[Mr.Boss]

I'm back with another Yamaha RX thread, but this time not a complete restoration.







RX craziness and madness started way back in my school days, but till 2010 I wasn't lucky enough to own one. But once I got a chance, I started living my dream. From 2010 I'm a proud owner of Yamaha RX(s)

1994 RX100 (Sold)


1998 RX135 4s
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...storation.html
Before restoration


After restoration


Current Avatar


1997 RXG
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...amaha-rxg.html
Before restoration


After restoration


1998 RX135 4s (Sold)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...completed.html

Before restoration


After restoration

[Mr.Boss]

A little background behind this purchase
I had 98 RX135 4s and 97 RXG in hand and purchased another 98 RX135 4s without a proper intention. Later I decided to convert one of the 4 speed gearbox to 5 speed and started restoring the latest acquisition. Bike is completely restored to stock 4 speed spec except for the 5 speed sticker theme but I couldn't get a 5s GB or conversion kit. One fine day I came across an ad for used 5s GB. After few chats and calls seller shred the snaps of GB and promised it is very less used and in pristine condition. Transferred the amount and in a weeks time the piece of metal reached me. To my horror it wasn't an 'used' GB, it is 'abused' one and it is no where close to the one in snaps. Called the seller back and got all those non-sense replies claiming that it is still a good one and what he sent is same as what he clicked. I knew it is of no use and sold the GB after losing few bucks. I decided against 5s conversion and started looking for a stock 5s bike and ended up buying this bike

About the machine
Make : Yamaha
Model : RX135
Variant : 5 speed
Year : 2000
No. of Owners : 2
RC Validity : FC done and valid till 2020
Insurance : Valid till Feb 2017

[Mr.Boss]

More about the bike

- Bike is said to be completely restored, but I knew it wasn't (Complete restoration in my dictionary sometimes don't match with others )

- RD350 Paint / Sticker theme

- Yamaha Gladiator Alloy wheels + Front disc assembly

- Stock 5s bike

1L7xxxxxx Engine number

4TL10 Block, Running on 3OS piston


- RX135 Tiger Speedo assy & Lock set (Speedo wasn't working due to failed cable)

Speedo mounted with spacers to accommodate the bigger Headlamp


- Regular side lock is still functional (with another set of keys)


- 3.00 x 18 in Front


- 2.75 x 18 in Rear

Almost new


- Stock cat-con silencer replaced with Chrome silencer + Fully open RX100 core


- Pillion holder with luggage carrier (from an 1986 RX100, as per the seller)


- Endurance Rear shocks


- Rajdoot mudflap in rear


- Yezdi / RD350 replica headlamp


- Custom made brackets for front reg plate


- Damaged 2T Oil hose (Currently running on pre-mix)


- Missing rear foot rest rubber

[Mr.Boss]

Quick Review





Completed close to 500km in last 5 days with below observations

Cold Start:
Cold start requires choke and a couple of kicks. On day 2 I tried starting without choke and I was successful only after 10 kicks. I knew this is quite normal, but just FYI

Engine & Transmission:
As per the previous owner he covered 1.5k km after restoration, I hope the run-in should be good. Engine is healthy with no abnormal noise. But I miss the initial acceleration (I doubt the carb tuning) Once she hits the power band, that's a different story altogether. With a higher final drive ratio city driving is effortless.

Braking:
Front disc brake does the job pretty well but the bite isn't that inspiring (at least when compared with my other RX with Pulsar disc setup) Rear brake is nearing the end of life but never let me down in last 500km.

Ride & Handling:
I must accept the ride is pretty balanced with Gladiator forks in front and Endurance shocks in rear. Rear end is softer than all my other bikes. With wider front tire cornering is good but on the other hand steering effort is higher.

Seating:
Old seat foam wrapped with new cover. Neither hard nor too soft

Electricals:
All electricals working except the turn & High beam indicators on speedo console. Maintenance free 2.5LB does the duty pretty well.

Fuel Efficiency:
36kmpl average with a lot of spirited driving & traffic. I will post the detailed FE against different conditions later

[Mr.Boss]

Likes:
Another RX
Craziness for RX is never ending and almost each of us wanted one, at least. This smoking noisy machine holds a special place in my heart always.

Higher overall drive ratio
3rd gear cruising is possible in normal city traffic (at least the one I'm travelling)

Ride Comfort
Comparatively this bike is softer than all my other RX. For solo riding I feel very much comfortable with the existing setup and yet to check the comfort level with a pillion.

Dislikes:
Exhaust Beat -Specific to this bike
I love the exhaust note of RX and I'm a die hard fan for the same. But this particular bike spoils the fun. Fully open RX100 core creates much of noise than beat.

Alloy Wheels
Somehow the spokes wheel maintains the character of RX. Though the looks are subjective I still love the spokes wheel than alloy wheels

Initial Acceleration
I'm not satisfied with the current level of acceleration. I doubt the carb tuning and let me update once tuning is done.

