Owing an Rd through 90’s has been a pleasure and pain. Pain was mainly due to my quest of finding a perfect ignition. Whenever I was on leave, most of my weekend mornings were spent in setting the ignition timing. It was such a pleasure to set the perfect timing with a bulb with crocodile clips and dial gauge. This lasted till the original Hitachi points did, and then the nightmare started,. Suddenly I lost the art of setting CB points. The new Daichi points never made her run the way she did. I experimented with many ignition system, including the first one called matlus (very few people heard of that crap). It was very depressing to discover over and over again, the truth behind the saying that most of your carburetor faults are electrical.
I owned other exotics including NSR250 and a YZ125, but none touched my heart more than my RD did. More you do wrenching on a machine, deeper you fall in love. And RD demands much exploration of her innards than any other bike, even today.
Mid 90’s the bike was set in my bedroom under wraps. I had given up hopes. Felt like leaving a sick dear friend in a hospital.
Years went without RD. I missed her but actually did nothing. Sort of a lull that follows tragedy. Then I got a chance to ride a mighty RZ500 in Durban and the old love rekindle. One day during my daily commute in Mumbai, I woke up to a familiar roar of an overtaking RD. That is what finally did it, I decided to bring her back from dead. So she was brought to my friend’s garage in Nagpur. He took all the pains to procure all the parts (which she didn’t require many). And finally she was all set to hit the road, but still on daichi points. I was not in touch with the motorcycle scenario. I had vaguely heard about Ron Chinoy . I was told that this guy doesn’t sell CDI to Indians.
Even with almost new standard bores and pistons (600km old), almost unblemished stock pipes, new paint, chrome, front disc , she was back to square one with CB points. I happen to come across RDD web site. And Lord, all that ever wished for, was there and people were lined up , waiting. The ultimate ignition system which changes ignition timing with RPM. . So I placed an order . The months I passed while waiting were spent in gearing myself to do the install. Finally the received that pack . the week was busy.
Install was breeze. The local mechanic I had called to help me rig the RXG harness, was told to lay the wires sans CDI and go. But when he saw the CDI, he kept wondering why I was hooking up a dc supply to it, or why not earth for kill. I ignored him lest I lost my cool. So it was done. I had read the install document so many times I didn’t need to refer to one now. The timing light and handheld tacho made the job easier. 23.5 deg BDTC. Perfect. She didn’t fire for first 15 kicks. While the mech gave me I told you so looks, she took sixteenth kick and roared. Carbs had taken some to fill up. Idled, like never before. Much slower and even beats. None missing.
So I took off for a test ride on the highway. Every revolution was a revelation. The Sigma speedo happily displaying 139kmph till I ran short of space. Silky smooth, responsive and alert to the slightest twist of throttle.Came back home smiling all the way. Thinking of all the horses which had lain tranquilized in this little engine so far , now up and running. Just by a touch of a magic box.
Jetting issues to be sorted. I am waiting for Ron to send me the Unis and jets. I am sure whenever I ride , I will think of the tiny blackbox sitting there making quick decisions and the man behind who spent many hours to make it happen. Ron thanks for bringing back my Rd from dead.
And , yes, now on , my carburetor problems will b carburetor problems.
Rising back from dead
RE: congrats
Yo man.
Your welcome.
There seems to be one good thing going for RDD and me. And that is the intelligence level of those who buy the RDD kit is above normal to start with in most cases.
So it doesn't take most customers very long to figure out why its a cut above the rest.
After you get used to the feel, power and smoothness of the RDD CDI IV you will never be able to ride another RD without feeling the difference.
The Little black box does make its presence very much felt.
My objective with the CDI kit was to take it from being a means of last resort to keeping the bike runing. To a real performance upgrade.
And that I think we have achived. You got the digital IV which is by far the best and smoothest being the latest.
It has taken many many hundreds of back breaking hours of work, your kind words somehow make it all seem worth while.
In the old days. Everybody used to say. nothing can beat points. We install a RXG or Scotty Pep CDI only because points are not available.
