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Need help/ advice on my 97' Z50.

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2.6K views 25 replies 8 participants last post by  HondaZrider  
#1 ·
I am a newbie and need your help and knowledge.

Im not a mechanic but trying to teach my self (pick up stuff from you guys too!!).... bottom line I need your help advice on what I should do with my Z.

I have been obsessed with z's since i was 9 or 10 , so i have as much heart for this bike as you z veterans just need knowledge...



(when i first got the bike, i have since replaced the stearing stem bolt , which was missing replaced the air filter and had a basic service at the new honda power sports in my area)



....I picked it up this summer and had a blast but its winter and Its time for me to fix a couple things and mod it out a little (according to my budget.)



here is the deal (keep in mind i am a carpenter not a mechanic , but i come from 3 generations of mechanics ,they just never taught me anything.)

1) it needs a front fork rebuild the dust seals and bushings are shot ... advice? heard aftermarket bushings are better, but you let me know.

I know z's dont have the best front suspension but i can't afford to mod it out at this time.



2) I really want to get bigger handle bars the only ones i have found specifically for z's are from fast 50's is this kit any good can you guys recommend another kit? I guy i was talking to on here told me i can get a clamp from an atc70 and bmx bars...seems easy enough but kind of jerryrigged.... also I am @5.6'/ 5.7' and i dont know if 7" or 8" bars would be better.



I also badly need new tires, and these 3 things are prob. all I will be able to afford after blowing alot of money on xmas shopping so these are my main concerns for now but any advice on other mods, routine maintence any advice from you more seasoned dudes would be appreciated!!!

Seriously I want to work on my own bike and need your knowledge and expert experience. thanks!!!
 

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#4 ·
Welcome aboard!

As far as rebuilding the forks i would just stick delrin bushing in ($19.99) an maybe hd springs depending on what you mean by needing to be rebuilt?if they have slop the bushing will do a great deal for that. If your meaning it has no suspension it is always clapped out then throw the HD springs on. Its a very simple procedure an not much you can really mess up.



For your handle bar situation its all on your preference if you feel you are riding hunched over then a taller bar will give you added comfort an more room to move your legs around. There are you tons of options for clamp bars etc. fast 50's kit will do you good but also the pieced together kit will be equally the same just more cost effective due to not paying for names packaging etc.



As for tires what kind of riding do you do?
 
#5 ·
thanks man!!! Seriously appreciate any bones you guys throw me.



yeah basically the bushings in steering column / front fort assem. are shot and there is some play that i am eager to get rid of!

Are the stock ones that bad? cuz my sister bought me a gift certificate to Honda to buy a a helmet and I have some $ left over on it after buying a helmet.



As for handle bar kits can you recommend a fairly cheap idiot proof to install one? and will i need longer break/ throttle cables?



and the type of riding i do... basically just moved back to upstate ny after 10 years in Brooklyn so basically nothing too specific trails, streets,....looking for something with some grip after riding around with an almost bald back tire all summer.

Thanks guys for real, wish i could buy all of those who give me advice a cold one via the internet.
 
#6 ·
If you have slop in the steering head, then you just need to tighten it up. Thesteering stem bolt that you see does not do the adjustment, it is the one below that.



The stock fork bushings are no less stiff than the delrin ones, but will not last as long. Either one will tighten up the slop if that is the problem.



For the bars on the cheap, take off the old ones, then get a grinder and cut off the metal oiece that has the bolts attached, Smooth it up and you have a set of standard bars that can use standard clamps. Get a set of bar risers off of an ATC or a 91-94 ct70, and it is a bolt together solution. The bars will not be taller, but you can rotate them forward, and it will give you a lot more rideability. This is the setup I am describing:



Image




You can see that bike build thread HERE. Lots of cheap ideas for that model bike.



That is a sweet bike to start with, so good modding!
 
#8 ·
monaghan said:
you can make your own bars, dont spend all that money on the kit.

Btw before you do anything, look at your frame to me it looks bent. maybe reinforce it.
Click to expand...


