2 stroke streetbikes?

[1BadAction]

speaking of sportbikes, what are some decent 2-strokers? maybe mid 80's and newer. parts need to be easy to get, reliable, etc. what about "dual-sport" bikes? what would be a good one for running short distances to and from work? :o

[triple dude]

Yamaha RZ 350 but a real nice one is gonna cost. They can be tossed around and can be made to run pretty quick.

[Riverman]

Gamma is the best of all. RDs and RZs are cool too. There are lots available up here, they were sold for a bit longer here.

http://www.rg500.net/

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/river_57/RG500.gif

[ken medendorp]

I don't know how easy parts are ,but those kawasaki 750 triple two strokes were tuff.

[blkmtrfan]

Gamma is the best of all. RDs and RZs are cool too. There are lots available up here, they were sold for a bit longer here.


There were several hot sport bikes that were sold in Canada that were never sold here in the states :confused:

[DoktorC]

RZ's rule!!! The Canadian versions were not only made longer they also didn't have the cats in the pipes. I love mine. It's like a sled...you can mess around with it without a diagnostic machine lol.

BTW I've got a mint '88 350 for sale if anyone's interested.

[1BadAction]

I don't know how easy parts are ,but those kawasaki 750 triple two strokes were tuff.

thats what the dude I work with has said. He says he ran 9.80s in the 1/4 with just pipes and a sticky rear tire. :eek:

[triple dude]

thats what the dude I work with has said. He says he ran 9.80s in the 1/4 with just pipes and a sticky rear tire. :eek:
I hate to say it but your coworker is smoking crack. That's three seconds off a stocker's time and there isn't a pipe or a tire that's gonna do that. Unless he had it in a bicycle frame. A good photo gallery of Kaw triples is at purplehazeracing.com. There's a gorgeous silver H2 with many mods that was for sale but it's gone. It was a streetbike with many mods and turned in the ten's.

[triple dude]

RZ's rule!!! The Canadian versions were not only made longer they also didn't have the cats in the pipes. I love mine. It's like a sled...you can mess around with it without a diagnostic machine lol.

BTW I've got a mint '88 350 for sale if anyone's interested.
You should get racerx's attention. He loves two strokes. He's had more RD's than I can remember. RZ 350's When new and since, two RZ 500's, a couple Gamma's and an Aprilia 250 roadracer with lights. Last year, he sold his last Gamma (very trick), a Yammie Daytona Special (79 RD 400) and the Aprilia. All on ebay. He still looks at RZ 350's occasionally but even many of the high dollar ones are beat to death. We tied in with an RZ500 and Gamma club down at bikeweek a couple years ago. The RZ guys were into the stock look while the Gamma riders were anything go's. There's a big Gamma builder down in Georgia named Lance Gamma. I think that's his website also.

[1BadAction]

LOL... yea he might be puffin.

[heath brinkley]

RZ 500's and Gamma's will make the most horsepower, naturally.

But you can get a RZ 350 the cheapest. Work it over, put some fzr wheels on it, and some TZ bodywork. BADASS !!!!!

[heath brinkley]

Tripledude, by the way, I told you I found a 600 motor for my 400. I just sent the CC today for a YZF 7R wheel I bought on ebay. 17 x 5.5 , now I'm trying to decide between a TZ tail or this solo R6 tail some guy makes.

[1BadAction]

But you can get a RZ 350 the cheapest. Work it over, put some fzr wheels on it, and some TZ bodywork. BADASS !!!!!

care to elaborate? I love teh smell of alisyn in the morning:D

[DoktorC]

I just saw a picture of an RZ350 with full R1 bodywork!! Was that ever cool looking...R3 :).

[1BadAction]

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3233/myrz22ll.jpg

[triple dude]

I'm impressed!!! You can get by cheaper than an RZ by just going to an old RD 350 or 400. They don't look as good but cosmetics can be changed. Check out Walneck's Classic Bike Trader, usually available at convenience stores. There's usually a bunch in there for sale. Lots of after market stuff still available for RD's.

[heath brinkley]

care to elaborate? I love teh smell of alisyn in the morning:D

go to www.airtech-streamlining.com or www.sharkskinz.com. They make all the bodywork for everything out there. You'll need to make your own brackets to mount the new bodywork. You can put an entire swingarm/rear wheel assembly on it, off of a TZ or R6 or whatever, some 43 mm upidedown forks, dual 285 mm front rotors with 6 piston calipers, you name it. Like a car, you can do anything to them.

I have a FZR 400, which had an aluminum frame, based on the TZ 250 gp bike. I'm putting a 600 motor in it, with a 17x5.5" rear wheel. I want TZ bodywork but you need to make a headlight opening, and a bracket. So I'm leaning towards some R6 bodywork.

[Riverman]

I saw a TZ750 with lights on it, street legal, in a magazine a while back. That would be the fastest steet machine out there, bar none. I think push starting would get old quick though. Here is a pic of one.

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/yamaz/tz750.htm

Hey, don't forget about the Suzuki GT750 water buffalo! They were quiet, slower, heavier and rode like a Gold Wing. Fantistic commuter bike, stone reliable. and nice looking for an oldie.

[DoktorC]

The guy I bought my RZ had a beautiful TZ250 and a Kenny Roberts 350. I really like the look of the TZ.

[heath brinkley]

TZ's are wicked, the newer the better.

I saw some guy in Europe had listed Eddie Lawson's Cagiva for sale. His ACTUAL bike, one of the one's he ran in his last season of GP racing, documented and all. Even serviced by Cagiva since he bought it. Stick a headlight on that baby and humiliate Hayabusa's all day.

[Riverman]

Any old timers besides me ever ride a water buffalo?

[Riverman]

care to elaborate? I love teh smell of alisyn in the morning:DNOTHING beats the smell of burning Castrol R!

[Skeeter0226]

All of the original TZ 250s and 350s were based on the RD motor and the parts interchange. We used to run these motors in Modified Midgets. The water cooled cylinders and head, water pump side cover, dry clutch and exhaust will all bolt on. The TZs were piston port. There is more 250 parts than 350 though. The crankshafts are better with roller bearings vs ball bearings on the RD. I haven't messed with this suff in years so I don't know what is still available.

[1BadAction]

RZ500 on greedbay. I might get it.

[heath brinkley]

what's the item # ?

[heath brinkley]

I looked to see if I could find it.

NICE !!! already has the goods with it (froks, swingarm, brakes), just need some modern bodywork. Close to home too, looks like you.

[Riverman]

Item #????? Don't worry I'm not looking!

[heath brinkley]

I've told tripledude this on another thread, but I've ALWAYS wanted to build a bad two stroke race replica. Either a Gamma with a RGV body and a Kevin Schwantz paint job, or a RZ500 with YZR500 bodywork and a Wayne Rainey paint job. Airtech sells the YZR bodywork. This isnn't Rainey but the body from Airtech.

[1BadAction]

R-man its only about an hour away from me, so I definately have the $$ advantage.

[heath brinkley]

Dont worry about me either, I'm not in the market for anything else. Unless a '33 Willy's pop's up for $10,000, FAT CHANCE !!!

I also told tripledude on another thread, I can't afford the price of gamma's and rz500's:( So it's turned into more of a dream now.

[1BadAction]

how high do you think that one will go?

[heath brinkley]

You never know on ebay, I'll watch two identical items on ebay, ending within an hour of each other, the one that ends firt will bring 20 bucks the second will bring 200.:confused:

I would guess it will be around 5K. But as soon as I say that it will sell for 1200.

