Finally got Myself an RZ250R

[hybrid]

You can get brackets that allow you to mount blue spot R1/R6 calipers, but depends how stock you want the bike to remain.

I ran battlax on my standard wheels, but there's some racers here that are probably better placed to recommend tyre sizes and brands.

[JonW]

http://2smoked.com/Triumph_calipers.html

[EPApolice]

Bridgestone BT45 are are good tyres on these bikes

[JonW]

not just good Pat, pretty much the best all rounders on that size wheel for many bikes now. Defo what I would advise.

[BRG1200]

I like the idea of improving these bikes without getting too far from the original, I.e. incremental improvements and optimisations rather than swapping out assemblies like forks and wheels. Shows how good the original package could be in its day, part of why they were so popular.

[JonW]

or just get more than one... restore one like it was from the factory and then mess with ('upgrade' we call it LOL) the other

Thinking about this... My F1 has been hard work to restore. While Petes bike wasnt initially cheap as such, my $400 wreck has cost buckets more (albeit reborn as a 350) and its still not done yet. Sure it will look new when im finished, but Pete's is nice and lets remember he is riding his... hmm... ahh well it's only been 4 years that I've been working on mine LOL

My next project is an 83 and it will be a much quicker build... it will be modified... for that I am breathing a sigh relief, easier to find fun parts and do them up than the originals for a one year bike for sure

Anyone wants to know more about both of those bikes, they are on my website linked in my sig.

Anyway, Pete, what's happening this week on your bike mate? Loving these posts, gets me keen to work on mine....

[petegailey]

Firstly thanks everyone for your tips and wisdom. I had a frustrating day with the RZ yesterday. Took it for another run out the Old Rd in the afternoon to get a feel for the progressive springs in the front. The forks have stiffened up and the dampening is harder, probably because I used 20W fork oil. This has changed the geometry of the bike and made me more aware of the rear suspension. When I was riding through the tight corners with the power on I was aware of the rear wheel tending to skip occasionally. This could be the old tyres, rear pre load or rider. The bike drops into corners quicker but I'm thinking about changing the fork oil back to 10W. When I got home I played around with the pre load on the rear. It was on 3 but the shock seemed old and the sag didn't seem to change much from 1 to 5.

The other problem I encountered was the engine. Two days ago I had a nice smooth power band nearly all the way through the revs. Out on the road yesterday it was getting hot, the engine was four stroking between 5000-6000 and by the time Id got home was running rough and rattly below 4000 too. I got off hot and frustrated. Bloody 2 strokes! I checked the plugs and they seemed ok, a bit sooty but not fouled. I'm not experienced in tuning twin carbies, don't even know how to find the needles and so Ive got to get some education about jetting from somewhere. Found a good thread on the UK site called Spankys Jetting Guide but it just felt a bit overwhelming last night. Need to break it down into bite sized bits, but that was one of my reasons for going down the 2 stroke path.

My original idea for this bike was to have a crack at building a 2 stroke cafe racer, but because it is so original my plans have changed. I do like the idea of having good brakes, tyres and suspension but not to the extent of changing forks, wheels and swing arms but I'm certainly not adverse to braided lines, better calipers, sports tyres, suspension etc. I'm also finding it interesting in learning the art of riding a bike from another era. When this RZ is running well its a beautiful exciting machine, but when its bad its horrid! So the saga continues.

PS: Just took the RZ for a quick spin and its all fun again. Maybe it was a bad rider day yesterday.

[BRG1200]

I'm going to neatly sidestep most of what you've just said and suggest, if you can, taking Jon's advice.... Get a little friend for it, do your cafe racer and keep that nice RZ original and sweet ;-)

Mr Gailey, keep at it at the pace you're going, you're going to learn so much and love that bike

Jon, I've kinda taken your advice too, but the three bikes I've managed to acquire will all be "original". I agree in principle though, especially if a bike is a ratty old resto in the first place!

[Greasemeup]

Can anyone that has done the R6 rear shock conversion on an RZ enlighten us with their experience. What was the feel like? Would it suit PG's circumstances?

[petegailey]

I'll look into that one. Thinking a lot more positive about it tonight,
Q: Does anyone know these carbies or were they restricted to Japan? Mikuni with Q4 34 stamped on the side.

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[BRG1200]

They look like the ones on the US market bikes, but I've seen them over here too, (in boxes in a wreckers) never seen them in UK. not much help I know.

[hybrid]

Put some PWK28's on it

Edit: Actually, being a 250, it might not benefit much.

[petegailey]

http://2smoked.com/Triumph_calipers.html

My Triumph calipers arrived today. sourced from Imperial Sportsbikes in Colarado US thru ebay. They look to be in very good nick with pads and braided lines. Good price too I think, $44USD + $65 shipping and arrived in only 10 days. Very impressed with Imperial Sportsbikes.

The next thing to figure out is whether to use the Triumph lines or the RZ lines as they use a different routing. Any suggestions?

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[JonW]

Have a look at what i did on my site in the 85 F1 section Pete, there were a few ideas in there...

[Gazzah]

Hi Pete,
My bike has the 99 R6 shock mod in an otherwise stock bike. The R6 shock is longer than the standard shock and has raised the rear to the point where the tyre just rests on the ground with the bike on the centre stand. It has definately quickened up the steering alot, which I like but if you're doing higher speeds it can tend to weave a little and get a bit nervous ( Ive still got stock fronts springs ) The catch with the R6 shock is you have to grind a little out of the frame to clear the shock reservoir,(instuctions on 2smoked.com are spot on), and get the bushes.
It transformed my bikes handling (my rear shock was knackered) so a very cost effective mod if you get one for a good price.
My vote also for the BT45's in stock sizes 90/90-18 and 110/80-18. Ive also tried Lasertech's with a 120 rear, and although they were good I found that with the wider rear tyre I was on the edge of the front but a long way from the edge of the rear. With the BT45's its more even and the bike feels more agile with the skinnier rear tyre.


Cheers