Recent content by speedfrk

So, Rob at Tapeworks is developing a new rim stripping tool through a Kickstarter campaign. I've used the prototype and it works great- especially compared to trying to lay stripes on by hand- which I have done plenty of. There is 24 hrs left and he is about 2/3's to the goal. The cool thing...

I'm updating the website with a start to finish chronology of the RZ350 restoration... Pages 1-3 are done and I probably need to add 1 more. Yamaha RZ350 Restoration | National Superbike

Yeah, I love the old stuff... I did the paint for this guys DT360. He's turning it into a cafe style bike.

Well, she has moved out of the shop and into the garage... rode it all afternoon yesterday and it is a blast. I forgot how much fun 2 strokes are- the sound, smell, feel. So far, no problems at all. More pictures here-

A bit more progress... rode it around in the neighborhood to check for leaks, etc. Steering head bearings were loose but easily fixed. I put tapered roller bearings in when it was all apart since the original ball/race bearings were shot. It's been a pain to get the chin fairing to fit since...

RZ350 first start! So, here's the first start after being stripped down to the frame... no coolant leaks but the pet**** had a small leak that I had to fix. She runs awesome... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smLXg8w4oSI I guess pet**** is a banned word, lol. How about fuel valve :)

I can't wait either!... the clear needs to dry a couple of days before I wet sand and buff it... but soon! BTW, you can follow along on the FB page (like it, please) or on the company website.

getting ready for paint... the fun part! white base and pearl is on- red next!

Quick update... brakes are on and bled and mechanically its about as far along as I can get without a gas tank. So, time to do some painting.

A quick update... pipes and radiator are back on and the brakes are ready to be hooked up and bled. The bodywork is progressing in another part of the shop:)

"I know any of the old parts, NOS or otherwise, are VERY expensive nowadays. I'd be very concerned about the middle, inner crankshaft seal. I'm not sure if the crank needs to come apart for the replacement. Very simple engine to work on thou." The engine parts are generally available since...

Well, I would have to put something back in it's place to fill the holes... I still have the factory tube in a bin but from what I can see, it is just as likely to crack the intake rubber. Plus, these carbs are not US or Banshee spec, they are Canadian/Japanese models. I can play around with it...

Yep, there was a Kenny Roberts signature model in 85 that came in both red/white/blue or yellow/black with the Yamaha strobe stripes. The RD's are quickly becoming collector items- too bad you dodn't have yours anymore. This bike has DG pipes, so it is plenty loud and sounds awesome but they are...

Not sure what it weighs... well under 400 though. It is pretty entertaining to ride. No one home below 6000 rpm but after that, it's a hoot. This one was raced and has a lot of work done so I think it makes considerably more than the 59 HP that they rated the stock bike.

Absolutely will... here is the rolling frame and with the motor installed...