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I started this morning by harvesting some parts from one of the donors, including the front brake caliper I intend to use. Before I crack this thing apart, I'd like to know that I can source replacement parts...

Does anyone recognize this Brembo? I can tell you it was non-standard fitment on an '83 TZ250K.

Any recommendations for a replacement parts source?
Thanks, Wade

I have a '75 RD350 that came to my doorstep needing a home, and I struggle with saying NO when it's an old friend (R.I.P. Dennis, I hope you're watching!) of my dad's and the price is $0. Typical story: all there but long out of use, with pistons which had become one with their cylinders, gummed-up carbs, rock-hard tires and a tank that looked lovely...on the outside.
In keeping with my policy of trying to use what I've got, I'm assessing options for wheels and suspension:

I read about Richard Pollack (sp?) of Mule Motorcycles using these Kawasaki wheels on his 'tracker customs because they're cheap and look like old Morris mags at a glance. Forks look like tree trunks, at least compared to the RD's...but the chrome is pitted, and it just got expensive. Also, the wheel is 19", so tire options limited, I'd have to BUY another wheel and brake and I'm not going in a 'tracker direction with this (as much as I like them).

'78 CB550K has a little wider front rim than the RD, but it's steel and also 19". Forks are a little beefier, but that leading-caliper look leaves me limp, and it's single-piston (I know, tech snob).

Matching Honda rear wheel is, I think, a tad wider than the RD item (but, again, steel) and 18". I'm just about talked into going drum instead of disc out back, and this has a nice, big old-school looking unit...but is it much different than:

this crusty old devil, to which I'd want to lace a wider, aluminum rim anyway? What else is around here 


Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner here! 1983 TZ250 running gear has the much-preferred spokes with wide aluminum rims, disc brakes (Brembo calipers up front, I sold the rear caliper so will need something back there), an aluminum swingarm, stout forks with good chrome and a tasty set of triple clamps.

So, yes, I'm looking at a dual- to single shock conversion, no cush drive in the rear hub, no speedometer drive in the front hub, possible if not probable re-springing of the forks, steering head bearing challenges and I expect you fine folks will advise me what else.
Thoughts from the masses? I welcome your input, and reserve the right to charge headlong in a foolish direction heedless of thoughtful, logical and educated advice. Let's do this thing!
Wade

RC45 has posted some great pics of an RD500 project on North American Two Strokes under "two stroke projects". I highly recommend it and hope he'll put it on this site as well.
Wade

Today I want to know how important y'all believe a cushioned sprocket hub to be on a road-going motorcycle. I was reminded of this question by what I believe to be a KTM rear hub in that Motolana swingarm pictured in another thread.
Generally, street bikes have 'em and dirt bikes don't...but my TZ doesn't, and there are scores of dual-sports without them. I've asked a friend who has had plates on a couple of dirt bikes and he has had no problems.
To put a fine point on it, is there concern of long-term wear or damage to the transmission caused by use of a non-cushioned rear hub riding on pavement?
Wade

What are the pros and cons of mounting a rear caliper stay arm to the swingarm vs to the frame?
Wade