin @ Micro products.
A RZ with front rear conversion..is pretty damned cool both visually and by function.
Of course any thing completed is fun..just keep an eye on your budget vs what you want. It's all good. Just trying to be realistic.

That's great advice Questo vecchio rz. I will have to do some disassembly to see what I have and that may help me make some decisions on which way to go.

About a year and a half ago I finished a TZR450 project. I started with a 1991 TZR250 chassis and a 2014 YFZ450 engine and other parts and turned it into a nice little back road blaster. It is right at 300#s, so a little heavier than a TZR, but it handles very nice and a good bit of fun to ride. It took me two years to complete. I guess the biggest challenges were the engine mounts, swing arm modification, and putting a pump in the fuel tank. All design work done with toilet paper and crayons, I'm sure there are more around, but I have been the only electric start, fuel injected, 450 single, fully faired, sport bike at the local bike nights lol.

I was planning on doing the R6 frame conversion mostly myself. With the 450 I did everything except the aluminum welding. I have a friend that has been helping me with that. Excellent TIG welder, just ask him.

I am definitely going to research using the stock frame and adding front and rear suspension and wheels as well as the R6 frame idea. I have a set of new R6 forks and front brakes that could work on the front. I bought a VFR750 single sided swing arm and brakes a few years back that I may have just found a home for as well. A quick tape measure check shows that the VFR arm would add about an inch to the wheelbase. I will have to do some searching the website to see what I can come up with others previous experience.

Anyone's input is appreciated.

Thanks Frank

If u wanted something a bit different u could also look into an RZV frame? That's what I did, can be a bit hard to find but they r out there.

Thanks Big Guy,

I would definitely be interested in an RZV frame if I could find one. Any information about one for sale would interest me!!!

Frank

I found mine on here. Just have to keep an eye out. Maybe even post a topic in the wanted section to see what's out there? There are a few other odds and ends required to go to the aluminum frame. There is a post outlining this on here somewhere. I'll see if I can find it? If you have any connections in Japan that would be very helpful

http://www.rzrd500.com/500phpBB3/viewto ... lloy+frame" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Contact RZVTokyo.

That's where I got my RZV frame.

every week I'm on Yahoo Japan. RZV500 and parts are becoming scarce. I have also notice the price increase in Japan of the RG400. VJ22 and more the VJ23 are rare. It took close to a year to find the VJ22 "P" model swingarm. Two of them came up and I got them. The TZ250 reverse cylinders frame I hear are the best frame swap for the RZ500, but they are pricey. The other alternative is the TZR250 3MA frame. They are still affordable. NKRacing sells the kits and a local welder can do the welding. After the dust settles down and you are looking for a daily rider to enjoy. Questo said it best. Do a front and rear suspension. Then if you want to do a conversion. You can always do one. The RZ500 engines are going for around $2500 to $3000. Maybe for an investment is to buy a clean RZV500 from Japan stock enjoy it and take care of it.

Smoker wrote:Contact RZVTokyo.

That's where I got my RZV frame.

Thanks for that info Smoker. I looked around for RZVTokyo but couldn't find them. Do they have a web site or contact info?

Thanks, Frank

You should be able to reach him by sending a PM to RZVTokyo, he was on here tonight.

AHAMAYfrank wrote:

Smoker wrote:Contact RZVTokyo.

That's where I got my RZV frame.

Thanks for that info Smoker. I looked around for RZVTokyo but couldn't find them. Do they have a web site or contact info?

Thanks, Frank

http://www.rzrd500.com/500phpBB3/member ... file&u=963" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

PM RZVTokyo.

I've had a few deals with him. He's a good dude.

Smoker wrote:PM RZVTokyo.

I've had a few deals with him. He's a good dude.

Agreed, he is very helpful, great guy!

This is available but expensive. He told me he sold his previous one for $2500. He will usually negotiate on price but it gives you an idea of current market value with documents.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/YAMAHA-RZV500R-8 ... lu&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;