Not sure if that swingarm is a direct fit, or if it will require machining. But aren't you a, or work with a, machinist.

[heath brinkley]

that last line was a question, even though I puncuated wrong.

I thought I remember you saying you worked at a machine shop, or did machining, or knew someone who did.

[STV Tunnel]

I hate to say it but your coworker is smoking crack. That's three seconds off a stocker's time and there isn't a pipe or a tire that's gonna do that. Unless he had it in a bicycle frame. A good photo gallery of Kaw triples is at purplehazeracing.com. There's a gorgeous silver H2 with many mods that was for sale but it's gone. It was a streetbike with many mods and turned in the ten's.



hahahaah 9 second Kaw triple. OK.

[heath brinkley]

here's a picture of a TZ250, the bodywork I want for mine. I love this swingarm, I was being all hardass a couple months ago, on ebay. Said "350, they can have that chit for 350" numbnuts, I'd give 400 to have another shot at it.


9 sec. triple. Keep in mind, if you want a SPORTBIKE, Gamma or RZ. If you want a STREET DRAGBIKE, like alot of the new choppers being built out there, I'd get a triple, drop it, stretch it, drag bars, ect.

[1BadAction]

actually to expand on the 9 second thing... I asked him a few days after I posted that. he ran 13.1 with pipes and a tire, 9.80s was alot of engine work, wheelie bar, 200psi comp, and alcohol. he drove it to and from work like that though, with the wheelie bar detached.

[1BadAction]

Heath, I did the computer jockey side of the CNC machining. Im not a machinest, just a programmer. I still have the hookup if I need something done.

[David]

Can you still get parts for the old RD350/400 and RZ350's?
Are any left that aren't all beat up?
20 years ago people used to call used ones wRecked and Destroyed

[racerx]

David you can get anything you want for the RZ,the yamaha banshee has all the same stuff,so there is plenty of high perf out there,go to the sand dunes and the banshees are still kickin ass on the new 4 stroke stuff,even with old 20 yeat teckhnollagy.......something like that........The gamma 500 was the best out of all street legal 2 strokes they had one at bike week 2 years ago it put out 145hp at the rear tire and weighed in at 314lbs now that was the killer.....

[heath brinkley]

Heath, I did the computer jockey side of the CNC machining. Im not a machinest, just a programmer. I still have the hookup if I need something done.

Well that's the hardest part of it.:cool:

[heath brinkley]

..The gamma 500 was the best out of all street legal 2 strokes they had one at bike week 2 years ago it put out 145hp at the rear tire and weighed in at 314lbs now that was the killer.....


Yeah, Gamma's are the best, one day. After a few raises. although after a few raises they will be even more expensive than my collevtive raises.:(

[heath brinkley]

I would think you could top that too, considering the last of the 500's were putting out over 200 in race form. Newer technology, but still...

[STV Tunnel]

Who has ever ran a 2 stroke bike at WOT topped out for so long the engine won't shut down when the throttle is closed because it is dieseling and still getting enough air to run and pull power?

Very scary feeling. Must shut the fuel off to get it to stop.


Never could understand that one. Ask your budy with the wicked triple about that one. If he built them bad enough he should know about that one.

[TeamSunset]

Used to see that years ago at the moto races... somebody would crash and the throttle would stick in the dirt, revingg wide open. Only way to kill it is to yank the fuel line. For some reason it seemed to happen alot on pentons & katooms.

[triple dude]

I THINK purplehazeracing.com had an H2 into the high 8's. Obviously an all out dragracer. Fast By Gast (Paul Gast) also ran some quick H2's at one time. Dave Shultz, who I think is now dead, was his driver. At one point racerx had a Gamma and RZ 500 at the same time. The Gamma was much better as far as finish. The RZ was rougher as far as the details. He had a factory lightweight frame for the RZ but never used it. The second Gamma sold last year and ended up in Las Vegas. Can't remember what he got for it on ebay?? It was very quick and handling was exceptional. Usually when returning from Daytona Bike Week to Orlando (where we stay at an aunts) at 1 or 2AM, we'd tie in with other bikes on the expressway going thru the heart of Orlando. It usually ended up being a roadrace and the Gamma held it's own against anything else.

[Raceman]

Any old timers besides me ever ride a water buffalo?

I had one of those. It wasn't real fast, but it was a really cool bike, and super smoothe for a 2 stroke. There was one at the swap meet in moultrie in Feb that I kinda thought about buying, but it had all the stuff around the radiator missing and some other stuff to that I figured would be expen$ive to find.

As a much dumber person who usta' get in the firewater and ride 30 years ago, I did a throttle on the stop/dump the clutch burn out right in front of a cop at bike week in Daytona on mine in the mid 70's. I didn't even notice him there and he wasn't amused at all. I don't know why he didn't make a big deal out of it, but a lecture was all I got from it, not even a ticket.

I've got a 750 Kawasaki now with low miles, but I've never heard it run. Maybe this year.

[Riverman]

I've got a 750 Kawasaki now with low miles, but I've never heard it run. Maybe this year.What year?

[Raceman]

I'll havta' look. It may be a '72. It's gold and has the rear fender that looks kinda like the rear of a roadrace seat, but has a chrome fender extending out under it.

[Dd24skater]

Water Buffalo's were great!

[triple dude]

I'll havta' look. It may be a '72. It's gold and has the rear fender that looks kinda like the rear of a roadrace seat, but has a chrome fender extending out under it.
That's a newer one. The 72 was blue and a hard color to get matched unless you want to paint all the pieces. Looking at it, it just looks like "Blockbuster Blue" but it was sprayed over a white base coat. On a similar note, I've been watching an H2 that was brushing close to $15K and the questions/answers were stacking up. The bike was in the US and was exported to England a few years ago. Anyway, regarding the purplehaze racing.com I mentioned earlier--someone mentioned that the owner had died recently. Funny what you find out on ebay.

[heath brinkley]

Water Buffalo's were great!

never had one, that damn Bill Cody killed 'em all.:D

[heath brinkley]

So, did you get the RZ or not ???

As much as I like two strokes, I did see 18 four strokes run 7.20 or better, a few at over 190, this weekend. That guy you work with wouldn't have been far from making the Pro Stock field with his two stroke triple.;)

[Raceman]

That's a newer one. The 72 was blue and a hard color to get matched unless you want to paint all the pieces.

I looked on E Bay this afternoon and the only one listed under H2 was a '75 and it looks newer than mine. I don't remember mine having a front disc brake, but I'm gonna look tomorrow. Daggumit, now y'all are gonna make me get that thing out and get to foolin' with it. Just what I need, stop in the middle of one project and start another one.:(

[Riverman]

Raceman, yours sounds like a '74. That was the one I had. They made the swingarm a little longer that year to try to keep the front end down. :eek:

[Raceman]

The label on the steering head says 73. I believe it has a one and then a big space, but the light wasn't good where it's crammed. I was thinkin' it didn't have a disc brake on front, but it does. I guess I'm confusin' it with one of the other ole' bikes.

[GP-1]

The label on the steering head says 73. I believe it has a one and then a big space, but the light wasn't good where it's crammed. I was thinkin' it didn't have a disc brake on front, but it does. I guess I'm confusin' it with one of the other ole' bikes.


