Reliability

[casereed3]

I am looking at getting an rz500 that will probably need some engine work
I intend to tackle the job myself
I have heard these engines are fragile heard to work on and unreliable
I do not expeCT it to as reliable as a modern bike but just need some feedback before I get it

Cheers

[tacky1]

The engines themselves are pretty easy to work on. The upper cylinders are prone to problems. They run pretty hot. Up-jetting the uppers seem to sort the problem.

[steveho]

Just remember, back in the day these were sold from dealer showrooms with full warranty. The Japanese, being as they are would not accept any ‘lemons’.
Sure, they can be troublesome, but not really any more so, than any other 2 strokes. My RD500 has 42k miles on the clock. Ok it has been rebored once, and the cranks probably rebuilt in the past..., but if you want a 2 stroke, then this goes with the territory.

As stated, easy to work on, so don’t hesitate, get one and enjoy....

[silverstrom]

They are as reliable as any other 35 year old 2 stroke. Common sense and proper maintenance will help avoid any serious issues, but it is a 2 stroke and sometimes it all goes wrong for no reason.

All it takes is money and mechanical skills. If you are mechanically inclined and can afford the cost of the bike and the restoration you won't be disappointed with the end result.

The people saying they are fragile and unreliable are the people who don't own one.

[casereed3]

this is my Casereed reed h2 on the dyno that i built, (130rwhp) so i am used to working on old two strokes. I was just curious about the RZ500 as i know nothing about them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIlhcYueWmM

[silverstrom]

this is my Casereed reed h2 on the dyno that i built, (130rwhp) so i am used to working on old two strokes. I was just curious about the RZ500 as i know nothing about them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIlhcYueWmM

Yeah, that'll do it

Like most old smokers, parts are getting harder to find and more expensive. There is nothing you can't find and buy, but prices are a bit mental now.

Reliability is not an issue. It never has been. There are lots of stories, but as is typical, most are baseless.

There aren't many RZ500 problems that can't be overcome, engine included.

Are you planning on a stock build, or will you give it some of the treatment you gave the H2? After seeing the casereed H2 you may find the RZ500 a bit dull.

Where are you located?

[casereed3]

Joliet just outside Chicago

[Mike Cichetti]

Love to see more of your H2! Just finished restoring a stocker, waiting on master cylinder rebuild kit. Yours looks really super special.

[busa1300]

I have seen that H2 up at Martin 131 Dragway
I go there when they have the snowmobile drags/2 stroke bikes
Cool bike

[tacky1]

Do you have a build thread or something on the H2, That thing is a screamer

[casereed3]

sorry no build thread as such but it has,
rgv 250 swing arm
kawasaki 636 front end with carbon rim
lock up clutch
zeeltronic ignition with Yamaha Seca pick ups
V force reeds
case reed induction all parts made by me but i did not do the welding
the cylinders were relined without the inlet hole in the rear as its case reeded. The cylinders do have rear boost ports that are fed thru a channel in the back of the cylinder that connects with the rear of the crank case.
Hydraulic clutch conversion using a Ducati slave cylinder

Busa, i am going to Martin this October, if i still have the bike i will bring it and you can take it for a spin

[busa1300]

Busa, i am going to Martin this October, if i still have the bike i will bring it and you can take it for a spin

That would be real cool
I am hoping I can get up there this Oct.
There are a few guys running GT750's that I talk to when I am up there.
Every year they try to convince me to bring a bike up to race.
I never have a good reason why I don't, other than I hate sitting sweating in my leathers waiting to get up to the line.... Maybe October will be much cooler than Sept used to be.
If I do head up, I will try to take the RZV....have a set of new Mikuni needle/seats for the carbs on their way to me.

[MK]

You'd probably want to download and read this :
http://l3s9113.zeus09.de/RD350/Tuning_m ... Seiten.pdf

[rd84]

Hi,

I've owned and run RD500's since 1984 - I've found the engines to be very reliable - the main problem seems to be the fuel system causing problems due to age and corrosion - mainly caused by ethanol in the fuel - the problems extend from the tank, through the fuel tap to the carbs themselves. This can be alleviated by using a fuel stabiliser and adding a small mount of 2T to the fuel tank on each refuel.

Engine rebuilds can be very expensive if a full rebuild is needed.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Paul