YZ 490 trike project

[turbosnake]

Hey guys, new here, just wanted to throw out my latest project to get some ideas.
What I've got:
Basketcase 87' YZ 490
88-89? Yamaha warrior frame, axle, swinger, etc.

My idea is to graft the warrior subframe and swinger onto the YZ frame. The swinger will need milled down some but shouldn't be bad, oh and lengthened of course for the cool factor. For comparison sake, the yz frame is shown next to a 200X. To my suprize they are dimensionally almost identical, Rake is even the same.
So how do you think a Tri-z front end will work? Anyone used one on a YZ frame? Is there a better option? I'd like to use the 490 forks but I think they are a larger diameter and longer of course, although the length might work out with the ext. swinger.
Ideas? Experiences?
Thanks

[turbosnake]

I forgot to add the YZ 490 forks are 43mm, anyone know the diameter of tri-z forks? or 250r, 350x, tecate?
I hpoe to find some triples that can be made to work vs. custom building any.

[NESC104]

350x are 35mm

[Tri-Z 250]

Why not get a roller Tri-Z frame then the 490 motor is an almost bolt up drop in? I'm all about going the easy route with little fab work. The way your working seems to be a road less traveled. I'd rather fab a strecthy swinger for the Z and a pipe to fit in the frame and let that be my obstical to cross. To me, that and the resto is pleanty of work to make the 490 a timely build. Remember re-sale value as well...a chop job and weld will bring less than the drop490Z, JMO Keep the shock sell off the rest and get yourself a roller Z you'll thank me later.

[turbosnake]

Thanks for the input thus far.

Anyone know of triples that may work with the 43mm forks?

I agree it would be easier to stuff the motor in a roller, but then, it would be easier yet to just buy a 250r. I guess easy just doesn't do it for me, I like the build. I don't intend to throw a ton of money at it, I just want to end up with what I think Yamaha should have built. Oh yeah, and using the big YZ490 fuel tank will be a big + in my book.

[cr480r]

For comparison sake, the yz frame is shown next to a 200X. To my suprize they are dimensionally almost identical, Rake is even the same.

i recommend re-evaluating the rake..

[Tri-Z 250]

OK, goodluck. I can't wait for the ride report!

[turbosnake]

Well I might have located a Z front end, not sure of the year yet. I understand the 86' had 39mm forks and I'm still hung up on using the 43mm 490 forks. Anyone think it would be safe to bore the triples?

[Red Rider]

85-86 250R's used 39mm forks.
86 Tri-Z's used 39mm forks.
86-87 Tecates used 41mm forks.

[turbosnake]

86-87 Tecate triples sound very promising at only 2mm diffrence. Not sure about swaping out the stem for the YZ but even if the diameter differs I think it can work. Anyone have a set of these?

Also thinking the z swinger might be a better starting point rather than the warrior version I have as the center is already open for fitment around the engine case.

[Aka_am]

boring the 250r triples is safe to 43mm. idk about the others.

[turbosnake]

The R triples are no doubt easier to find, so that's good. Do they have more "meat" than the others? Known to be stronger? I don't doubt you, just curious before I buy any and have them modified.

[turbosnake]

OK, I have yet another question. I've been seeing 85 1/2' Tri-z. Was there a model change? in particular did the forks/triples change diameter?
I compared the the 87' 490 stem to a Z stem (almost identical) looks like it would be a bolt on deal.

[Red Rider]

I've been seeing 85 1/2' Tri-z. Was there a model change? in particular did the forks/triples change diameter?
There were no siginificant changes to the '85 1/2 model, and there was no change in the Tri-Z's fork diameter until the '86 model, when Yamaha increased it to 39mm. I'm not positive, but I think the '85 used 37mm forks.

[cr480r]

35mm on the '85

[bcredneck]

honda 250R tripples add rake

[tri-Z ripper]

here ya go buddy read it and weep! this is how it should be done! YAMAHONDAMAN
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php?117381-The-490Z-the-saga-continues...-quot-it-s-Alive-quot

P.s Raffa's bike is tested and approved! :TrikesOwn

[turbosnake]

Yeah, you're a little late. Z roller was suggested some time ago and even though it's not what I invisioned we found and bought an 85'. I'll try and get some pics up.

[acidburn]

damn this is gonna be a balls to the wall trike lol

[turbosnake]

Progress albeit slow.
Z frame almost ready for paint.
490 crank and new yami. rod ready to be mated.
We have Fast trekkers, pro taper bars, 450r hubs.

Anyone know who I can send the yz490 head to for the infamous head mod.

I'll get pics up for your hungry eyes.

[tecat-z]

Eric Gore. He is a 490 specialist from waaaay back in the day. Nice guy, but be very honist in your explanation of combination of parts. I can tell ya those big A/C dingers run best on low comp, quality leaded fuel and clean jetting. Going all out is generally counterproductive due to excessive heat gain. Enemy#1 for B.B. 2t's....
(forwardmotion.com)

[turbosnake]

Great, thanks for the info. The head mod removes the squish band so this removal of material would in fact lower the CR. Possibly Eric can also assist in my pipe/carb combination as I doubt eigther the old round slide or a stock Z pipe would be optimal.

[turbosnake]

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Frame tubes fixed where the forks had hit due to the steering stop being broke off, dang it.
450r hubs will go but tight. Not sure if it's worn splines or a diffrent design.
Fast trekkers, I love these tires!
Box-o-parts, the way these things usually start in my case.

Kick starter area on the center 490 case repaired last night, also I had the plastic scanned and the best match was Ford Screaming Yellow. We'll see how it looks on the frame. Many of the small parts to be painted have been blasted, needs to stop raining so I can do the frame.

[sophiesdaddy103]

How is the project going? My eyes are hungry for pics!

[XxMurdocxX]

How's the build going? Curious to see this beast!!!

[86T3]

Nice build you got going on. Screaming yellow is what my Nova is painted with, i love that color

[turbosnake]

Here is the frame painted
155343155344

Been building the quad (sorry) in the background, while my partner in crime is building a house. This is not dead, thanks for your interest.

[HondaRidr]

Looking forward to seeing this completed!

[Bryan Raffa]

Here is the frame painted
155343155344

Been building the quad (sorry) in the background, while my partner in crime is building a house. This is not dead, thanks for your interest.

that's to bad you didn't notch the frame for the kick start before paint. I take it you did not test fit the motor for fitment and motor mounts?

[turbosnake]

Test fit? bahhhh
Motors in pieces, but I couldn't bare hack the frame. Any modifications I'll make to the mounting, that way I can always put the stock z motor back in. Not saying it'll all work out, just my plan. You're the expert.

[Bryan Raffa]

No matter what you do the kicker will hit the frame by the swingarm bolt..

[turbosnake]

Thanks for letting me know, I'll have to cross that bridge when I get there. Have I asked you before, who can build in-frame pipes for big bore 2-smoker trikes? Can't imagine a stock 250 pipe being a good mate for a 490.

[Blown 331]

I had a TRI-Z with a YZ465 engine. I was not impressed and sold it. But yes it was nearly a bolt in. I think the upper motor mount had to be modified.

[JasonB]

watching this build now! looking good so far