Wider Front Tire
Looks little awkward and steering is heavier.

Narrow Rear Tire
Stock spec of RX135 5s is 3.00 x 18 and this bike came with 2.75 x 18. All my other RX are with 3.00 x 18 profile at rear. Though 2.75 is sufficient for this bike, 3.00 gives more confidence at cornering and braking.

Future Upgrades & Modifications:
Phase 1:
- Carb cleaning & Tuning
- Replace 2T oil hoses & check the pump condition
- Front brake pads and rear shoe replace
- *Optional* Replace the tank & shield from my other RX (Blue Color with RXZ sticker theme)
- Replace the current speedo assembly with stock speedo + tacho (from RXZ)
- Headlamp reflector swap from Ambassador (Hella) Current beam throw is not satisfactory
- RD350 Handle bar
- Minda Twin horns

Phase 2:
- Spokes Wheel <-- Alloy wheel
- Better Rubbers, 2.75 x 18 in Front & 3.00 x 17 or 3.25 x 16 in rear
- Cat-con silencer <-- Chrome silencer

Phase 3:
- Tank & Shield swap with OE 5 Speed black paint & Sticker theme.
- HL swap to match the looks

[Mr.Boss]

Thanks everyone for spending your time. All your comments & suggestions are welcome. I will keep this thread updated whenever possible.
Cheers

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Motorcycle Section. Thanks for sharing!

[pramodkumar]

Congrats on your latest purchase

Its a pleasure to see another RX in your stable, just like you I too am not a great fan of alloys, my 5 speed came with a set of alloys which are now buried in a big trunk. The tank and side covers look a lot wannabe, the paint scheme though looks great at 4-6 feet its not done perfectly, from a short distance you can spot a lot of flaws.

Please swap the tank and side covers. Instead of going for the RXZ console you can install the shogun speedo and tacho, looks great and works well. The crown plate in your t stem is different, you cannot install the RXZ speedo console in this crown without a bracket, which will look hideous.

I am a great fan of stock restoration, however the cat con adds an unnecessary 13-15kgs, which you would be better without. The rxz silencer with a hole in the flute makes a pleasant noise, I would recommend that, however the cat con installation would improve your bike's low end manners.

You can also try to down sprocket the rear to improve the low end, 300-18 front tyres are definitely an overkill, try to get those MRF ribbed ones, they are the stuff. I am actually looking for a 300-18 front tyre for my RD, which presently has a new 80/70-18 tyre which looks very funny. If I am able to procure the 18-300 front tyre I would swap the front trye of my RD with the 5 speed. My bike is in the last stages of the build, I will start a thread once its complete. Looking forward to a great eye candy from your stable, all the best, feel free to reachcout if you need any assistance with spares.

Awaiting a detailed restoration.

pramod

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

Congrats on your latest purchase
Looking forward to a great eye candy from your stable, all the best, feel free to reach out if you need any assistance with spares.

Awaiting a detailed restoration.

Thanks for the kind words Pramod.

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

The tank and side covers look a lot wannabe, the paint scheme though looks great at 4-6 feet its not done perfectly, from a short distance you can spot a lot of flaws. Please swap the tank and side covers.

Those were already removed & I'm sailing half way through Phase 1 upgrade

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

Instead of going for the RXZ console you can install the shogun speedo and tacho, looks great and works well. The crown plate in your t stem is different, you cannot install the RXZ speedo console in this crown without a bracket, which will look hideous.

RXZ console was already purchased (before I got this bike) along with the worm gear assembly. Also the Shogun parts are not easy to find these days (or I'm not looking at the right channel) and costlier than RX spares.

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

cat con adds an unnecessary 13-15kgs, which you would be better without. The rxz silencer with a hole in the flute makes a pleasant noise, I would recommend that, however the cat con installation would improve your bike's low end manners.

I fell in love with the low end performance of my friend's RX with cat-con and that's the only reason to look for the same. I'm equally worried about the added weight. Can you help me in getting RXZ silencer?

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

300-18 front tyres are definitely an overkill, try to get those MRF ribbed ones, they are the stuff. I am actually looking for a 300-18 front tyre for my RD, which presently has a new 80/70-18 tyre which looks very funny.

Soon I will be switching to 2.75 x 18 in front. If you are interested I can give away the current 3.00 x 18 (PM me your mail ID / Whatsapp number, I will share the detailed snaps)

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

My bike is in the last stages of the build, I will start a thread once its complete.

Awaiting

[The Great]

One peculiar thing i noted: your Rx bikes have different avatars than original stock to other model stock,

The rx135 as RXZ theme (blue),
the Rx135 as Rx100 theme, (Maroon)
The Rx135 4 speed as Rx 135 5speed theme, (black)
the Rx 135 tiger as RD350 theme.

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by The Great

One peculiar thing i noted: your Rx bikes have different avatars than original stock to other model stock,

Originally Posted by The Great

The rx135 as RXZ theme (blue)

I love that blue theme, somehow I couldn't resist myself from applying that.

