Diff'rent Strokers

[Coffeebaron]

So i've got a couple of replies and enthusiasm over my question about a possible NSR250....but my other candidate for a new 2 stroke is the R1Z/

So can any of you long term owners tell me what living with one has been like? the ups and downs
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Must remember, keep the clutch covered....your not on a 4 stroke now.

[mboddy]

I have only had my R1-Z this year. But I have used R1-Z engines in my race bike for eight years.
They are great engines. Very good crank. Easy to get extra power without porting.
32mm carbs, skim head 0.65mm and fit less restrictive silencer end cans.
It will fly and still be reliable.
Electrics can be a bit dodgy. Paint work not very thick.
Brake callipers stick when corroded as is typical of Yamaha of that time.
Check Practical Sportsbikes back issues for R1-Z articles.
Manuals available new (in Japanese) from Webike. http://japan.webike.net/products/9371580.html
They also sell other stuff such as carbon fibre parts.
If you buy enough you get free shipping so do a combined order with a friend.

I wouldn't rather have any other road bike.
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Yamaha TDR250, Yamaha TZR250 2XT, Yamaha R1-Z

[R1Zman]

Hi Coffeebaron
chuffed with mine - first stroker I've had since about 1980 & a lot more practical than a race rep as you don't bend as well after reaching 40!
No real problems (though I think the battery is on the way out as it won't hold a charge) & I understand many parts are available, obviously the motor is/was in common use so the important bits aren't a problem. Fast enough for me, & handles quite well, plus there are not many around. Only had mine a couple of years but it always draws a crowd at the bike shops amongst the gsxr's & blades, & allow 20 minutes at the fuel pumps when some old guy (like me) comes over & tells you all about when they had an LC back in the day. I think it's the smell of 2 stroke bringing out subliminal memories of days when we all had no worries......
There are some great examples on here of bikes with japanese crossover pipes, rgv front ends & the like. Mine's pretty standard, which is fine by me! The sort of bike you'll enjoy tinkering with (no panels to remove) & probably a keeper.
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Anyone who uses the term "workshop" outside the context of light engineering is a twat! (Alexei Sayle)

[Coffeebaron]

Thanks a lot for the personal opinions guys This forum is proving to be one of the best i've had the pleasure to be on.

From what I've managed to digest off the net, and chatting to people at places like Fastline, these older TZR motors are strong, and you guys are backing it up.

I've always loved the look of the tektro's like the R1Z, Bandit 400's etc, as I like naked's for the ease of maintenance, but usually end up on race reps as I find the positions comfey and like a light bike.

Truthfully I've been after an NSR for some time, but the price and possible cost/parts availability have made me wary, but I'm a Honda fan from their 90's bikes as I really felt they had top notch quality, being a big v4 fan (RVF400 and a couple of VFR'S). Yamaha's I end up having bad luck with usually ( except the DT125...great bike)

But I keep getting drawn to the R1Z, it seems like a fun, yet practical 2 stroke! I will be taking a pilion regularly, so the R1Z will prove itself there (with a new shock)

R1Zman, have you considered if it's the alternator or reg/rec on it's way out? I only mention as I've had many experiences with them on 90's Hondas... the one thing they all suck with
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Must remember, keep the clutch covered....your not on a 4 stroke now.

[R1Zman]

[Coffeebaron]

Thanks for the vote of confidence in the R1Z dude. I've been checking out Youtube and it's persuading me to seriously think of one

I'd be interested to know if it is your Reg/rec, so post a reply when you've had it checked.

I'm hoping that all will be sorted by the end of this week with my CBR going, then I can start looking to buy
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Must remember, keep the clutch covered....your not on a 4 stroke now.

[fredjee]

I know of a good r1-z that is possible up for sale ......

Fred.
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It's never ever finished !

[Coffeebaron]

Where abouts dude? I'm looking in the near future, I'm now free of the CBR, so will be looking to get the cash together. What would be the ball park price?

PM if you don't want to post in the thread
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Must remember, keep the clutch covered....your not on a 4 stroke now.

[fredjee]

You have a pm ..... Coffee ....
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It's never ever finished !

[Coffeebaron]

Cheers Fred, seen and will respond as requested.
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Must remember, keep the clutch covered....your not on a 4 stroke now.