Messages

Hi Mark,  I made a typo when I took a pic and placed the rings on the instructions.  I have these installed correctly as the ring land on the piston prevents a mismatch.  I kept the expander out.  See below in italics:

I made a typo though, the second ring is thicker, wanted to clarify for future reference  Second ring is .059",  top ring is .046"

Fired it up today, engine seems very lethargic as compared to before. Let it warm up 5 minutes, going to retorque cylinder head to 15 ft pounds and then run again, set timing.  Head was modified (squish band),  assuming I need to readjust timing.

Thanks Mark, i managed to upload some pics and you can see that it looks nothing like the pic in generic instructions.  I made a typo though, the second ring is thicker, wanted to clarify for future reference  Second ring is .059",  top ring is .046"

Thanks, Brian

So I am finally getting around to replacing my Top end with my Pro-X pistons and modified cylinders from Bill Bune (that I had received late last year). This is for my 75 RD350.  I has 2 rings and a oil expander (assuming this is what the corrugated ring is- does not look like the one in the instructions, stating for 4 stroke only, attempting to upload a pic but phone is temper-mental today)).  I did not receive any instructions and found a generic set online. It was very difficult to see the ring profile edge (to determine what was top and what was second ring) so I measured these with a set of calipers and measured the ring lands within the pistons with a feeler gauge and found that the top is thicker (.059") and the 2nd ring is thinner (.046"), each marked with a "T" so I can install correctly.  My question is that I do not see where the expander is used, assuming it goes behind the top ring due to width being .056" thickness.  can anyone confirm this is where the oil expander goes, behind the top ring or is it not used at all? 

Did a quick search and nothing came up so here goes.  What do you guys use to press the wrist pin out of connecting rod?  I am going to put my new top end on my RD350 in a few weeks and wanted to know if you made items or just bought a puller online.  Worried about damaging the connecting rod bearings if I get too aggressive, trying to alleviate any issues. Thanks

Yea, you need to understand how a dispute works in PayPal, let me explain.  When you get to a point of returning a product to resolve, PayPal "prepopulates" drop down boxes with shipping methods and asks for tracking numbers, this cannot be overridden and must be completed, or else the case is closed.  It was a loophole as seller settled with Brazilian post office on claim and was paid out, did not forward this to me, wanted the items back at my expense and then once received, payout would be determined thru PayPal.  Pretty shady to me at further out of pocket costs with no product at end.  When I put this in the notes that I was not going to ship back, just wanted resolved with photos and messenger proof of damage that I would be paid, these were ignored as system was only looking for receipt of returned product. Regardless, case closed and my loss and end of rant, just looking out for members of this forum to not go thru what I did.

Thanks

Update: So after 2 months, PayPal decided to side with the seller and not reimburse me for the damages that were caused by improper packaging and reimburse any costs I have incurred to correct.  The request was to send these back to the seller at my expense and then be reimbursed, amount TBD once these were back in Brazil, seems very shady.  As I was out nearly $800, was not going to spend additional to send back in the hope I would be reimbursed any amount.  I am not one for scorched earth, but at this juncture will advise anyone contemplating on buying from Rafael to beware and avoid them like the plague.  This lack of judgement on his part will definitely impact his business model if I can assist with that. Please feel free to reach out, many other reputable vendors out there.

Looking for a quality set of tubes for my 75 RD that I plan on putting BT46 tires on.  I have read that Chuck Q recommended IRC tubes, but can't seem to find a front tube size anywhere.  Chuck recommended 3.50-4.00-18 for the rear, what sizes are you guys using and what brands do you suggest?  Also would anybody have advice on using rim tape verses rim strips, looking for pros and cons. Thanks, Brian

I have PayPal involved at this point, Lots of "messenger questions" are used for my proof. Bottom line is that these were damaged and I had repaired at my expense, got the manufacturer involved -but had to go thru Brazilian post office which denied the claim, even though both ends of box was torn open and flanges sticking out due to improper packaging and securing. Then fitment issues on top of the damage which was rectified-again at my expense. As a business that is selling and shipping "insured" products. if damaged the appropriate thing to do would acknowledge this and make the buyer whole, not beat around the bush for nearly 3 weeks.  Only when PayPal was involved did the seller "step up" and answer questions- outcome still TBD.  Had I not gone this route would still be getting lip service.  Stay away, far away

All, I do not take this lightly but wanted to inform the forum members if you are contemplating getting any pipes from Brazil (Dogster), they make quality products but their customer focus is lacking, especially if you have an issue after receipt of product. I will not publish any of my issues but from a business perspective, acknowledging a valid customer complaint regarding shipping damage due to poor packaging and fitment issues, resolving to the satisfaction of the consumer is not their strongpoint. As the 2 stroke world is small in regards to vendors for these bikes, I would look elsewhere for manufacturers within the states.  Don't learn the hard was as I have.  Thanks

I was looking at my motorcycle tires (IRC's) that were part of the motorcycle deal as these were "new" when I bought my RD in March of 23.  Closer inspection of the front and rear tire dates codes indicate 0617 and 5116, so these are basically 6 years old.  I know they were a real bitch to install with my spoons, may explain why the sidewalls were as stiff as hell.  Regardless, I have been looking at 90/90/18 BT46 and 110/19/18 BT46 tires for my 75 RD.  Looks like I can get a pair shipped for under $250.00 which seems like a decent price.  Few quick questions,  How old of a date code is acceptable for a new tire?  I read that 6 years max is recommended for replacement, but was wondering how long a supplier can sit on tires and what the consensus is with regards to the 2 stroke forum as to what is acceptable (i.e. how old of a tire would you mount if bought new and if you would return?  I only ride less than 300 miles a year so the newer the better in my opinion. 

I am working with our machinist at work (who coincidentally has some RD's) to fab up our own kickstand relocation kits to use with chambers.  He can model these and then cut out on CNC plasma cutter. Was wondering if anyone had some dimensions or could provide detailed pics to save some work, seem pretty simple to make and could potentially offer up to members.  Thanks

Just received my Dogster chambers, quality looks good but left side hits the kickstand spring boss, which prevents the head and rear attachment points from fully engaging.  I am reluctant to cut this off as I want to keep the bike as original as I can if I sell it someday and someone returns to stock.  The way I look at it is I could do a kickstand relocation kit and cut this boss off(not preferred), or dimple the brand new set, but have reluctance with this as I just spent ~675$ for this.  Does anyone have any previous experience with dimpling SS headers, assuming I could use my acetylene torch and get hot, use a round bar and strike with a deadblow.  Just fishing for some suggestions before pulling the trigger.

Thanks Mark,  Appreciate the quick response and was dreading having to pull engine if I did not have to.

It's been a few years since I completely redid my 73 350 and cannot remember.  If you remove the gas tank, can you pull the cylinders off the stock studs or is their not enough clearance and the engine needs removed from frame?