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Got my workbench clean, a pile of seals, tools, a beer and smokey the bandit on TV.
After disassembly, case halves and carbs go for vapor blast.

Wish me luck

I'm getting ready to reassemble my forks. Which way does this part go? Believe it's called a piston. I think tapered side (left) faces down but don't remember. I was so pissed off trying to the bottom bolt out I wasn't paying attention.

I'm in the process of rebuilding the forks on the RD350. I am stuck on getting this damn lower bolt out of both fork legs. It spins, but will not come out. I've tried it with the forks assembled with an impact to "shock" it loose but nothing. I've tried compressing the forks, no go.

Any tips/tricks are appreciated.

Edit: Meant to post this in Turning Wrenches

I'm starting to assemble some odds and ends. I'm bolting up the rear sprocket and am wondering if there is a good alternative to what I'll call the "tabbed washer" that gets bent up against the bolt? I really don't want to use it.

I'm a service department manager and had a technician go down so I had to grab my tools and head out. Ended up at a house with a motorcycle gas tank mailbox. I knew right away I was going to like this guy. I pulled up and it's an old hippy looking guy, bandana and all. He's in his garage working on an old Indian and has a 67 Chevelle convertible on a 4 post lift. Along side it was a 59 El Camino. We automatically started talking cars and bikes. I tell him about my Vette and my various bikes. Next he invites me into his dining room, yes dining room where there is an old BSA Canadian military bike. Then he takes me to his basement to show me his Harleys.
Cool little collection. The odd part was, no walkout basement. He moves them all downstairs on his own.

Just got confirmation from John at Economy that my very long list of parts and refreshed cylinders/heads shipped. I'll be tearing down the motor the rest of the way soon. I'm considering getting the upper and lower case vapor blasted as it appears to bring it back to "like new" condition. I have a media blast cabinet but I'm thinking vapor might be the way to go. I got a quote of $300 to do this.

Anyone have any experience with vapor blasting? Happy with the results?

Looking for info on rims, wheels, hoops, whatever term you use.

On the RD Im Building, I found rust bubbling under the chrome. After closer inspection, It's a little more than I'm comfortable with.
Curious what lower priced options are out there? Would like to keep them chrome or polished with black spokes. I'm not going to be speed racer on this thing but want something safe for spirited street use.

Opinions?

Figured I'd start a build thread of my 74.
Plans are pretty much a stripped down Cafe treatment that is light and fun.
Heads and cylinders are currently at EC getting some work done.
Highlights as follows
New boring and porting, pistons and rings. Complete engine and trans rebuild.
KN Y boot
HPI Ignition
Will run premix
Progressive Series 12 Magnum shocks on the rear and Progressive springs in front.
Slipstream Cycles rearsets
Might upgrade the front brakes to FZR. Stopping might be important at some point.
I have old SpecII pipes that came with the bike. I just refinished them but I have my eye on JL Street in SS with a carbon fiber silencer.
All parts being media blasted and repainted/refinished.
I planned on doing a front end conversion to something a little more modern but I just had a lifter failure in my vette so I have to put some funds towards that. If anyone ever told you going fast is cheap, they're full of shit.
I'll update as I get things done but I'm OCD on things and pay close attention to detail and small things. It's a winter project and I have a daughter that is a 3 sport athlete and a son who wrestles so time is limited.


The guy I bought the bike from had some cool literature that some may enjoy.










Teardown began



Old SpecII pipes need help

Much better

Has anyone repaired or is there a way to repair the gauge faces that have warped? I assume it's from the prior owner(s) leaving it in the sun. I have no problem taking the gauges apart. Just want to know if anyone has successfully repaired this.

These appear to be home made to me but I could be wrong. The guy I bought the RD from said he purchased them back in the 80's. I'm not going to be using them as I purchased the slipstream cycles rearsets.

Nice Survivor and project with a lot of potential. Too many unknowns and an obvious teardown for the asking price. I made an offer and never heard back.
https://springfield.craigslist.org/mpo/d/branson-yamaha-rd350/7641446825.html

I was an owner and member a while back. I sold my R5 for a Ducati 899 back in '17 and miss it dearly.
I am now searching for a project R5 or RD, preferably an RD this time. If anyone knows of a good project bike in the midwest, hopefully in the surrounding states of Missouri, please let me know. It's great seeing that John@economy and Chuck are still around. They were always helpful and I gladly gave them my money lol.

Anyway, maybe some of you remember me as I was pretty active on the forum and had BOTM in Oct. '16 and still see names I recognize.

Maybe pictures will jog some memories of my old R5
Day I bought it.

When I was finished


I've also found my passion for cars again and have been building a C6 Vette. It currently has a fully built iron block LS2 fully forged with a D1x Procharger and meth injection putting down right at 900whp. Backed up with an RPM built driveline.