Custom TRX (Future Project)

[Thom]

I plan to use this show and tell for a future project however at the moment it's simply going to be drawings of what i plan. They're basic, and im not artist, but theyre rewarding and allow a relatively good idea of what im aiming for.
So, i'm basing my project around a Yamaha TRX850, a budget sports bike aimed to compete in the late 90's with the growing twin market. Not fast but affordable.
I don't know what it is about these bikes but theres something about them i cannot refuse to like. Therefore i've lined up quite an extensive project to move this bike from the realms of budget to performance.
It will likely happen over the space of a year, or even two, however let this be the start!

The original bike:
https://motosvit.com/Yamaha%20TRX850/Yamaha%20TRX850%2096%20%201.jpg

My current plan:
https://i45.tinypic.com/25iucyh.png

The list of "things to do":
The TRX is going to recieve the whole front end of an R1, wheel, forks, brakes, clip-ons and possibly clocks. Braided hoses, sintered pads and wavy discs to aid the stopping power (although with barely 90bhp i doubt this is essential!)
Next I plan to replace the fairing, although i like the half fairing i don't like its resemblance to the diversion i previously owned, nor do i like the single headlight. I plan to test a MK.1 Fazer fairing on the bike, however im considering simply transplanting the lights and possibly clocks from a 2000ish fazer onto the TRX.
A double bubble screen
Indicator-mirrors
Race style filler cap
Bellypan (with those nice little 'tacky' sponsor decals)
Custom Titanium (or stainless exhaust) with twin carbon harris race cans
Gel seat (thin seat for that 'race' look and gel to aid the arse riding the bike)
Adjustable rearsets (Again, possibly harris but there are a few options available.
Full R1 rear swingarm, ohlins shcok, wheel, brakes, etc (the swingarm will also recieve the same MotoGP treatment Dam0n is putting on his swing arm)
I want the rear of the bike to lift ever so slightly, perhaps just an inch, this is to HOPEFULLY improve the turn in of the bike but also to improve the asthetics ever so slightly (Bringing the top of the pillion seat more in line with the fuel tank)
'Home-grown' seat cowl (Just a standard seat cowl really but i may add a couple of small details such as a 'vent' style effect of some description, again, asthetics, i'd go single seater but the lass likes coming pillion!
Smaller (square) rear light, and converting all bulbs to LED's throughout the bike where possible.
Undertray (if possible, im unsure if theyre available and i image theyre tricky to form out of fibreglass or similar, but i cant live without one).
Tail tidy.
The engine will recieve the 930cc bore kit (although i think i found a 1000cc bore kit somewhere), this is simply for a little extra BHP and to try and tide it over the 100bhp mark (if its even possible, im unsure yet)
the standard high flow air filter and jetting treatment, possibly different carbs, i need to look into this. I'd like the engine to be tuned at some point but i'd rather not risk it any more than i will with a quality bore kit.
I'm considering a turbo. this is one of the few things i really have my heart set on and im sure its possible as ive seen them on other parralel twins yet ill need to do some big research before this starts.
The frame, swingarm will be powdercoated black, the wheels will be either black or anthracite. Yokes Silver and the forks+shock will remain their ohlins colours to flaunt them off.
Bellypan, hugger and mudguard will be gloss black.
The bike is going to have my own version of Yamaha's racing block scheme as in the picture.

Let the project begin!

Any comments welcome, and any advice on any of the questionable aspects of the project please PM me if you know anything i sound ignorant of!

Cheers!

P.s I realise most of the parts such as R1 forks/swingarm, and yes, even the engine is missing. these will be included in the coming days.
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[chris-red]

Hot
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Thom]

Cheers Chris.

This is going to be like a grown up version of my old GS500, should be good.

By the way, do you know (as you have the TDM) if the engines are identical (including the mounts?) I figure im going to assemble some parts shortly and a second engine may be a good idea.
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[chris-red]

I've not a 900 so afraid the engine is fairly different, I believe the 850 engines are interchangable but they are different. I have a feeling (may be wrong) that the trx as a 270deg crank and the tdm 850 doesn't. Best bet is to go to carpe-TDM.net there is alot of knowledge about the TRX and TDM there, I considered getting a TRX my heart wanted it but I decided on the TDM as it was more practical I made the right choice considering I use it for commuting.


There have been a few specials made, a japanese comapny made a TDM850 with 115rwbhp, It was over bored and and a R7 gearbox from what I remember, i think it als had a ZXR400 frame I can really remember mind it was cool as though.


I really want to build this bike too now
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Thom]

Cheers Chris!

Little update, i'm continuing with the sketches until ive planned out every possible aspect of the bike.

Today i've done a few based around the chassis.
I've managed to draw in (roughly to scale however they arn't brilliant) the R1 front and rear ends (well, they may actually be R6, but you get the jist of things!).

If my scaling is correct the swingarm of the R1 is every so slightly longer than the TRX, the forks are also shorter so this is going to marginally increase the length but the drop in the fork length and height of the front end may compensate.
This also means the rear end will appear slightly higher which is what i was after, but that does depend on the shock obviously.

