Hi All,
New member here. Recently acquired an original 1971 Yamaha R5 that I plan to build. Bike has a tad over 10,000 miles and is in running condition. Photos below make it look to be a little better condition than it actually is. The closer you look the more corrosion and misc dents you can find. I've wanted an RD350 for a long time and when I saw this pop up on Marketplace I knew I had to go and get it. Never knew about the R5 until I saw this bike and started to do research. Story I got from the owner is that this bike was purchased new and ran for 3 years by the original owner. I still have the original license plate with 71, 72, and 73 registration tags. It was then put in the original owners basement for likely 40 years. It was then purchased as part of an estate sale (with the house). That second owner sold it to the owner I purchased it from. So I'm the 4th owner.
Sorry to any of the purest here, but this bike wasn't in good enough condition for me nor does a stock RD/R5 speak to me, so I'll be slowly turning this into a custom build.
My Plans:
Suspension Swap (modern setup)
Swingarm Swap
Disc Brake Conversion
17" wheels - hoping for 150 in the rear
Electron Ignition
Engine Refresh w/mild porting
Pipes
Lectron Carbs
Here is a photo of when I first picked it up.
72013452309_resized.jpg
Stripped it Down
Sourced a Duke 390 front end and converted with All Balls Racing conversion.
Now I need to find a swing arm. I'd really like to run the duke/rc390 rims so I'll need to keep this in mind when sourcing a swing arm.
Anyone have any suggestions on a swing arm? At this point I don't mind keeping twin rear shocks or converting to a mono-shock.
IMG_2295_resized.jpg
IMG_2395_resized.jpg
IMG_2418_resized.jpg
I cant see any of the images. :huh:
Quote from: m in sc on December 17, 2023, 07:30:23 PMI cant see any of the images. :huh:
They are attached.
Quote from: 71R5JPAR on December 18, 2023, 04:55:35 AMQuote from: m in sc on December 17, 2023, 07:30:23 PMI cant see any of the images. :huh:
They are attached.
:umm: Something strange is going on with those pics. The files are not viewable, they are only downloadable. And when I download them some cause an issue with my photo viewer app causing it to hang/crash.
EDIT:
Figured it out. Your images were way too big (4032x3024). I downloaded them, resized them, and edited your posts. Should work OK now.
In the future you should resize your image files before posting so they fit on a typical screen. I used 25% for your images (to 1008x756), but you could even go with 20%.
I am not a purist, by any means. And it seems like a cool concept. But its just sad seeing another unmolested classic reduced to a half modern bike. I am not hating, just thinking out loud. Look forward to seeing the progress!
there they are. cool and all.... but i have beta envy. swingarms going to be tricky and (obviously) the ktm one wont work, so hoping you have the ability to do lathe work, going to be necessary to get the ktm wheel in there on any swingarm you wind up using.
Quote from: m in sc on December 18, 2023, 02:58:48 PMthere they are. cool and all.... but i have beta envy. swingarms going to be tricky and (obviously) the ktm one wont work, so hoping you have the ability to do lathe work, going to be necessary to get the ktm wheel in there on any swingarm you wind up using.
The Beta is a hoot to ride! I have it plated for both trail and road. Kind of needed in my area as bikes aren't allowed on all trail sections so you have to hit the black top to bypass those sections sometimes.
Yeah I was able to get measurements on the duke swingarm. 235mm width at the pivot so it's too wide. I'm still looking around. Might do a slightly extended tracdynamics or metmachex. Cost of both of those are sky high though when comparing against a conversion swingarm purchased off of eBay. Still hunting around.
Quote from: rearwheelslider on December 18, 2023, 02:07:46 PMI am not a purist, by any means. And it seems like a cool concept. But its just sad seeing another unmolested classic reduced to a half modern bike. I am not hating, just thinking out loud. Look forward to seeing the progress!
Understood. I thought hard and long before deciding to make it a custom. When I first saw the pictures I thought for sure it was too nice to play with. After getting it home and giving it a good look over I changed directions.
