Hello everyone. I just purchased a 1972 R5 and it is in the process of being shipped to me and I hope to have it at my door just in time for Xmas, hopefully the picture attachment works!
This will be my first 2 stroke that I have worked on or ridden, but I have built a couple of older Honda 4 strokes in the past. For reference, my other motorcycle is a 2007 Aprilia Tuono and I have done some amateur racing events and lapping days.
The bike needs a full rebuild as it just came out of storage and I will begin working on it as soon as it gets home. I am planning on a full engine rebuild and will be splitting the cases and starting from ground zero. The bike will be made into a fast and fun road going bike to ride around town and in the mountains, with occasional quick highway stints to get where I need to go. I have tried to research as much as possible, but have a couple of questions for you knowledgeable folks. My questions are:
1) Is it worth acquiring an RD350 transmission for that extra gear and the ratios? Seems there are used pieces available, just wondering if it is worth it or not while everything is apart.
2) Is it worth acquiring an RD350 top end for the reed valves? My understanding is that these are "better" but not sure of the logic or reasoning? I assume I would need to purchase cylinders, head and pistons to make the swap, but that it should swap over pretty easily. Please enlighten if I am incorrect.
It looks like this is a great forum and I look forward to learning as I go. I will certainly share my progress once I get into it! Thanks.
Mike
This will be my first 2 stroke that I have worked on or ridden, but I have built a couple of older Honda 4 strokes in the past. For reference, my other motorcycle is a 2007 Aprilia Tuono and I have done some amateur racing events and lapping days.
The bike needs a full rebuild as it just came out of storage and I will begin working on it as soon as it gets home. I am planning on a full engine rebuild and will be splitting the cases and starting from ground zero. The bike will be made into a fast and fun road going bike to ride around town and in the mountains, with occasional quick highway stints to get where I need to go. I have tried to research as much as possible, but have a couple of questions for you knowledgeable folks. My questions are:
1) Is it worth acquiring an RD350 transmission for that extra gear and the ratios? Seems there are used pieces available, just wondering if it is worth it or not while everything is apart.
2) Is it worth acquiring an RD350 top end for the reed valves? My understanding is that these are "better" but not sure of the logic or reasoning? I assume I would need to purchase cylinders, head and pistons to make the swap, but that it should swap over pretty easily. Please enlighten if I am incorrect.
It looks like this is a great forum and I look forward to learning as I go. I will certainly share my progress once I get into it! Thanks.
Mike