72 RV90

[djfisher22]

Just picked up a basketcase RV90 to put together as a pitbike. I need a few things but Ebay seems to have a bunch of stuff for em. Anyone got experience with this cool little antique? I may need a few questions answered along the way.

[water cooled]

DJ, that looks great....in fact....it would be a perfect tow vehicle at the drag races. Once its running and all shiny, let me know if you want to hire yourself (and the pit bike) out as part of the Suzuki pit crew!

Nice catch getting that one. Looks like it will be a lot of fun.

[djfisher22]

Think it'll haul both of our big asses AND a Dragbike Kevin?

[water cooled]

I think it will.... granted, we are "no shrinking violets" you and I but I have managed to shave a pound or two out of the GT750. It just seems sacrilegious to tow the GT750 with a Honda so when I saw your new acquisition, it inspired me to write to you.

Are you going to go to Martin (US131) in September? It will be good to see you there if you do.

Besides, I have a spare carb and extra pipe that might kick that 90 upto a 180...just saying.....

[H2RICK]

Just noticed this thread and it brought back a lot of memories. Those were a reasonably popular little bike. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for its big brother, the RV125 with the piston-ported engine from the TS125. Although this style of bike was discontinued in North America somewhere around 1976 or 1977, Suzuki continued to sell the 125 version, at least, in the UK and Europe into the early 80's....and maybe even later in some markets.
That RV90 engine is basically the same one as used in a TS90/TS100 so a TS100 motor will slot right in there.
Tough little brutes but people WILL let the piston get worn waaaayyyy too much and then the intake skirt breaks off and that's usually the end. Cycle bits are pretty durable for the most part although you DO have to keep a close eye on the rear hub and cush drive because of rider "overloading".
Let's have some pics of what's going on with the old girl, DJ. Inquiring minds want to know....

[djfisher22]

I've been gathering parts for it. Bought a seat, kicker, cylinder, piston, rings and a head. Just brought it down from the shed now that I've sold a few other things. I want to hear it run before I order tires, cables and controls.We're painting and carpeting before the holidays so I probably won't dig in to the RV till January.

[husson73]

nice find Dj

[djfisher22]

Since this project I've bought a relatively complete 73 RV125 in green and another RV90 parts bike. Just got the 125 running yesterday and the little sucker hauls my big ass around pretty good. Just ran up and down my street and it got 40MPH no problem. Did a few laps around my yard and put it away to finish my yard work. More fun to come.



look at the back tire he put on this thing.

[H2RICK]

Nice catch, DJ.
Yep, that's quite a tire on the rear.....obviously from some quad.
I believe the original tires are still available from Bridgestone although you might have to look for awhile to find a distributor that stocks them.
Those bikes will easily do more than 40 MPH....but with those big tires and the short wheelbase I'm not sure I'd want to be in saddle at any higher speeds.
Keep us posted as to your progress with those two little gems.

[Druens89]

Hi djfisher22 and company. I was looking up things for a 1972 RV 90 and found your thread. I own a 72 RV 90 and a 82 Honda CT-70. I have taken the RV90 apart and have had to replace many parts. Maybe we can share some info on them. Ill post pics of mine soon. but there are alot of self fixes from a while ago. Both these bikes were stolen at one point and some parts were lost. But I have kept them both running. The RV 90 is GREAT for the High desert terrain. I'm looking for ways to increase speed and suspension. Also how to fix the light. and where to find a hot wire one the RV 90 to just jerry rig the light to the engine on start-up. But hopefully I might be able to answer a few ?s about them if you have any.

[djfisher22]

Hi djfisher22 and company. I was looking up things for a 1972 RV 90 and found your thread. I own a 72 RV 90 and a 82 Honda CT-70. I have taken the RV90 apart and have had to replace many parts. Maybe we can share some info on them. Ill post pics of mine soon. but there are alot of self fixes from a while ago. Both these bikes were stolen at one point and some parts were lost. But I have kept them both running. The RV 90 is GREAT for the High desert terrain. I'm looking for ways to increase speed and suspension. Also how to fix the light. and where to find a hot wire one the RV 90 to just jerry rig the light to the engine on start-up. But hopefully I might be able to answer a few ?s about them if you have any.

Thanks,
nice to have you here on the RV board.
Seriously, I've got the two RV90's on my trailer in the back yard. After I get the bugs out of the 125 I'm going to use the best parts of the two to build a nice 90. I'll be sure to ask when the time comes.

[Scorch]

Welcome to the forum!

[Druens89]

Thanks for the welcome Scorch and I hope to be able to help you when you get down to it DJ. I'll be posting pics of my RV 90 and CT-70 in the next few days or so.

[malky]

Hi guys,just started a light restoration on a 1973 RV125L it spent all its life in Michigan and now its come to the U.K. We cant get over the condition its in - dont think its ever been stripped before and only has 2300 miles on the clock - just repainted the frame and mudguards as they were a bit tired and home re-plated all its original fixings even the chrome has cleaned up like new- its a little cracker - its hard to believe that its nearly 40 years old !!

[H2RICK]

Malky, if it's definitely a 1973 then it would be a K model and would be green like DJ's. I can't remember what colour the L models were.
Maybe orange ??
What colour was yours before the respray ??