The Place

G'Day,

I am interested in F350 Outfits. Especially the use of "other than TZ" powerplants in them. In Australia, for our Forgotten Era Class we can run a 2 stroke of any size provided that the engine is from a motorcycle, and was made between Jan 1973 and December 1982. This means that, for example we could not use a Yamaha RZ350 based engine, but could use, lets say an aircooled Yamaha RD400 engine, (not that I would). I could alo use either a genuine Yamaha TZ350 or its road going cousin the Yamaha RD350 LC. This is the way I am leaning.

If I can source a decent 350LC, does anyone make a decent "Big Bore" kit for them? I know that these engines have had various "special" parts made for them ever since they first came onto the scene here in Australia in around 1981, so If I could show that these modifications were done in period, I would be able to use them.

I know where I could get a genuine TZ350 engine, but parts as you in the UK know, are becomming scarce. I am looking for an alternate that would give me a similar power output to the TZ.

I know that there is a wealth of F350 knowledge in the UK. As far as I know there are only 4 F350 outfits in Australia and they are at least 2000km away from me. Any information that can be provided would be much appreciated.

Top 'o the mornin' to yer,

I think you will venture down the TZ350 route if you want a fast motor.
Here in the UK, for some strange reason we are allowed to use the (Yamaha America) Banshee top-end kits on LC350 bottom ends, which, at standard size are very competitive. No doubt a big 'un would be powerful.
I have not done the research but I am sure these were not available in the period you are restricted to.
If I can throw any more light in your direction it would please me to do so.
I run a TZ350 Windle outfit.

Regards,

Merv

Why use a 350 if you can use any size engine?
A 750 Suzuki sounds good to me.

Water bottle engines are big heavy lumps. They are also getting hard to find over here. I have also considered a 500cc triple Kawasaki, but cooling is a problem.

I want the outfit to be light and nimble, not a heavy behemoth like most of the Forgotten outfits here.

There is a guy here that runs what looks to be an Ireson with a Suzuki 750 triple in it. I'll have to contact him to see how he gets on with it.

Cranks are also an issue I believe?

Whats the issue with cranks?

Bruce Collins did have a Waterbottle in the Ireson but has since fitted a TZ750 to it. Reliability was an issue as it was far from stock.
What about one of the 3 cylinder engines Barry Ditchburn runs in a solo?

Have to agree with Merv - you say you want "light and nimble" - TZ350 is that...
The other thing to think about is the availability of spares - plenty of TZs still running & most spares available - even if some parts are a bit expensive - but probably cost no more to run than any race engine.
The TZ 350 was made up until about '80 / '81 - the YPVS I think appeared about '84 / '85 if I remember correctly - not at all sure when the similar engine Banshee Quad bike started production - probably a couple of years later...
BTW - I have a Shelbourne 350 - which will probably be sold later in the year (if our new bike is any good )