Yep.. I would think it's a '73. That's actually the last good one.. I have an old Cycle magazine that has a comparison test of all the "superbikes" that year and the H2 was the quickest (about 12.2 in the 1/4) -- beating even the Z1. They probably gelded it to insure it wasn't taking sales away from the new four stroke.. All the 750's had disk front ends, but the '72 and '73 are the only ones worth having.. By '74 they were just a shadow of their former selves..

[Riverman]

By '74 they were just a shadow of their former selves..I didn't know that. Now I remember what a '73 looked like, they were a bright gold I think? My '74 was a dark brown. It was still a pretty cool bike, I bought a new GS1000 at the time which made the Kaw seem so archaic. What a dummy I was. :rolleyes:

[Raceman]

It's gold okay, but not very bright anymore. The previous owner let it sit in an area of his carport where it got afternoon sun everyday, so it's pretty faded. It's got 11K miles on it........... I was thinkin' less. I guess that's a lot for a 2 stroke, so maybe it needs to come down.

[triple dude]

It's gold okay, but not very bright anymore. The previous owner let it sit in an area of his carport where it got afternoon sun everyday, so it's pretty faded. It's got 11K miles on it........... I was thinkin' less. I guess that's a lot for a 2 stroke, so maybe it needs to come down.
After buying my 72 over twenty years ago, I ran across another H2 (75???) with bad motor for $60. I've been hauling it around all these years for a parts bike and really haven't taken much off it except for centerstand and brakelight switch. Unfortunately, my storage techniques weren't always the best (under the porch,"out in the back", etc.). If I'd stored it properly, it probably could have been REstored now and worth some $$$. Norris, I haven't looked at it for quite a while, but do a search for "Kawasaki triples" when you get serious about gettin' that thing going.

[triple dude]

I didn't know that. Now I remember what a '73 looked like, they were a bright gold I think? My '74 was a dark brown. It was still a pretty cool bike, I bought a new GS1000 at the time which made the Kaw seem so archaic. What a dummy I was. :rolleyes:
Maybe the parts bike I mentioned above is a 74?? It's brown with red tank decals. After awhile, all these old junks start lookin' the same.;)

[triple dude]

Yep.. I would think it's a '73. That's actually the last good one.. I have an old Cycle magazine that has a comparison test of all the "superbikes" that year and the H2 was the quickest (about 12.2 in the 1/4) -- beating even the Z1. They probably gelded it to insure it wasn't taking sales away from the new four stroke.. All the 750's had disk front ends, but the '72 and '73 are the only ones worth having.. By '74 they were just a shadow of their former selves..
I think they went to smaller carbs in 73 to geld (great choice of word) em and increase mpg. In 72, some of the magazines complained about getting 20mpg. Of course, that was with a hard beating. Kawasaki did the same to the H1 500. From 69 thru 71, they were pretty quick but slowed down in 72 for the intro of the H2. Then they slowed that down with the release of the Z1 in 73. The Z1 was a much better bike in just about all respects but still a weak handler.

[eautosales]

i have a 73 rd350 that ready for resto just needs paint lights & expansion chambers i love it have not rode it in 11 years
bought it for 30 bucks off a front lawn & i had no clue what it was till i started playing with it
i did not realise it was a 2 stroke till i got it home

[Raceman]

In the early/mid 70's I usta' do some port work for the motocross bikes that ran out of the local dealer's shop. He got me the port specs on the factory road race 350's and I ported up a set of jugs for mine, put on chambers, carbs, and cut the heads. It was an absolute animal. The powerband was almost like an on/off switch, but it was excitin' to say the least.

[triple dude]

Yea, the old RD's were a lot of fun. There's still a lot of 'em out there with a pretty decent supply of aftermarket support. My brother sold a 79 RD 400 Daytona Special a few months ago on ebay. It sat in his shed for ten years along with enough RD 350 bikes and parts to fill a 12 foot trailer. All the 350 stuff ended up in a dumpster when he moved five years ago. I think he still has an RD 100 twin buried somewhere that just needed a new fuel petcock when parked. I always got a kick out of the RD 250 and wondered why anybody would buy one when the 350 was about $30 more when new.:confused:

[Riverman]

There used to be (still is?) an age restriction in Europe that limited riders under a certain age to 250 cc. I think in some countries there is a tax above 250 too.

[triple dude]

There used to be (still is?) an age restriction in Europe that limited riders under a certain age to 250 cc. I think in some countries there is a tax above 250 too.
I think you're right. Even in the States, there might still be some areas that have limits. Back in the mid 60's, I could ride in California at 15.5 years old without a license. I had a 150 which I was legal on but don't remember how big a bike I could have had?? At 16 years old, anything went. At the same time in parts of Europe, kids could ride anything under 50cc with no problem or license so many bikes were 49.9 cc's with hop up kits.

[KG4]

I have a 1972 R5 350 2000 miles on it.Very good condition.That thing goes like a raped ape!It RIPS!!!

[TeamSunset]

Remember the RD60 (sewing machine)? I remember setting those things up at my after school job- at the local yamaha shop. I remember thinking, who the **** would buy one of these purple things?...they're kinda cool now.

[GP-1]

Remember the RD60 (sewing machine)? I remember setting those things up at my after school job- at the local yamaha shop. I remember thinking, who the **** would buy one of these purple things?...they're kinda cool now.




Those are kinda cool.. I had a 100c (twin) version of that thing for a while. I rode it to work a few times.. You should've seen the looks on peoples faces -- 64 mph (indicated) wide open on a 30-year-old, never been apart two-stroke. I kept two fingers on the clutch lever at all times..

[heath brinkley]

not a 2 stroke, but if you want to see a bad ass old bike check out this 1400 cc bike. If someone knows how to get the link, where you just click on it and it goes there, then hook it up.

ebay item# 7627319556 it's worth a look if you like oplder stuff. '77.

[triple dude]

ebay's my next stop. I'll check it out.

[Raceman]

not a 2 stroke, but if you want to see a bad ass old bike check out this 1400 cc bike. If someone knows how to get the link, where you just click on it and it goes there, then hook it up.

ebay item# 7627319556 it's worth a look if you like oplder stuff. '77.

It shows invalid number.

[triple dude]

I went in and punched up "1400". The only bike that popped up that was cool was an old Rickman Brother's cafe racer with Kaw z1 power. Beautiful bike with turbo and motor taken to 1400cc. Back then, if ya wanted what we now call a crotch rocket, you pretty much had to build it yourself (unless you bought Italian). Rickman was in England and would sell a turnkey bike or the kit (including nickle plated frame) minus motors. Typically they were set up for Kaw 900 or Honda 750. They did the same type of deal with dirtbikes. The one on ebay should be interesting to watch. The last Rickman I saw was at a website called michaelsmotorcycles.com. It ws a turbo Honda 750 version and sold for $15K. Check out that site. He usually has some interesting stuff.

[heath brinkley]

That was it. That thing was COOOOOL !!!!

[heath brinkley]

I'm sorry guys, ebay #462 not 762, 4627319556.

check it out Raceman, read the description, I imagine that would be a fast bike even by todays standards. Here's a couple pics.

[triple dude]

That's some big work taking a Z1 900 to 1400cc. If I remember right, you could go to about 1100 cc by just dropping on cylinders and pistons. Bigger than that would require hogging out the bottom end for rod clearance.