Originally Posted by The Great

the Rx135 as Rx100 theme, (Maroon)

That's an RXG.
Neither I could find stock RXG tank & Shield nor the stickers. Also I liked the plain looks of RX100.

Originally Posted by The Great

The Rx135 4 speed as Rx 135 5speed theme, (black)

Like I mentioned earlier, the intention behind 5s sticker is something else (5s conversion) which I couldn't make it happen

Originally Posted by The Great

the Rx 135 tiger as RD350 theme.

That's not a Tiger, stock 5s.
RD350 theme was already removed and those parts are for sale

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Thanks for the kind words Pramod.


Those were already removed & I'm sailing half way through Phase 1 upgrade

You are super fast, I am still continuing the 5 speed restoration started last year. moving into the new house made things further difficult, my wife decided to put chips in the floor and I am loosing stuff in that, smart move by an architect.

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

RXZ console was already purchased (before I got this bike) along with the worm gear assembly.

I too have a set but I decided to go with a modern speedo unit since drilling the hole in the clutch case is not that simple and I have seen a lot of units getting spoiled, please be very careful with the lathe you chose and make sure they have done it before. I am thinking of going for a pulsar unit inside RD meter cups(I have an RDD digital in the bike). Its almost finished, just waiting for the front tyre. I took a last moment decision of getting the side covers and head buffed that might delay things further.

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Also the Shogun parts are not easy to find these days (or I'm not looking at the right channel) and costlier than RX spares.

What you have said is absolutely true about shogun spares, however that's the only 2 stroke tacho which is a direct fit without drilling the clutch case. I have given one tacho for repairs if it comes out fine you can have it.

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

I fell in love with the low end performance of my friend's RX with cat-con and that's the only reason to look for the same. I'm equally worried about the added weight. Can you help me in getting RXZ silencer? .

That's why I avoid riding other people's bikes

My RXZ is in Kashmir(long story) hoping to get it in a couple of months, I can see if I can let the silencer go, I will let you know. Finding one in the market is definitely not a good idea, here people ask for a heart, lung and kidney for those.

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Soon I will be switching to 2.75 x 18 in front. If you are interested I can give away the current 3.00 x 18 (PM me your mail ID / Whatsapp number, I will share the detailed snaps)

I was thinking of going for a new zapper, those are rare here, I am yet to visit a MRF authorized shop(I am lazy) once I exhaust that option I will reach out to you, thanks for the offer though, very generous of you.


Awaiting [/quote]


I will start the thread once the build is over, since this was a extremely low priority build it took ages. I might wrap up restorations soon and the RXZ would be the last, I am in no plan to add more bike, maybe another shogun but that's going to be the last one.

Pramod

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Future Upgrades & Modifications:
Phase 1:
- Carb cleaning & Tuning
- Replace 2T oil hoses & check the pump condition
- Front brake pads and rear shoe replace
- *Optional* Replace the tank & shield from my other RX (Blue Color with RXZ sticker theme)
- Replace the current speedo assembly with stock speedo + tacho (from RXZ)
- Headlamp reflector swap from Ambassador (Hella) Current beam throw is not satisfactory
- RD350 Handle bar
- Minda Twin horns

Phase 1 upgrade completed (except for the Handle bar) along with HL replacement.

Purchased Autopal reflector for Ambassador (which is direct fit on the doom this bike had) and unfortunately I slipped it and broke the glass.


Stock headlamp with DCM Toyota reflector was another choice, but looks puny with RXZ speedo console. This again is dropped and settled for Hero CD headlamp assembly


Speedo Assembly




Tachometer


RXZ Pilot box


Few more spares (Pilot socket, RXZ Meter plate, RX100 HL stay, Fuel Filter, Filter band, HL Bulb, Socket, Minda twin horns, etc)








Started dismantling the front end


Skeleton


Pilot lamps connected


Stock meter plate is way forward


With some modifications


And the final outcome


As usual, 2T oil level indicator (DIY from Suzuki Max 100 oil level sensor)
More details explained here




Finally a well deserved water wash

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

drilling the hole in the clutch case is not that simple and I have seen a lot of units getting spoiled, please be very careful with the lathe you chose and make sure they have done it before.

That's the reason I didn't do it for a long time (in my other RX as well) I should take help from fellow members who did it in past.

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

I have given one tacho for repairs if it comes out fine you can have it.
...
if I can let the silencer go, I will let you know.

thank you so much

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

My RXZ is in Kashmir(long story) hoping to get it in a couple of months

Kashmir? Durability run or something else?

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

but that's going to be the last one.

I made this promise myself (and to my better half) couple of times before I did 2 more restorations.

[7heaven]

Mr.Boss, Amazing thirst for Rx family bikes. Nicely done specimens you have. The blue color with RD theme looks great.

Where do you live in Chennai and is your mechanic nearby? I live in Mandaveli and also have a Rx 100 for restoration. Thought I can get your help in this regard. Thanks in advance.