1985 Tri Z questions??

[Cagiva Kid]

This site has given me the 3 wheelin' bug again and I had to get something to ride with 3wheels:p I just picked up an 85 tri z that looks to be in pretty good shape except engine is locked up, 1/2" crack in the front of the engine case. I'm not knowledgeable about these bikes at all but the head is polished and it has a full aftermarket exhaust so it might be somewhat modified...not sure yet.

Since It obviously needs some engine TLC what are my options, What other engines will fit the frame etc. Any help would be appreciated.

[bannedbrraap]

Tear it apart and see whats wrong...you best bet is to fix what you have and keep the original engine in it.

[Tri-ZNate]

The old YZ250 motors, I think 83-85, bolt in and then its powervalved.

[tommerp]

Congratz on buying one of the elite pieces of 3 wheeling history! Send up some pix for us all to see. You will find complete engines here or there.... keep your eye out of post in the classys here. With mods, you can put about anything in there (right bcredneck? lol) . Sever members have stuffed a 490 in there and ridden it... I personally have not.

[Cagiva Kid]

Here are a few pics from the Craigslist ad

[Jason125m]

Thats a nice looking tri z, how much did you have to pay for her?

[200XMichigan]

You should take that Cagiva for a spin. It's great to look at but its like a lion in a cage. Not that the Tri-Z isn't sweet. But just fire that Cagiva up so we can all live vicariously through you.

[Cagiva Kid]

Why do you think I just bought this, so I DON'T take the Cagiva for a spin!

[Eric250R]

first order of business, get rid of those monster tires on the back. As far as an engine, there are always a handful of Z engines for sale in the classified section. Actually, one of my mechanics has a good bottom end he'd sale.

[200XMichigan]

Why do you think I just bought this, so I DON'T take the Cagiva for a spin!

I know man I was just joking. Did you fog the hell out the Cagiva engine? Probably want to do that at least every year. Nice Tri-Z.

[Cagiva Kid]

I knew you were joking. We start it every couple of weeks just to sip a beer and listen to it idle....not kidding

[200XMichigan]

I knew you were joking. We start it every couple of weeks just to sip a beer and listen to it idle....not kidding

Sweet. Take a video of it, seriously.

[Cagiva Kid]

It's already stripped right down. Plastics, airbox, radiators and the swingarm is off. What is the trick on rear motor mount/swingarm bolt. The swingarm bolt is out but the engine is still hung up by the swingarm. Is there a sleeve or something I am missing once the bolt is pulled out that also needs to be removed?

[Cagiva Kid]

Just found the reason for the cracked case. The rod broke just above the crank and it detonated. Looks like a Crank, rod, case and possibly a piston are to now on the "wanted" list.:(