You're in the right place! Excellent bones to start with. I bought mine as a basement queen, where it had sat for 30 years, according to its license plate.
Here's mine, as bought and current state.
(https://i.ibb.co/wyt0gVY/R5-2-Original.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3z32m6t/IMG-2604-Original.jpg)
Quote from: AAAltered on December 19, 2023, 09:12:16 AMYou're in the right place! Excellent bones to start with. I bought mine as a basement queen, where it had sat for 30 years, according to its license plate.
Here's mine, as bought and current state.
(https://i.ibb.co/wyt0gVY/R5-2-Original.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3z32m6t/IMG-2604-Original.jpg)
Where did you find the tank emblems?
What swingarm are you running?
Nice bike!
On a side note, youre so lucky to be able to have that Beta and have it registered with a plate. I live in commiefornia and we cant buy a new two stroke and get it even registered to ride anywhere public trails(no OHV sticker), let alone a plate. Insanity. :rant-1:
Badges: I got a repop screw on set years ago, and was also gifted a NOS set. I don't recall what's on there right now. You'll see repops from time to time on EBay. IMO hold out for screw on ones rather than stickers.
Swinger: is a vintage DG RD400. That's 2" over stock for a 350. Can only run stock size tires. Had "fender extenders" machined by a good guy on this site. Bike is NOT prone to wheelies unless you try.
Very little progress lately.
Took a gamble and ordered a 2012 Ninja ex250 swingarm. It would need to be milled slightly narrower on the pivot width. The more I look at it though, the less enthusiastic I'm about converting to monoshock.
Can anyone provide be feedback on current tracdynamic swingarms? I'd like to run twin shocks but still convert to disc rear. Thinking of also using either the Duke 390 wheels or the new gen ninja 250 wheels. Ninja is a little narrower as it fits a 140 rear.
Have you considered MotoLanna? Some members here have used them.
MotoLanna SuperTuff swingarm (https://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_448876-Swingarm-Aluminum-Alloy-SuperTuff.html)
MotoLanna SuperLite swingarm (https://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_2637748-Swingarm-Aluminum-Alloy-SuperLite.html)
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=415.msg2782#msg2782
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=4211.msg36419#msg36419
Quote from: SoCal250 on January 26, 2024, 01:38:41 AMHave you considered MotoLanna? Some members here have used them.
MotoLanna SuperTuff swingarm (https://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_448876-Swingarm-Aluminum-Alloy-SuperTuff.html)
MotoLanna SuperLite swingarm (https://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_2637748-Swingarm-Aluminum-Alloy-SuperLite.html)
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=415.msg2782#msg2782
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=4211.msg36419#msg36419
Thanks for the tip! Looks like that could save me ~$800 and avoid the 5+month lead times people have seen with tracdynamics.
Any idea on tire widths people have fit on the MotoLanna? The Ninja ex250 swinger just measured ~225mm vs the MotoLannas 218mm width at wheel axle location. MotoLanna is ~50mm longer ~25mm wider than the R5 so I'm guessing I could make the ex250 wheels work.
Quote from: rearwheelslider on December 19, 2023, 12:04:37 PMOn a side note, youre so lucky to be able to have that Beta and have it registered with a plate. I live in commiefornia and we cant buy a new two stroke and get it even registered to ride anywhere public trails(no OHV sticker), let alone a plate. Insanity. :rant-1:
I feel your pain brother. I grew up riding off road in San Diego. Around 2002 while camping at Ocotillo Wells me and the wife decided we couldn't retire comfortably the way things were going. Upgraded our RV in 2004 and set out to find another state to relocate to. Settled on Cortez, CO after 5+ years visiting other states NEV, OR, UT, NM and finally Durango CO area. Bought a fixxer old house in 2010 and spent 7 years remodeling it until making the permanent move in 2017 and have not regretted it for a minute. Slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and far more freedom- including riding opportunities everywhere. Decision was made even before the politics, taxes, and invasion of people made it intolerable for us to stay. I tell people here the state of CA pushed us out! Last new bike I bought in CA was 2003 Kawasaki KDX220R seeing the 2-stroke ban coming along with all the other BS rules and restrictions and closures of our public lands :bang: Finally upgraded here last year to a Beta 300 X-trainer 2-stroke. It comes ready to street legal register- only need to add a mirror to pass inspection, then pay DMV $7 to dual register and give me the street plate. Probably do that this year :thumbs:
Quote from: 71R5JPAR on December 19, 2023, 05:26:47 AMQuote from: m in sc on December 18, 2023, 02:58:48 PMthere they are. cool and all.... but i have beta envy. swingarms going to be tricky and (obviously) the ktm one wont work, so hoping you have the ability to do lathe work, going to be necessary to get the ktm wheel in there on any swingarm you wind up using.
