01/28/2022
Update on one of the barn find Z50’s (1984) it was in far worse shape than the ‘78. It was missing exhaust, all bodywork, fenders, gas tank, seat, carb, controls, even handlebars and top triple clamp was missing. Transmission was locked up. All electrical was missing, rims were rusted completely through, tires dry rotted. Chain seized and sprockets trashed. I’ve had fun putting Amazon parts on it (throttle, grips, kill switch, carb, air filter, fenders & gas tank. Seat was from Glens surplus. Iron pony for the chain & sprockets, tires, and OEM gaskets. The 1978 was 99% complete. It was missing the lights, and a few brake parts. The tubes held air and it just needed a carb clean and piston / cylinder and it’s done. If you look carefully you’ll see in the background the new project a 1998 Z50! Picked it up in Amherst last Tuesday, was excited to meet another collector and he threw in a lifetime supply of parts, even a Chinese quad and a w**d eater (was doing some spring cleaning). Last fall when I rode the ‘78 for the first time I enjoyed the challenge of the 50cc (not a lot of power but manageable with gear selection and RPM’s) once I got “adult” handlebars on it, then I could actually steer it and son of a nutcracker that was so much fun on my minibike track in the woods!!! Looking forward to mid-Ohio vintage weekend this year, my goal is to have 4 pit bikes ready for that event. Not to race but to just ride around non-stop and have fun with friends.
