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RZ vs RD thoughts?

Started by Striker1423, October 13, 2021, 08:08:12 AM

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Striker1423

I really think I'd like an RZ350. Liquid cooled, better ergonomics, etc. Bit, are they really worth the added expense? Just basic parts for these bikes can be almost double what an AC RD runs?

I know it comes down to personal preference but a lot of you guys have owned one while I'm a noob at this. I've never even seen one in person yet. So there's that as well.

Same thing goes for the GT750 pipe dream I have lol.

m in sc

I had one, it was great. 7 years, not a huge amount of problems, and parts arent bad beyond rz specific things. fun, reliable, fast. I sold it, really don't miss it but they are really, really good. 


85RZwade

I'm out of town this weekend, but you can come over and ride my RZ next weekend  :vroom:
Seriously, though, they're around and can be seen at bike shows and group rides. I think you'll just need to wrangle a ride on one to see if you like it
I post waayyy too much

Kawtriplefreak

I have both. The RD is a great bike and I ride it often. The RZ does everything the RD does better. Neither of mine are stock. Ergonomics wise the RZ in stock form is much better than the RD. Rearsets on the RD make it nearly as comfortable as the RZ. The RD is more raw and unrefined. The liquid cooling in the RZ makes it have more consistent power, and it is quite a bit stronger and it handles much better. Keep your air cooled bike if possible and get an RZ. My :twocents:

teazer

I bought mine in 93 and still have it.  Bought and built many other bikes but that's the only one I actually ride (not very often though). It came with Spec2 pipes and a Corbin seat and nothing much has been changed since I bought it other than maintenance items.

I'd really like a big bore (Cheetah) top end and modern forks and wider wheels, but mine is so close to stock I'd hate to mess with it.

But to your question: An RZ is faster than an RD, handles better, is stone axe reliable.  There is no comparison, the RZ is so much better.  Air filters disintegrate after about 10 years 

Compared to a modern bike, an RZ is slow and doesn't handle well but that's easy to fix and even stock, they are a barrel of fun and the sound as it goes through the gears is pure TZ to my ears.

I also have a shop full of GT750s and can't decide with the latest one whether to make it a monoshock, cafe racer with Gus Kuhn style tank and seat or build it stock to sell.  And of course I should sell the Phat Trakka to clear room for the GT750 drag bike, but that's another story.

Striker1423

Yea when the motor isn't apart lol the RD is a fun ride. Was definitely NOT fun when I put 200 miles on it on one day. But, surprisingly it did it.

I'd have put a few thousand on it this year if the oil pump pin didn't exit stage left. It's been one hell of a rollercoaster. I just wonder how much different a rollercoaster the RZ would be. It sounds like it would be like riding the Raptor vs the Blue Streak at Cedar Point.

The RD is the old wooden coaster. The RZ is the steel coaster.




m in sc

for daily riding.. i actually prefer the r5. I know.  :busey:


teazer

That's a really valid point mark.  It comes down to what we enjoy about our bikes and how and when we ride.

I had a VFR750 Interceptor at the same time as the RZ but I kept the RZ because it wasn't as fast or as competent because I didn't need to be riding fast around Chicago. The better we make our bikes, the faster we want/need to go to stretch them and ourselves and that inevitably is a road we have to get off before we get hurt.

I have a Ducati that I lusted after and rebuilt and customized and set up carefully and now it's almost done, I think I'll just keep the RZ and sell the Duc.  :umm:

motodreams

I think one of the biggest things that is missed by people out there with modern bikes looking back at the classics is how much fun it is to ride something that requires gear changes and has a powerband up to the 60mph mark.  Modern sport bikes are amazing and crazy fast but not that much fun when you can't put them to work on public roads.  The RDs are fun but like said, the RZ is a better all around package.  It is a shame they did not come out with an aluminum framed version which is a big part of why I find the TZR250 even more fun than the RZ.

pidjones

Charles rides his to the Time Warp fairly regularly.
"Love 'em all.... Let GOD sort 'em out!"

85RZwade

There stands our man Charles between his '85 RZ and a '75 (correct me if I'm wrong) Portugese Orange RD350, which are the bikes I have. This discussion reminds me that I've never ridden my RD, as it came to me after it's pistons had become one with their cylinders. I don't really know what to expect, so I sure hope I like it when it's done  :ohdear:
I post waayyy too much

pdxjim

FWIW, my recently completed LC certainly made me appreciate my TDR more.
Wasting time on 2T forums since the dawn of the internet. '89 TDR250, '13 300xcw, '19 690smcr, '56 Porsche 356A

1976RD400C

I guess my RZ needs a complete overhaul. It's stock with pipes and jets. My RD400 with a John Ritter stage 2.5 port job, bigger carbs with UFO inserts, big reeds, CDI ignition, Works shocks, emulators, 1/2 bore master cylinder does everything better than the RZ. Faster (a little bit), stops better, and handles way better.  The poor RZ doesn't stop good for some reason, has a flat around 5000 rpm, and will wallow if pushed hard out of a turn. Probably with a new shock, fork and brake work the RZ will feel better but I don't have the confidents in it as I do with the 400.
'76 RD400 green  '76 RD400 red   '84 RZ350

Srhiskx

I love my RZ. It's not stock, more retro modded. Pipes , shock, carbs, reworked forks , different brakes,etc. But I do have a soft spot for the RD's . So simple but so fun as well. I'm to the point I don't need something that does 200mph. The RZ is so much fun lofting the front wheel in the first 2 gears! The RD would be the same for me. Like dating 2 sisters at the same time....

Hawaii-Mike

I think my RZ350 was one of the best all-around motorcycles I've ever owned.  However, I'm 60 years old and I like air cooled better because it's more old school.  I like my Kawasaki triples and Yamaha RD's the best.  I'm not as eager to go really fast because injuries are take longer to heal from if I get in an accident AND I don't need speeding tickets.

I've also had two Kawasaki ZRX's and they go 80 mph like an old bike goes 50.  Effortless and easy to get a ticket.