Anyway, here's todays scribbles!:

Chassis showing original fork/wheel and swingarm/wheel positions (Axle to pivot or axle to yoke):

https://i46.tinypic.com/nnwbjn.jpg

Rough drawing of the swingarm and USD front end in place:

https://i48.tinypic.com/335a1xz.jpg

'MotoGP' style swingarm (Thanks for the idea Damon!):

https://i47.tinypic.com/30j1ipt.jpg

I'll update when i get more time for sketches and idea.
I'm not going to be keeping the wheels from the early R6/R1 as pictured above, hwoever i'll be going for a newer 6 spoke design. I've been considering a single sided swinger from a duke or similar but i think it'll make the TRX look 'unbalanced' and too modern.
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[400bandit]

You just missed out mate (well unless you bought it) - a complete R1 front end with a trx stem sold for 300 quid on ebay about a week ago.

Joe
____________________
Current Bikes 650 Honda Bros, VTR1000 Firestorm // Past Bikes: Sachs Madass 50/110cc - Bandit 400 - FZR750
(+ a XS650 in lots of pieces in my garage and other places...)

[Thom]

Neah it wasn't be unfortunately!

Believe it or not i need to buy the bike itself yet

I had one for a very short while but when the buggar wouldnt start after a week and it had major electrical gremlins i got my money back.

Going to buy another in a few weeks hopefully, assuming i can find one.

I've got a few parts already like.
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[Whosthedaddy]

My TRX has the blue spot calipers (not sure about braided lines?) but they are said to be a vast improvement on the stock ones. 90bhp and 'decent' brakes could still be a lot better in my experience.

I had some difficulties getting used to the riding position compared to the 7R but now it suits just fine. The bike handles really well even on shite, semi squared off rubber. The engine is enough to have fun with, pull strongly all the way past 120 and beyond but be reserved to keep the licence safe. It is quite lumpy under 4k but you get used to it.

https://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs138.snc1/5893_120483696657_582986657_2525471_7935010_n.jpg

Only thing I don't really like is the single headlight. I have seen a single round off centre, almost race fairing look but not for sale anywhere?

The bike just needs a damn good clean and spruce up. For less than ?800 last summer, its been the most reliable and trustworthy bike to date....awaits the damn thing not to start in the morning.
____________________
Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[Thom]

They are great bikes mind! You may be interested to see my fazer headlight come along once i finally get round to it. i too dont like the single headlight but im sure the twin lights from the fazer will keep it retro but add a bit of style. it's going to involve alot of fibreglass or a whole fazer fairing though!
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[D O G]

Check this out for a fairing....

https://www.poly26.com/photo.php?id=225

Plus you can go for a light blank and run a single, round, offsett headlight.

Full page of TRX bits.

https://www.poly26.com/carenage-moto-tuning-yamaha-850-trx_5-135.html

Love the TRX's, always thought about a similar project, sadly funds do not allow!!

There was an amazing writeup in PB a couple of years ago about a guy who had completed a very good TRX special. Have you seen that?

[Thom]

Thats excellent is that website! and i do like the twin round headlight, they are going to be seriously considered.

Im yet to really start thinking about the styling im after, im trying to download some programmes that a noob like myself can use realitvely well.

Im downloading AutoCAD at the moment to see if i can design the parts i'd like much more neatly otherwise its back to the drawing board (literally!)
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[hmmmnz]

heres one for sale in new zealand at the moment,
its got all the bells and whistles, and according to a dyno print out its pushing 90hp which is pretty impressive

\im trying to swap my vf1000 for it, but im a little unsure if i want to get rid of it,

https://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/hmmmnz/108682588_full.jpg
https://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/hmmmnz/108682733_full.jpg
https://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/hmmmnz/108682459_full.jpg

apart from the twin headlights i really like it,
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[chris-red]

the rear end is horrible
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[hmmmnz]

[Thom]

I agree the tails a little... odd! however i expect some people wont like certain aspects about mine either once it gets underway...

I've started looking into the idea of turbocharging the TRX, i have no idea what kind of power this will create assuming i can get it to work however i really have alot to learn about turbo's.

can i ask anyone more in the know what the process would be for creating such a system and would i be able to maintain a normal exhaust system or is that not an option?

I understand the turbo runs on exhaust gasses and forces them back into the Airbox (I think?), pressurising the airbox and in turn the carb forcing more fuel/air into the engine.

So i assume this will require installing much larger jets in the carb for the air flow, but will i also require larger main jets?

Also, how would i go about connecting the turbo to the airbox? or am i missing something obvious? Turbo research gets underway today!
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[400bandit]

Put the turbo down and step away.....

It's a lot more involved than it sounds, not a case of just popping a turbo on there.

Joe
____________________
Current Bikes 650 Honda Bros, VTR1000 Firestorm // Past Bikes: Sachs Madass 50/110cc - Bandit 400 - FZR750
(+ a XS650 in lots of pieces in my garage and other places...)

[Thom]

I've realised that since this morning and have decided against it. i want the bike to remain fairly useable and the turbo will massively complicate any small task i want to do regarding building the bike or maintaining it.

Instead im doing the 880cc conversion, 39/41mm flatside, K&N pods and plenty of dyno time.

