2 STROKE WORLD .net

The 2-Stroke Garage => Haus of Projects => Topic started by: biggraham on March 19, 2019, 07:01:41 PM

Title: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 19, 2019, 07:01:41 PM
As a young man, I lusted after my friend's buddy's RD400, so after collecting parts that have laid semi-dormant for too many years (had a hard time finding a motor) I ponied up and bought one! Already fairly modified, with a GSXR front end, some long expansion chambers, but was stoked he'd forgotten to mention larger carbs being fitted!
Even though I like its bare metal tank, I miss the wider, taller UK tank, and wanted to put make it my own, so
here's how I picked her up:





Title: Re: Rd400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 19, 2019, 07:02:53 PM
Testing out the shortened, stepped seat! Mocking up a bracket I fab'd for a Lucas tail light  and a Harley bobber front fender:
Title: Re: Rd400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 19, 2019, 07:13:21 PM
My custom additions so far: Euro tank, modified seat, Lucas light and bobbed fender:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SUPERTUNE on March 19, 2019, 09:25:15 PM
Very cool! '78 is my favorite of the 400's even though I have a 76, 77, and a roach  '79 Daytona that is in major need of restoring and getting back together one day...
Chuck
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: busa1300 on March 29, 2019, 05:28:36 PM
Looks like a matching rear wheel will be a challenge to fit in your stock arm.
The front looks good though
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 31, 2019, 07:06:20 PM
I do have a 3.5" gs500 wheel I may try and fit, altho the 3 spokes put me off!  I may change to a Daytona rear, get a little more rubber on the road, lighter too! :umm:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on April 18, 2019, 04:11:14 PM
I rattle canned the Euro tank, going for 20ft looks, drying as we speak :)
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on April 25, 2019, 02:16:25 PM
Twists of fate are surely odd! Decided to take a break from swearing at my Vdub, and organise shed space. An ideal time to check out paint match (spoiler: it's not) on the impromptu rattle can'd Euro tank.
But just for fun, I thought I'd try on a gs450 tank. Now, as my seat was shortened in length by the previous owner, its closer to the tank, but with said Suzuki tank, I can use standard mounts, hinges and even the lock!
It may be a tad sacrilegious to consider an alternative tank, but I'll take some photos, see what u y'all think :)
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on April 25, 2019, 02:28:16 PM
Options:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 2 Stroke Jamoke on April 25, 2019, 02:29:34 PM
Looking good
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on April 25, 2019, 02:38:51 PM
The GS tank certainly has a kind of Dunstall look to it, but it'll need the petcock relocating. The decal not matching the same angle line in the tank's knee indents is bothering me, so I may go for option 2, Goldilocks style :eek:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SUPERTUNE on April 26, 2019, 09:12:30 AM
I like the euro tank better of these 3....
C
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on April 26, 2019, 10:14:05 AM
I think so too, the gs tank will be a pita to move its petcock! :whistle:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 15, 2021, 02:46:36 AM
Good news, my new landlord is into bikes, already smack talking my RD400, waging his Kawasaki 500 triple can out drag the RD. I pointed out mine's souped up, but still...
Amazingly,I just tracked down some Spec 2 pipes for 240..She's already lighter than stock, and I still may fit the Daytona wheel..
On the 1/4, it's
looking like stock Kwak does 13.5
Breathed on RD like mine 12.9....
and he weighs 20 lbs more :)

Either way, it's just the kick in the rear I need to get motivated :)
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 15, 2021, 07:54:02 AM
Here's the new pipes:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SoCal250 on February 15, 2021, 12:05:55 PM
Nice score on the pipes. Were those on Ebay in Iowa?
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 15, 2021, 02:22:11 PM
Yep, w' 29 other people watching, I figure I'd take the gamble!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SoCal250 on February 15, 2021, 02:46:54 PM
The seller never responded to my question so I didn't bid.
Did they come with flanges?
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 15, 2021, 03:32:18 PM
No, but I'm sure Gary can sort me out some.
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SoCal250 on February 15, 2021, 07:02:23 PM
Quote from: biggraham on February 15, 2021, 03:32:18 PM
No, but I'm sure Gary can sort me out some.
Bummer.
Yep, you can get them from Gary but last time (Mar2020) I asked him for a pair he wanted $100.
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: pdxjim on February 15, 2021, 10:02:13 PM
Not sure if Garrett's flanges will work, but that's another option.