[heath brinkley]

sorry about the pics, my computer was freezing up on this site:confused: wouldn't download pictures or post anymore. Anyway, I was going to post that even by todays standards a 1400 cc Z9 with a turbo is a fast bike. I'd love to see who pushes that bike to the limit on those skinny little bicycle wheels.:eek:

[triple dude]

sorry about the pics, my computer was freezing up on this site:confused: wouldn't download pictures or post anymore. Anyway, I was going to post that even by todays standards a 1400 cc Z9 with a turbo is a fast bike. I'd love to see who pushes that bike to the limit on those skinny little bicycle wheels.:eek:
Yea, a heavy handed launch would be a little scary.:eek: With all the money he sunk into that thing, you'd think he would have done something with the swingarm to allow a wider tire???

[heath brinkley]

My brother is the one who emailed it to me. I called him afterwards and we were laughing about the wheels. A 17 x 3.5 / 5.5 combo would make that thing a bad ride. I told my Brother some custom spokes, with the wheel anodized the color of the bike, that yellow/green, with chrome spokes would look wicked. Would look a little more age specific than modern 3 or 6 spoke wheels as well.

[triple dude]

Last time I looked it was at about $14k and running out of time.

[heath brinkley]

It ended up around 14,900+, just shy of 15K, but didn't meet reserve. My Brother and I were talking, when it was at 6K, about how 15K wouldn't be a bad price. I had told him about the Honda powered one you saw at the show, which is what got us to thinking 15K. Considering it would be a one of a kind, in mint condition, not to mention 1400 cc and turbo'd. If I had the money to buy a new 1 liter sportbike or that Rickman for the same price, I'd take the Rickman. I guess it's a mute point though, since it never met reserve.

[triple dude]

Right now there is an absolutely stunning H2 street tracker on ebay. The thing is AWESOME!!!!! And if ya got time, visit the link where the thing is runnin'. Better than a wet dream!!:D

[Riverman]

Geez, I can't find it. Got a link?

[triple dude]

go into Kawasaki other and punch in h2.

[triple dude]

item # 4635644668. Still has a few days left and it's probably gonna go for high $$$$$

[Riverman]

That is the coolest bike I have ever seen - bar none. Can you imagine wheelieing past a group of Harleys with the bars crossed up, laughing at their stupid fart pipes and handlebar streamers?

I will have a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/river_57/0aac4cb4.jpg

[triple dude]

That is the coolest bike I have ever seen - bar none. Can you imagine wheelieing past a group of Harleys with the bars crossed up, laughing at their stupid fart pipes and handlebar streamers?

I will have a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/river_57/0aac4cb4.jpg
Did you see it running in his link?? It's soooo tempting but I think the price is gonna skyrocket.

[Riverman]

Yeah, I did see it running. Even though he said it was still fat it sounded heavenly.

I think it would be worth it at almost any reasonable cost. When I attempt to rationalize a purchase like this, I think about what people spend on new cars. In 5 years the car is worth nothing. But the bike/boat/hotrod/airplane/etc. is worth the same or more plus the infinite joy of owning something cool and unique.

Too bad we didn't live close together, we could split it. :D :cool:

[GP-1]

You think that thing's gonna bring big money? Hmm.. I just don't see it, but what do I know? Doesn't look like it would be too hard to (semi) duplicate. No idea what the frame's origin is, but the parts don't look to exotic. I suppose custom expansion chamber aren't too cheap, but I wouldn't think it would cost more than 5-6K (and some machining skill) to build it.. It is sorta cool, but if it comes down to it, I'd rather have a stock H2..

[Riverman]

It is sorta cool, but if it comes down to it, I'd rather have a stock H2..I'd rather have both. :D

[triple dude]

You think that thing's gonna bring big money? Hmm.. I just don't see it, but what do I know? Doesn't look like it would be too hard to (semi) duplicate. No idea what the frame's origin is, but the parts don't look to exotic. I suppose custom expansion chamber aren't too cheap, but I wouldn't think it would cost more than 5-6K (and some machining skill) to build it.. It is sorta cool, but if it comes down to it, I'd rather have a stock H2..
The frames new and usin' the origianl frames neck for the serial number. In the questions/answers, he mentioned he's got about $2K in the pipes alone. It's just a very unique bike. Looks like one of those homebrews they occasionally feature in the magazines. Lots of neat details and well thought out. I spent way too much time the last couple days thinking about what I'd have to sell.:eek: You'd rather have a more stock H2?? I've already got one.:p :D

[Riverman]

I spent way too much time the last couple days thinking about what I'd have to sell.Blaaahhaha! So have I! I think we're both nuts!:D :D

[triple dude]

he removed the $9K reserve. Smart thinkin' on his part. Bastid!!!

[WARLOCK]

Hey Tripledude and GP-1,
I was driving home the other day and saw an old bike sitting next to a garage for sale. I stopped by there on Saturday and it's an original 1974 Kawasaki H-2 with 5300 miles on it. The guy said he's the second owner and wants $3300.00 for it. He's got some goofy looking Vetter fairing on it, other than that it looks very clean. Let me know if you guys want the number. Later, Dave

[triple dude]

That's not a bad price if it's REAL nice. I can't get one more thing in my garage. Well, MAYBE that H2 flat tracker.;) I need to get in a SERIOUS selling mode. Time to get back on selling the v8 S-10. Dave, your Skater would look real good behind that. Holeshots outa the ramp would be awesome.:eek: :D

[WARLOCK]

Good idea, Clyde but, the garage is Numero Uno on my list of things to spend money on. I'm still dealing with the county on my permits. now I have to move a septic line. That permit went in yesterday. We will see.
If anyone else is interested in this bike, let me know and I'll stop and get the number for ya. Later, Dave

[triple dude]

Dave, You're just having a hell of a time on that garage. Living on water, though, AND having a big garage is a treat. Many of the house by me have no garage and just some parking space due to lot sizes. Mine's not the biggest but I've got high ceilings and can always do a lift. Plus the drive is four wide with one spot being deep enough for the boat. Are you headed over to any Michigan/eastern Indiana events this year?? If you want a place at the halfway mark to stay, you're always welcome.

[triple dude]

Racerx told me there's a killer RZ 500 on ebay right now that we saw at Bike Week a few years ago. Very trick. A buddy called the guy and his reserve is in the $40K range so don't any of you boyz get too big a woodie over it.

[GP-1]

Racerx told me there's a killer RZ 500 on ebay right now that we saw at Bike Week a few years ago. Very trick. A buddy called the guy and his reserve is in the $40K range so don't any of you boyz get too big a woodie over it.


40K for a RZ500?? Hope he really likes it, 'cause he's gonna have it a while. What can you do to one? Suspension, bigger wheels and motor work. After you give it more grip (tires) and suspension, then it's feeding all that additional load into a frame that wasn't meant to carry it.. I'm sure it looks really cool.. and probably would even be fun to cruise around on, but it won't be much of a sportbike. They're certainly cool bikes, but I'd just put a set of chambers on a stock one and wobble around. That's cool enough for me.

I guess, when it comes down to it, I'd rather have a Gamma anyway.

[Riverman]

I guess, when it comes down to it, I'd rather have a Gamma anyway.Yeah, who wouldn't?!!

[DoktorC]

pffffft Gamma...

I had a guy just back out of buying my RZ because he found a Gamma..I wasn't impressed lol.

I know where there is a showroom and I mean like brand new Gamma....it is infact in a showroom lol...

[GP-1]

pffffft Gamma...

I had a guy just back out of buying my RZ because he found a Gamma..I wasn't impressed lol.

I know where there is a showroom and I mean like brand new Gamma....it is infact in a showroom lol...


