This is my 1984 RZ350R project bike. I've got a FZ600 swingarm and a FZR600 front end ready to graft on. I've also got a FZR600 front and rear wheel.
The major expense in doing this is the purchase of a Fox Twin Clicker shock so the ride height can be adjusted. I'm still saving for one of those.
Keep checking back for progress updates.
November 21, 2001
I've finally got the FZR600 front end on. I had planned on swapping the steering stems like everyone else, but the RZ350 stem was smaller in diameter than the FZR stem. The RZ stem would have to be centered in the FZR lower triple and then welded. My friend Chris Matthews ran into the same problem when he put a FZR400 front end on his RZ350. Chris came up with another solution. That was to cut the FZR stem to the correct length and then weld it back together. I asked around on the internet and found some people who had done this and recommended it and some who did not. I decided to go ahead with the cutting/welding solution. I took the measurements and did the cutting myself, but when it was time to weld I went to see my chief mechanic, Chris. Chris had the stem welded back together in no time and you can hardly tell that it was done. To see a picture click here. If you want to contact Chris click here.
The only other problem I ran into was finding a spacer to go under the lower roller bearing. Apparently, the lower triple on the RZ has a taller 'lip' for the bearing to sit on. Without a spacer on the FZR unit the lower triple would rub on the bottom of the RZ steering head.
I also picked up a used Airtech tail section. It's not mounted yet, but it sure does look cool sitting there.
JANUARY 29, 2002
I have a rolling chassis now. I decided to go a different route with the FZ swingarm. I had hoped to have a FOX twin clicker by now, but that's just not going to happen right now. I wanted to keep the project moving along. After Chris cut the swingarm down to fit the RZ frame, I started playing around with the RZ and FZ linkages trying to figure another way around the problem. Then I stumbled on a website where a guy modified the RZ linkage by cutting it to the correct length and then welding it back together again. I decided to try it. I took measurements with the stock swingarm and the FZ swingarm and cut out 34mm. After welding the linkages back together Chris came by to take a look. We were both concerned with the possibility that they would break under stress, so Chris suggested that I brace the welded linkage. I went to Home Depot and picked up a length of square 1/4" steel, grinded it down to fit the curve of the linkage, and then welded it on. Click here to see a picture.
I still have to have the rear caliper arm milled down and line the sprockets up before the rear end will be complete. I also have to get a front master cylinder and brake lines to complete the front. Check out the R6 calipers. They bolt right up.
March 14, 2003
It's been awhile since I've done anything to the project. I've been busy with work, kids, and life in general. I did purchase a very nice crankshaft to go in the motor. The crank has been rebuilt with Yamaha parts. It has also been trued and welded. I haven't got it installed yet, but here's a couple of pictures
