Sacrificial Lamb

Got a customizing or restoration project? Discuss it here

Moderator: rztom

Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

Sacrificial Lamb

#1 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 1:22 pm

Been looking for an '85 California RZ350 as a donor for my RZ super motard. Was hoping to find a cheap basket case with matching engine and (titled) frame numbers, but haven't had luck.

Ended up buying this '85 California. Since the engine from my '87 RZ350 is already in the motard for mockup, I'll leave it there until the bike is built, then swap it out for the '85. That way, I can ride this new bike around for a while.

I can also use the fuel tank and side panels on the RZ streetfighter when testing and tuning, so I don't have to use the carbon pieces.

Image
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#2 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 1:29 pm

The bike arrived with a minor fuel leak, easily fixed with a new hose clamp. This in-line fuel valve was also hanging down and pinching the line almost closed, so I found a tank cushion and zip tied the valve to open the line. I suspect something is wrong with the OEM petcock, but haven't checked, yet.

Image

After that, the bike started cold on the first kick with half choke. Sounds pretty good - idles a little high, though. Haven't looked into that, either.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#3 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 1:38 pm

Went for a test ride but had to come back after a few minutes because the rearsets were too uncomfortable (or, I'm too inflexible).

Image

Swiped the OEM footpegs and foot controls from the '87. Much better, now. I'd like to put dirty bars on, too - but it would look ridiculous with the full fairing.

Image

Image

Image
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#4 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 1:46 pm

The kickstand was road-grinded and crushed at the top. The spring peg was snapped off, and a bolt was inserted into the hole where the peg used to be. Because the kickstand was bent, it was banging into the gearshifter mounting bolt.

Image

Image

Image

Replaced it with a left-over from the streetfighter RZ.

Image
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#5 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 1:50 pm

Also did a little weight reduction by removing the boat anchor.

All the overhang is grinded off the footpad, so it didn't look good, and I don't use it very often.

Image
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#6 Post by Smoker » Sat May 08, 2010 2:00 pm

You guys know how bad the OEM brakes can be on these old bikes, so I wasn't surprised that the braking is poor. I was surprised when I looked at the reservoir window (should have checked that BEFORE I started riding around)!

Image

Sure enough, the res was almost empty, and the remaining fluid is cooked.

Image

Topped up the fluid for now. There was also a lot of play in the front brake lever travel. Tightened it up all the way, and there is actually some front brake.

The bike was nearly impossible to get into neutral. The clutch lever adjuster was way out, so I tightened that up, as well. Much better.

The bike runs good, but it doesn't feel like the power valves are working. Definitely need to check that.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

iron
Posts: 475
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:09 pm
Location: Louisiana (Bayou)

#7 Post by iron » Sat May 08, 2010 5:46 pm

Cool, looks good. I am sure when you are finished it will screem.
Iron on the Bayou.
84 RZ-350
Bore 64.5MM, Wiseco. Ported by Wicked (Recreational). Wicked's Billet Head, Zeel Iggy, V-Force 3 Reeds, Y-Boot K&N Filter, Stock Carbs. Spec 2 Pipes (F-1's). R6 Cooling Fan.

User avatar
aaronmvrider
-----
-----
Posts: 6607
Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:44 am
Location: Central Coast N.S.W Australia

#8 Post by aaronmvrider » Sat May 08, 2010 7:43 pm

great looking bike a shame to rape it for parts
1 x 4mm stroker rz 375cc 1983
1 x 7mm stroker rz 443cc 1984 (under construction)
1 x rz 500
1 x mv agusta 1000

User avatar
JonW
Posts: 10600
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:33 am
Location: Sydney
Contact:

#9 Post by JonW » Sat May 08, 2010 9:08 pm

Looks too good for a pillage but understand that needs must. I wish Id bought something this good instead of my bits, Id be riding by now, hmm...
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

Stroker
Posts: 257
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:04 am
Location: South Africa

#10 Post by Stroker » Sun May 09, 2010 2:03 pm

@ Smoker do you know where i could buy a set of hangers like that?

User avatar
This old RZ
Posts: 1773
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:04 am
Location: So.Cal

#11 Post by This old RZ » Sun May 09, 2010 5:15 pm

I did the same thing when I bought the last RZ. I bought it in sherman oaks,the next day I rode a little 2 mile loop above the house on Mullholland drive and I was coming down the hill toward Laurel canyon and guess what....BRAKE LEVER TO THE BARS!!!...Pretty dammed stupid of me not to look as the bike had been sitting at the guys house for 7 years ,but I managed to stop in time with the rear brake.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#12 Post by Smoker » Thu May 20, 2010 2:00 am

The left cylinder is missing a lot more than firing.

The plug cap is iffy, so I'll replace it. If that doesn't fix it, I'll go for the Dynatek coil setup, which will probably be good for the motard project.

RuZty
-----
-----
Posts: 3584
Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2003 11:11 pm
Location: Southern Ontario, Canada

#13 Post by RuZty » Thu May 20, 2010 6:55 am

Fixing a bike that you bought to fix a bike that is using parts from another bike you are fixing.....I think this is called tangential projects. I admire your commitment.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#14 Post by Smoker » Thu May 20, 2010 12:18 pm

RuZty wrote:Fixing a bike that you bought to fix a bike that is using parts from another bike you are fixing.....I think this is called tangential projects. I admire your commitment.
Got that right! :smt003

Need to keep this engine running until I get the '87 engine back in that bike.

User avatar
Smoker
Posts: 4778
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 pm

#15 Post by Smoker » Sun Jun 06, 2010 3:36 pm

Finally got the new 5K resistor caps and non-resistor plugs. These caps have the waterproof ends and use the nipple on top of the plug, instead of the terminal screw.

Image

When I removed the left plug cap, the contact screw inside the cap was screwed into the wire housing BESIDE the wire. There's going to be minimal contact that way. The wire contact that grips the terminal screw was also bent.

I trimmed the plug wires back to good wire. Looks like about 6 strands. Took a pointed tool and spread the strands so that the screw contact would go through the center, and the wire strands will surround the contact. Both sides went on nice and tight.

No more missing on the left cylinder. The bike is running friggin' great. Rode it all over yesterday, and took it for a freeway run. Now starts cold on the first kick with no choke. (The weather is very warm, though). :smt001

The suspension is old and tired, but I may have some upgrades from the old '85. Also need to do something about the bars. My neck is all messed up today from riding with clip-ons.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Post Reply