Daytona Barn Find

[rearwheelslider]

This barn find was not exactly found in a barn, but definitely a find...

This 79 RD400F was purchased by my dad in 1993 for $100. It was sitting in a neighbors side yard, uncovered, since 1983. I took this project on and am saving its life, one dollar(and labor hour) at a time. My intention is not a full restoration, but a resto-mod of sorts. Here are some pictures of the bike as I got it. Fairly complete, but in a rough state.

[rearwheelslider]

Over the last two years, I have made slow progress, but progress! She ran for a brief moment before I started the teardown. Tons of noise from the engine.

Stripped her down to the frame and split the cases. I found two damaged trans gears, severely scored pistons and a bad crank bearing.

[rearwheelslider]

The crank was sent out, the frame repainted, forks polished.

[rearwheelslider]

The wheels were cleaned and refinished. Rotors cleaned up well, also. The trans and crank are now in good shape and ready to be assembled.

[rearwheelslider]

And this is where she sits today. The cylinders are at the machinists with the new prox pistons, the bike rolls around waiting for its engine. The seat pan was severely rusted out, so I am getting to know fiberglass and seat making!

[SoCal250]

Looking good! Nice work on the resto

[85RZwade]

  you do nice work and I love that Super Sport Honda. My first street bike, as a callow 17-year old, was a '79 CB750F.

[rearwheelslider]

Thanks man! This was was also out of my dads stash. But not as bad as the RD...

[85RZwade]

Beautiful! Love the CRs

[rearwheelslider]

I made some good progress on the build recently. Seat pan complete, engine ready to be slapped in, rear brake master cylinder mounted with my custom bracket. It is actually from a four wheeler and works well with good feel.

Carbs are on order (PWK30mm) and exhaust ordered (Wicked chambers). Next up is finding what reeds to use and other small things.

Cant wait to ride this bike!

[Aloha808]

Very nice work.

What methods did you use to get the front forks to look so nice? 

Also, how did you clean the wheels before painting?

Thanks!

[2steve]

Something done to that Daytona crank to make it a little more bulletproof, like a '76/'77 RD400 crank?

[rearwheelslider]

Very nice work.

What methods did you use to get the front forks to look so nice? 

Also, how did you clean the wheels before painting?

Thanks!

I sanded with 320, then 1200 wet, then 2000 wet. Then polished using a drill attachment. It was not hard at all, enjoy an adult beverage and sand away!

[rearwheelslider]

Something done to that Daytona crank to make it a little more bulletproof, like a '76/'77 RD400 crank?

No, I am using the original crank. Not the hardened earlier 76-78 models. I spoke with a few old timers, and they said as long as its not a crazy powerful/ported race machine, I will be good. None of them have ever heard of the cranks failing under normal use. Have you?
Gary from Specii said the 350's are also not hardened.

[rearwheelslider]

Finishing touches on the engine side of things.