The Beta is a hoot to ride! I have it plated for both trail and road. Kind of needed in my area as bikes aren't allowed on all trail sections so you have to hit the black top to bypass those sections sometimes.
Yeah I was able to get measurements on the duke swingarm. 235mm width at the pivot so it's too wide. I'm still looking around. Might do a slightly extended tracdynamics or metmachex. Cost of both of those are sky high though when comparing against a conversion swingarm purchased off of eBay. Still hunting around.
Totally agree on the Beta. Bought a new X-Trainer 300 Feb 2022. Like a modernized version of original Yamaha Enduro concept. Has automatic 2-stroke oil injection (like hi tech autolube), adjustable powervalve, 2 selectable ignition maps, adjustable hydraulic clutch options, electric start and more. Love it!
(C:/Users/Paul/Pictures/Beta%20X-trainer/Beta%20Right%20Side.jpg)
MotoLanna is on order. Went with SuperTuff machined shock mounts and black powder coating. 2-8 week estimate on delivery.
Front fender on order. Bar clamps on order. Apparently KTM puts 26mm bars on the smaller single bore duke bikes. Converting to 28.6mm (1-1/8") gives me more options.
About the Beta, glad to see so many Beta fans here. I'm in good company! Unfortunately it might go up for sale this summer. I also have a KTM 500exc-f that just gets used more. Also have a 4y/o that I want to get into riding. I'm thinking of selling the Beta to pickup two trials bike for us. A Beta Evo for me and a Kuberg Start for the little one. We'll see... the wife says I have too many bikes. I think she is crazy
MotoLanna swingarm arrived! I'll try to post pictures up this weekend. Currently struggling to find a SR500/400 pivot bushing
IIRC, you can use your RD bushing (assuming you have it)
the one on the offset side?
Quote from: 85RZwade on February 13, 2024, 11:01:30 AMIIRC, you can use your RD bushing (assuming you have it)
I guess I was going off the details in this thread.
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=415.msg2782#msg2782
I'll test out the stock bushing tube.
Duke 390 wheel mounted. Got a killer deal on two basically new duke rims. Seller claimed only 5 miles and based on the looks I believe it! Only downside is the color--- they'll eventually be power-coated
Front fender likely not to stay
MotoLanna swingarm is here. I have been struggling to find a proper swingarm pivot bushing. MotoLanna was out of stock on the pivot bushing they make. Ordered one off of ebay from a XT500 and it is too long but also gulled up pretty good. Reached out to MotoLanna on when they'll be making more.
I'll also have to do something about the rear axle as it is a larger diameter than the Duke 390 takes.
SoCal250 - if you could help with the images again that would be great. I resized them to be 750x750 or smaller and they still aren't working correctly. Maybe it has to due with me using a Macbook?
downloading the pic comes back as a null image. :umm:
My iPhone opens his pictures just fine... :umm:
I am able to download and view the last 2 images, 2582 & 2580. However if I try to attach them to a new post then insert them the message, they will only display with the filename and as downloadable jpg. Same as they are now. Not sure what's up with them.
If I open them for editing with MS Paint and then resave as a jpeg they seem to work.
IMG_2582_edit.jpg
IMG_2580_edit.jpg
That is a beautiful swingarm. :thumbs: