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Author Topic: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.  (Read 9626 times)

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Offline solo 2

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Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« on: January 29, 2012, 07:11:16 PM »
I was at the local new bike show 2 weeks ago and ran into a guy at the MV Agusta booth as it's the first year they've allowed them up here. We started chatting about the bikes we lusted after and found out this gentleman was not lacking in funds or motorcycles. I discovered we both had a thing for Ducatis and 2 strokes. I mentioned that I lusted after a Yamaha RZ500...he mentioned that he had 4!!, 1 pristine,1 track bike and 2 runners. Faster than I can say "Let the games begin", he sells me one at a VERY reasonable price. It's not perfect, but it runs strong and it's all there. I'm Sooooooo happy!!

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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2012, 08:37:43 PM »
that looks really fun...jealous
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2012, 09:03:20 PM »
solo 2,
    What model/year is she ? Is that a steel perimeter frame? or aluminum ? Could you show some more pics w/ the tank and covers removed  :) ;) :)...I had an RD350 and...always dreamed about "seeing" an RZ500 !!  Thanks  ;)
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
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Offline 754

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2012, 09:57:11 PM »
  I know a guy in Cowtown that has one, he gets thru Edmonchuk pretty often..
 Think there is at least one here in town too..
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My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

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Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Leino

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2012, 01:26:06 AM »
Nice find! Do you have a RG 500 as well?  ::)
Oh yeah, those were sold as RD 500 in Europe.
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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2012, 05:25:06 AM »
Quote from: grcamna2 on January 29, 2012, 09:03:20 PM
solo 2,
    What model/year is she ? Is that a steel perimeter frame? or aluminum ? Could you show some more pics w/ the tank and covers removed  :) ;) :)...I had an RD350 and...always dreamed about "seeing" an RZ500 !!  Thanks  ;)

It's a 1984, Canadian model(steel frame), only the Japanese RVZs had the aluminum frame. I'm looking to get one eventually. I'll post some pics later as I have too many bikes in pieces right now.
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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2012, 05:31:40 AM »
Quote from: 754 on January 29, 2012, 09:57:11 PM
  I know a guy in Cowtown that has one, he gets thru Edmonchuk pretty often..
 Think there is at least one here in town too..

They're not that rare and come up for sale quite often if you're looking, but like the sandcasts and early CBs they've become sought after and the prices are really climbing. It's funny how rarity doesn't matter as much as popularity alot of the time, my 600 Pantah only had a production run of about 1800 units, who knows how many are still around, but it's not a very covetted Ducati so the prices haven't really taken off.
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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2012, 05:34:42 AM »
Quote from: Leino on January 30, 2012, 01:26:06 AM
Nice find! Do you have a RG 500 as well?  ::)
Oh yeah, those were sold as RD 500 in Europe.

I wish I had a RG500, passed up the only one i'm ever likely to be willing to pay for a couple of years ago. The prices on those have nearly tripled in the last 5 years.
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Offline kirkn

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2012, 12:19:10 PM »
Speaking of Canadian bikes / Holy Grails....

Well, my desire is more like an ol' wooden cup, but still - a CX650E!  They never came to the US.  All we ever got was the CX650 Custom, which, by then, was almost a cartoon!  But the Canadian E - man, I'd like to find one of them here in the southern US!

All the motor and chassis improvements that came with the 650 over the 500 and swoopy bodywork that reminds of the CX650 Turbo, but without the turbo headaches.  Sweet.





