Messages

Mark,
I ordered a service manual for the rd350, but it isn't here yet.
But I doubt that it would have the method you described. I'll look up the sv650 coil mod.(a very nice bike btw I just gave mine to my son)
And I definitely plan on replacing the tires.
So I need to do a leak down test, I just did a compression test and both cylinders are at 104 psi.
As you mentioned I will get the timing set and then sync the carbs.
You guys are great, if I ever meet you I will buy you a beer!

Hi TPR5,
I can already tell that there are some incredibly knowledgeable and helpful people on the forum, I've already learned a little.
Thanks for the welcome.

Hi Mark in sc,
Sorry that I didn't respond sooner, we just returned from a camping trip with no signal.
Anyway thank you for the advice.
I am going to take care of the other problems first, before I get new tires.
So I have the oil to change the trans fluid, and as you suggested I will check and replace the wheel bearings if necessary.
I will definitely check the swing arm bushings too.
And I will have to replace the chain and sprockets.
The clutch seems to be o.k. so far.
And I agree with you, I should pull and clean the carbs, and find out how to synchronize them or get someone to do it for me.
I can't find my old dial gauge to check the timing, so I'll order a new one.
Do you recommend just replacing the old original coils?
And I know I need fresh brake fluid. Thanks for reminding me.
And I didn't consider the left side seals, I can tell you've done all this before.
It's a big help, this will be a fun thing to work on during the cold season.
The folks on the forum are so helpful, I do appreciate all the advice.

Hi plasticman,
Thanks for the welcome, yes I'm excited to have an old 2 stroke bike again.
You seem to have an awesome collection of rd400's.
And I see that you're restoring one of them.
Have any of the chrome plated parts like the taillight bracket been rusty and corroded?
If so how do you deal with it?

Hey Milan,
Good call, I just checked and they were both loose.
Thanks for the advice.

Hey Milan,
Good call, yes I just checked them and you were right, they were both very loose.

I've had great service from Bridgestone BT45s
[/quote

I'll certainly check on those after I get everything else sorted out.
Thanks for the recommendation.]

Welcome to our forum.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

Hello Evans Ward,
Thanks for the welcome, I know I will learn a lot here.
It's so nice to be able to ask advice from experienced riders such as you.
I'm in south east Utah, in the desert.

Hey 85RZwade,
You're right, I know I'll need new rubber.
I have ridden around the block, but I won't go much more than that until I can replace the tires.
What tires do you like?

Good day SoCal250,
I will order some BelRay gear saver 80 weight in the morning.
To verify the timing I still have my old Yamaha dial gauge I bought more than 50 years ago.
As you can tell I'm an old fart now.
Wow, you have quite the stable of old Yamaha bikes! But being a yamaholic is a good thing right?

Hi m in sc, (Mark)
I just got back from work, so I didn't have a chance to reply earlier, I live in Moab, Utah.
Yes the bike starts and runs.
I haven't done a compression test yet, I guess that should be the first thing to check.
The fuel tank and petcock seem okay. I do live in the desert so there isn't too much rust.
As for the crank seals, I haven't any idea what condition they are, but I'll look in the tech library to try and find the procedure for checking them.
The wiring doesn't seem to be butchered too bad.
Thanks for the advice, I really do appreciate it.

Hey everyone,
I just bought a 73 rd350, and joined the forum.
Are there any posts suggesting what to check on an old bike like this? This starts and seems to run o.k. But should I do a compression test, and change the trans oil? If so what oil to use.
Or can someone suggest where to buy a service manual?
I had a Yamaha 350 two cylinder 2 stroke that I rode from california to miami florida, and back in 1968. And I just like 2 strokes and wanted another one.
By the way I ordered some amsoil 2 stroke injector oil, is that a good choice? And should I service or rebuild the oil injection pump?
Thanks to anyone for any advise you can give me.