RZ350NC2 Resto Mod

[kpke]

10/15/21

RZ350NC2 1EL MODEL late 1985 YPVS
52 hp@8750 rpm & 4.2m.kg@7500 rpm

Model sold in USA ONLY in CALIFORNIA

(With more restricted exhaust system to be OK with emissions laws)

Today I moved this bike into the garage to begin a resto mod. It currently has an engine transplant from a track/race bike. The original engine will get rebuilt and married back to its frame.

This model is somewhat rare being the 85 ½ California only model. So no “major” frame mods or suspension swaps. However it may get over restored a bit.

 

[kpke]

First up properly align the headlight so the birdcage can be sent off for powder coat.

Done for today

 

[1962siia]

Wow that looks like a great bike to start with!

 

[Maddevill]

Your starting point looks better than a bike when I'm finished with it.
I hate you. Lol

Mad

 

[budman]

Your starting point looks better than a bike when I'm finished with it.
I hate you. Lol

Mad

Minus the hate part I have to agree!!

Going to be full bling I bet. Tuned in.

 

[GPzPop]

omg I sure like these mosquito abatement devices
looks like a fun project

 

[gixxerjeff]

Your starting point looks better than a bike when I'm finished with it.

Yeah, same here.
This will be a fun thread to watch.

 

[kpke]

Your starting point looks better than a bike when I'm finished with it.
I hate you. Lol

Mad

Wow that looks like a great bike to start with!

It is a nice bike to start with. Taking it down sometimes I'm thinking "WTF you doing this for?" But up close it has a lot of "stuff" that needs fixin.

10/23/21

A photo Sunday with 2 year older sibling prior to disassembly

Here’s a few days of after work garage therapy disassembly.

Ready for engine removal this morning.

Then strip to frame for PC. Or possibly paint so as to retain original VIN and smog stickers. PC is simple. Paint would be a PIA.

 

[matty]

Subscribed, looking forward to seeing the progress, though like others have said, your starting point was pretty damn nice.

 

[Frame Maker]

This is going to look very nice(r) when done, as do all of your projects Ken! Few questions purely out of curiosity...

Will you be replacing the "blingy" looking bits with OEM looking bits... such as the shiny engine covers? Or putting a brush finish on the forks to better replicate the OEM finish? I know how you like polishing though. Any decision on keeping the paint original (except where the tank needs some repair)? Last question... When can I schedule to bring some of my RZs over for this treatment?

 

[kpke]

At the rate I work on my projects, I have an opening for your work, let's say spring of 2027.

The engine being removed is not the original engine. The original engine will retain more of a factory look, shiny black side covers, etc.

Other stuff, may get some polish or not. Still undecided as I work through this.

 

[kpke]

10/24/21

Saturday work.

This was bothering me a great deal. I could not let these carburetors sit like this (any longer). This is after 6 years of sitting with premix in them.

All clean and all back together.

I didn’t make it back out in the evening.

Pizza and a movie and popcorn superseded this project.

 

[kpke]

10/25/21

Sunday work.

Disassembly down to the frame.

The easy part is now done. Reassembly may take a little longer.

 

[Frame Maker]

Frame Maker's tip for the day: if you decide to re-paint the frame, Replacement Decals can make those VIN and Federal Noise decals. You won't see them offered on the website, so you have to make a request by email. Quality and accuracy is very good for reproductions.

https://www.replacementdecals.com/

VIN + fed decals by andbike, on Flickr


PS- I'm gonna hold you to that 2027 date. Its probably sooner than when I'll get to them

 

[Lonster]

Nice tip.

 

[mean dad]

Ok so first Julian starts a thread about his RZ with a new fabricated-from-scratch frame, and now Ken starts this thread about a close-to-show-quality RZ being stripped down and made even better...


I feel we need balance, like maybe I should start a thread about how I just grabbed a long metal bar to bend my subframe straight and spray painted it black.

 

[bobl]

I'm following. Just thought I would let you know that people are reading and appreciating you photos and print.

Please keep us posted!

 

[gixxerjeff]

I'm closely following along too.
Please excuse the puddle of drool I'm standing in.

 

[auntiebling]

Ok so first Julian starts a thread about his RZ with a new fabricated-from-scratch frame, and now Ken starts this thread about a close-to-show-quality RZ being stripped down and made even better...


I feel we need balance, like maybe I should start a thread about how I just grabbed a long metal bar to bend my subframe straight and spray painted it black.

i like what you're saying and would like to subscriibe to your newsletter

 

[kpke]

Thanks for all the replies and feedback.

Has anybody used these guys for brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild parts, mostly O-rings at the moment?

Brake Crafters

https://www.brakecrafters.com/collections/1994-yamaha-fzr600/products/1990-1999-yamaha-fzr600-front-brake-caliper-new-seal-kit

I can get everything I need from one source. Some things are competitively priced with Yamaha and/or aftermarket, some a little less.