Possibly buying a TRI-Z tonight reply quick!

[3 wheelio]

Ok guys and gals I am going to look at a 1986 Yamaha Tri-Z tonight.The guy says it runs good has a DG exhaust system,douglass wheels,razr tires,and he says the plastic and seat is all in good shape.He said the only problem was it is hard to start sometimes when it sits for a few days.He only wants 850 bucks for it.I haven't seen the bike yet but haven't had much dealings with the tri-z's.I was wondering if you guys could shoot me some tips on common things to look at on the bike and things that are commonly wrong with them.

[03 ORANGE SHEE]

the reason for the hard starting is because the fuel tank is lower than the carb, a pump has to push fuel up to the carb, alot of tri-z take a few kicks to fill the carb bowl. if mine sits for a week or more, it take ten of less kick to get it going, $850 sounds fine

[Yamahondaman]

See if the Rear Hub's wiggle"loose",Check to see if the swinger and Foot Peg Bolts will slide out alittle or move..they commonly rust up and you cant get them out . check the alluminum motor mounts for "loose" wear ..they no longer sell them..also see if the front axel will slide out abit...sounds like the fuel pump is alittle wore some HEY NATHAN ..... GIT TO WORK !!!!!:lol:

[Dammit!]

Check the rear swingarm near where the shock mounts to it. It's common for them to be cracked right there.

[brrcuda]

On my tri-zs. both had swingarm and axle bearing problems. so check for wiggle in the chassis - swingarm bearings are expensive and only available through yamaha.

My tri-z doesn't start for the opposite reasons as mentioned above. Both bikes tend to flood out. If that is the case i always shut off fuel and kick a few times with wide open throttle. Once started - turn fuel back on. Might not be your issue but that what I do on both tri-zs i have.

Swingarm on 86 z cracks as stated above- I replaced with an 85 swinger - seems better and stronger design?

The tri-z is great. Not the fastest. Its the most under rated bike in my mind.I beat the hell out of mine sometimes and it just keeps going.

The tri-z gets alot of attention on the trails and in the back of the truck. good luck and post some pics if you get it.

[3 wheelio]

Well I got her and she is a beauty the guy is the second owner and the original owner was there to talk to as well.It was bought to race at the local track 4 times a year since 1986 and the bike is in great shape.White and red with original front tire and rim and itp rears with maxxis razr 18" tires.He also gave me the original rear tires and rims which are still pretty mint.It has a k&n filter,new dg extreme exhaust,and it runs like a champ.All I have found so far after checking the things you all told me is it could use a seat cover and fork boots and a few nuts and bolts tightened or added in spots.I will get pics asap.

[willcamach]

The tri-z is great. Not the fastest. Its the most under rated bike in my mind.
I think thats what makes the tri -z even better than the other 2 pingers . seems like everyone sleep's on the tri'z and you can get them at very good prices compared to the almighty 250r and tecate. although i do like those machines the prices tend to be on the high side when compared to the yamaha. and ive ridden with a few 250r's they were nice but i didnt feel they were superior to my Z. if anything they are more common and therefore not as desirable to me.