Messages

I've read that studded knobbies on dirt bikes are big fun in the snow; do they work well for bicycles off-road?
Wade

Now that's a sharp eye! That setup looks the business, Jim.
Wade

I'd avoid the knock-offs. A friend ordered one that LOOKED like a PWK28, but when the time came to do a little repair, no parts were available from the vendor and nothing from Keihin (sp?) fit.
Wade

I have a '75 RD350 that came to my doorstep needing a home, and I struggle with saying NO when it's an old friend (R.I.P. Dennis, I hope you're watching!) of my dad's and the price is $0. Typical story: all there but long out of use, with pistons which had become one with their cylinders, gummed-up carbs, rock-hard tires and a tank that looked lovely...on the outside.
In keeping with my policy of trying to use what I've got, I'm assessing options for wheels and suspension:

I read about Richard Pollack (sp?) of Mule Motorcycles using these Kawasaki wheels on his 'tracker customs because they're cheap and look like old Morris mags at a glance. Forks look like tree trunks, at least compared to the RD's...but the chrome is pitted, and it just got expensive. Also, the wheel is 19", so tire options limited, I'd have to BUY another wheel and brake and I'm not going in a 'tracker direction with this (as much as I like them).

'78 CB550K has a little wider front rim than the RD, but it's steel and also 19". Forks are a little beefier, but that leading-caliper look leaves me limp, and it's single-piston (I know, tech snob).

Matching Honda rear wheel is, I think, a tad wider than the RD item (but, again, steel) and 18". I'm just about talked into going drum instead of disc out back, and this has a nice, big old-school looking unit...but is it much different than:

this crusty old devil, to which I'd want to lace a wider, aluminum rim anyway? What else is around here 


Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner here! 1983 TZ250 running gear has the much-preferred spokes with wide aluminum rims, disc brakes (Brembo calipers up front, I sold the rear caliper so will need something back there), an aluminum swingarm, stout forks with good chrome and a tasty set of triple clamps.

So, yes, I'm looking at a dual- to single shock conversion, no cush drive in the rear hub, no speedometer drive in the front hub, possible if not probable re-springing of the forks, steering head bearing challenges and I expect you fine folks will advise me what else.
Thoughts from the masses? I welcome your input, and reserve the right to charge headlong in a foolish direction heedless of thoughtful, logical and educated advice. Let's do this thing!
Wade

Perfect example of the value this site offers; I would have over-braked my RD project had I not read this topic. Thanks for starting it and to those who chimed in with the wisdom of experience!
Wade

That turned out quite nicely, I'm going to re-read the installation thread. Good work!
Wade

RC45 has posted some great pics of an RD500 project on North American Two Strokes under "two stroke projects". I highly recommend it and hope he'll put it on this site as well.
Wade

I get the appeal of the rear disc, planning one of my own. At the same time, I think the drum on Mark's lightweight is pretty damn wow!
Wade

  I like the sound of that plan!

I can relate to the budget build. I am constantly looking at what I can do with what I already have, much of which came to me free or cheap needing a home.
I had a Nighthawk S with a 16" front BT45 years ago, and it was just fine. Still using BT45s on my RZ...but not often enough!
Wade

They've found a better home! What direction do you want to take them?
Wade

I think it's going to come down to the wheels themselves, such as: can you install a valve stem successfully? I've never heard of a performance advantage to inner tubes. Just a necessary evil where dictated by wheel design.
Wade

Nice bit of hand-milling there!
Wade

Nicely done, very sanitary.
Wade

I like that! Does it have banshee or RZ cogs and, if banshee, how do the ratios feel on the street?
Wade