yz 490 hybrid

[PRITCH39]

Hi all,

I have managed to get hold of a 1982 yz490j rolling frame cheap. What dose every one think about a 400 twin road bike transplant say XS400 around 1980s? is this a stupid idea or is there potential for a
fast/unique racer? What class would this fit into? Is it even possible?

PLEASE BE KIND

Brian

[yzhilly]

Why not just put a 490 in it ,hunt around a bit and you will get one , much better than a 100kgs of sluggish 4t.

[Stan S]

Hi all,

I have managed to get hold of a 1982 yz490j rolling frame cheap. What dose every one think about a 400 twin road bike transplant say XS400 around 1980s? is this a stupid idea or is there potential for a
fast/unique racer? What class would this fit into? Is it even possible?

PLEASE BE KIND

Brian

Brian, if you are hell bent on a hybrid (and I would give my eye teeth for a YZ490) what about putting a watercooled RD or RZ 350 with chambers in it.

Stan.

[PRITCH39]

Im open to all suggestions, I have a cheap roller and there are an abundance of old roadbikes cheap out there. I would much prefer a 490 engine but i think this needs to be a very $$$$ friendly build as i have bugger all money at the moment. I just wondered if it might make a good 4 stroke racer. For something to play around on in between pre 78 races.( I am bored and need a project ) I would love to do an RZ 350 but the price of chambers would kill my budget by themselves. Maybe I should keep the 490 for a rainy day. Anyone who has any cheap engines I might be able to use for 490 or other please let me know.

Iam in Brisbane

[LWC82PE]

XS400's were never that good, popular or common same with the XS500. Your better off with a XS650 or a TT500 or a RD/RZ 250/350 motor i reckon. My personal pic would the the RD/RZ 250/350 as theres stack of parts and knowledge to make them go good, plus i favour the 2 strokes 

Getting an old 4T road bike motor from a wreckers which will most likely be shagged anyway will need a full proper engine rebuild anyway which will not be as cheap as you think, so if money is an issue the 2T single would be the way to go or the 2T RD/RZ as you dont have all the 4T's top end stuff to do like heads valve seats, valves, bearings, cam chains and associated parts etc. Even if you cant get a 490, maybe a DT or MX 400 engine might fit.