...where does it look bent to you?

when i took it honda they said it was fine but it has been ridden hard enough that it is a possibility (cross my fingers)? where should i check and how can i tell (if its not completly obvious)? could it be the play in the steering column you could be mistaken this picture was before i took it honda.



thanks to every one for the pointers!!

keep em' coming please by all means the more the better.
 
#9 ·
For bars. The Best/safest/cleanest/ and affordable way to me is to take CRF70 clamps, bolt them onto the stock Z50r upper triple. Then buy a Renthal 50 bar and clamp it.



You can also get a Fast50s upper triple and just put the Renthal high bar bmx style). Fast50s also make stiffer springs and bushings. You can also cop HD fork legs from Fast50s.



Tires: Honda XR50/Z50 Parts - George's Outdoor Sales and Service
 
#11 ·
To me the frame looks fine just the angle of the picture might throw you off but distance of fender an wheel to the motor looks about right. As far as you saying there is play in the neck if is already tightend down an its still there you can replace the neck bearings with a new set of OEM ones again this is a very simple procedure and nothing you could really mess up.
 
#15 ·
I would invest in a set of delrin bushings, "mild" springs from Minibikesprings.com, a set of Kitaco or Takagawa shocks, the CRF70 handlebar clamps as somebody already mentioned and a pair of aftermarket bars of your choice. The bike will be a lot more fun to ride for an adult. You will most likely need longer cables and a carb cap but you will still be saving money over buying a complete bar kit with clamp.

The frame looks fine to me too.
 
#17 ·
Go with fast50s! great quality stuffs and they contributed to make 50s upgradable from day 1, so i think it's a way to spend your money right. Great service too, i think they deserve attention from customers, not like some other sharks who sell crap...



i'm not involved with fast50s, i'm from overseas, but i've never been desapointed choosing Fast50s and i think parts sell better once used.



Someone said replace the neck bearings with OEM ones, i'd say no just take tappet stearing bearings for CRF50, these are the same and fit perfectly.
 
#19 ·
joshmatters said:
http://planetminis.com/members/joshmatters-albums-97-honda-z50r-picture11413-006.jpg



Image
Click to expand...
The "bend" in your frame appears to be an optical illusion. If you look at the down tube just below the motor mounts, there appears to be some cracking in the paint that suggests a bend. If you continue downward the reflection off of the chain guard (which at first glance I thought was the frame) makes it look like the frame bends toward the wheel. Maybe that's what Monaghan was looking at.
 
#20 ·
thanks again guys!!!



I have another issue maybe you guys can help with.....

Once in a while when i first start it up and it seems ready to get on and ride,... when you give it gas it starts going and doesnt stall out but sort of stutters out and you have to kind of rev it a little bit to get it doing..... sounds like a minor fuel line or throttle issue maybe you tell me (please).
 
#23 ·
joshmatters said:
thanks again guys!!!



I have another issue maybe you guys can help with.....

Once in a while when i first start it up and it seems ready to get on and ride,... when you give it gas it starts going and doesnt stall out but sort of stutters out and you have to kind of rev it a little bit to get it doing..... sounds like a minor fuel line or throttle issue maybe you tell me (please).
Click to expand...


My stocker has to be completely warmed up or it does the same thing. Does the stalling stop as the bike warms up?
 
#24 ·
HondaZrider said:
My stocker has to be completely warmed up or it does the same thing. Does the stalling stop as the bike warms up?
Click to expand...


yeah it seams to stop stalling (more like putting out....the engine doesn't actually stall it just stops going when you pull back the throttle.), for the most part I would say.... its been a couple weeks I been working this job in the city and haven't had time to go upstate and start her up...... feel like a negligent parent not paying attention to my first born.ha

is that kinda what yours does?
 
#26 ·
joshmatters said:
yeah it seams to stop stalling (more like putting out....the engine doesn't actually stall it just stops going when you pull back the throttle.), for the most part I would say.... its been a couple weeks I been working this job in the city and haven't had time to go upstate and start her up...... feel like a negligent parent not paying attention to my first born.ha

is that kinda what yours does?
Click to expand...


Yeah, that sounds about right...
 
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