I considered making it FI but that too would be a bitch.
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[G]

Is this a case of wanting something you can throw money at without getting a silly fast bike?

I like the TRX (including the original looks), but apart from blue sports and fork interals or possibly an R1 front end, doing any thing more seems like rather a waste of money when there are bikes much better as standard out there.

As I've often suggested - get a litre bike, then stick a restricter on it for the same effect at a lot less money and time* spent and probably a better over all package too.
* more riding time!

I still wouldn't mind another TRX some time, but not to enjoy not to maul!

[Thom]

I don't have any desire for a 'fast' bike, and i love big twins. but theres something about the TRX which i love. it's a bike i'd like to improve and make my own. I'd like it to be unique, shouty and even cooler than it is already.

I understand for what is potentially a 5 grand jobby i could go buy a new super sports bike and most certainly an older big twin, but where's the character or the appeal in the majority of these?

I would rather have a stock TRX with 30,000 miles on than a desmocedici and i can honestly say i mean that but once i imagine it with lots of nice trick parts and hopefully some additional performance there is nothing but the ns400r that comes closes to being desired as much
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[G]

[Thom]

Fair points G, as was stated when the other 'fighter' trx was mentioned its often a case of personal tastes and opinions and ill accept your views are different to my own.

however with regards to the engine 'mods' the 878cc kit increases power by a claimed 20% throughout the midrange, this is power that can be easily accessed (as apposed to top end power which is much more difficult) and will provide a little more fun than the standard bike has to offer. The filters, carbs and exhaust are to help it along a bit more but also for the lovely noise every bike should have.

In my opinion the bike will be relatively unique, it will improve on what the standard bike has to offer and it will look nice too.

If you can find me a 900cc, half faired twin, without cam belts (i cant be servicing them!) and a trellis frame I'd certainly consider it but for me the TRX is THE bike i dream about and its a bike i would like to try and improve aesthetically and where fun factor is concerned. (dont get me wrong, theyre a very fun bike, but you can never have enough of that!)

Cheers!
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[G]

Tl1000S surely, or Aprilia Falco? Can always stick a restricter on if you don't want that much power, or is it just that it's an alloy not steel trellis?

I presume you're not stuck on a specific cc for the sake of it.

You do know that the cam belts are supposed to be pretty easy to service, though not saying that's a good excuse to own a duck .

[Thom]

I admit i didn't know cam belts are easy to service (although i hate to image trying!) but also the stereotypical imagine of Duke's disliking rain kind of puts me off.

I was originally going to buy a big ape as you suggest, and i also considered the big honda twins as well as the TL but i admit this came down to mostly aesthetic reasons in the sense i prefer the old boxy characteristics of the TRX.

I know i sound very awkward and what-not but i do respect your opinions on the matter! However the TRX ticks all the boxes for me:

Good 'old school' looks
Decent performance
Claimed to have a very nice handling chassis (although i confess i wouldn't really know, i can't ride fast for toffee )
Big Twin engine
Reliable and easy to service
Good parts availability

As well as other thing.
Yes there are other bikes that tick these boxes but i feel none are more suitable to me, and with my desire to make things my own and 'modify' them i feel the TRX will be the msot suitable.

Like i said at the begginning of this topic, there's just something about them, which im sure you can appreciate!
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)

[G]

Have you ridden a TRX? While with a loud system and their 8k rpm red line they can give the impression of being a typical twin, the power delivery is if anything more revvy than modern 600s.
Apparently this is due in part to the five valve head.
If you pull the throttle open slowly it?s not noticable, but whack it open at various points and it?s fairly obvious it?s only really above half-revs that it actually starts to clear it?s throat and take off.
I quite liked this for general ?fun?, but it?s not what most twin lovers want.

I do like the looks of the TRX myself, but wouldn't change them personally (including adding silly undertrays etc!)

[Thom]

I did manage to ride one but only for a short duration (electrics died on it for no apparant reason) however i've ridden the tdm850 for a couple of days and i've had a few 'goes' on big litre twins, as well as having ridden a few small twins (if they can be comapred appart from the engine configuration!).

It's going to be a proper 'toy' bike which coming from me means weekend toy, ongoing project built for hooning about up the moors and not caring about fuel consumption

They are known to be very lumpy until about 4k revs but i beleive this is a common characteristic amongst twins. I remember having to ring its neck a little bit when i rode one, it did feel choked up and a bit sluggish low down but this doesnt really bother me that much.

Fair point on the undertray, i'm going to go for various 'subtle' mods such as a seat cowl, tail tidy and bellypan, hwoever the front fairing will get the twin lamp jobby and unless i get a pristine version of the bike for my budget i'll be getting the speedblock job i've scribbled above
____________________
Current Bike: 1996 Yamaha TRX850 (The Japanese-Ducati One).
Previous Bikes: 1990 Honda NSR125 'Rothmans' (The smoking one), 1990 Suzuki GS500e 'Caf? fighter' (The loud one), 1987 Kawasaki GPX400r (The quick one), 1997 XJ600s Diversion (The reliable one), 2000 Kawasaki ER-5 (The spontaneously combustive one)