Not for sale, I suppose.........

[triple dude]

40K for a RZ500?? Hope he really likes it, 'cause he's gonna have it a while. What can you do to one? Suspension, bigger wheels and motor work. After you give it more grip (tires) and suspension, then it's feeding all that additional load into a frame that wasn't meant to carry it.. I'm sure it looks really cool.. and probably would even be fun to cruise around on, but it won't be much of a sportbike. They're certainly cool bikes, but I'd just put a set of chambers on a stock one and wobble around. That's cool enough for me.

I guess, when it comes down to it, I'd rather have a Gamma anyway.
Yep, a bit pricey.:eek: When we saw it, he was by one of the infield race garages at the Daytona track. We were pretty impressed with it but not $4oK impressed. Did you see the ebay pics?? One is with Kenny Roberts. That's worth maybe an extra $100.:D Racerx has had several of both the Gamma and RZ 500. He liked the RZ's but REALLY liked the Gamma's.

[GP-1]

OK.. I had to go look.. Are you guys talking about that purple circus thing that looks like it was painted by Stevie Wonder?? What an abortion.. He says that it doesn't have parts "bolted on" from other bikes, then explains how it has a "YZF-R6 like" front end and an FZR back wheel.. I must be seeing the wrong bike, because if that thing is worth 40k I've got a '96 600 katana in my garage that you can have for the bargain price of only 15k.


Tell me that you guys are talking about another bike...

[Raceman]

Surely they're talkin' about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-RZV-500-R-RD-500-RZ-500-500cc-2-Stroke-Grand-Prix-Replica-one-of-a-kind_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6718QQitemZ4640745328QQrdZ1

What's the difference between an RZ and TZ?

[Riverman]

What's the difference between an RZ and TZ?The RZ was a street bike, the TZ a race bike.

[Raceman]

The RZ was a street bike, the TZ a race bike.

I knew the TZ was a race bike. I've been lookin' for a TZ750 for YEARS to stick in the garage, but I'm sure they're now WAY PAST what I'd pay for one just to have a garage toy. I passed on one at 10K about 15 years ago because I thought it was WAY HIGH, but it probably would've been a strong investment.

The thing that had me questioning what an RZ was, was the detail in the E Bay ad that said "replica". I couldn't see how a street bike replica could be worth 40K.

[GP-1]

OK.. That bike's a little more believable. It still isn't worth 40K, but it is probably the nicest 2-stroke street bike I've ever seen.

Raceman, You're really want a TZ750? You must have way too much disposable income -- good for you. What would you ever do with it? I think vintage racing on one (Motorcyclist magazine did an article on it a couple of months ago) would just eat you out of house and home.. and crashing it... I wouldn't even want to think about it. It would be a good conversation piece for the people that understood it's significance, but if it were mine I'd have to fire it up once in a while.. That'd lead to some interesting conversations with the local police about street legality and so on......

[triple dude]

OK.. I had to go look.. Are you guys talking about that purple circus thing that looks like it was painted by Stevie Wonder?? What an abortion.. He says that it doesn't have parts "bolted on" from other bikes, then explains how it has a "YZF-R6 like" front end and an FZR back wheel.. I must be seeing the wrong bike, because if that thing is worth 40k I've got a '96 600 katana in my garage that you can have for the bargain price of only 15k.


Tell me that you guys are talking about another bike...
C'mon GP, give me a little more credit than THAT!;) Three years ago at the Daytona Bike Week auction, there was a street legal TZ 750. I think it sold for about $9K. Any of you guys been to the Barber Museum/track down in Alabama?? Amongst MANY bikes, he has several TZ's indifferent sizes and stacked in glass display cases. That place is on my "gotta get to someday" list.

[1BadAction]

big CID 2stroke bikes = teh Sex. that Tz750 engine looks like a maniac! I want. :D

[racerx]

Check out the H2 on ebay,its over 14 grand with one more day to go...

[tripledude]

Racerx just bought an RZ 350 thru ebay so he's back in the beanoil. I haven't ridden my H2 in quite awhile so hauled it out of the dark corner of the garage last week. Prepped it yesterday to start and threw a new battery in it. While hooking up the POS wire, BIGTIME smoke started under the seat. Fried the insullation off a bunch of wires before I could disconnect. Some days ya just wanna go lay on the railroad tracks.:(

[Riverman]

Geez, that's terrible to hear that. I hope you can fix it without too much pain. Or you can give it to me....:D

[Raceman]

I haven't ridden my H2 in quite awhile so hauled it out of the dark corner of the garage last week. Prepped it yesterday to start and threw a new battery in it.

I haven't ridden my H2 in quite a while either.............. how 'bout NEVER.:( Ironically I just talked to my buddy last night, who's dad just sold the local Honda/Kaw shop I bought it from about 10 years ago, and I told him I'd like to get it runnin' again. The son is workin' from his home shop now, and lookin' for work, and he said if I'd bring it to him he'd get it runnin' within the next week or so, so I'm haulin' it that way first of the week. He'd gotten it running after over 10 years in storage for the original owner, who then left it in the shop for a couple of years and let it get all gummed up again. The carb slides won't even open on it now. It'll be a hoot to have that at home and puffin' blue smoke.

[tripledude]

I haven't ridden my H2 in quite a while either.............. how 'bout NEVER.:( Ironically I just talked to my buddy last night, who's dad just sold the local Honda/Kaw shop I bought it from about 10 years ago, and I told him I'd like to get it runnin' again. The son is workin' from his home shop now, and lookin' for work, and he said if I'd bring it to him he'd get it runnin' within the next week or so, so I'm haulin' it that way first of the week. He'd gotten it running after over 10 years in storage for the original owner, who then left it in the shop for a couple of years and let it get all gummed up again. The carb slides won't even open on it now. It'll be a hoot to have that at home and puffin' blue smoke.
Fortuna.tely, there's not a whole lot to them. Check out the gas tank for rust. Crankseals are always a fear when they sit that long but I've always been lucky in that respect. Mine has sat for this last stretch out of pure stupidity on my part. It ran great and while out riding one day the clutch actuator lever (that the cable attached to) broke. The plastic gear (like a Pontiac timing chain) just broke. I bought a newer steel geared part and put it in but didn't take the time to play with the clutch cable and adjust. Then came my divorce. Then the move to Indiana. Then.... I looked over the charred wiring briefly yesterday. Fortunately, it looks like it's short runs that end in fusible links. Not a harness. Phew!!! If you need any parts, let me know and I'll dig up some sources. There's some stuff on ebay also.

[tripledude]

I haven't ridden my H2 in quite a while either.............. how 'bout NEVER.:( Ironically I just talked to my buddy last night, who's dad just sold the local Honda/Kaw shop I bought it from about 10 years ago, and I told him I'd like to get it runnin' again. The son is workin' from his home shop now, and lookin' for work, and he said if I'd bring it to him he'd get it runnin' within the next week or so, so I'm haulin' it that way first of the week. He'd gotten it running after over 10 years in storage for the original owner, who then left it in the shop for a couple of years and let it get all gummed up again. The carb slides won't even open on it now. It'll be a hoot to have that at home and puffin' blue smoke.
Fortuna.tely, there's not a whole lot to them. Check out the gas tank for rust. Crankseals are always a fear when they sit that long but I've always been lucky in that respect. Mine has sat for this last stretch out of pure stupidity on my part. It ran great and while out riding one day the clutch actuator lever (that the cable attached to) broke. The plastic gear (like a Pontiac timing chain) just broke. I bought a newer steel geared part and put it in but didn't take the time to play with the clutch cable and adjust. Then came my divorce. Then the move to Indiana. Then.... I looked over the charred wiring briefly yesterday. Fortunately, it looks like it's short runs that end in fusible links. Not a harness. Phew!!! If you need any parts, let me know and I'll dig up some sources. There's some stuff on ebay also.

