revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Although I’ve done my fair share of bike builds and re-builds, I’ve never done a build thread, so I reckon I’m overdue and I thought what better place to start than here.
It's likely to be a (very) slow burner, as aside from work and other non-work distractions like riding my bikes, drinking beer, chasing women etc, I also have a number of on-going bike project things that to date have been higher in the queue (most notably de-gummify-ing the carb on the Nordwest that has been in pieces and static on the bench for the last couple of years or so and putting it all back together) , but I love 2 strokes with a passion, and particularly LCs, so my thinking is that if I post it up here it should hopefully give me the incentive, and possibly kicks up the arse from others if need be to sort it before the summer, with the idea that I take it to Pembrey this August and re-live some of my 1980s life, for at least a few laps

So, a bit of background on the bike:- it's a 1986 RD350N1, originally from Germany, I picked it up a year or so ago and am it’s first UK registered owner. It’s showing 31k km (just under 20k miles) on the speedo
It’s, of course, impossible to be completely sure, but I’m prepared to believe that the mileage is genuine, and as far as I can tell, the top end has never been off the motor, let alone the motor split, and rear sprocket aside, is just about completely original, down to all the nuts and bolts, locks, keys, and toolkit, etc.
And that’s how I’d like to keep this one, save for a few sensible (IMO) bolt-n and off-able (and hence reversible if I choose) enhancements that will be done solely with improved performance/ riding experience in mind.

When I bought it, I overhauled the fuel tap and carbs , basically replaced diaphragm, seals, needle valves, etc to stop it pissing fuel on the floor, and re-sprayed the top yoke to sort the key-rub marks but that aside, all I’ve done to it is put fuel (Esso Supreme to keep the dreaded Ethanol carb gummage at bay), and ridden it a handful of times on sunny days.

It sounds lovely, ticks over perfectly, has the best standard brakes of any RD I’ve ever ridden (I’ve owned 8 LCs 2 x RD400s and an A/C 250 and 350 too over the years so have a view on that) particularly considering it has original rubber hoses, and overall, it rides well for what it is albeit the suspension is well overdue an overhaul, and I’m pretty sure it’s lost a few horses over the years. Although it revs out fine, it doesn’t have the top-end that it should have, struggling to get too much over 140kmph; - German models weren’t restricted, and aside from steering lock and auto-retracting side stand, are identical to the N1s originally sold here, so I think a top-end refresh is in order, will be well deserved, if it has indeed never been apart

Also, as it is over 30 years old, as you can probably imagine it is by no means immaculate, so along with the mechanical fettling/ performance enhancements there will be a bit of a sympathetic cosmetic re-furb here and there, where warranted

So, my list as it currently stands, in no particular order ( it will all be done as one job) is:

1. Swing-arm re-spray in original Yamaha silver
2. New rear YSS shock (already purchased a few months ago, but still in the box…)
3. Front fork rebuild with new progressive springs (both YSS and Wilbers sell em, probably Hagon too), and see what can be done to improve damping performance within the confines of the twiggy fork leg- back in my 350 proddy racing days, I’d use different weight oils and qtys of (old size) 5p pieces, but things have possibly moved on since then
4. Top-end (Pistons, Rings, small-ends, PVs etc) re-furb, new oil, and fuel lines, and anything else related if relevant on inspection.
5. Replace Exhausts- as you can see from the pics, the RH one particularly has bit of gravel rash. I have a pair of completely unscathed original 31K pipes, one has lost the spot-welded collar that the baffle screws into, so I just need to fabricate a new collar, weld it in and give them a re-paint with the correct VHT paint
6. Find and fit a replacement speedo- the current one has the trip reset knob snapped off, and also makes an annoying whiney noise
7. Replace chain and sprockets with OE sprockets and decent quality chain
8. Replace front brake hoses with OE rubber hoses
9. Replace headlamp rim – it has a relatively minor, but noticeable to me, graze on one side
10. Re-furb clutch casing- although it looks pretty good in the pic, that flatters it and it really isn’t- its had a partial in-situ repaint by brush, so will come off, be stripped back and properly re-finished, and re-fitted new OE screws.
11. New wheel bearings- there is currently no discernable play or roughness, but , well, they is old!
12. Gearbox oil & brake fluid change, new air filter (and possibly remove trumpet/ lid mod) , and any other general service type jobs that come up along the way

And finally, I’m probably going to also get a set of TSA pipes for it too- whilst standard ones will probably stay on it most of the time, the TSA ones whilst not IMO the best looking, really do work exceptionally well on standard motors, with a massive hike (roughly 10hp all the way from 6k to 9k ) , and allow the motor to run as it should

And finally-finally, if I do venture near a track on it, then chances are I’ll bite the bullet and buy a pair of the massively expensive, but super sticky Avon AMs rather than risk getting too excited on weedy BT45s.
The Avons were specifically designed for the YPM / Classic racer boys- basically allow you to put oversized sticky tyres on ye-olde stick-thin 18” rims.

