[mehuel]

Good to know you and the bike have recovered
The conti mudguard looks perfect. It blends nicely with the period look. But i can't say the same for that black mudflap extension. If rain isn't too much of a bother, do consider taking it off

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by mehuel

Good to know you and the bike have recovered
The conti mudguard looks perfect. It blends nicely with the period look. But i can't say the same for that black mudflap extension. If rain isn't too much of a bother, do consider taking it off

Right now rains are too much at work. The rear piece is removable. I will remove it when the rain subsides. The mudguard needs to go lower by 2 inches, once that happens the front tyre would look better. I am also looking for bigger wheels if the looks don't improve.

Pramod

[msrsooraj]

I was in the office when a thought occurred to me. Its been some time since I have been wanting on visiting Pramod-bhai. I have also kept a watchful eye on his Shogun rebuilding thread. Being a Suzuki fanboy, I was really looking forward to witnessing the "The BOSS" being reinstated to its rightful designation. And please don't get me started on the RD350. Without wasting another second, I PMed Promod-bhai and asked him if it was all right if I'd just swing by and pay him a visit. The reply was a green signal. I could have taken the bus. Or I could have rode all the way. I googled the distance and the results showed something less that 200 kilometers. Then it really got me thinking. Having gone on and on about being a Suzuki fanboy (even on this RD rebuilding thread), it just didn't seem right to arrive in a bullet. Also, I was going to visit a person who along with his friend rebuilt an "RD350". So the next option was my dad's Suzuki Samurai. I am talking about a bike that's 20 years old, and still, to this day, my dad's priced possession.

This post is however, not about the 400km ride, or the Shogun rebuild. This is about something way above that. Patience, I am getting to it. There's going to be a build up and that too, a very long one. So calm down, and read on. Fair warning.

I knew two strokes. I had a Samurai (not an RX, but no less) ever since I remember and an other one when I was in college. I have tried various other two strokes in various conditions and on various places. So, yeah, I knew what it means to follow two strokes. These days, I rarely see any kid who adores a two stroke motorcycle. I arrived at his place. Promod-bhai was waiting for me at the gate. I spent a lot of time talking about various stuffs all of it related to bikes, of course. I also had the chance to go parts hunting for rebuilding the Shogun. Lemme describing the scene there. What I saw was something that could have been compared to that of a Gurukulam. The RD350, the Guru, resting at the corner and two RX135s for disciples, waiting for the master to wake up for their next lessons of enlightenment. Shogun, was not in the car porch with these bikes but in the sit-out separated from this "classroom". I could only smile and think of it as this particular kid, being the problem child in the class, sent out for a mischief he created. I spent half a day taking about various stuffs related to bikes, comparisons. Every passing moment, I realized more and more about the dedication and pain he must have gone to find and arrange for the parts to rebuild something that's so rare or someone on this tread rightfully said, more endangered that the Bengal tiger. It was hour before I left, Pramod-bhai offered me the keys to his RD350.

The bike is certainly bigger than it looked in the wallpapers or the tiny 4" screen of my phone. I ride a bullet and I never had any problem in the managing 180 kg. So I thought how hard could it be? I have tried a ninja 250 too. I was never overwhelmed or found it hard to what some people might call "taming" a ninja 250. So how hard can it be? The surge of confidence was absolute. I mean, this is one of the most cherished and appreciated machine, not just in India but the entire world. I sat over the bike, trying to get familiar with the ergonomics, its class and vintage. There, I knew it, the size, the weight and now the age. Like I said, how hard can it be? I have seen a lot of passionate riders talk to their rides. Some even name them and talk to them like its their better half. Many two stroke bikers have often told me that while you talk to 4 stroke bike, 2 stroke bikes talk to you. I didn't get anything from the RD. Must be a man of few words. How hard can it be? All I had to do was kick start it and find out.

The engine rolled into life with just the first Kick. The sound of the two barrels firing up, the strokes, the vibes, the brutality of it. One thought, just this one thought went through my mind, "what have I gotten myself into"? I felt like a child. I twisted the throttle another degree and the shattering sound of all those horses neighing, ready to leap forward. I thought twice before i let go of the clutch. The machine mindlessly moved on ahead. I entered the road and I could see almost every other person passing by fixing the glances on me. More like, eyes glued on to the machine. Bringing back my attention to the RD, I twisted the throttle, only just about enough to get me moving. Such life, such enthusiasm. All the power under my disposal. Even after all this time, I still don't have a word to describe the feeling. And then the sudden realization, I am riding an RD350. How many people has had that chance, to ride something so precious, so rare.