[Raceman]

I know they're simple, but I've got enough stuff scattered right now, and I know myself well enough to know that if I get it apart and run into a hurdle it too will join the boxes of stuff in the racks, so I'm gonna pay him to do it. (now if I could just find somebody to replace the headers on my big block Camaro so I won't have to screw with it myself:( )

[tripledude]

I know they're simple, but I've got enough stuff scattered right now, and I know myself well enough to know that if I get it apart and run into a hurdle it too will join the boxes of stuff in the racks, so I'm gonna pay him to do it. (now if I could just find somebody to replace the headers on my big block Camaro so I won't have to screw with it myself:( )
I hear ya. I think we share the same mentality. Don't fix the stuff you already got. Just buy more stuff.;)

[1BadAction]

I'm surprised no one mentioned this one I came across today on greedbay. http://www.rsvr.net/BIMOTA/PAGES/VDUEHISTORY.asp

500 vdue Bimota

110hp, 499cc twin cylinder, direct injected, 10000 rpm 2 smoker. even had its own tuning software. all of this on a new school chassis. ashame this DI system bankrupted the company before it could take hold. Supposedly they can be made to work with di, but all of the bikes like this that have any bit of reliability have been factory converted to a del'orto carb.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2218/vdue340x352ic2.jpg

[BAE 557]

If that Bimota was local, I would by it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jphii]

Better picture of it:

[wideglide55]

When I was around 19 or so a guy down the road had an H-3 900 Triple Kaw with Wirges pipes,alot of port work and giant carbs,he had 3 car coils on it,one for each cylinder.Man that thing was a bean burnin ripper!It would make you **** when you drove it.

[Riverman]

H3 900? Never heard of that. The H2 750 was the largest they made. :confused:

[GP-1]

When I was around 19 or so a guy down the road had an H-3 900 Triple Kaw with Wirges pipes,alot of port work and giant carbs,he had 3 car coils on it,one for each cylinder.Man that thing was a bean burnin ripper!It would make you **** when you drove it.


I think that if you bored one that big, all you'd have is a stack of washers..

[[email protected]]

how about the honda nsr 250....anybody ever own one? -seems to be a pretty bad little bike ...thinking about buying a supermoto bike, any suggestions?

[GP-1]

A supermoto bike?? Well, depends on what you're going to do with it. If it's going to be something you ride, I'd go with the Suzuki (DRZ). It's underpowered and overweight compared to the European competition bikes, but it'll be a lot lower maintenance. If you're racing, and you want an out-of-the box competitive ride, you can buy a KTM, Husqvarna, etc. If you do that, you're looking at a more labor intensive bike -- but with a higher performance ceiling.. and a higher pricetag..

[[email protected]]

i def want it to be a 4-stroke. ya ive ridden a friends drz and i cant complain about that machine. his was all stock except for full yoshi exhaust and maybe kn filter and it was screamin along on the highway at 95mph w/ just me on it. front end would come up in first 3 or 4 gears too.
...i'd like to have a yz426f or yz450f but they aren't street legal. how about that baja light kit? is that all it takes to make a dirt bike street legal?

[tripledude2]

H3 900? Never heard of that. The H2 750 was the largest they made. :confused:Wondered who'd catch that.;)

[GP-1]

i def want it to be a 4-stroke. ya ive ridden a friends drz and i cant complain about that machine. his was all stock except for full yoshi exhaust and maybe kn filter and it was screamin along on the highway at 95mph w/ just me on it. front end would come up in first 3 or 4 gears too.
...i'd like to have a yz426f or yz450f but they aren't street legal. how about that baja light kit? is that all it takes to make a dirt bike street legal?


If you liked the DRZ, that's what I'd go with. The suspension is semi-decent for what it is, and you can upgrade it. It won't ever make horsepower like the YZ's or CRF's, but it will be reliable transportation -- which the others wouldn't, at least not for too long. Depending on how strict the DMV is where you live, you may or may not be able to license a YZ/CRF.. Even if you do, do you want a bike that will need engine rebuilds every 3000 miles.. That's just a guess, but it certainly won't have the life of the DRZ.... Do you want a street bike or a race bike??

[1BadAction]

I still want a 2stroke street bike. maybe I can buy a buell XB12R off ebay for cheap, sell off the engine/tranny to some harley ***, and put one of these in it.

http://www.aaenperformance.com/images/snow/V4_Angle.jpg

[Riverman]

Jim what kind of mill is that?

[1BadAction]

a 2s from these guys http://www.aaenperformance.com/ that Joe ran across awhile back. kind of an all-purpose motor, they have it in a 200hp 800cc road racing version, and a 1000+cc 275hp drag version. maybe knock the compression down on the 1000cc and run it on a bike. how bad ass would that be to have 4 chambers on an awesome lookin street bike.

[1BadAction]

http://www.aaenperformance.com/V4_racing_engine.asp

[Riverman]

Or a street tracker. How 'bout puttin' some lights on this one?

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=42

[1BadAction]

I want something I can get parts for...

200+hp... oh man thats sick. I can just imagine the sound.

[Riverman]

I still want a 2stroke street bike. maybe I can buy a buell XB12R off ebay for cheap, sell off the engine/tranny to some harley ***, and put one of these in it.What, you don't like harley fart noises? :D
I remember seeing a pair of 5 HP Briggs engines mounted on a V-plate and chained together to replicate the timing of a harley. Sounded just like a harley, probably had as much power too. :)

[[email protected]]

i know i want something reliable b/c i ride alot! isn't the drz motor the same as the z400 4 wheeler motor? ...i just like having the best of both worlds..... jump on my bike and cruise on down to the keys or if i find a good trail then slap on my ridin boots and im set. i dont run tracks or anything so all i'd need is moderate suspension.

[tripledude2]

Go for it!!! I always kinda wanted an on/off road bike but there always seems to be another street bike I want. I do occasionally drive my Kaw 750 Turbo back in the local cow trails to the area where a lot of kids ride their dirtbikes. Always freaks 'em out. "What are you doing back here with THAT??"

[Better Toys]

Hey, I have done a few unintentional wheel stands of the RZ 350, and a few more on the RG 500. Both great bikes. I think one of the most fun bikes is being missed. The NSR 400. I still see them around at a reasonable price point. Worth looking in to.

[eautosales]

ive got a 73 rd350 ive had it for 15 years it just sits

[jay j]

basically big bore 2 stroke. 78 model had better suspension with the monoshock. still fun bikes with good power and can go 10,000 miles before needing attention, that is if you take care of it. plenty around. ebay has sold them from 600 bucks to 1,700.00

[mach351]

Figured I'd bring this thread back from the dead to show you guys my latest $40 investment!:thumbsup:

http://i39.tinypic.com/rixatu.jpg

[Raceman]

That RD is really cool. I had a 350 in the '70's that was a great bike. I put a pair of chrome chambers on it and the sound was unbelievable. Nothing like those pipes crackling in perfect harmony............... back and forth and back and forth. I love the way a two stroke twin sounds.

