looking at a tri z

[6spdls1z28]

Im about to check out an 86 tri z and was wondering what should I look for that is common on them that breaks. Like frame mounts anything.
Thanks guys.

[jonolanracin]

The main weak point on the tri z is the foot peg bolts other than that just look at front of swingarm good . the z was a well built trike other than foot peg attachment

[6spdls1z28]

The main weak point on the tri z is the foot peg bolts other than that just look at front of swingarm good . the z was a well built trike other than foot peg attachment
Thank you very much hopefully this one isnt a lemon its kinda mis matched colored and the frame is a different color.

[YTZ drew]

The clutch covers are notorious for breaking from the kick-start gearcase all the way down through the bottom of the clutch cover. Check that out for cracks or previous repairs.

[OZQUAD44]

Tri z are notorious for looking cool, watch out for that little trait. [emoji12][emoji12][emoji12][emoji12][emoji12]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[fabiodriven]

Look if it says "Yamaha" or "Tri-Z" anywhere on it. If it does then it's most likely going to need a lot of work and break down often.

[Scootertrash]

*snicker* :lol:

[6spdls1z28]

Ill be sure to put honda stickers on it.

[6spdls1z28]

Does anyone have an up close pic of the foot peg area where they crack.

[jonolanracin]

The foot pegs dont crack its just they dont have enough threads in frame .

[6spdls1z28]

The foot pegs dont crack its just they dont have enough threads in frame .

Oh gotcha. Is there a fix for this.

[El Camexican]

I believe there is a guy named Brian Raffa that makes a set of plates that you can weld over top of the existing ones to mount your foot pegs to.

There are also some people selling aftermarket foot pegs that modernize the set up. Aside from everything mentioned above take a look at the engine oil and make sure it's not creamy as the seals can leak. It wouldn't be a dealbreaker, just something you need to fix.

Be sure to take a really good look around that kick start assembly to make sure nobody has done a JB Weld job on it and make sure it is in fact a 1986 and not a 1985 because if it is the forks are likely bent.

[3 Wheel Drive]

Oh gotcha. Is there a fix for this.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/138995-Tri-Z-foot-peg-Fix!

[3 Wheel Drive]

I bought a set of these back when Bryan was still on the forums. They make you feel solid after installing them, when jumping with the stock set up you risk the foot peg breaking off.

I used a permanent marker to draw an even line on the old mount, then with a band saw I cut off the old junk. You will need to grind a small part of the brake lever to reinstall it.

237513

Bryan used to sell those clutch EZ pull things, you can see it on my actuator arm.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/138623-Raffa-s-Tri-Z-EASY-PULL

[barnett468]

Ill be sure to put honda stickers on it.

Why would you want to degrade a nice bike like that?

If you want to actually improve it AND increase its value, you need to install stickers from The TECATE....The Most Powerful 3 Wheeler In The Universe on it.


Oh no....here we go again!

...http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

[3 Wheel Drive]

But ....butt butt what brand do you recomend ?????

You should look into one of the Suzuki ALT 125 models, nuff said!

[barnett468]

.
Here's some Tri Z footpegs that are currently available . They are made by Wicked Metal Designs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1986-Yamaha-Tri-z-250-Foot-Pegs-with-Integrated-Kick-Ups-Unhinged-ATV-/301591148722

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rswAAOSwBLlVKTXJ/s-l1600.jpg



You can also possibly still get a billet aluminum stator cover like the one 3 Wheel Drive has and an aluminum Sprock head etc if you want t make it flashy . A few people here know what cool parts are available for these and where to get them.

http://shop.3wheelerworld.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=180


If you get it and decide you want to make it faster, a few people here like YTZ drew can tell you how to do that . Also look at the link below for engine mod info . At the bottom of each page in very small print it will say "continue" . Click on that to view the next page.

http://www.quadpit.com/mags/1985/3-4w-action/yam-wrench-report-tri-z.htm



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[atc300r]

Go on youtube. type in Bryan Raffa he has a video on there showing how to do the repair.

[Queef Chief]

The foot pegs dont crack its just they dont have enough threads in frame .

I stepped up one size and drilled/tapped for fine thread bolt and never had a problem since. Granted I'm not roosting mine over huge jumps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[6spdls1z28]

I stepped up one size and drilled/tapped for fine thread bolt and never had a problem since. Granted I'm not roosting mine over huge jumps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ill definitely be jumping it. the tecate saw some good air when I had it.