« Last Edit: January 30, 2012, 12:28:48 PM by kirkn »
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Offline Leino

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2012, 12:30:59 PM »
Quote from: solo 2 on January 30, 2012, 05:34:42 AM
I wish I had a RG500, passed up the only one i'm ever likely to be willing to pay for a couple of years ago. The prices on those have nearly tripled in the last 5 years.
I see your point, RG 500 is on my list too... hard to find and very expensive.
I might have to settle for some other bikes on my list, like '86 GSX-R 1100 and '83 Katana 1100  ::)
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Offline Sam Green Racing

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2012, 03:13:01 PM »
This is a SOHC forum, you shouldn't be discusing these DOHC bikes. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2012, 04:19:33 PM »
Quote from: Leino on January 30, 2012, 12:30:59 PM
Quote from: solo 2 on January 30, 2012, 05:34:42 AM
I wish I had a RG500, passed up the only one i'm ever likely to be willing to pay for a couple of years ago. The prices on those have nearly tripled in the last 5 years.
I see your point, RG 500 is on my list too... hard to find and very expensive.
I might have to settle for some other bikes on my list, like '86 GSX-R 1100 and '83 Katana 1100  ::)

We have similar tastes, I bought a 86 GSXR750 new, would love another one and the Kat is high on my list. The big Kats can still be had for a reasonable price over here, just hard to find in good condition. I'm lusting after a CBX too, but I promised the better half no more bikes till all my other projects are complete...could be awhile

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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2012, 04:23:17 PM »
Quote from: SamCR750A on January 30, 2012, 03:13:01 PM
This is a SOHC forum, you shouldn't be discusing these DOHC bikes. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

If more cams is bad, you should LOVE most of my bikes :o
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Offline Leino

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2012, 10:49:57 PM »
Quote from: SamCR750A on January 30, 2012, 03:13:01 PM
This is a SOHC forum, you shouldn't be discusing these DOHC bikes. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
My apologies oh great one  :P
Please take care someone removes the GPz thread as well  ;)

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Offline Leino

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2012, 10:55:41 PM »
Quote from: solo 2 on January 30, 2012, 04:19:33 PM
We have similar tastes, I bought a 86 GSXR750 new, would love another one and the Kat is high on my list. The big Kats can still be had for a reasonable price over here, just hard to find in good condition. I'm lusting after a CBX too, but I promised the better half no more bikes till all my other projects are complete...could be awhile
Oh man, that's a classic for sure! I'm a bit tall to ride the 750 GSX-R but I was able to bend myself over a 1100 a couple years back when I had a chance to ride one in very nice condition.
Big Kats are quite expensive in Finland and either restored or turboed... neither suits me  ::)
Don't get me started on the CBX  ;D I saw one drag racing last summer, sounds awesome!!!
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #15 on: January 31, 2012, 02:38:10 PM »
Quote from: kirkn on January 30, 2012, 12:19:10 PM
Speaking of Canadian bikes / Holy Grails....

Well, my desire is more like an ol' wooden cup, but still - a CX650E!  They never came to the US.  All we ever got was the CX650 Custom, which, by then, was almost a cartoon!  But the Canadian E - man, I'd like to find one of them here in the southern US!

All the motor and chassis improvements that came with the 650 over the 500 and swoopy bodywork that reminds of the CX650 Turbo, but without the turbo headaches.  Sweet.




That's a nice bike kirkn ;)...have you had any looks at any Canadian bikes lately ?
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline kirkn

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #16 on: January 31, 2012, 02:56:03 PM »
I search nationwide Craigslist every so often with no luck so far.  :(

I tell you what, if one of those red-white-and-blue models came up for sale anywhere within 500 miles of me, I'd be hittin' the savings account hard...  :)
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Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #17 on: January 31, 2012, 03:47:42 PM »
Quote from: kirkn on January 31, 2012, 02:56:03 PM
I search nationwide Craigslist every so often with no luck so far.  :(

I tell you what, if one of those red-white-and-blue models came up for sale anywhere within 500 miles of me, I'd be hittin' the savings account hard...  :)

There's one for sale in Ottawa, needs paint. In Canada you're better off looking at kijiji.ca to find stuff.
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Offline 754

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #18 on: January 31, 2012, 09:24:27 PM »
 There is a red/white/ blue one here in town, the rarer of the 2. not for sale, part of a nice collection...
 Solo take a look at BC Classic Motorcycle club, you may want to join the fun. There is a nice vintage meet and races near Vernon BC in early July at Okeefe Ranch.. lots of Alberta folks come out for that..
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Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2012, 05:35:19 AM »
Quote from: 754 on January 31, 2012, 09:24:27 PM
There is a red/white/ blue one here in town, the rarer of the 2. not for sale, part of a nice collection...
 Solo take a look at BC Classic Motorcycle club, you may want to join the fun. There is a nice vintage meet and races near Vernon BC in early July at Okeefe Ranch.. lots of Alberta folks come out for that..