Now even people with Dachi Points are dumping them and going for the RDD CDI which is a huge change.
Your welcome.
There seems to be one good thing going for RDD and me. And that is the intelligence level of those who buy the RDD kit is above normal to start with in most cases.
So it doesn't take most customers very long to figure out why its a cut above the rest.
After you get used to the feel, power and smoothness of the RDD CDI IV you will never be able to ride another RD without feeling the difference.
The Little black box does make its presence very much felt.
My objective with the CDI kit was to take it from being a means of last resort to keeping the bike runing. To a real performance upgrade.
And that I think we have achived. You got the digital IV which is by far the best and smoothest being the latest.
It has taken many many hundreds of back breaking hours of work, your kind words somehow make it all seem worth while.
In the old days. Everybody used to say. nothing can beat points. We install a RXG or Scotty Pep CDI only because points are not available.
Now even people with Dachi Points are dumping them and going for the RDD CDI which is a huge change.
To vilify a great man is the readiest way in which a little man can himself attain greatness.
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe
The digi4 is working flawlessly. received the Unis and 240 jets from Ron. The bike ran too rich. Fluttering and lack of power. I have no other jets to experiment with. So I am back to 140 mains and Unis. I ran the bike for a short lap. Yes, she has improved further. I can hear you all urging me to up jet quickly. I agree to that in advance. Ron , can you arrange jets of 160, 180 and 190. or any thing you feel will help me to sort the jetting issue. I dont think i need a huge increament in main jet size with Unis for a stock machine. It is LT with unsleeved standard bores. Mikunis VM28 with pilot is 25 . Used on weekends for brief runs to get some cardiovascular exercise.
I read some earlier tuners notes, and couldn't help noticing that almost all the tuning revolved aound porting , squish band,reed valve mods and carbs, but none of them about dynamic ignition. at the most Newtronics or piranha was talked about. Some did mention the unavailability of variable timing curve. I am happy to have the state of art precision ignition system which earlier tuners could only dream of.
I read some earlier tuners notes, and couldn't help noticing that almost all the tuning revolved aound porting , squish band,reed valve mods and carbs, but none of them about dynamic ignition. at the most Newtronics or piranha was talked about. Some did mention the unavailability of variable timing curve. I am happy to have the state of art precision ignition system which earlier tuners could only dream of.
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vivekjayasheel
- RDD Junkie
- Posts: 4452
- Joined: Fri May 07, 2004 4:24 pm
- Location: Pune
i did try the your hex jets with needle at the lowest setting. looks like, correct jet size will be not very much off.
Vivek I have a spare barrel set, was thinking of sending to Ron for leeving and porting. i dont know if the build includes a new set of pistons.
Vivek I have a spare barrel set, was thinking of sending to Ron for leeving and porting. i dont know if the build includes a new set of pistons.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"
Re: Rising back from dead
Sunday sky was overcast and intermittent showers threatening to turn into downpour anytime. I, running a light fever, was still struggling to hunt a ghost hidden in the carburetors, this second time. She would fire but not idle. A leak somewhere? , Electric problem was ruled out since it is RDD CDI. With clogged mind , I take a good peek at the carbies again, and there it was , Choke tube, deceptively unconnected . Rectified, and one light kick, my Rd fired and settled into smooth burble. Only you all can understand my elation at this sound , I awaited for about three years to hear.
All these years, she had been sitting in my garage waiting for RDD goodies, braving Mumbai ‘s acidic humidity, leaving rusty marks all over. Now the engine rebuilt with RDD top end kit and crank was ready to warm up.
My reluctance to let unknown mechanics touch my machine had delayed the assembling job. Reluctance further grew stronger when a self proclaimed RD specialist , visited my home to inspect the parts before he could take up the job. Rd has provided me ample moments of pleasure and pain, but first time it was amusement as I watched that expert deliver his comments on RDD build parts.