[NeverLift]

The main issue with the foot pegs is letting the bolts get loose. If you ride and they loosen up the nut welded inside the frame breaks off. I have 1 frame with this problem, I asked Raffa at trike fest if he had any plates made to fix this and he was out at the moment. But said he'll get more made. now that it's winter rebuild time i'll have to see if he has made more.

[6spdls1z28]

The main issue with the foot pegs is letting the bolts get loose. If you ride and they loosen up the nut welded inside the frame breaks off. I have 1 frame with this problem, I asked Raffa at trike fest if he had any plates made to fix this and he was out at the moment. But said he'll get more made. now that it's winter rebuild time i'll have to see if he has made more.

Ill be sure to check them every ride.

[6spdls1z28]

.
Here's some Tri Z footpegs that are currently available . They are made by Wicked Metal Designs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1986-Yamaha-Tri-z-250-Foot-Pegs-with-Integrated-Kick-Ups-Unhinged-ATV-/301591148722

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rswAAOSwBLlVKTXJ/s-l1600.jpg



You can also possibly still get a billet aluminum stator cover like the one 3 Wheel Drive has and an aluminum Sprock head etc if you want t make it flashy . A few people here know what cool parts are available for these and where to get them.

http://shop.3wheelerworld.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=180


If you get it and decide you want to make it faster, a few people here like YTZ drew can tell you how to do that . Also look at the link below for engine mod info . At the bottom of each page in very small print it will say "continue" . Click on that to view the next page.

http://www.quadpit.com/mags/1985/3-4w-action/yam-wrench-report-tri-z.htm



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Ill eventually mod it just want to put the right colors back on it first then go from there. I still haven't seen it yet until friday. Apparently its "perfect condition" just different colors.

[brandonlowe2]

I gotta get me some of those UnhingedATV foot pegs... that will make things much nicer on the trails

[6spdls1z28]

Well I got it and its pretty ugly. I gotta strip it down get the correct colors back on it.

[Aulbaugh]

I like the Make America Great Again theme going on with it! Have you ridden it much?

[6spdls1z28]

I like the Make America Great Again theme going on with it! Have you ridden it much?

Just around it has a blown shock so handles bad. Got an extra one with it but doesn't look much better. Plus its kinda cutting out in the higher rpm.

[barnett468]

Just around it has a blown shock so handles bad. Got an extra one with it but doesn't look much better.

A lot of people here seem adamant about using 3WW member onformula1 for suspension work, however I suggest Race Tech to people that need it. I would call them and possibly another rebuilder and use the one you feel most comfortable with.

For anything from a simple oil change to complete rebuilding or revalving of your original shock or forks, Race Tec Suspension can do it all at very competitive prices . . Their labor cost to clean and rebuild most shocks is only $100.00.

They also sell a book which explains how suspension works and it also offers setup tips etc.

http://racetech.com/page/title/Suspension%20Bible



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
.

[El Camexican]

A lot of people here seem adamant about using 3WW member onformula1 for suspension

That changed during your last ban. Turns out he's about as reliable as a Tecate stator.

[barnett468]

That changed during your last ban.

I'm truly flattered to have you trolling me as my own personal stalker, however, as I mentioned earlier today and also prior to that on a few occasions, I really think you should get some professional help for this unhealthy and unnatural obsession and start obsessing about someone from the opposite sex . You have made comments about me in at least 6 different posts in the last day and a half . If this isn't obsessive behavior, I don't know what is.


Geez barn what's the prob....I'd be happy to get any type of attention from anyone!

...http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

[3 Wheel Drive]

A lot of people here seem adamant about using 3WW member onformula1 for suspension work, however I suggest Race Tech to people that need it. I would call them and possibly another rebuilder and use the one you feel most comfortable with.



http://racetech.com/page/title/Suspension%20Bible



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
.



I think all the guys who used suggest his service have different opinions about him now. Accept for oscarmeyer and well mabey some others...

Do you need to buy a second shock for 12 month plus turn arounds like Milners (onformula1) happy customers/life partners suggest?

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/174725-Feedback-for-onformula1

[6spdls1z28]

Ill re do the shock myself I've done it before.

[Aulbaugh]

I'm truly flattered to have you trolling me as my own personal stalker, however, as I mentioned earlier today and also prior to that on a few occasions, I really think you should get some professional help for this unhealthy and unnatural obsession and start obsessing about someone from the opposite sex . You have made comments about me in at least 6 different posts in the last day and a half . If this isn't obsessive behavior, I don't know what is.


