74 RD350 build

[irk_miller]

id get it on an FI vehicle more so, or a car, but, i doubt it cuts down on wiring vs a custom harness on a vintage bike. (having made quite a few).  But, it's neat. The engineer in me sees it as a centralized failure point TBH. this has ups and downs.  As long as you like it, thats all that matters.

They are nothing more than a multi-channel relay control module. If you've ever been around automation, you've most likely seen a million variations. In the case of an RD wired with Vape, for example, they actually complicate the system and really act like nothing more than an expensive fuse box.  They have nice features like bluetooth security and remote start, but I don't see myself using that on vintage bikes.  I installed one on a BMW R100/7 and I am seriously considering pulling it after 5 years.

[m in sc]

I actually design machines for an automation company for a living.    lol. yeah, i've been around it.  i agree. 

[STLMike]

I have the wiring completed and nicely tucked away in a loom. Was preparing to start getting the timing dialed in and seeing if I can get some smoke rolling but life had other plans. On my way home from work a nice motorist decided to make a left turn right in front of me. I had nowhere to go, didn't even have time to fully get on the brakes. T-boned his car, bounced off his car, had another collision with a ditch. smacked my head a couple times since my air bags did not deploy for some reason. Got nasty whiplash, screwed up neck, back, concussion and my right foot keeps going numb.

Was driving a 2023 Grand Cherokee that is now totaled.
My insurance found him at fault, his insurance says he is at fault and this dick had the nerve to lawyer up and come after my insurance for injuries due to his carelessness. What a world we live in.

I'm in physical therapy now and seeing chiropractor. Full recovery expected in 2-3 months.

[m in sc]

holy shit. Mike, heal fast. thats awful.

[Dvsrd]

id get it on an FI vehicle more so, or a car, but, i doubt it cuts down on wiring vs a custom harness on a vintage bike. (having made quite a few).  But, it's neat. The engineer in me sees it as a centralized failure point TBH. this has ups and downs.  As long as you like it, thats all that matters.

They are nothing more than a multi-channel relay control module. If you've ever been around automation, you've most likely seen a million variations. In the case of an RD wired with Vape, for example, they actually complicate the system and really act like nothing more than an expensive fuse box.  They have nice features like bluetooth security and remote start, but I don't see myself using that on vintage bikes.  I installed one on a BMW R100/7 and I am seriously considering pulling it after 5 years.

To a certain point I agree. On any older japanese bike with battery ignition, I would at least recommend using relays for power to coils, headlight and maybe horn. Starters come with their own heavy duty relay. Reducing voltage drop over various 40-50 year old connectors and switches is always a good thing.

[Brad-Man]

Wow - sorry to hear about the accident.  Glad you weren't on your bike!

[The Red Scourge]

Geez man.  I'm sorry to hear about the accident.  I hope your recovery goes well and you can get out riding this summer.

[mixedbikes]

 Hope your recovery goes well. Sure sorry to hear that happened.

[STLMike]

Thanks for the well wishes all.

[Kawtriplefreak]

Heal quick!!

[klaird]

Hope you  recover quickly. 

[STLMike]

Quick update - My body is on the mend. Feeling decent although, I have some nerve damage on my right foot. Will heal eventually doing PT I hope.
We had a major storm come through where I live a few weeks ago. My house was between 2 tornado's. Picked up some intense golf ball size hail and high winds. Our house, wife's Jeep, daughters car took a beating. Wife's Jeep, 12k worth of damage. Totaled daughters Ford Escape out. Just bought her a used Lincoln MKX to replace.
I feel kinda shitty as my new car, my vette and bike were well protected in the garage.

Sunday, My 82yr old dad fell and broke his hip. I must have pissed off someone/something. I've made some easy progress on the RD (pics to come shortly). Still need to time it, add fuel and kick her over.

3 sides of my house look like this. Hail was piled up like snow...

[grcamna3]

Quick update - My body is on the mend. Feeling decent although, I have some nerve damage on my right foot. Will heal eventually doing PT I hope.
We had a major storm come through where I live a few weeks ago. My house was between 2 tornado's. Picked up some intense golf ball size hail and high winds. Our house, wife's Jeep, daughters car took a beating. Wife's Jeep, 12k worth of damage. Totaled daughters Ford Escape out. Just bought her a used Lincoln MKX to replace.
I feel kinda shitty as my new car, my vette and bike were well protected in the garage.

Sunday, My 82yr old dad fell and broke his hip. I must have pissed off someone/something. I've made some easy progress on the RD (pics to come shortly). Still need to time it, add fuel and kick her over.

3 sides of my house look like this. Hail was piled up like snow...

Powerful weather in May there.. 

[STLMike]

Alright, back at it. Fuel lines ran. Some clutch issues I was having are sorted.
Wasn't happy with the side covers, stripped and repainted those.
Punch list

• Set timing
• Adjust carbs
• Check all bolts and nuts
• Top off fluids
• Check tire pressure
• Fill w/ premix
• Fill garage with smoke

[SoCal250]

That's a pretty short list! Congrats! It looks good. 

I updated your list slightly

Punch list

• Set timing
• Adjust carbs
• Check all bolts and nuts
• Top off fluids
• Check tire pressure
• Fill w/ premix
• Fill garage with smoke
• Install front fender
• (Optional:) Install RSW Racing fork brace