“These barrels will make your bike run hotter, and CB points are any day better than this CDI”. He went on to give examples of a few customers who were fed up with this CDI and turned to points. I was offered Malaysian barrels , which he guaranteed to make my machine fly. I can imagine plight of fellow RDian who fell victim to such cons. And Mumbai has no dearth of species of both kinds. Expert was promptly shown the door.
The job was ultimately done with help of a non expert mechanic ,who committed blunders, which thankfully, didn’t escape my eyes.
The engine was rebuilt with following RDD parts
- Dynamic CDI
-UNIs and jets (220- ron’s no.),
- liners, Combo porting and Pistons, RZ reeds
- modified heads,
- Crank welded and balanced.
Compression was measured as 143/145 Psi cold and 155/157 PSI on warm engine.
My advice to rider who are new into Rds, is that it helps immensely if one is mechanically inclined and willing to do wrenching. The machine teaches you many valuable lessons in return. Talk about bonding!
I had spoken to Ron during the build. And left most of the decisions regarding build to him. Such as crank to be welded and porting etc. I am glad I did . During this interaction I discovered the person behind the face, who is simple, yet straight forward ,honed by years dedicated to RD and Racing machines. The parts delivered extruded quality, I mean, look at those ports, finish and workmanship. Through attention paid to the smallest detail. Now I know, why the job was slow.
Riding Impression:- This road test is not conclusive but just the initial impression of a RDD build under 50 Kms ,which is still not bedded in. Slight drizzle and fever made me feel dizzy but I hit the road anyway ,after running through heat cycles and warming up. The pot holes , and puddles are not ideally suited for a test ride. A small stretch of national highway in rain offered me opportunity to sample the power band briefly.
She starts pulling hard and fast from stand still. Reminded of Duke 200, . What Duke achieves before hitting the rev limiter, RD does better than that at much lower RPM. The front felt light as if I might have lost the steering. Need some more mileage and running in before I confirm if I really felt two power bands , one at about 3.5K and other at 5.5K RPM. The engine sound has changed with added rasp from Unis. I have ridden many RDs but non moved like this. I wanted to go on but the rains made me turned back.
I entered my home, my heart still pounding with excitement. My wife touched my forehead and said ” your fever is gone”. I smiled , no use telling her that I have been gripped by a new fever all over again.
Next in the offing is cosmetic jobs, which may be taken after the rains. Small tweaks are pending such as little adjustments to needle setting and timings.
I would like to thank RDD through which I came across a community of gem of people such as Anuraj. Big thanks to Jared, who really pushed me to get her on the road. Special thanks to Mohit aka CrazyD, whose RDD build story has been inspiration behind this build. And Ron , Of course, words are not enough. He has magic to change a RD into a mini superbike.
A full test will be posted subject to completion of running in weather permiiting.
All these years, she had been sitting in my garage waiting for RDD goodies, braving Mumbai ‘s acidic humidity, leaving rusty marks all over. Now the engine rebuilt with RDD top end kit and crank was ready to warm up.
My reluctance to let unknown mechanics touch my machine had delayed the assembling job. Reluctance further grew stronger when a self proclaimed RD specialist , visited my home to inspect the parts before he could take up the job. Rd has provided me ample moments of pleasure and pain, but first time it was amusement as I watched that expert deliver his comments on RDD build parts.
“These barrels will make your bike run hotter, and CB points are any day better than this CDI”. He went on to give examples of a few customers who were fed up with this CDI and turned to points. I was offered Malaysian barrels , which he guaranteed to make my machine fly. I can imagine plight of fellow RDian who fell victim to such cons. And Mumbai has no dearth of species of both kinds. Expert was promptly shown the door.
The job was ultimately done with help of a non expert mechanic ,who committed blunders, which thankfully, didn’t escape my eyes.
The engine was rebuilt with following RDD parts
- Dynamic CDI
-UNIs and jets (220- ron’s no.),
- liners, Combo porting and Pistons, RZ reeds
- modified heads,
- Crank welded and balanced.
Compression was measured as 143/145 Psi cold and 155/157 PSI on warm engine.