Now I’ve written it down, the list is a bit longer than I thought, but there I’ve done it now so am committed.
Smokers have a special place in my heart, and particularly RDs, so this definitely won’t be a chore, it’s a keeper for me and I want it as nice as it can be.
Just need to get that Nordie sorted and sold and the bench freed up and we’ll be off and running
In the meantime, here’s a few pics below to show you the current state of things


One of THE BEST Yam paint schemes IMO- remins me of 70s TZs..



RH Exhaust



Swing-arm paint



Clutch cover



Under Tank



New Shock!



- TO BE CONTINUED !

Ace, I had the first power valve the LCII. Mate had an N1 like yours. Both were nearly new and I bought mine at 17 for £1000. Did 25k miles on it and as I recall 2 rebuilds, first rebuild was tuned hence the second rebuild this time standard lol
Used to run Dunlop KR124? , friend raced them so we got his scrubs. Great memories on that bike

The Tsa’s will look nice , but I could have a chat with Big Tony at Gibsons for a pair of their race pipes

Harry wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 1:25 pm

Nobby wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:53 am The Tsa’s will look nice , but I could have a chat with Big Tony at Gibsons for a pair of their race pipes

Are the Gibsons any good? I thought they were mainly cosmetic? (Allspeeds aren't they?)

Dave (Muttsnuts) up in Yorkshire is a good guy for set-up and pipes, I don't know what level of tuning he goes to, but I've had him set up my bikes and he's spot on, nice bloke as well. He's done a fair few big bhp bikes and the lads on the LC forum really rate him.

as good as they get. The Allspeeds were made in the 80's and were , well, peaky. The latest stuff has a lot more mid range and suits road riding.

Nobby wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:16 pm

Harry wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 1:25 pm

Nobby wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:53 am The Tsa’s will look nice , but I could have a chat with Big Tony at Gibsons for a pair of their race pipes

Are the Gibsons any good? I thought they were mainly cosmetic? (Allspeeds aren't they?)

Dave (Muttsnuts) up in Yorkshire is a good guy for set-up and pipes, I don't know what level of tuning he goes to, but I've had him set up my bikes and he's spot on, nice bloke as well. He's done a fair few big bhp bikes and the lads on the LC forum really rate him.

as good as they get. The Allspeeds were made in the 80's and were , well, peaky. The latest stuff has a lot more mid range and suits road riding.

I too thought his LC pipes these days are just the 80s Allspeeds , will give em a look when I get to that point

Good looking bike. I'm faffing at the front end of the TDR and those clocks would have suited had I not bought a set from a Honda NSR125.

Added: Idly curious as the edit functionality. This was done at 07:25.

Harry wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:22 pmIs it finished yet?

It'll be dismantled and in the Loft by now. Never to see the light of Day.

Nobby wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:16 pm
as good as they get. The Allspeeds were made in the 80's and were , well, peaky. The latest stuff has a lot more mid range and suits road riding.

My 80's heap o shite LC had Allspeeds on it ....250 with a 350 front end to get the twin discs and a very peaky supposed race tune so all the power at the top end. It was fairly tricky to ride as i had little experience of road going 2 strokes at the time and sod all since. None of the plastics matched as it was a bitsa a mate kept crashing and replacing with what he could find and never repainted them.

The Allspeeds were very very loud and my neighbours didnt need alarm clocks to know it was time to get up when i left for work. I felt guilty enough to freewheel it down the hill and start it there after a few comments


Is it done yet ?

Harry wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:22 pmIs it finished yet?

Err, not quite

I'm (mildly) embarrassed to report that the only fettling it's had since I put this thread up is the addition of an Optimate cable, and a bit more fuel added to the tank as I have ridden it once or twice over the last few weeks (without realising that that MOT actually expired in February, oops...)

Tricky wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:50 pm

Harry wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:22 pmIs it finished yet?

Err, not quite

I'm (mildly) embarrassed to report that the only fettling it's had since I put this thread up is the addition of an Optimate cable, and a bit more fuel added to the tank as I have ridden it once or twice over the last few weeks (without realising that that MOT actually expired in February, oops...)

