Planet Minis

Z

Since I have a tendency not do document any of my projects and rarely share pics publically, we'll change gears with this specific build. My first Z50R build! Up to this point, I've never built a bike with plastics... Should be fun...

Background:

Back in August of 2007, I picked up a cherry 1998 Z50R for $450. This bike had 1/2 a tank of gas run through it in 1998 where the 8 year old kid laid it down, became scared of it, and it sat inside for the next 9 years until I bought it.

Other then a nickle sized decal scratch in the left tank decal, and some decals put on by the original owner, this bike is brand new. Best deal I've found to date.

I'd rate this bike a 10 out of 10 but that 1/2 tank of gas sat in the bike for 9 years, but she still runs and starts first or second kick.

Looking Forward:

I'm going to keep the stock forks and swingarm on this project seeing how it's for my two boys and I don't need another street mini with speeds capable of 80mph.

Suspension - I'll upgrade the rear shocks. That's it. Maybe switch out the tires. Factory wheels, forks swingarm.

Engine - 88cc BBK with Race Head and Oil cooler. New up-pipe that I haven't seen anyone use over here yet. TBD...

Electrical. I'll run a battery and Honda Monkey wiring harness with left hand controls and the bike will have fully functional lighting including neutral warning lamp, turn signals, working taillamp and high and low beams. Speedometer.

Dress-up - New bars, different fork uppers painted a different color, custom decals (I'll have to strip and paint/powdercoat the tank, keeping the Z50R seat. Locking fuel cap.

In my terms, the first iteration of this build is going to be on the cheap but the bike will be factory new when finished.

Here's the stocker. See attached.

More come as the build progresses...

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FastMC

No billet wheels ? No disc brakes ? No cartridge forks ? Have you lost your mind ? Seriously though, you gotta have one for the little tykes. Dont make it too nice, so they can drop it without seeing their dad cry !!!

Z

It will be factory new just like it was off the dealer floor. My kids will be helping build the bike and understand respecting the equipment. Kids don't get stupid until they hit their teens

supernes550

i've been tempted to add one of these to the stable for a while now.

that's an awesome deal you came up on.

Z

Update #1. Pulled the rear taillamp assembly out of the parts bin. Haven't decided on the turn signals yet. I'll be mediablasting and most likely will paint this black.

Exhaust on order as is the rear sprocket.

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Z

Here's the fork uppers somebody nicely spraybombed for me in Red. I'll be media-blasting these and painting in a Candy color. I haven't decided on a color scheme yet.

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d0n

cool project. nice stocker too!

Z

Got the new bars and dug my lighting controls out of the parts bin. I didn't want really tall bars since the bike isn't technically for me I'll hide the wires under the instrument cluster. I picked up a used Kitaco speedo for $40 awhile back, and this will come in handy as well. This bad boy has since been discontinued. Nothing fancy. Probably don't need a 140 kph speedo for the kids, but hey, it's in the parts bin...

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supernes550

daytona bars?

that's going to be a nice build for the young ones.

Z

Yes, Daytona bars. They are much thicker then the standard monkey bars I get and there will be no bar ends on this. I don't want a 10 foot scratch down the side of my neighbors vehicles.

jmurray192

Thats what I want to build for my son (or daughter). Great minds think alike. In about 5 years im going to have to make a trip over there and buy her off ya when your kids are done with her.

Z

When the kids are bigger, I'll put 10" wheels, disc brakes and a 124+R in it.

Wurms

Lol. Awesome.

That thing is cherry Dan! You weren't kidding.
Those bars are solid and look great. Tell me what you think about the pullback..
Mine seem kinda awkward like they come in at a liiiittle bit too much of an angle.

Great speedo. Looks like it was designed specifically for that bike.
Awesome project for kids imho. Good memories in the making for sure!!!

makotosun

I can only imagine what fun it might be to wander through your parts . . . Bunker!

Looking good. I am going to be building a 91 up for my son that will be somewhat of an "enduro" look, with lights, so I am watching this thread with great interest!

Z

Quick update. Got the cheapo Kitaco Shocks and the stainless header/carbon fiber can. The exhaust will look a touch funny until after the rear lighting is mounted and you'll see why it hangs the way it does.

This exhaust is 75db on an 88cc engine, which is exactly what I wanted for this project. - Quiet. All my other bikes wake the dead where this one can actually be ridden in the neighborhood without causing a fuss.

Over the next couple of months, I'll be working on the lighting, custom wiring and decals. More to come

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arlindsay1992

Wow. That's a nice pipe. And it sure is quiet. The stock one is in the eighties isn't it?

slowkid6

lookin good

Z

These are bad pics and my batteries just died, but will give you an idea on the rear taillamp setup. Lots of work ahead with paint wiring and lighting.

I'll have about 1cm clearance from the bottom of the turn signal to the top of the exhaust.

I'll take better pictures in the upcoming weeks.

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rjpracing

dan i hate you and the price you got that bike for! f*#ker lol

Z

I hate that people think you are mexican and then when they talk to you think you are a limey..