Geez barn what's the prob....I'd be happy to get any type of attention from anyone!

...http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif



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Seems like this has been going on sometime.



Ill re do the shock myself I've done it before.

that solves that problem.

[6spdls1z28]

Does anyone know what brand the pipe is on here.

[El Camexican]

Looks like a DG with the badge removed.

[6spdls1z28]

Looks like a DG with the badge removed.

There is no shitty dg badge weld spots on the side

[barnett468]

Wipe it off and take a photo from the front also . Phase five and Answer are a couple other possibilities.


PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

[barnett468]

Seems like this has been going on sometime.

So you have noticed that too.

I don't want this poor guys thread to get derailed any further so I won't post anymore about it here, however, if you want a good laugh, check out the thread below starting on post 453.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/177661-Our-next-President/page31



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
.

[El Camexican]

So you have noticed that too.

I don't want this poor guys thread to get derailed any further so I won't post anymore about it here, however, if you want a good laugh, check out the thread below starting on post 453.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/177661-Our-next-President/page31



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
.

Whatever you say Aramid

[El Camexican]

There is no shitty dg badge weld spots on the side

Hard to tell on my phone, but your silencer in one of the photos looks just like my DG.

[6spdls1z28]

Wipe it off and take a photo from the front also . Phase five and Answer are a couple other possibilities.


PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR


here it is with no mud.

[6spdls1z28]

Also what is this shock the one on the left. Was the one on it thats completely blown.

[atc300r]

Shock on the left looks to be an old YZ dirtbike shock. I have one very similar. I posted up pics at the beginning of the year and it was said to be old YZ somewhere in the early 80s.

[Mosh]

It is most likely an Answer pipe and silencer. The silencer has the gusseted mount that usually was relative to answer silencers . Tri-Z pipe ID gets sketchy unless it is a Klemm, DG, or Bassani which are more easily identified. That Answer pipe gives more mid to top end versus a DG in my experience with them, although they are very similar in shape.

Personally I would not waste time on rebuilding either shock. Yamahas were notorious for having soft shafts that pitted or got worn and a new seal head will only last a short time.
A new warrior take off, or works shock for a warrior is the best option. No matter what the archives reveal in a search, a Banshee rear shock will not work.

[6spdls1z28]

Ok cool an answer pipe is pretty rare right?

[6spdls1z28]

Ill post a few pics of the silencer.

[6spdls1z28]

It is most likely an Answer pipe and silencer. The silencer has the gusseted mount that usually was relative to answer silencers . Tri-Z pipe ID gets sketchy unless it is a Klemm, DG, or Bassani which are more easily identified. That Answer pipe gives more mid to top end versus a DG in my experience with them, although they are very similar in shape.

Personally I would not waste time on rebuilding either shock. Yamahas were notorious for having soft shafts that pitted or got worn and a new seal head will only last a short time.
A new warrior take off, or works shock for a warrior is the best option. No matter what the archives reveal in a search, a Banshee rear shock will not work.

Yeah I dont want to deal with these shocks I swapped the other on and sure enough its blown too. Luckily I have a friend who is parting a warrior so im going to do some shopping.

[Mosh]

Ok cool an answer pipe is pretty rare right?

Not particularly. The silencer is more rare than the pipe. I wouldn't say there is a ton of em out there, but I have seen at least a dozen over the last 10 years.

[3 Wheel Drive]

Heres my Tri Z Answer silencer:

237710237711237712

[6spdls1z28]

Heres my Tri Z Answer silencer:

237710237711237712

Mine looks like that but its missing the end cap

[atc300r]

I have an old Answer silencer for my 81 250r.

[6spdls1z28]

So got to taking the paint off the swing arm and sure enough I found 2 cracks. I also didnt know it was steel.

[christph]

The Tri-Z can be built into a great machine despite what skeptics say. I have one with nearly every mod on it--Sprock cool head, Keihin 38 mm carb, Bassani pipe, etc.--and in some respects it is better than my fully modded 250R and Tecate. Whenever I ride it I'm always impressed. You can completely rebuild the rear shock--including replacing the bumper and seal head. The challenge with the Z is removing the "permanently installed" shim stack, but I did it about 2 years ago and haven't had any problems since. Below is my write up on how to do it.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/172275-Tri-Z-Shock-Rebuild-(including-new-seal-head)

[3 Wheel Drive]

I have removed my stock gas tank and use either a raptor shock or a banshee shock on my z. Jeswinehart makes new plastic top mount tanks for the Tri Z, you guys should get one!