Its understandable ..... the big red V Twin has taken your heart and all of the attention

I had an early power valve, from memory it indicated 115 mph standard and 120 with Allspeeds, it was definitely quicker with Allspeeds - it did about 125 with a Stan Stephens stage 2 tune and Allspeeds and was still nice and rideable, I then foolishly put a set of Lomas pipes on it, it now did 135mph but wasn't very nice to ride, not making any power until it was into the redline, and the chassis really wasn't up to that much power coming in about 500rpm, the frame used to flex quite badly as it went into the powerband.

Its understandable ..... the big red V Twin has taken your heart and all of the attention
[/quote]

I think the real reason can be laid with the Passenger

I started it up a week or so back and warmed it through just before Pembrey when I was grabbing a few things from the garage, but unfortunately, I've done the sum of fuck all with it last few months, which is embarassing but yeah other umm, stuff, has sort of taken priority
The last time I rode it was April/May time, and then remembered the MOT expired in Feb...

Revised plan is to get it all done over this coming winter months, for a definite appearance at Pembrey next year, or the year after, so probably about the same time as @G.P 's 900SS project

Seriously though, am going to (literally) pull my finger out over coming months and get cracking on it- all I need is a week-end day to get it up on the bench and pull it all to bits, then I'm comitted!

And there will be plenty of pics I promise

Tricky wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:11 pm I started it up a week or so back and warmed it through just before Pembrey when I was grabbing a few things from the garage, but unfortunately, I've done the sum of fuck all with it last few months, which is embarassing but yeah other umm, stuff, has sort of taken priority
The last time I rode it was April/May time, and then remembered the MOT expired in Feb...

Revised plan is to get it all done over this coming winter months, for a definite appearance at Pembrey next year, or the year after, so probably about the same time as @G.P 's 900SS project

Seriously though, am going to (literally) pull my finger out over coming months and get cracking on it- all I need is a week-end day to get it up on the bench and pull it all to bits, then I'm comitted!

And there will be plenty of pics I promise

I think they'll build new pyramids before he gets his finished.

Oi, I resemble that remark!!

This winter!

Tricky wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:23 pm Although I’ve done my fair share of bike builds and re-builds, I’ve never done a build thread, so I reckon I’m overdue and I thought what better place to start than here.
It's likely to be a (very) slow burner, as aside from work and other non-work distractions like riding my bikes, drinking beer, chasing women etc, I also have a number of on-going bike project things that to date have been higher in the queue (most notably de-gummify-ing the carb on the Nordwest that has been in pieces and static on the bench for the last couple of years or so and putting it all back together) , but I love 2 strokes with a passion, and particularly LCs, so my thinking is that if I post it up here it should hopefully give me the incentive, and possibly kicks up the arse from others if need be to sort it before the summer, with the idea that I take it to Pembrey this August and re-live some of my 1980s life, for at least a few laps

So, a bit of background on the bike:- it's a 1986 RD350N1, originally from Germany, I picked it up a year or so ago and am it’s first UK registered owner. It’s showing 31k km (just under 20k miles) on the speedo
It’s, of course, impossible to be completely sure, but I’m prepared to believe that the mileage is genuine, and as far as I can tell, the top end has never been off the motor, let alone the motor split, and rear sprocket aside, is just about completely original, down to all the nuts and bolts, locks, keys, and toolkit, etc.
And that’s how I’d like to keep this one, save for a few sensible (IMO) bolt-n and off-able (and hence reversible if I choose) enhancements that will be done solely with improved performance/ riding experience in mind.

When I bought it, I overhauled the fuel tap and carbs , basically replaced diaphragm, seals, needle valves, etc to stop it pissing fuel on the floor, and re-sprayed the top yoke to sort the key-rub marks but that aside, all I’ve done to it is put fuel (Esso Supreme to keep the dreaded Ethanol carb gummage at bay), and ridden it a handful of times on sunny days.

It sounds lovely, ticks over perfectly, has the best standard brakes of any RD I’ve ever ridden (I’ve owned 8 LCs 2 x RD400s and an A/C 250 and 350 too over the years so have a view on that) particularly considering it has original rubber hoses, and overall, it rides well for what it is albeit the suspension is well overdue an overhaul, and I’m pretty sure it’s lost a few horses over the years. Although it revs out fine, it doesn’t have the top-end that it should have, struggling to get too much over 140kmph; - German models weren’t restricted, and aside from steering lock and auto-retracting side stand, are identical to the N1s originally sold here, so I think a top-end refresh is in order, will be well deserved, if it has indeed never been apart

Also, as it is over 30 years old, as you can probably imagine it is by no means immaculate, so along with the mechanical fettling/ performance enhancements there will be a bit of a sympathetic cosmetic re-furb here and there, where warranted

