Any high mileage RZ’s out there ?

[pearljam724]

I’m sure there’s quite a few. I realize 2 stroke engines aren’t typically high mileage engines for a couple reasons. Any high mileage claims that you feel comfortable about being honest and accurate ?

[JonW]

Ive seen Aussie LC and RZ projects with 80,000 kms on the clocks. Sure thats only 50k miles, but its a good few rebuilds lol

[pearljam724]

Thank you, for sharing. For you guys that know a lot about these bikes. What is the approximate mileage life span that these engines need rebuilt ?

[MK]

Since 1987 I've done around 230.000 km on my RD.
If something had a defect, I repaired or replaced it.
(As there's virtually no original part left, you can call that cheating.)

For unmolested engines piston life is some 20.000 km, cranks around 50.000.
Lifespan is significantly reduced with pipes revving above 10.500 rpm.

[ststrider]

i have an rdlc with a ypvs motor 190,000km on the clock but way more on it.

[brrrappp]

I did a tear-down and replaced pistons, rings and seals at close to 9k miles because of age. Everything looked perfect coming apart.
I could have just put it back togeter but....if ya got it apart, may as well replace the parts.
Most everyone I've talked to seems to think 10k to 15k miles is max top-end life.
I worked at several dealerships in the North East in the 80's and 90's. It was kind of rare to see ANY non-Harley / non-BMW motorcycle with over 25k miles up here.
Crank seals tend to leak air as they age. This is the problem for older bikes that sit around in storage. I suspect that most people replace top ends at the same time they do crank seals whether the top-end needs repacement of not.
I've seen a couple RZ's with 25k miles that the owners claim have not been rebuilt.
I've seen several 2-strokes with 50k+ but all were restored/rebuilt multiple times.

[Questo vecchio rz]

I e combined about 100,000 + miles on RZs. I've owned & ridden 3.and have a long term project #4.

I've NEVER had in break, or stop running.
Never a decrease in performance..theve been bullet proof...like Teflon reliable and durable. I honestly think ..few people abuse or ride a RZ as hard as I did, if so I'd d be very surprised !!
My 2nd one had a SD pec2,/Gary Shumanke stage 373cc motor, Toomey pipes and Carbs.. literally 100s
drag races..and 100 mph blasts..I had over 49 k on that motor, when I sold her .and she was still the fastest RZ I'd ever come across. bar none..mind you it was 1986-89. But easily did high 11s in the 1)4 mile....
50+,,<K is a testament to the reliability of these motors... I had another I bought w 30+ I and rode that thing practically every day for 2 years or more.. .likely 30k + a yr
I never gave one single thought ever in 5 years as to how many miles I was putting on my bikes never once.

[85RZwade]

My '85 is just about to turn over 40,000 miles, rebuilt from the crank up once. Like Martin's, though, not many parts are original!