[fabiodriven]

Post some pics of the cracks. You might be able to just lay a couple beads over them. It probably won't be running long or strong enough to worry too much about that.

[6spdls1z28]

I have removed my stock gas tank and use either a raptor shock or a banshee shock on my z. Jeswinehart makes new plastic top mount tanks for the Tri Z, you guys should get one!

Is there pics of these tanks

[6spdls1z28]

Post some pics of the cracks. You might be able to just lay a couple beads over them. It probably won't be running long or strong enough to worry too much about that.

I already fixed it. It runs just fine.

[fabiodriven]

Lmfao. I'm just teasing you know.

[jeswinehart]

Not sure when I will be making more,,,, got a lot of parts to build for inventory to have on hand.

Been trying to contact Tommerp to get the mold for the Tri~Z "plastic works" air box. Mrs. has a idea to try with a different resin to produce more of those again.

Tank price: 340.00 shipped state side.

[6spdls1z28]

Not sure when I will be making more,,,, got a lot of parts to build for inventory to have on hand.

Been trying to contact Tommerp to get the mold for the Tri~Z "plastic works" air box. Mrs. has a idea to try with a different resin to produce more of those again.

Tank price: 340.00 shipped state side.

Looks pretty cool any pics of one on a complete bike with the seat on?

[6spdls1z28]

Anyone know of a red that matches the 86 frame

[fabiodriven]

Mr Swinehart I still remember when you first started re-popping the infamous Tecate intake boot and kicked off all of these fantastic parts you've come up with. It's amazing how many items you now make! You're an absolute asset!

[3 Wheel Drive]

Looks pretty cool any pics of one on a complete bike with the seat on?

Heres mine:

237741

My frame is an 85, most PC shops carry many colors so you can pick from their selection.

[6spdls1z28]

Heres mine:

237741

My frame is an 85, most PC shops carry many colors so you can pick from their selection.

Looks cool. What you running for an air filter. Nice mopars btw

[jeswinehart]

I don't have any pics on file from ones already out in use,,,,, perhaps you have seen raffa Z on face book,,, the bright orange tank ?

[jeswinehart]

Mr Swinehart I still remember when you first started re-popping the infamous Tecate intake boot and kicked off all of these fantastic parts you've come up with. It's amazing how many items you now make! You're an absolute asset!
Thanks ! The Mrs. works just as hard at this hobby of ours.
She says I work her like "cheap Chinese labor" ~ lol.

[barnett468]

Heres mine:

237741



Hey, nice Mopars . Hope you get to put all those parts you bought from me for them to good use.



PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

[3 Wheel Drive]

Looks cool. What you running for an air filter. Nice mopars btw

Im using another Jeswinehart repop, i thought it was a UFO airfilter... its another vintage item he has brought back from 1985.

I think he has a Delorian time machine! ;)

237760

I have not actually got around to installing the tank or the airfilter yet. One of these days Ill actually finish doing it, mabey after I get my new Calfab polished up I will finish my Z. Anyone know where I can get a good chain slider?

[barnett468]

You still owe me that steering wheel!

LOL, you mean you still want to buy it once I find it . They've had your purple car for almost 2 years already, and at the pace they are working on it you probably won't need that wheel for maybe 3 more years....but you know what they say, "Good work takes time!".


OMG...there goes my spleen!

...http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif



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[fabiodriven]

Guys, for frig's sakes with the Mopar talk.

[3 Wheel Drive]

Guys, for frig's sakes with the Mopar talk.

I guess Barn wants everyone to know I bought some parts from him, thanks mike! Hows your tricked out Mustang coming along?

back to the tri z stuff: you can use a k&n filter with outwear too. I need to grind off the stock water bottle tabs from the frame to get the ufo filter to fit in place. There is also some plastic thats needs to be trimmed to open up the airflow.

[6spdls1z28]

Another thing im missing some wires from the tail light to the headlights and the temp light. Is it all one big harness? I dont have the kill switch, headlight switch.

[6spdls1z28]

Stripped down the forks today and started stripping the stupid paint off to make them black again and noticed some jb weld around the axle hole. Sanded it off.and found a hair line crack. I.don't know what to do now.

[El Camexican]

Stripped down the forks today and started stripping the stupid paint off to make them black again and noticed some jb weld around the axle hole. Sanded it off.and found a hair line crack. I.don't know what to do now.


