Messages

@rodneya-Thanks for the pics.  I have the system in the top picture.  Thanks for clearing that up for me.

I guess I should of given more information about the system I am using.  First of all, I thought powerdynamo/vape systems were the same thing.  I guess there are different versions. 

I bought my powerdynamo/vape from economy cycle about 5+ years ago.  Along with the thicker washer and longer bolt.  I had a guy install it.  Since then I had the engine rebuilt and now I trying to put it back together.  Hence the questions at the beginning of the thread.

Thanks

The vape that I have that comes with the curve box is setup at TDC.

I sent 2 pics of the instructions.  I guess I need to set at TDC. 

rodneya-were your instructions identical to mine?  And did you set your vape system per the instructions that are in the pics.  I ask that because I saw a least one video of a guy in England who set his at 1.8 BTDC.  So I am a little confused.

Also, what curve from the advance unit are you using?  Thanks!


To economy cycle and others who recommenced the thicker washer and longer bolt.  Thank you.   I did have that already.

Thanks again to everyone who chimed in with advice!

1: get a VERY thick washer. 2: heat the rotor up in an oven to about 225 degrees (yes im serious). 3: set the crank where you want it to fire, it will fire when the leading edge of the ramp on the rotor is about halfway across the pickup button, maybe a hair before. 4: get the rotor with oven mints and set it on the crank end, tap it on lightly with a dead blow mallet or rubber mallet. 5: zap the nut down with an impact, but don't go too crazy

verify timing with timing light.

Thanks Mark!

Installing a vape system.  The instructions say to bring one piston to TDC, then to adjust the rotor per instructions and tighten.

I read and seen a video in which the piston was brought up 1.8 BTDC.  Can anyone advice me on which it is?

Also, not sure the best way to torque the rotor.  No torque spec were given in the instructions.  I was just going to use a impact driver to torque the bolt down.???

Thanks in advance.

Thanks John/Economy Cycle for the quick response.  I should of just emailed you guys direct.  Didn't think about that until after.

Anyways, Thanks again!

I have a new dial indicator from Economy Cycle. 

Can anyone tell me how to put an extension on.  It looks like I just need to unscrew the bottom cap and screw back on the extension.  If that is the case, then that cap is on real good.  Any suggestions on how to do this without damaging the dial gauge?

Thanks

How easy is it to move a bike, or a car between Islands over there?

It's not to difficult.  I have never had to move a bike from one Island to the next.  However, a former colleague from Maui used to send his Harley back for summer  vacation.  He would drop it off at Honolulu harbor and it would be shipped to (I believe) Kahului harbor for pick up. 

Russ that might be the same guy I bought the RZ350 (that you now own) from.  You can ask him about that.

I will.

Yes indeed, Happy belated Birthday!

He doesn't live on this island.  He sent it to Oahu for the ease of sale.  Apparently it is being stored in a crate on Oahu.

That's odd. If he doesn't live there why would he send it there for "ease of sale"? By sending it Oahu he greatly decreased his buying pool.
It has a California title so it would be much easier to sell here! Buyer's pay good money (sometime stupid) for a 2T gray market bike with a title here.
And it's always easier to sell a bike when you can be on site.

In the end it's better for you though! I hope it works out for you. The price seems pretty reasonable now.

Apparently they (Husband and wife) have been living on the Big Island for quite some time( I believe the wife said on a coffee farm).   My best guess is that the owner has more then one home.  Probably in California and the Big Island.  They probably did not want to hassle sending it back to Cali for the sale.  As you said Russ, better for me!

I spoke with the wife and she stated that someone else is interested but I have first crack at it.   

Hopefully I will get a chance to see it this week.  The owner (husband) is currently in the hospital.  Were trying to coordinate a date/time/ and place for purchase.  The wife is planning to fly to Oahu for the transaction.

@ IR8D8R You are correct about the population differences and the better chance to sell would be on Oahu. 

So I take it you'd rather have the Aprilia?...Maybe a wiser choice. Like many others I've been looking at the souped up RD/RZ and I think it looks awesome, I love the paint scheme, wouldn't change a thing but maybe just touch it up here and there. No kickstart on that motor though makes it challenging to ride in real world situations. Such as you stop by a buddies for more than say a half hour and the motor cools down and there's no steep downhill....or you stall her at a stoplight. 

Yep, the Aprilia is what I a hoping to get at this point. It is on island, so I won't have to consider shipping costs.  I am getting a little push back from my wife.  I told her after this bike, I will sale a bike before getting any others.      

By the way, I didn't even think of the no kick starter scenarios that could occur with the rd/tz bike.  I am definitely getting to old for that.

If I lived on an island way out in the middle of the ocean, and a $6500 RS250 came up for sale nearby I'd be all over that sh!t like RIGHT NOW!

I agree with you.  I wanted to see it yesterday.  The owner is supposed to get back to me to see the bike.  I hope it happens soon.  He doesn't live on this island.  He sent it to Oahu for the ease of sale.  Apparently it is being stored in a crate on Oahu.
I am already to pull the trigger if all looks fine.     

Thanks gentlemen for the good information.

I am waiting for the owner to get back to me for a day and time to check it out.

Thanks again!

Not mine but somewhat interested. 

https://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/mcy/d/waianae-1995-aprilia-rs-250-reggiani/7610497052.html

Anyone have any knowledge on these bikes?  Are parts hard to come by?  I bet it is a lot of fun to ride.

I have been thinking about buying that RD 400 with the TZ350 engine (the blue one for 6,995.00).  Now this has come up.

Any thoughts on which would be a better bike to own?

Thanks

John, I hope you get well soon.

I also would like to thank you for the work you have done for me. 

Relax and take care of yourself.

Russell

Your welcome Evans.

I was glad I could help out.

Russell

I dropped it off at the post office today.  Take your time with it.  I am in no rush to get it back.