Sounds like something I'd like to go to eventually, busy time of year. I have a bike trip slated for end of June. We have our vintage bike meet in Ponoka July long weekend. Trying to have the CB750 and maybe a couple more ready for this years event. Alot of good people show up from all over Canada.
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Offline my78k

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #20 on: February 01, 2012, 05:53:48 AM »
My brother had a RG500 Gamma back in the day. That thing was INSANE! quickest bike I have ridden to date.

He blew it up on the way to Kingston one day to visit my mom in the hospital. He was lucky/good enough to save himself when the engine blew and locked up solid.

I miss that bike.... :(

Dennis
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #21 on: February 01, 2012, 04:31:33 PM »
solo 2,
  Have you got into the RZ500 yet :)...as far as any work ?
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline solo 2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #22 on: February 01, 2012, 09:25:10 PM »
Quote from: grcamna2 on February 01, 2012, 04:31:33 PM
solo 2,
  Have you got into the RZ500 yet :)...as far as any work ?

It'll be awhile before I start playing with it, have a CB750 and 2 RD350LCs to get together before summer. I'll get pics up for you asap.
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Offline faux fiddy

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #23 on: February 02, 2012, 02:50:54 AM »
There's an rz-500 in the shop here, actually in my bud's garage.  He's been in and out of the motor, reshaped the porting, added material, added a conduit for coolant where it flows through instead of just sitting by the back cylinder cooking. Then there's the whole thing with the countershafts rinning 100' apart instead of 90.
You can change that.

Lemme see if I can find some pics.



You can read his thread and poke around here for the whole How Yamaha made a 500gp replica with only 80hp  story.  There's several pages at teamsmoke.com if you look for the rz stuff.

http://teamsmoke.com/photo5_1.html

Luke's RZ500 Tune 
 
How Yamaha made a 500gp replica with only 80hp


  I'm more of a garage junkie than a writer so this story won't ever be finished. It could be called How to Derestrict Your RZ500 or What Yamaha left out of the TSI. Not that I know enough to really explain it. A better title would be What I did for 2 years when I should have been working on my house. You just want to see pictures anyway so here they are and i'll add more till its running again. If you want to comment on my work good bad or otherwise take it to http://www.rzrd500.com/ and or http://www.yamaha-rd.com/forum/  Just remember the old saying "If you layed all the 2 stroke tuners end to end they still wouldn't reach a conclusion"

  My goal is to get all the midrange torque I can with stock parts. These bikes are fast as hell at high rpm's when the resonation in the exhaust overcomes the plugged up intake and transfer ducts. I think the work i've done will help throughout the range and the stock reed cages will be the restriction. I have 28 tmx mikuni's and get 30 mpg before this work was done. Most of my riding is all day trips in the mountains with friends on big bikes and gas isn't always available at 100 miles but I want my 500 to be strong in the middle without being thirsty. Wish me luck.

  Disclaimer:  This is not a Manual!! This is the internet and its here for your entertainment!! You don't know me and I don't know sh#t from shinola!! If your foolish enough to think you know more than Yamaha about 2 strokes and want to hack on you motor thats your business don't come crying to me if you have problems. If you don't actually work on or ride but know everything and like to critize then you need to make up a stupid name, go to one of the links above and give us all a laugh!!

Luther

 
« Last Edit: February 02, 2012, 03:41:53 AM by fiddy of industry »
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Found my "Holy Grail"...OK, one of them.
« Reply #24 on: February 02, 2012, 09:46:52 PM »
Fiddy,
  That Luther does enjoy cleaning up and matching ports in his RZ500 doesn't he? :)
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.
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