My advice to rider who are new into Rds, is that it helps immensely if one is mechanically inclined and willing to do wrenching. The machine teaches you many valuable lessons in return. Talk about bonding!
I had spoken to Ron during the build. And left most of the decisions regarding build to him. Such as crank to be welded and porting etc. I am glad I did . During this interaction I discovered the person behind the face, who is simple, yet straight forward ,honed by years dedicated to RD and Racing machines. The parts delivered extruded quality, I mean, look at those ports, finish and workmanship. Through attention paid to the smallest detail. Now I know, why the job was slow.
Riding Impression:- This road test is not conclusive but just the initial impression of a RDD build under 50 Kms ,which is still not bedded in. Slight drizzle and fever made me feel dizzy but I hit the road anyway ,after running through heat cycles and warming up. The pot holes , and puddles are not ideally suited for a test ride. A small stretch of national highway in rain offered me opportunity to sample the power band briefly.
She starts pulling hard and fast from stand still. Reminded of Duke 200, . What Duke achieves before hitting the rev limiter, RD does better than that at much lower RPM. The front felt light as if I might have lost the steering. Need some more mileage and running in before I confirm if I really felt two power bands , one at about 3.5K and other at 5.5K RPM. The engine sound has changed with added rasp from Unis. I have ridden many RDs but non moved like this. I wanted to go on but the rains made me turned back.
I entered my home, my heart still pounding with excitement. My wife touched my forehead and said ” your fever is gone”. I smiled , no use telling her that I have been gripped by a new fever all over again.
Next in the offing is cosmetic jobs, which may be taken after the rains. Small tweaks are pending such as little adjustments to needle setting and timings.
I would like to thank RDD through which I came across a community of gem of people such as Anuraj. Big thanks to Jared, who really pushed me to get her on the road. Special thanks to Mohit aka CrazyD, whose RDD build story has been inspiration behind this build. And Ron , Of course, words are not enough. He has magic to change a RD into a mini superbike.
A full test will be posted subject to completion of running in weather permiiting.
-
crazydiablo
- RDD Junkie
- Posts: 6076
- Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2003 11:04 am
- Location: Bangalore
Re: Rising back from dead
Wow, what passion, nice to see your RD flying. Yes thats typical of RDD build to have pulling at 3K and then hit a super power band at 5.5k. Enjoy for a long time.
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anu_2stroker
- RDD Junkie
- Posts: 877
- Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:13 pm
- Location: Kerala/Pathanamthitta/Dubai
Re: Rising back from dead
Enjoy the ride for some more miles before u strip her....Cheers.
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ad1tya
- RDD Fan Boy
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:36 am
- Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
- Contact:
Re: Rising back from dead
Awesome write up man. Enjoy the ride!
Re: Rising back from dead
Sweet write-up Linus !
Ride safe. Ride hard
Ride safe. Ride hard
Re: Rising back from dead
Very Nice Post Linus Happy Riding.
Re: Rising back from dead
Great Post , Awesome read!!!
Re: Rising back from dead
I just read this again after a long time and was thinking how similar my story.
Every weekend. SO much so that one day the other people satying in the same building and came and told me. Beago dalo sarrr. Its never working and every sunday you waste fixing it.
The reason why the dachi points never worked was due to a total lack of dwell. The spring was basiclly crap at anything above 6000 RPM. So the only option one had was to keep the old hitachi springs and move the good parts over from the dachi. It took me 4 months to figure this out.
Every weekend. SO much so that one day the other people satying in the same building and came and told me. Beago dalo sarrr. Its never working and every sunday you waste fixing it.
The reason why the dachi points never worked was due to a total lack of dwell. The spring was basiclly crap at anything above 6000 RPM. So the only option one had was to keep the old hitachi springs and move the good parts over from the dachi. It took me 4 months to figure this out.
Re: Rising back from dead
We want pics!!
Brilliant write up, Sunil.
Very nice to see that you thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the build. Congrats and enjoy!
Brilliant write up, Sunil.
Very nice to see that you thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the build. Congrats and enjoy!