Post a pic

[6spdls1z28]

Post a pic

Its kinda hard to see in the pic.

[El Camexican]

Those are 86 forks and not 85, correct? If 85 I can help.

I find it odd that someone would have put JB Weld on that, unless there's more that doesn't show in the photo..

[yaegerb]

Its kinda hard to see in the pic.

You sure that's a crack and not a defect in the aluminum?

If that is indeed a crack get some new forks or try to have someone weld it.

[6spdls1z28]

Those are 86 forks and not 85, correct? If 85 I can help.

I find it odd that someone would have put JB Weld on that, unless there's mote that doesn't show in the photo..

Yeah 86 its hard to find these.

[El Camexican]

You sure that's a crack and not a defect in the aluminum?

If that is indeed a crack get some new forks or try to have someone weld it.

Was thinking the same thing. Why would someone put JB on something like that? How did they even find it, unless they had a heck of a crash and went looking for damage?

I would hit that with some 100 grit paper to see if it goes away and if not get it tested with some die penetrant before giving up and welding it. If you do weld it DON'T grind the weld afterwards, just paint over it as grinding it to look like a stock fork would negate the benefit of the weld..

If you're planning to race, or jump the trike any amount I'd look for some different forks rather than be jumping with a welded set.

[6spdls1z28]

Was thinking the same thing. Why would someone put JB on something like that? How did they even find it, unless they had a heck of a crash and went looking for damage?

I would hit that with some 100 grit paper to see if it goes away and if not get it tested with some die penetrant before giving up and welding it. If you do weld it DON'T grind the weld afterwards, just paint over it as grinding it to look like a stock fork would negate the benefit of the weld..

If you're planning to race, or jump the trike any amount I'd look for some different forks rather than be jumping with a welded set.

People are dumb. But ill sand it down more ill most likely weld it but I do like to jump so guess ill have to keep my eyes open for some different ones. This thing is a basket case that I over paid for.

[El Camexican]

People are dumb. But ill sand it down more ill most likely weld it but I do like to jump so guess ill have to keep my eyes open for some different ones. This thing is a basket case that I over paid for.

You could slap a complete 85 front end on it for a few hundred bucks, but the forks will likely be a little tweaked. Another option is to sell me the entire engine cover to cover and part the rest of it out and likely make some good coin for your efforts. PM me if interested in selling.

[6spdls1z28]

You could slap a complete 85 front end on it for a few hundred bucks, but the forks will likely be a little tweaked. Another option is to sell me the entire engine cover to cover and part the rest of it out and likely make some good coin for your efforts. PM me if interested in selling.

Ive almost got it completely stripped down to re do the frame if I find any cracks which im sure I will ill probably consider selling.

[El Camexican]

Ive almost got it completely stripped down to re do the frame if I find any cracks which im sure I will ill probably consider selling.

Let me know.

[Red Rider]

Why would someone put JB on something like that? How did they even find it...?My guess is, it's seeping fork oil from the crack. That's how they found it, and that's why it's been epoxied.


If you do weld it DON'T grind the weld afterwards, just paint over it as grinding it to look like a stock fork would negate the benefit of the weld.I don't know how nice you want to make this Z, but I'd grind down into the crack, fill the resulting groove with weld, then grind & sand smooth for a factory, showroom finish.

[6spdls1z28]

My guess is, it's seeping fork oil from the crack. That's how they found it, and that's why it's been epoxied.

I don't know how nice you want to make this Z, but I'd grind down into the crack, fill the resulting groove with weld, then grind & sand smooth for a factory, showroom finish.

Not looking for a showroom bike just a nice stock looking rider

[fabiodriven]

These bikes are antiques and the only way to go into a rehab is with the expectation that it's going to need a LOT of stuff. I did bust your balls about Z's being cruddy, and I stick to my guns with my feelings about that, however any brand can end up needing all kinds of stuff for a rehab. There is no inexpensive way into this hobby and it doesn't work if money is a concern. If you truly want a reliable rider of any make, be ready to shell out some dough. Finding a 30 year old machine that has never been massaged by anyone is a very expensive equation now and building your own has gotten more pricey as well. You CAN do anything to this bike and make it what you want. The question is if you're able and you can afford it. You could put inverts on it if you really wanted to. If buying one lower fork leg is a big deal to you then I suggest you tap out now, especially with a Z. They are like me. They look great but enjoy their down time.