That may be what makes me drag the old H2 out of the back of the warehouse and see if I can make it crank.

[Tom Foley]

Figured I'd bring this thread back from the dead to show you guys my latest $40 investment!:thumbsup:

http://i39.tinypic.com/rixatu.jpg
I might have some free parts for you !! I'll post some pics of mine from back in the day !! I bought it new in 76' , boke four vertabrae at 402 miles ...two years later after re - hab I turned into a 78 ' cafe racer along those lines except with major engine mods , TZ - 750 Reed cages , 34 MM Mikunies , michelins etc .. Killer bike , sold it in 87 .:cheers:

[Riverman]

I bought a 76 RD400 brand new as well and raced it for a few years. The Canadian model had a flat black, white and gold colour scheme like in this pic.

[WATERWINGS]

Or a street tracker. How 'bout puttin' some lights on this one?

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=42

AAAHHHH..................The TZ............I would LOVE to have one of those........

I saw one leaving the Suzuki shop in Atlanta once.........ON THE ROAD.........so I guess they can be made street legal?

[Riverman]

Yep, it's been done. (http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/articles/1849/) I've seen a few conversion articles over the years. The challenges would be that there is no means of starting the engine (other than pushing) and the gearing. I can't imagine how much fun it would be, "120+ horsepower with the weight of a road going 125"!

[1BadAction]

you can now buy a complete, brand new 2-stroke bike www.twostrokeshop.com (http://www.twostrokeshop.com) - Its not something based on 60s 2 stroke designs either... I emailed them for details.

[Z FANTASYJETMAN]

had me a rz 350 built to the max ,would destroy any 4 stroke of that time. wish i never sold it !!!!!!!!!!!! yamaha made a v 4 rz 500 which was nasty ,but never got released in the states!!!!!!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_RD500LC a link to wiki ,check it out

[mach351]

I might have some free parts for you !! I'll post some pics of mine from back in the day !! I bought it new in 76' , boke four vertabrae at 402 miles ...two years later after re - hab I turned into a 78 ' cafe racer along those lines except with major engine mods , TZ - 750 Reed cages , 34 MM Mikunies , michelins etc .. Killer bike , sold it in 87 .:cheers:

Id be interested in parts Tom - Lemme know - Ed and I will see you at River Ranch!:cheers:

[Tom Foley]

you can now buy a complete, brand new 2-stroke bike www.twostrokeshop.com (http://www.twostrokeshop.com) - Its not something based on 60s 2 stroke designs either... I emailed them for details.

When I worked at Orient Express I was so close to building a street legal Yamaha TZ 750 - G model . Not building it is probably the only reason I am alive today !! You can say all you want about new tech 2 strokes but the old TZ 's would scare the livin fuzz out of you !! How about in 1978 185 mph on the banking at Daytona !! suspension and ignition upgrades are the stuff that separates the two eras . Dont forget ..a lot of technology separates the 60's from the late seventies in development . I realize you weren't born yet but , guys were going very fast in the 70's !!

[bennyb]

whats up saw this post ,rode old crs and yzs in the day .but i bought a 73 500
and a74 750 triple at a sheriffs auction in the 80s spent money rebuilding both check out [fast by gas] got stuff from them carbs pistons ,cranks
chambers.the 750 on racefuel was a piston eater if not jetted properly went thru three sets before i caught the learning curve,
best run on the 750 with slick and rear swingarm mod ran 9.44
but damm it was a hell of a ride .my car ran 9.40s love the rd s
and the triples but have been looking, short of robbing a bank it will be awhile before i build one ,nice to think about the old days

[1BadAction]

I'm more interested in the running quality, longevity, and suspension design from the new age. It would be nice to ride it back and forth to work on occasion, or to bike gatherings, etc. No question in my mind that the power is there. the few 400+CC banshees that I have been on were pure insanity... Hell, even a stout yz250 will put you on your ass if you aren't careful.


When I worked at Orient Express I was so close to building a street legal Yamaha TZ 750 - G model . Not building it is probably the only reason I am alive today !! You can say all you want about new tech 2 strokes but the old TZ 's would scare the livin fuzz out of you !! How about in 1978 185 mph on the banking at Daytona !! suspension and ignition upgrades are the stuff that separates the two eras . Dont forget ..a lot of technology separates the 60's from the late seventies in development . I realize you weren't born yet but , guys were going very fast in the 70's !!

[Tom Foley]

I'm more interested in the running quality, longevity, and suspension design from the new age. It would be nice to ride it back and forth to work on occasion, or to bike gatherings, etc. No question in my mind that the power is there. the few 400+CC banshees that I have been on were pure insanity... Hell, even a stout yz250 will put you on your ass if you aren't careful.
HA , I know all to well about stout dirt bikes putting one on their ass !! I had two trick CR 500 's and two CR 250's at the same time !!! My 2002 brand new YZ - 250 was the last bike i really crashed my brains out on ....collapsed lung, concussion , torn and crushed shoulder , twisted knee , cracked ribs etc ..it was a bad trail ride at Croom that day . 10 Ibuprofen and 5 beers to ease the pain for the ride home !!
Here are some pics of my RD - 400 and a project Z- 1 -1000 . in one pic you can see the chambers ground down on a 45 degree angle from cornering ..great little bike , sold it for 750.00 !!:eek:
http://i39.tinypic.com/ek58us.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/21e42op.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/ml3syv.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/j8lc3p.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/wh1oax.jpg
These pics are from 87 !!

[RNM018]

Hey Tom , When we ground of the pipes on our RD's , We called it Crashing , not Cornering !!!

DG pipes and heads , why did you paint the heads ? Shouldn't they had been Gold Anodized ?

I take it the rear fender was removed intentionally . Most of mine got ground off a couple of time . Then they would just give up completely ,and it was over you went . Damn taillights just wouldn't support much weight . :rolleyes:

Did you notice Randy's(mach 351) working on a Daytona Speical ?

Rich Martin 018:thumbsup:

[mach351]

Thode gold DG heads go for BIG BUCKS on greedbay! I'd consider a set, if my bike wasnt a Daytona (with the single piece head)

Hey Tom, what kind of bars were on your RD? they look like the ones on this Daytona i got, but mine are bent. I like that low "cafe" look, but cant seem to find anything new thats close to that look.

Anyone ever mess with any other brand pipes? I like the DG's, but am always game for somthin different

[Tom Foley]

Actually I think the stock heads and Toomey pipes make more power but ...had to have the Radially Finned heads !! I was going for the blacked out look with polished edges ..hence the wheels heads etc ... I don't remember who made those bars but they were actuallt better than clip ons for the street . I saw god many times on that little bike ! :cheers:

[mach351]

by the way tom - i like the old, red marine specialties chevy van!:eek:

[Tom Foley]

by the way tom - i like the old, red marine specialties chevy van!:eek:

Strangely enough I bought it new in 1980 with the settlement money from breaking my back on the RD -400 after wheelieing from a stop light in Massapequa NY !! I just got rid of it about three years ago !!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

[Riverman]

I used to change the handlebars on all my bikes to Honda 400 Supersport bars. They were almost flat with just a little rise. Except for the RD, I had clubmans on that bike. :thumbsup:

[Wile E. Coyote]

Randy , I'll go out and look in the trailer ,and see what is out there . But I know Buell is using that bent of bar on there new 1125CR model . I can only amagine that they would want stupid money for them though .

Rich Martin 018:thumbsup:

Oh , About the pipes , I use to run PipeLine and RacerOnes . DG's worked well also , but Tom is correct about Toomeys , and they may still be avialable .

