2 Strokes Down Under

I recently bought a Alloy frame RzV500 its in sad condition and its giving me a reason to drink cold stubbies while I caress her back to life.

Is it gunna be OEM bog stock or modified? The alloy frame must be begging for late model R6 forks and wheels, and a few tweeks to the engine .

Regardless it sounds a project worthy of a slab or two .

OzzyElsie wrote:Is it gunna be OEM bog stock or modified? The alloy frame must be begging for late model R6 forks and wheels, and a few tweeks to the engine .

Regardless it sounds a project worthy of a slab or two .

My Kawasaki 750 H2 has been heavily modified with upside down forks and monoshock, so I feel that I will leave the RZV front and rear suspension alone to preserve some of the resale value of these bikes, even at the cost of braking and handling,,hahah

I got all of my bolts re Zinc plated, so I decided to throw in the rear sub frame as the silver paint was coming off and it was going rusty. I think its a bit bright at the moment but it will dull with age and besides its covered by the seat.


I finished overhauling the forks,cleaned them up and thew a couple of new seals into them. I will replace the oil and re- assemble. Anyone know the oil quantities for each leg?

put some emulators in those forks before putting back together

you can get emulators from debrix from 50 bucks that will work a treat in those 37mm forks

Put progressive springs in there and it will kind of handle the originals are total rubbish and up the fork oil to 10wt the standard is 5wt. 300ml of oil in each. I put the progressive springs in mine and set the air gap to what they suggested not the 300ml Yamaha say. A big improvement but its still a dog.

I have made two K&N filters that I purchased off Ebay for $50each fit on. As this is my first attempt, can any of you seasoned members see a problem with these working?

I have seen others do similar - they should work OK.


Yes, the 500 is a horrible handling bike from the factory isn't it? It just doesn't seem to want to stay turned in.

Wheels and tyres on, now at least it is back to a roller. Lomas Chambers on the way, so then we can make some noise!!

Hi Guys well my RZV500 is finally on the road.The JL chambers fitted perfectly and have a perfect note. The powerband hit is sensational as well. :woop:

Love it!

That is bloody nice, mate, well done. I wish my projects went so quickly, work seems to always interrupt.

Very nice... I bet she ain't so topheavy without those standard bloody pipes under the seat!

Yamaha really did under brake the 500, Suzuki had a bit more sense with the RG.

Nice work mate!!

Well in saying that mate they did have those sexy vented disc, which are unheard of on todays bikes.