Sacrificial Lamb
Moderator: rztom
Sacrificial Lamb
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.
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.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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.
Replaced it with a left-over from the streetfighter RZ.
Replaced it with a left-over from the streetfighter RZ.
Last edited by Smoker on Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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)!
Sure enough, the res was almost empty, and the remaining fluid is cooked.
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.
Sure enough, the res was almost empty, and the remaining fluid is cooked.
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.
- aaronmvrider
- -----
- Posts: 6607
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:44 am
- Location: Central Coast N.S.W Australia
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
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
- This old RZ
- Posts: 1773
- Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:04 am
- Location: So.Cal
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.