motor swap

Greaser Greg · March 21, 2021, 08:58:42 PM

will other motors like an rd250\350 or R5 bolt into these frames with no mods?
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/d/saint-louis-1975-yamaha-rd200-electric/7291761478.html

TNWillie · March 21, 2021, 09:38:11 PM

Based upon my experience of putting a '74 RD350 motor into a '72 DS7 (250) frame without a problem, I'd bet there wouldn't be a problem in the least.

rodneya · March 21, 2021, 09:41:40 PM

250/350 have twin front frame rails. That 200 only has a single down tube in the front so I doubt it would fit without mods.
From the frame pic it looks like the motor is also a stressed member of the frame and the real mounts dont look close at all.

Greaser Greg · March 21, 2021, 10:00:18 PM

thanks. looks like a big project that im not equipped for.

rodneya · March 21, 2021, 10:02:09 PM

That bike looks pretty complete, probably worthwhile just keeping it all like it is.

Greaser Greg · March 21, 2021, 10:58:55 PM

Definitely a fine specimen.

Dvsrd · March 22, 2021, 06:36:19 AM

Quote from: TNWillie on March 21, 2021, 09:38:11 PM
Based upon my experience of putting a '74 RD350 motor into a '72 DS7 (250) frame without a problem, I'd bet there wouldn't be a problem in the least.

250 and 350 are for all practical purposes the same bike chassis wise, either we talk DS7/ R5 or RD250/350.
The 200 has more in common with the 125, I believe. Like vertically split engine, etc.

m in sc · March 22, 2021, 07:41:45 AM

why would you swap the motor? those are great little bikes.

AAAltered · March 22, 2021, 08:26:48 AM

As an owner of both, the RD200 is dimensionally WAY different. That's not to mention the design differences noted above. I don't see a good swap....

Greaser Greg · March 22, 2021, 11:14:17 AM

Quote from: m in sc on March 22, 2021, 07:41:45 AM
why would you swap the motor? those are great little bikes.

no reason, just wondering.

SoCal250 · March 22, 2021, 11:48:53 AM

That 200 is way too nice to take apart for an engine swap! If it was closer to me it would be in my garage right now! $1400 is a really good price for a nice 200B electric start

And as already mentioned, the frame/engine config on the RD125/200 is totally different than the 250/350 models. A transplant would be a big PITA requiring a lot of fabrication. Nothing is impossible if you throw a lot of time and money at it. Definitely not worth it and the outcome would probably look goofy.

TNWillie · March 22, 2021, 05:08:20 PM

I apologize for the incorrect advice. My mistake and I assure you that it wasn't made intentionally.

RDFL · March 22, 2021, 06:17:56 PM

There was a guy near me who would list on CL 350's in the single down tube frames, looked scary to me.

m in sc · March 22, 2021, 10:30:12 PM

i they were fine TBH. I mean, if I had a dead rd200 id be looking to stuff a yz 250 motor in it or something.

Greaser Greg · March 29, 2021, 11:30:14 PM

I got all motivated after reading this and emailed the guy. He sold it a couple hours ago. Might buy one of my other bikes! I'm looking at something like a Triumph ST for days when I'm feeling not as spry as in days gone by.

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motor swap