Looking at a TRI Z...Help me determine the year

[Tyler 54]

Found a TRI Z advertised as an 85. Looked at pics has white front fender with red shrouds and gold wheels. I know the collant bottle is mounted different forks are bigger, 6 speed trans ETC.

What would the Vin be if it was an 86? Also is there a way to tell if the motor is correct? its a basket case. Guy said it was a parts bike, and his 85 had 6 gears. So I assume they used the 86 for parts.

[swampthang]

Yellow frame is a 85.The 85.5 and 86 had red frames and the different coolant bottle. I'm not sure about the vin# maybe someone else know how to read them. It sounds like a mutt built out of spare parts. If its a 6speed then that motor would be worth more then a regular tri-z engine. Got any pics? How much $$ is he asking for it?

[HuffieVA]

If the tenth letter of the VIN is "F" its an 85 if its a "G" its an 86

[200xranger]

typically 6 speed means 86

[jmax857]

If its an 86, the vin on the motor shouldd have a 1rx in it, aa 85 will have a 38w

[HuffieVA]

typically 6 speed means 86

Yes but the title/VIN goes with the frame, so if the 10th digit is an "F" and its a six speed, then someone put an 86 motor in the 85 frame

[jmax857]

Yes but the title/VIN goes with the frame, so if the 10th digit is an "F" and its a six speed, then someone put an 86 motor in the 85 frame
I once bought a red framed, with white and red fenders, 6 speed, with 85 forrks, no coolaant bottle, with a v.I.n that. Was a 85. Lots of stuff can get mismatched if you don't pay attention to what your buying.

[Tyler 54]

The guy had an 85. When I told him I thought his "parts bike"(the one hes selling) is an 86, and 86's had a 6 speed transmission. He said that would explain why his 85 that he already sold had 6 gears. So I'm assuming that somebody simply used the 86 as a parts machine. It looks like everything is corrtect, I'm also betting that the engine that gos with it is an 85.

From what I can see the Airbox cover, rad shrouds, headlight and front fender are all correct for an 86. Its missing the pipe and rear seat and fender. Its got an extra rear end, extra forks, and a brand new in package durablue axle. Guy is only asking $100 for it. I told him I'd take it, just trying to figure out a time we can meet up. It's a smokin deal in my eyes. I just always wanted a true 86 to restore. So I am stoked!!

[Team ATC]

tyler take the tecate off your sig its in my shop now lmao

[Tyler 54]

SHHH theres a secret one in my storage ;)

[Tyler 54]

Got it home, frame is an 85.Motor is an 85. However the extra forks are the larger 86 model forks. The extra rearend looks identical to the 86 rear end. it has the 86 coolant bottle and bracket. It's even mounted in the right spot. The Vin is an F though.

Last night on CL I found a TRX 250R that has a triz engine in it....LOL. Guess what the vin on the motor is? 1RX BAby!! I'm trying to work it out now with the guy! Hope I can atleast get the engine from him. That puts me that much cloer to my 86 TRI-Z

[tri-Z ripper]

if your looking to get rid of those forks let this guy know please! and nice score!!!