Just bought a 1 owner 73 RD350- And Boy I need HELP.

[Red5]

So this bike has been sitting in this ladies garage for the past 20 years. Last week her son took it to a local bike restore type person. He put on his own fuel tank, new spark plugs, then it stared right up. Said it almost flipped over on him when riding around the block. I just bought it today.

The bike is going to need a LOT of work. He said it runs. And I know it has good compression. I just returned from a visit to the hospital (hernia) so I can't mess with it yet. But I'm looking for ideas on what I should do first and so on.

The paint on the tank looks fair, no dents and such, but the clear coat looks terrible. Is there a way I can get the tank to look a little better without having to strip it down and re-paint?



Second up, he lost the key. The entire ignition is missing. So they have a bunch of wires wrapped up together. I have a new ignition lock, key and even a mechinism for the lock on the fuel tank. But I don't know if I can get the existing mechinism off of the fuel tank to replace it. Any ideas?

I'm about to order new clutch and brake levers. And although the tires have lots of tread, they are over 20 years old. So as soon as I get this thing running I'll need to change them. What are good replacements?

Also, the front brake is completely empty of hydlolic fluid. I'm guessing this is probably a bad sign. Will i be able to revive this brake system of buy new equipment.

Basically speaking I've never restored anything. But I've always wanted one of these old 2 stroke bikes. So I'm going to give it the old college try. aka- i could use some help.

[reaper]

Welcome to RDD.
for the tank you'll need to strip and repaint.I personally like flat black or you can come up with a decent rattlecan paint job.
for getting the existing cap off the gas tank,you need to punch out the hinge.should take you about 10 minutes tops.
For the brakes not having hydraulic fluid,you need to strip down,inspect and replace all seals.I wouldn't bet my life on a braking system that's older than me.
for tyres you can opt for bridgestone bt45s or the older dunlop k-81s.
Apart from the cosmetics,john rodenhiser at economycycles.com can help you source most parts.if this one is a keeper,i recommend you dump the old points ignition system and upgrade to something better.
where in KY are you?

[chinoy]

Get some scratch removing polish and a buffing wheel you can buff off the old clear coat and a think layer of the original paint and then clear coat it over.
You can strip the bike and put the parts on ebay.
You can open the tank lock with a thin screw driver the idea is to fit it under the tank cap and pop it open.
Then I would pick up a cheap lock and tank cap from John at economy cycle and maybe look at swaping the internals over to your cap.
Im not sure it can be done or not but see no reason why it shouldn't work.

I would start from the front of the bike and work my way backwards.
i.e. strip the wheel. (Check bearings / brakes)
Then strip the front end. New fork oil seals, new tapered roller bearings.
Then strip the engine. Replace all the oil seals and gaskets if required.
Put in a modern Ignition system.
Replace the shocks at the rear you get a lot of cheap options. You can buy some modern gas shocks from RDD that will bolt on and not cost an arm and a leg.

Start a shopping list of parts you will need and start shopping around for the best deal.
I would invest in some really good paint and metal polishes and try my hand at restoring the looks best I can at home.
Buy a cheap buffing wheel at least you can start cleaning up the looks while the parts come together.

[ajaybiz]

Neat bike you got and being in US u'll get hands on most of the OE parts, best of luck for your first restoration job.

[Red5]

So you think I need scratch removing polish? Do you have a specific brand/type in mind?
BTW: What country are most of you from? I'm seeing terms like stateside and such and it has sparked my interest. Nice to know the RDs are thought to be cool bikes in other areas.

[chinoy]

The country of we love RDs.

[aerorolli]

Nice bike you got there. Welcome to RDDreams mate.

[SunMysore]

So you think I need scratch removing polish? Do you have a specific brand/type in mind?
BTW: What country are most of you from? I'm seeing terms like stateside and such and it has sparked my interest. Nice to know the RDs are thought to be cool bikes in other areas.

Get Meguiar's products, they are dayummm good.

Check out a few examples of what it can do : http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/fo ... y.php?f=12

[sriram_r_2009]

Are 2 stroke bikes allowed to be ridden in US now /

[Red5]

Are 2 stroke bikes allowed to be ridden in US now /

Dude, I live in Kentucky. We still jump cars and yell YEEEEE HAAAAAAAA at the top of our lungs! My older sister is a big tree hugger from CA. Things are different there. They like to eat nuts and berries and drive around in electric cars. I know she would frown on 2 stroke motors adding to their smog.


But here in the fine state of Kentucky, it's all good.

[sriram_r_2009]

Great, all the best for your restore job.. You are at the right place to get your job done... i like your bike..little dust has gathered on it though it was left idle for a long time...

[roshiba777]

welcome mate