The following article has been sent in by Dhruv Ag
After a minor spill on a rough road, Shiva was sick of the rattling plastics and wanted to restore the bike’s lost sheen.
Thus, began the need for mods on the Yamaha SZ to make it a Yamaha FZ Adventure Build. Mods that would make it more sturdy and more usable in our road conditions. Below is a detailed list of changes made to the Yamaha SZ.
Sparing the fuel tank, all the body parts were junked. The original fixed rider footrests were chopped and stays were welded to make way for aluminium foot pegs.
The stock battery holder was trimmed and the RR unit was moved under the seat after ensuring proper electrical grounding.
A battery cover was fabricated from 2 mm thick MS sheet.
After endless scouting for dual purpose tyres, I finalised on CEAT Secura sport front and Ralco Blaster <100/90 x 17> rear. Happy with the choice as it provides good grip in mixed weather and terrain.
Since the air intake side was tidy, I decided to leave it exposed and just add the rider’s lucky digits in lemon yellow.
After many permutations, a high-low mudguard combination was zeroed in on. The upper mudguard was fabricated from sheet metal and fixes onto the headlight stay.
Some lower mudguard lying around in the parts bin was chopped and stays were made to fix it to the existing fork leg mounts.
A sportier toe shifter replaces the heel and toe type unit.
Next, the stock handlebar was ditched for more comfortable high rise ones with the cables rerouted to ensure adequate play. Handguards were fitted to save the levers in case of a mishap.
The tank tabs were grinded, filled and surfaced to a smooth finish before paint. The fuel lid was polished to a brushed steel finish.
The stock speedo console was retained for functionality. Protaper handlebar covers slapped on for safety do add spice to the front end.
The headlight unit off an Eicher truck sheaths the sockets and wiring. A fabricated grill protects the lens.
In order to simplify the rear, the mudguard was junked and LED stop, turn lights and number plate fit directly to the sub-frame. An aluminium undertray hugs the sub-frame preventing mud splashing onto the electricals and seat lock.
The seat base was reshaped and wrapped with coarse grain fabric to prevent the rider sliding about during hard braking.
A luggage rack was welded to the stock grab rail for those long interstate trips.
A tyre hugger stay was mandrel bent with 2.5 mm tubing and bolts on to the swing-arm.
Classic Yamaha black on white vinyl accentuates the bodyline.
The Yamaha SZ Adventure Build took 6 weeks to complete and am glad the owner was pleased with the outcome.
Engine and suspension upgrades are being planned for stage 2.
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