[r_nairtvm]

Neil,

Looks that the rebuild has come out well. Congratulations

Few pointers, subject to corrections from Mahesh (KURD).

Originally Posted by NeilNauti

I also need the original clutch lever as I have an Rx100 one right now. I also don't have a handle lock and using a cable lock which is a concern, but hopefully gets resolved soon.

Look for Rajdoot 175 Levers. They are the same. Infact towards the end of production series of RD350, even Escorts dealers were selling the same. Its easily available in Delhi

Originally Posted by NeilNauti

The bike has trouble with fuel issues, I had the carbs rebuilt with a keyster rebuild kit. I added fuel filters which also seem to starve the engine for fuel so will probably remove these.

The fuel filters never worked with VM30. Best get rid of it. You really dont need it. These Carbs can take quiet a bit of abuse in its stride

Originally Posted by NeilNauti

The oil pump 2T mix level was really high and I was also adding some synthetic Motul race oil which was making the bike smoke like a steam engine so I've reduced the mix a bit and also not adding Motul directly

If I were you I would leave the mix level slightly high and stop 2T directly in petrol tank (pre mix). The slightly higher mix never harmed my engine

Wishing you a lot of miles with a happy grin on your face

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

Neil,

Looks that the rebuild has come out well. Congratulations

Wishing you a lot of miles with a happy grin on your face

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram

Ram Sir,
You are being very modest, never got an opportunity to buy one straight from showroom like you.

I basically grew up listening to all of you guys talk on RD. Will take it as a compliment nevertheless. You are very kind.

Originally Posted by NeilNauti

Hey Ku69rd,
I'm adding few pictures of the completed project, hope you like them.

Hi Neil,
Indeed as Ram Sir has commented, the bike does look pretty. Hope during the assembly you have taken care of the swingarm alignment.

Levers: will strongly go by Ram Sir's comment. But nevertheless if you dont get a pair, ensure the replacement levers give you the full clutch leverage. Check if the RXZ Levers suit the RD? RXZ Came with the disc brakes and you might get a set of similar handlebar levers. Guess they are US Yokes, so this makes me stronger that a RXZ might hold better.

Handle Lock: The original ones are not too great in today's world, they can be easily broken into. Will suggest you to buy the Fork Lock as they are much better and easy to operate. Since i have a covered parking, am making do with the cable lock which was bought from Deccathlon.

Seat Plate: Dont bother if its a fiber or metal seat plate, as long as you get the alignment right. From the pictures it looks average, i suspect you might be sitting above the tank. See if you can shave the foam off by a few MM so that it is inline. Will change the way it looks as well.

Carbs: If you are using the bike regularly, then there is no need to have the fuel filters. As Ram Sir mentioned, the carbs can take in a bit of beating. The only fragile part that i see are the floats which can get jammed leading to petrol spills. Again easy to solve by gently tapping on the carb body near the floats to displace the dust

Air Filter: Am using K&N air filter, expensive to buy but lasts a good life time provided you take regular care of it. The air intake sound beyond 5K RPM is music on the ears

Oil Pump: Will go with what Ram Sir has mentioned, just turn it up by a couple of notches at the oil pump cable adjuster. Your adjuster says it is at the lowest, Unless the cable is really short or if you have use the RX 100 Throttle Cable. As long as the Oil pump is working stick to it. Occasionally mix 2T Oil with the Petrol tank when you hit the highways ex: For a full tank of petrol add 100-150 ml of 2T Oil, prevents Rust inside the tank.



Ignition System: If you are sure of using the bike regularly then retaining the CBU (Points) makes sense, else switch over to CDI or Digital Ignition Systems. The Vape CDI kit for RD is awesome, sets you aback by 35K INR but worth every penny of it.

Few Cents: Feel free to vent your frustration at me if you did not like them or unasked for

1) Center Stand: Please check if you can get an original
2) Tires: Those Michelin tires give you a sorta bumpy ride. The front tire is doing grave injustice to that beautiful mudguard.
3) Rear Indicator Washers: Looks like you are missing the rear ovoid washers, take a good look at the rear stance, the left indicator is gazing skywards. Not too sure if i can make out of the front indicator washers (they are round)
4) Indicator Wiring: Can you please conceal them for a better view?
5) Silencers are real neat, hope you did not chrome plate them?
6) Rear Mudguard looks very good, Observed a few brown spots hope they are not rust, Can you please paint the inners? I am unable to make out if they are painted or not
7) Rear Suspension: Why have you increased the height? Why not look around for options within Indian Market?
8) Gear Pedal: Rubbers please
9) Brake Oil Reservoir: Please get it powder coated.

[sinhead]

Originally Posted by NeilNauti

I'm adding few pictures of the completed project, hope you like them.

Congrats!! Where did you get it restored?

[bigron]

I read a RD thread and I want to start getting my hands dirty. Maybe some day, that day will come.

The bike looks great. Have fun with it.

[r_nairtvm]

Thought I will use this thread

I just completed 35 years of ownership of my Blue Beauty RD350

It was registered on 21 March 1985 and I took delivery on 23 March 1985.



She's now 35 years young. Chrome Plating on it all are original



Have lot of fond memories including a 1200 KM Honeymoon Trip between Trivandrum and Bangalore

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram

[ObsessedByFIAT]

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

Attachment 1983463

Have lot of fond memories including a 1200 KM Honeymoon Trip between Trivandrum and Bangalore

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram

Congratulations on owning this legendary bike! It surely looks in pristine condition!

A couple of questions - Why does the cubic capacity read 5 and seating capacity 1?

1200 km honey moon ride!!!! Wow!! Would surely love to read about this adventure!

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by ObsessedByFIAT

A couple of questions - Why does the cubic capacity read 5 and seating capacity 1?
1200 km honey moon ride!!!! Wow!! Would surely love to read about this adventure!

5 is a clerical error. In olden days class of vehicle was categorised as 'solo' and that may be reason why it got as 1.

I didn't have the time and patience to go to RTO and get it corrected.

I still have the Original RC Book with me (with a cancelled stamp on it - though don't ask me how) as the logbook of the bike.

Best Regards & Thanks

Ram

[The_Mad_Hatter]

I don't know if this is the right thread to post this in (Mods, please move this if needed).

I have a European-market 1974 RD350. The only thing that it's missing is decent tyres. My initial plan was to pick up some IRCs or Bridgestones when returning to the US earlier this year, but COVID derailed that idea. Right now, it has lower speed rated (P) IRC 90/90-18 in the front and 100/90-18 Metro Contis in the rear. With the kind of output this bike has and the way I use it, I do not feel comfortable at all with these tyres, not to mention that they will wear out sooner than H or S-rated tyres. Searching online has led me nowhere. Is there anywhere I can find decent H or S-rated tyres with the above dimensions (or 3.00-18 and 3.50-18)?

[amol4184]

Reading this thread in between while WFH. I have never had RD and nor do I plan to get one and I am still hooked. The writing is fabulous, efforts are mind boggling. This is one truly fascinating thread. Loved reading first 6 pages and thought I will put down my comment first.
Incredible job. Really well done! I hope you keep updating for years to come.