Howdy! I'm new to this forum, maybe. I've been lurking on 2-stroke forums for so long, I could've had an account here long ago, but I can't remember. I bought my '77 RD400 back in 1986. I finally put her to bed after about 8 years of daily commuting, since I bought a new SV650. For years she got moved around from house to house. Eventually, I broke her down and put the parts in boxes. I've always had intentions of doing a full restoration, possibly building a vintage replica racer. For the past 20 years, I've been collecting parts, buying mostly from eBay and Craigslist.
Since I really wasn't sure of what I wanted to build, I just started buying all sorts of stuff. My registration lapsed and the back reg was going to be so steep, I just bought another frame (complete with clear title). I've got a spare engine case complete with tranny, RD350 wheels, spare gauges, forks, fuel tank, oil tank, etc., etc.
Over the years, tackling this RD project just seemed so daunting, other simpler projects always came first. I built the SV650 and a Mazdaspeed Miata for track days, a Jeep JK for crawling, a Harley as another DD and I still have an old BMW 2002 on jack stands! But FINALLY the time has come to build this RD400!!!
I found an old certified Yamaha mechanic in my area who has tons of experience building these 2-strokes. We've been emailing back and forth for 10 years now about getting this motor built. (I actually bought some parts from him off of eBay 20 years ago!) I'm planning on using a Daytona head that I just finished polishing. I'm just about ready for him to start the build, but I'd like to repaint the engine covers and blast the engine case first. I picked up an old set of Factory Pipes that are in pretty decent shape- they just have a few dings that I'm hoping to pop out by freezing.
I'm hoping that I can use this forum for support while working on this build. There's so much to learn. So much I don't know. In any case, I'm very excited about finally getting to work on this bike! With any luck, it might be up and running by Fall!
Cheers,
Eddy
Welcome Eddy,
We lost a lost of info with the new one, but a lot of us are still here to help.
I would recommend splitting the Daytona head and remachining the chambers if it's a 2V0 U.S. head.
This head has a very poor emission design to run on todays pump gas.
If you want to run it as is...use the stock 1A1 heads first to get running and jetted correctly first, then switch head(s) out then re-tune.
Chuck
It sounds like you will finally build your project, must be exciting after all these years of gathering and dreaming. Keep us updated and we are here to help if you need.
Greetings,
I also have a 20 year project that I just started driving again. It's hard to believe it has been that long!
Good luck.
Thank you all for the warm welcomes. Yes, this has been a long and drawn out project in the making over the past decades.... I'm finally inspired enough to dig into the work! I think I've purchased everything I need to complete the forks- going with Race Tech emulators and springs, got my seals and 0-rings. Leaning towards Ikons for the rear.
Quote from: SUPERTUNE on March 16, 2019, 08:55:28 AM
I would recommend splitting the Daytona head and remachining the chambers if it's a 2V0 U.S. head.
This head has a very poor emission design to run on todays pump gas.
If you want to run it as is...use the stock 1A1 heads first to get running and jetted correctly first, then switch head(s) out then re-tune.
Chuck
Chuck- thanks for the words of wisdom! Although I know the engine would probably result in less vibration with the head cut in half, I just don't have the heart to do it- it's just such a thing of beauty to me and it grows rarer as time wanes on. But I will definitely take your advice on initially building with the stock heads first!
Eddy
Awsome story, the rd400 deserves the attention it has coming for it now :righteous:
Keep us posted in a project thread :patriot: