RZ restoration

[oldrz]

Hi All,

I lived overseas for many years and kept a much loved Yamaha RZ350 in storage. Now living back here in Oz I'd like to get it up and running again but don't have the space/tools/know-how to do a proper restoration. The bike was kept under cover and is complete but hasn't been fired up since the mid 90s. It will need an engine rebuild, suspension overhaul, new brake lines etc etc. Any idea of how much this would cost and can anyone recommend a restoration shop in Sydney? This is my first post to this forum and I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to bring the old rz back to life.

[JonW]

I'm not sure there are any resto shops who can and will do it, you might be better tackling this yourself if you can find a like minded few friends locally to help when you get stuck. These bikes are not hard to work on, but it will take time and some cash to do right.

[OzzyElsie]

Hi All,

I lived overseas for many years and kept a much loved Yamaha RZ350 in storage. Now living back here in Oz I'd like to get it up and running again but don't have the space/tools/know-how to do a proper restoration. The bike was kept under cover and is complete but hasn't been fired up since the mid 90s. It will need an engine rebuild, suspension overhaul, new brake lines etc etc. Any idea of how much this would cost and can anyone recommend a restoration shop in Sydney? This is my first post to this forum and I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to bring the old rz back to life.

There are so many unknowns contained in the above it becomes a 'how long is a piece of string' questions. You need very little room, very few hand tools and very little mechanical ability to rebuild a 2t. And it not even established if it needs a rebuild.

All it might need is a carby clean, new fuel, some new oils and a kick in the guts.

As a guide work on a $1000 for an engine rebuild and say $500 for the rest - new tyres etc.

Sydney is a city of 5 million with one of the biggest metro's in the world. Just who would be convenient to you is another question entirely. If you are in the West try Mick Dwyer at Penrith. He is one of the best and fairest mechanics I know. But be careful - he doesn't suffer fools. This is one bike shop where the customer is not always right

The RZ350 is a great bike, you won't be disappointed. It is also an appreciating classic and your money won't be wasted - you will get 'investment money' back. Well most of it . Maybe .

But the fun and excitement is guaranteed

That might help but if you need more info, ask.

Ciao. Good luck.

[fred99999au]

I pulled my RZ250 put of the shed after not running for 13 years and pumped the tyres up, washed the mouse shit off it, replaced the air filter gave it a bit of 'start ya bastard' and it settled down to an idle with the 13 or more year old petrol in it.

Best thing you can do is do an inspection of it as they are not complex and see what needs doing from there.

[oldrz]

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I realise it needs inspection by a trained mechanic and asked someone to do so several weeks ago but he's yet to follow through. A lot of the bike shops I used to know around the south of Sydney have closed and I'm still trying to get my head around how much the cost of living has gone up. Anyway it's good to hear that RZ250 was persuaded to start after a 13 year break following a few choice words etc! Maybe mine will do the same? Will let you know what happens.

[JonW]

To be honest if you want to keep it running without niggling problems i would do some work on it rather than start it and hope to get it rego'd and use it, but that's just take on old bikes i guess.

You dont need a mechanic to look at it, most dont know these bikes that well instead I would suggest asking forumers as there are a few people who live in the south who ride LCs and RZs who could look it over if youre near them for a few beers and chat.

[OzzyElsie]

If "south of Sydney" is more south west than the Shire, go and see Mick Dyer, Coreen Ave., Penrith.

One of his off siders is 'into' RZ's.

They are enthusiast motorcyclists and enthusiast mechanics. They'll probably do an assessment and talk a few options free of charge. Most dealers, and some shops, in Sydney will humiliate you if you turn with a bike older than ten years old. They literally won't look at a bike more than 10yo.

There was a specialist MX shop around Liverpool that was 'into' 2t's as well.

[fred99999au]

Oh, and "start ya bastard" is a product made by Nulon which is an ether gas mix designed to help along vehicles with a stubborn disposition.

Not a litany.