Derrick Adams
08-10-2005, 10:14 PM
I've decided to make the switch from Yamaha to Honda.
On top of the 500R project nearing completion, I recently aquired an 85 250R, which is set to replace the trusty Tri-Z.
Being as parts are a little trickier to find for the Z and I seem to be just "too big" for the thing, I figure it best if I just build a suitable replacement for it to race and trail ride on.
Some of the down falls I've found on my Z are:
Lack of 6 forward gears, which for me has been a big problem. I have never really found gearing that has suited me with this bike.
Lack of good suspension. This is mainly my fault, but some from a design stand point. I never really put any money into good suspension on my bike, but I think that it really won't help me much. This bike was never designed for a 250lb rider to MX. PERIOD! Now I suppose I could invest some cash into it and get it better, but the bottom line is, it's just throwing cash away.
Weak foot pegs. It seems that every Tri-Z I have seen has droopy pegs. Mine are no different, probably worse!
Lack of aftermarket support. I still maintain that the Tri-Z just needs a good pipe! No-one makes one, or maybe even ever did, that is much better than stock. Plus, I've thrown every trick at it that i'm capable of just to get it producing decent power. (Not fantastic, like I had hoped for)
In a nut shell, it just doesn't make much sense to continue with the Z when the R has better power potential, better suspension geometry, better resale value, and better aftermarket support.
With that said, I have started gathering components for a long travel suspension conversion for the 250R.
The Z is still in GREAT condition, if anyone is interested. It's not really for sale, but i'll entertain offers.
On top of the 500R project nearing completion, I recently aquired an 85 250R, which is set to replace the trusty Tri-Z.
Being as parts are a little trickier to find for the Z and I seem to be just "too big" for the thing, I figure it best if I just build a suitable replacement for it to race and trail ride on.
Some of the down falls I've found on my Z are:
Lack of 6 forward gears, which for me has been a big problem. I have never really found gearing that has suited me with this bike.
Lack of good suspension. This is mainly my fault, but some from a design stand point. I never really put any money into good suspension on my bike, but I think that it really won't help me much. This bike was never designed for a 250lb rider to MX. PERIOD! Now I suppose I could invest some cash into it and get it better, but the bottom line is, it's just throwing cash away.
Weak foot pegs. It seems that every Tri-Z I have seen has droopy pegs. Mine are no different, probably worse!
Lack of aftermarket support. I still maintain that the Tri-Z just needs a good pipe! No-one makes one, or maybe even ever did, that is much better than stock. Plus, I've thrown every trick at it that i'm capable of just to get it producing decent power. (Not fantastic, like I had hoped for)
In a nut shell, it just doesn't make much sense to continue with the Z when the R has better power potential, better suspension geometry, better resale value, and better aftermarket support.
With that said, I have started gathering components for a long travel suspension conversion for the 250R.
The Z is still in GREAT condition, if anyone is interested. It's not really for sale, but i'll entertain offers.