So, my list as it currently stands, in no particular order ( it will all be done as one job) is:

1. Swing-arm re-spray in original Yamaha silver
2. New rear YSS shock (already purchased a few months ago, but still in the box…)
3. Front fork rebuild with new progressive springs (both YSS and Wilbers sell em, probably Hagon too), and see what can be done to improve damping performance within the confines of the twiggy fork leg- back in my 350 proddy racing days, I’d use different weight oils and qtys of (old size) 5p pieces, but things have possibly moved on since then
4. Top-end (Pistons, Rings, small-ends, PVs etc) re-furb, new oil, and fuel lines, and anything else related if relevant on inspection.
5. Replace Exhausts- as you can see from the pics, the RH one particularly has bit of gravel rash. I have a pair of completely unscathed original 31K pipes, one has lost the spot-welded collar that the baffle screws into, so I just need to fabricate a new collar, weld it in and give them a re-paint with the correct VHT paint
6. Find and fit a replacement speedo- the current one has the trip reset knob snapped off, and also makes an annoying whiney noise
7. Replace chain and sprockets with OE sprockets and decent quality chain
8. Replace front brake hoses with OE rubber hoses
9. Replace headlamp rim – it has a relatively minor, but noticeable to me, graze on one side
10. Re-furb clutch casing- although it looks pretty good in the pic, that flatters it and it really isn’t- its had a partial in-situ repaint by brush, so will come off, be stripped back and properly re-finished, and re-fitted new OE screws.
11. New wheel bearings- there is currently no discernable play or roughness, but , well, they is old!
12. Gearbox oil & brake fluid change, new air filter (and possibly remove trumpet/ lid mod) , and any other general service type jobs that come up along the way

And finally, I’m probably going to also get a set of TSA pipes for it too- whilst standard ones will probably stay on it most of the time, the TSA ones whilst not IMO the best looking, really do work exceptionally well on standard motors, with a massive hike (roughly 10hp all the way from 6k to 9k ) , and allow the motor to run as it should

And finally-finally, if I do venture near a track on it, then chances are I’ll bite the bullet and buy a pair of the massively expensive, but super sticky Avon AMs rather than risk getting too excited on weedy BT45s.
The Avons were specifically designed for the YPM / Classic racer boys- basically allow you to put oversized sticky tyres on ye-olde stick-thin 18” rims.

Now I’ve written it down, the list is a bit longer than I thought, but there I’ve done it now so am committed.
Smokers have a special place in my heart, and particularly RDs, so this definitely won’t be a chore, it’s a keeper for me and I want it as nice as it can be.
Just need to get that Nordie sorted and sold and the bench freed up and we’ll be off and running
In the meantime, here’s a few pics below to show you the current state of things


One of THE BEST Yam paint schemes IMO- remins me of 70s TZs..



..........

- TO BE CONTINUED !

Almost exactly two years have passed since I wrote the above post, and shamefully I've done just 1 of the above 12 listed tasks (no 6- sorted the speedo)- and shamefully, the new YSS shock I bought for it over 2 years ago hasn't even made it out of he box yet
it has sat in a corner under a cover and hasn't been MOT'd or taxed for the lat 18 months or so, but now that I've packed in working for a living, it is moving up the priority list and although not quite at the top still yet , it will see some serious action over the coming months, and almost certainly definitely maybe actually make it to this year's Pembrey bash this summer

And although it didn't have any spanners laid on it today, I did run it up and warm it through when I was busy fettling it's younger, higher revving green garage mate today- took 5-10 kicks but burst into life without any issue, plenty of life in the battery too without the assistance of an Optimate, and before long m the lovely smell of Silkolene Comp2 was filling the air



I's spurred me on and and current plan is that as soon as I get back from Cartagena at the end of this month, she'll be on the bench, engine and swingarm out and the re-furb will begin in earnest- watch this space!

Lovely job. I had an F1 of similar vintage and it was a little cracker. I supposedly bought it for my girlfriend, but wound up riding it most of the time. It's one bike I really regret selling - it was an absolute peach. Yours looks in great nick - Get on wiv it!

That 2 stroke sound!!

Look forward to this, for info my other business has a trade account for YSS shocks so if you need a price for one send me a part number and I’ll get you the price

Couchy wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:08 pm Look forward to this, for info my other business has a trade account for YSS shocks so if you need a price for one send me a part number and I’ll get you the price

Excellent, cheers - I have the shock wating to be fitted, but have done nothing about sourcing stuff for the front end yet, so will be after springs, and cartridge emulators too , if they do them for this