[DoktorC]

Oh , About the pipes , I use to run PipeLine and RacerOnes . DG's worked well also , but Tom is correct about Toomeys , and they may still be avialable .


Last I heard Toomey was only making Banshee pipes....too bad 'cause his RZ pipes were amazing!

[Tom Foley]

Now I want an RZ 500 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys had to get his going ...flashbacks are a biotch !!

BTW Clubmans were the bars on that one I had , loved 'em .

[mach351]

there was a rz500 that went for big bucks on ebeay a couple months ago - i think it was a jap version with an aluminum frame?! supposed to be way rare

[mach351]

Randy , I'll go out and look in the trailer ,and see what is out there . But I know Buell is using that bent of bar on there new 1125CR model . I can only amagine that they would want stupid money for them though .

Rich Martin 018:thumbsup:

Oh , About the pipes , I use to run PipeLine and RacerOnes . DG's worked well also , but Tom is correct about Toomeys , and they may still be avialable .

betcha I could have some of these "fabricator types" around here make me some bars! theyre just 7/8" steel, right? Cant be that tuff - those morons on the discovery channel do it!

[Tom Foley]

Try Dennis Kirk , Tucker Rocky , maybe some cult RD forums out there or I can make them just need some info .

[mach351]

found 'em - HVCylce has em for $40!:cheers:

[gary slagle]

[QUOTE=Tom Foley;160388 . Dont forget ..a lot of technology separates the 60's from the late seventies in development . I realize you weren't born yet but , guys were going very fast in the 70's !![/QUOTE]

thread brings back some great memories! had lots of 2 stroke tripples, but the most exciting was 1 350 kaw, which was built by mike merdoch, it would spank the early 4 cyl hondas & bikes with much more cc's,handled & stoped better than the 500 & 750 tripples that my dad & i had, also had a 350 kaw avenger, rotary valve intake ,very quick for its day but would spit two stroke oil all over the chick on the back. good thread :iagree:fun era when less than a grand could buy 12 sec. streetbike from the showroom floor!!

[Riverman]

:iagree: This thread makes me want to buy something old and stinky.

[GP-1]

Isn't it funny how your memory can fool you?? Those old two-strokes didn't handle, had no brakes and were only fast compared to the overweight pig four-strokes that Honda was making at the time. For your efforts, you had 750 Kawasakis that turned into 500's reasonably often due to fouled spark plugs. When they did run well, and you drove them hard, they got 18 mpg (yes, really). The carbs leaked, the ignition systems were crap (hence the fouled plugs).. For some reason, the Yamaha RD's were a bit more reliable than the Kawasaki triples.. and the Suzuki two-strokes were probably the most reliable of all.. And what did Suzuki get for making the best bike?? Hmmmm. Know anybody looking for a GT380 or GT550? Me neither.. We all need to temper our enthusiasm for these old pieces of crap..

Anybody know where I can find a '72 350 S2? I'll pay good money for a nice one...:D

[tripledude2]

Problem with the Suzuki's, even the water buffalo 750, was that nobody wanted one. If you wanted a fast two stroke, Kaw was the king....unless you dipped into the 350's. Then it was Yamaha.
Regarding fouled plugs on the Kaws...maybe I was a lucky exception but my NEW 500 triple didn't foul a plug the whole time I owned it..but then again, I ran it pretty hard. I thought I had a fouled plug recently on my current 750 triple but the plug wire was loose on the plug....those plugs have been in there for five years.
Interested in a 350 Kaw?? I just picked up a 72 version. All there and cosmetically "decent." The red paint is weak but all else is pretty nice. I bought it from a trusted friend of a trusted friend.....The seller inherited it from his father-in-law back in the mid 70's. He drove it off and on until two years ago and parked it. Would need some playing with to get it running (carbs feel stuck) but he said it was running good. He even put new tires on it before parking. I just did a quick walkaround, oaded it in the truck and stuck it in myt shed until I decide what to do with it. If interested, send me an email at [email protected]. I don't get on here too often anymore due to having to wade through the political nutjobs....

[GP-1]

Problem with the Suzuki's, even the water buffalo 750, was that nobody wanted one. If you wanted a fast two stroke, Kaw was the king....unless you dipped into the 350's. Then it was Yamaha.
Regarding fouled plugs on the Kaws...maybe I was a lucky exception but my NEW 500 triple didn't foul a plug the whole time I owned it..but then again, I ran it pretty hard. I thought I had a fouled plug recently on my current 750 triple but the plug wire was loose on the plug....those plugs have been in there for five years.
Interested in a 350 Kaw?? I just picked up a 72 version. All there and cosmetically "decent." The red paint is weak but all else is pretty nice. I bought it from a trusted friend of a trusted friend.....The seller inherited it from his father-in-law back in the mid 70's. He drove it off and on until two years ago and parked it. Would need some playing with to get it running (carbs feel stuck) but he said it was running good. He even put new tires on it before parking. I just did a quick walkaround, oaded it in the truck and stuck it in myt shed until I decide what to do with it. If interested, send me an email at [email protected]. I don't get on here too often anymore due to having to wade through the political nutjobs....


I sent you an email, but it bounced. I'd be interested in talking about it. You might be a long way away to pick up a project bike, but then again..

[Riverman]

My 750 had no fouling problems either :confused: It was understood back then that the triples had a pretty strong ignition system.

[tripledude2]

I sent you an email, but it bounced. I'd be interested in talking about it. You might be a long way away to pick up a project bike, but then again..
Hmmmm....don't know why the email bounced????? Try it again???

[GP-1]

Did it again.... Who knows?

Anyway.. So it needs a card re-build? That's no big deal if they're not just corroded away. Does it turn over freely? Just wondering if I'm looking at a weekend trying to get it running or it's a come-completely-apart project? How do the pipes look?

My dad had a '72 S2.. I was pretty young then, but it was my first high speed motorcycle experience. 95 mph down an airport runway in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. It was pretty cool for a 13-year-old.

[tripledude2]

Did it again.... Who knows?

Anyway.. So it needs a card re-build? That's no big deal if they're not just corroded away. Does it turn over freely? Just wondering if I'm looking at a weekend trying to get it running or it's a come-completely-apart project? How do the pipes look?

My dad had a '72 S2.. I was pretty young then, but it was my first high speed motorcycle experience. 95 mph down an airport runway in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. It was pretty cool for a 13-year-old.
The guy I bought it from is a good friend of a good friend and seemed like a "standup" guy. He said he parked it in 2007 (plate is still on it) shortly after putting on new tires. It's all there including original pipes (with gummy baffles). The only thing missing is the handrail that goes around the back of the seat. It was replaced with a luggage rack. I'm guessing an H2 part is the same but haven't checked yet.
I might tackle the carbs, throw my h2 battery in it, add some fresh gas and see what happens. Of course, that'll add to the cost. Time is at a premium right now but I'll try and get some pics soon after cleaning it up. A good detail would help it a lot.
On a sidenote, a guy at work recently came to me and said he had three bikes that his son brought home years ago to "fix" and he wanted them out of his garage. The guy had no idea what they were. I asked,"Do any of them say Indian or Cyclone or????" Turned out they were a junk CBR600, a 72 Honda 350 and a Suzuki RM dirtbike (looks like about 100CC). They were free so I took them. More stuff laying around and taking up valuable real estate. I sent you a PM with my work email address.