Hi Ajay,
Great to hear from you. It feels good to know that I'm not the only crazy guy who likes old Rajdoots.
Well, my entire faily is crazy about this Bike
Regarding parts, ANY parts you can get which are specific to this model (This includes front and rear forks and related items, tail light and related, head light and related, tank and related, silencer and related) are most welcome. I would happily take extra parts for my bike if available. In other stuff, I'm keen on:
1) Rajdoot 175 cylinder/piston kit (std bore)
Try looking in the Bihar , Jharkhand,UP belt, will find a new std bore piston sets, 100's of RD's are still running in these places, Engine parts are easily available in these places
2) Rajdoot 175 electronic ignition kit (magneto, 12V stator with pick up coil, CDI, Regulator and wiring)
Same
I was quoted a large amount for both these items (and the blockpiston wasn't even OE), but I hope to be able to acquire them within reasonable prices (I think 1200 to 1500 for a cylinder piston kit should be reasonable, but correct me if I'm wrong).
It would be around 2000 , I got one set when I visited Ranchi 6 months back, It was OE I will look out for another OE, if I find, its for you
Some parts shops would be happy to clear their Rajdoot 175 spares at cost or even scrap them (to make way for pulsar and TVS parts), we should make use of that situation.
Yes but nowadays situation is other way, more and more people want to restore their family bikes , and these parts are being traded like gold ( localy made duplicate ones are silver)
Will let you know about the rear shocks. I think my parts shop had one.
Please do , If I get those, my vehicle will be complete.
I have been shopping around for the parts, and learnt the following:
1) steering lock: There are 2 sizes. First I bought two, both turned out to be the wrong size. Finally I found one in the smaller size, which fits this old model. Now I at least don't feel my bike is begging to be stolen!
I have still not found a suitable one. that makes my bike incomplete
2) Tank Lid with lock: This is more easily available than the lockless version (for obvious reasons). I mean, we don't need to beg people to steal our fuel. We have mechanics for that after all! But still, would like to have an extra original type lockless one.
Do you have an Extra piece
3) Rajdoot monograms: Original are in chromed brass. Found only one worn piece with difficulty, among numerous other local ones which looked badly finished and delicate. Look out for the brass ones, they're good.
I have one extra piece, let me know if you want , but its not new found it at a scrap dealers shop
4) Chain cover rubber and panel beading rubber: These should be available in PVC. I managed to get a fresh set at MRP.
thats easy, TVS 50's will do
5) Air filter: The round type goes on this model, but it's not hard to find.
6) Lever Yokes: Found 2 sets in black powder coat. Will polish to bare aluminium like original.
Is another set available at the shop you bought it from, wouldn't mind in having a spare set.
7) Levers: Only found ballend black powder coat. Looking for the ones in the attached picture. Otherwise will have to grind and polish to aluminium.
Keep the Ballends, I have damaged many cars with my Jawas levers
8) Air control levers (Decompressor lever): Luckily found 2 original ones marked Rajdoot. But now I need a cable. My friend says I can use some substitute??
Whats this , Iam not aware of this , please post a picture of this
9) Gear changer rubber and kick rubber: The vertically ribbed type is original. Found a few pieces.
I have a new gear changer and kicker lever set, so rubber is also there
10) Footrest rubber: Horizontally ribbed ones are very hard to find. If anyone gets these, buy as many as possible! They are rare and very classic.
I have the Bullet's for the front and RD's for the back. Front one is not available in madras, hard to find
11) Left handle grip and cast, accelerator twist and grip: Got these both unfortunately one grip had a slightly different (diagonal) pattern and one was straight. The ends of these grips have a "mushroom" insert one of which I am missing.
12) Fork screw: Thanks to Layzone, I will have a spare with the original E/L monogram.
13) Speedo worm: Got a metal set quite easily. This locks in with a little washer on the rear wheel.
Mine works on the front wheel, i never thought of getting a stock for this
14) Tank rubber kneepads: Miraculously scored 2 sets of this but I don't have the metal plates on which to mount them.
I got the side chrome sets , my bike has Chrome sides
15) Packing set: was easy to get
Buy and keep 2/3 sets
16) Cable set: Easily available but can omeone recommend a good quality OE brand?
Use Hero Honda cables, long lasting ones
17) Brake shoes: Also easily available, but in different aftermarket brands. Need good quality OE brand. Recommendations anyone?
18) Brake light switch: Got it easily
19) Spark plug: Which type is the best for this model? Is there any NGK plug which will yield better results?
Use the plug that TVS service centre gives for Max 100 R, Generally you will get original Bosch only here.
Here are close up pictures below of the correct lever/yokes, the tail light lens, and the original Polish mudflap. On Rajdoots this came in black with Escorts logo but similar shape. Would prefer the grey one though, it's prettier.
Let me know if atleast the Black ones are available
Thanks and Cheers
Shirish