How it all started..

I don't know why but 2 strokes is more addictive than I thought. Phew! Restoring RX135 in 2010 was a lesson to me so it happened to be my first project. It wasn't a full blown restoration but more or less a cosmetic make up. Changed everything except the engine since I did not have any issues with performance.

Well, slowly got inclined to towards my long craving RX100, decided to go for all out restoration. With some lessons from previous effort, boldly took the challenge to go in detail effort to bring out the best. Well, I won't say exactly factory finish but tried. While I've been hearing about RXZ for sometime, ended up getting inclined towards it. Started to study the feasibility. Well, it was bleak. To start with, I couldn't find many RXZ sellers in my city. Thought would enquire about the RXZ spares, woah! some dealers/showroom have not seen spares for years. This was even disappointing.

I was caught between mind and heart whether to go ahead with the project or not. There was war inside my head. Crazy and 2 stroke head, took the shot to go ahead with RXZ in my stable. Vijay Daniel (xbhp id: [MENTION=41118]vijaymeyou[/MENTION]) who not only helped as a friend but also educated about the engineering that will go into this restoration.

Spares hunt
After I made up my mind to go for RXZ, did not waste much time, thus started to collect spares even before looking out for a used bike. Uff! traveled around since there were hardly any in my city. Thanks to Doc(xbhp id: [MENTION=9171]yamdoot[/MENTION]) who helped me with parts manual and that was like a foundation stone to kick start my project. That helped me study cosmetic body parts and some commonality between other RX series then, started to hunt for easily available parts i.e Engine core components.
Spread the message around, joined few biking community, discussed with RXZ owners, was learning more about the bike. Made some good friends who shared same passion and they helped with spares.
Jayakrishnan, Rishi, Atul, Girish, Nitesh [MENTION=9171]yamdoot[/MENTION]), Ram Prasath, Dinesh Kumar, Arvind Yadhav, the whole Yamahites group. Ilanchezhiyan Sir, Kumar Sir, Anil Kumar Sir, Naren Suri, Sagar Tugi. I'm greatful to many others who has helped in every other form.

Searching for a used RX-Z
It was not easy at all. Actually there used to be advertisements in the internet selling RXZ at throw away prices while RX100 used to rule to league. But in 2013, when I was looking out for Z, hardly saw any up for sale. While many informed that last couple of years, many from neighboring states purchased RXZ at as and where condition, thus resulting even one or two put up for sale with prices quoted above roof. Also, many started to restoring the bike too.

Patiently waited for ideal one, then came one. 3 previous owners 2000 model RXZ 4 speed with fitness valid till 2015 January. Couple of calls and a visit, then finalized the deal at my office premises in June 2013. It was in pathetic condition that I would feel embarrased everytime I take it out,not because of vehicle condition or paint job but stickering. The bike was adorned with sticker like no tomorrow.


Restoration Plan
With prayers and blessings took steps towards restoration. One fine day started to strip the bike and ended up two days doing it. During the course of time
fixed the painter who will be doing the job. Explained my expectation and got the timelines from him. As usual, promised me the best job and time line like any other painter. While I'm in no hurry, thought would go along with him. With no helping hand and carrying on tasks all by myself, roaming in the hot sun is refreshing.

Here we go! Took the frame specialist, Murugan Tinkering Works, Royapettah for a check up. Rather depending on the mechanic/painter's views, thought it is better to approach the professionals as they know exactly what needs to be done. They inspected the frame thoroughly and pointed out the areas that needed attention. Rusted mid section, frame bend and strengthening the weak pivot areas. I was lucky that they would return in 3 days than usually a week.



Yesterday, received call from them and informed me that the frame is ready. I called up the painter to help carrying the frame to his shop. They did a decent job and explained me the areas they have worked. As soon as my painter guy showed up, took it to his shop for painting. Now, I pray god for painter and his folks for good health till my paint job is complete.



Is it going to be 4speed or 5 speed RXZ?
What color scheme?

Continued....