https://gra2strokes.com/shop/exhaust-manifold-upgrade/
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 17, 2021, 11:33:43 AM
Shipping is delayed 'til the 22nd. :umm:
Some good news tho, my buddy's gonna help me steering stops, for beers and some shop labor!
It turns out, he's also good friends with a talented two stroke tuner, so may get him to cc and sort squish on on my head, you know, for manners :bacon:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 21, 2021, 02:48:51 PM
The Spec2 pipes came, they have spigots and some character... I also picked up a new petcock and fuel lines, so hopefully this week we'll fire her up! :cool:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 85RZwade on February 22, 2021, 12:23:51 AM
"and some character..." I love it. Gives me a mental picture with which to work!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 22, 2021, 07:40:43 PM
Some so-so brazing repair, it's the inside, so no biggie. :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 22, 2021, 09:53:03 PM
If I pop the Daytona wheel on, how about this rotor?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-5-Black-Rear-Brake-Disc-Rotor-for-Yamaha-XS360-XS400-SR500-1977-1978-1979/193590722969?fits=Model%3ASR500&hash=item2d12e80199:g:gAoAAOSwsQBfGUNk
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 22, 2021, 09:58:57 PM
Scored this steering stabilizer for $30:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-RD-400-Steering-Stabilizer/353396188690?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on July 25, 2021, 08:24:56 PM
A little progress:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: teazer on July 25, 2021, 11:53:22 PM
Any idea what the old/long pipes are?  I first thought they were DG and this evening I took a better look.  They look like Bassani pipes which were really good for the time.  Will be interesting to see how they compare with the new/replacement pipes.
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on July 26, 2021, 10:51:12 AM
They are the fabled Bassani's, but  I've spec 2 pips to go on, so those will probably find a new home... :metal:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 85RZwade on July 26, 2021, 04:05:37 PM
If I had a 400, I'd be your buyer  :burnout:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on September 27, 2021, 11:58:26 AM
Quote from: 85RZwade on July 26, 2021, 04:05:37 PM
If I had a 400, I%u2019d be your buyer  :burnout:

I just used them to help justify a Daytona frame and swingarm purchase..I already have said Bassanis, Daytona mags, a 400E seat, an xs650 front end and an rz rear end :olaf:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 85RZwade on September 27, 2021, 02:54:16 PM
 :clap: I look forward to seeing that come together!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on September 27, 2021, 11:52:22 PM
Not sure about a mono shock conversion, but the rz swingarm weighs 4.5lbs , bare, before I remove 2 inches and  anything extra..
Daytona arm weighs 12lbs
(allegedly)
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 85RZwade on September 28, 2021, 09:22:04 AM
Wow, that's an amazing weight difference. I've replaced two RZ swingarms with FZ items because I thought they were heavy! Must be a lot of steel in the Daytona 'arm.
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on September 28, 2021, 01:25:58 PM
Can't find an fz600 arm, they're 1lb lighter than an rz arm...
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on September 29, 2021, 03:40:36 PM
Scored a FZ600 swingarm on eBay, on it's way :cheers:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: 85RZwade on September 30, 2021, 12:46:39 AM
Excellent find!  :vroom:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on October 03, 2021, 01:32:30 AM
Here it is, not too shabby looking!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on October 11, 2021, 02:58:03 PM
Pretty sure the Daytona arm is lighter than 12lbs that I read, hoping to borrow a scale soon..

Debating punting the extra parts to get new tires, some machining and a motolanna swingarm...
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on October 26, 2022, 03:24:30 AM
Pardon the gap in this build, life's been interesting for sure!
Mismatched wheels and tires aren't brilliant, so with a little detective work, it turns out thst a gs500 wheel has same axle size, and is already a 39 t 520 chain sprocket!
I also tracked down an aluminum swingarm, so let's see if it all fits together..
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on October 26, 2022, 03:31:46 AM
Turns out they fit together beautifully, may not even need wheel spacers! It'll be great to have matching wheels, and ditch a front rotor and disc! I'll need a brake torque arm for the swinger, probably get one from economy cycle..
Wiring is pretty dire, anyone adapt a new 76/77 harness to a 78?
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: m in sc on October 26, 2022, 02:26:10 PM
well isnt that nifty! very cool indeed.  :clap:
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: Dvsrd on October 26, 2022, 02:44:35 PM
A MotoLanna swingarm?  Looks nice!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: SoCal250 on October 26, 2022, 03:52:13 PM
Quote from: biggraham on October 26, 2022, 03:31:46 AM
Turns out they fit together beautifully, may not even need wheel spacers! It'll be great to have matching wheels, and ditch a front rotor and disc! I'll need a brake torque arm for the swinger, probably get one from economy cycle..
Wiring is pretty dire, anyone adapt a new 76/77 harness to a 78?
The only difference between the 76/77 and the 78 harnesses is the addition of the headlight relay on the E model (see attached)
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on November 01, 2022, 05:05:48 PM
Thanks so much for that info, new loom's on its way!
Anyone have any  experience with PWK 30s?
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on December 21, 2022, 02:27:39 PM
My buddy began the loom install, we are excited to see and hear the difference between the Bassanis and Spec 2s, not to mention the larger Mikunis and pwk30s!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on December 21, 2022, 02:29:35 PM
He's buying a new tire for his R5, so we'll have my Rd, his R5 and my landlord's H1!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on February 26, 2024, 03:02:47 PM
Well, my Buddy is kinda m.i.a. , so I'll get on with fighting the Spec 2's, they are 2/3rds the weight of the fabled Bassani's , saving a handy  5lbs!
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 03, 2024, 12:21:03 PM
Working on getting a photo here...
Title: Re: RD400E Special
Post by: biggraham on March 03, 2024, 12:21:40 PM
Here she is with the Spec2s!