2nd gear, the bike's still pulling ahead, hard on. The engine grip, the noise, everything was becoming an elation. The pulling ahead was getting stronger and I shifted before the narrow power-band would strike. The traffic was becoming too much to handle. The street was crowded with curious spectators. The power was absolutely unlike anything I had ever felt before. I knew two strokes? Now when I think of it, I feel like I was a 5 year old child who has gotten himself into arm wrestling competition with his mean father. On to the 3rd gear, the bike moves on like a breeze. It just flows ahead, the sound, music. Traffic, stationary objects. The traffic was getting annoyingly high. I managed a fourth gear. The speeds I had attained were really low for the fourth gear but still the engine showed no signs of putting any effort or stress. Smooth sail. The traffic forced me to downshift. I was told that the bike was still running in and I didn't want to overuse the hospitality. And I returned to the porch where Pramod-bhai and his friend was waiting. The adrenalin still pumping. I handed over the bike. I couldn't make my brain to find the right words. My mind was far away somewhere else, thinking about everything that just happened. I looked at it and it appeared like a the fire breathing with its nostrils flared and staring right at me. Such raw power, all that potential, all of it can be harnessed provided if you have the skill. Use the right words and it shows loyalty, make a mistake, just as unforgiving as it can be. The condition I was in, I even forgot to thank or be nice enough to show a sign of gratitude to the person who offered me the keys to his RD350, the very same bike he rebuilt by himself, every inch. I just stood there without knowing what to make of everything that just happened. I just rode an RD350. How many people have? Before leaving, I took one last look at the mighty RD and then it spoke to me. Just a few words. It took 8 hours to travel back all the way to my house and the I kept on reciting the words it spoke to me over and over again like a prayer.

"And you thought you knew Two Strokes", it said.

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by msrsooraj

"And you thought you knew Two Strokes", it said.

Bravo !

Now I know the right person to do the storyboard to do my documentary. Glad that you enjoyed. Though things got delayed for the Shogun build, but it was over the very same day, I worked on it till some 12 AM. I am glad that I was able to make the trip worth a while.

Pramod

[Yusha]

PK, the bike is mine for the duration when ever I am in your part of the country.

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by Yusha

PK, the bike is mine for the duration when ever I am in your part of the country.

Look who is here The man himself, You are free to use anything in my stable, not just use, Take with you if you want .

Pramod

[B O V]

The cgt's mudguard looks really cool on it. Its aluminium is it? you know, painting it the shame shade of green with the border pinstriping might look really sweet.

Are these parts available off the shelf with the dealers/authorized spare shop?

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by B O V

The cgt's mudguard looks really cool on it. Its aluminium is it? you know, painting it the shame shade of green with the border pinstriping might look really sweet.

Are these parts available off the shelf with the dealers/authorized spare shop?

The cgt mudguard is actually plastic, I had to wait 3 weeks for it to arrive. The fork brace is still on the way. Painting it is a thought I have not given much thought to yet,

Pramod

[pramodkumar]

Ran the RDD Cdi, the bike didn't run properly, the left cylinder was not firing. Changed the plug caps to activa caps, it started heard 2 loud bangs and the Cdi got fried. It was a static Cdi no timing adjust was not an issue. The left cylinder was way retarded. Fixed the old Cdi and the bike started running fine. I will have to buy a new Cdi now, since it's out of production and all, might have to wait for some time.

Pramod

[pramodkumar]

Today was a busy day, couple of hospital runs and finally at 6:30 pm I get a call from the spares guy, the oil pump oil seals are here. Bought 2 sets as I have another spare pump from the rx. One thing that has not changed is the pump design. The rx pump is the same as the rd pump in shape, size etc, only thing missing is the extra 2t outlet nozzle, which is closed with some cork like thing. Took the pump out of the rd, put it on the operating table, the 30 year olds screws were putting up a fight and finally managed to free the 4 screws holding the facia. Upon inspection I noticed 2 oil seals. Took the old ones out and put the new ones. Applied some anabond on the sides and re sealed the unit. Fixed it back now. Hopefully it won't leak. I will pour some oil in this weekend to see if my fix worked.

Pramod

[autodoctor]

Brilliant work Pramod.

I have picked up an 86 HT. But i am out of country, so don't get the pleasure of D.I.Y. Getting the work done by a mechanic.

I was glued to your posts, made me chuckle at times. Looking forward for the next steps. Glad that you and bike are safe after the crash.

So, tested the oil pump?
I have been told by other RD users and few mechanics not to bother with the oil pump due to the pump being un reliable.
As long as you add 2T oil with petrol you should be fine right?

Thanks.

[pramodkumar]

Originally Posted by autodoctor

Brilliant work Pramod.

I have picked up an 86 HT. But i am out of country, so don't get the pleasure of D.I.Y. Getting the work done by a mechanic.

I was glued to your posts, made me chuckle at times. Looking forward for the next steps. Glad that you and bike are safe after the crash.

So, tested the oil pump?
I have been told by other RD users and few mechanics not to bother with the oil pump due to the pump being un reliable.
As long as you add 2T oil with petrol you should be fine right?

Thanks.

Congrats, RD is now a rage again

The pump is absolutely fine, I was about to ride the bike to work today, but it drizzled in the morning so took the car. The bike needs a few bits to be attended to, Its a bit retarded, I need to time the bike again. I am presently busy with work and another RD's ignition for a friend. Once that is over the bike would be timed again and back on the road to terrorize the state


pramod

[pramodkumar]

Changed the shocks to RD shocks. It now looks awesome, They were not available when I did the build. Looks good IMO



The bike is now great to ride. The bike rides a bit lower than before but its better when compared to the previous shocks.

Next upgrade, new rear mudguard and wider front tyre.

Pramod

[pramodkumar]

Well it finally happened, I have my RD marking its territory, I have had 4 major leaks one with the gearbox oil leaking out of the neutral switch and changing the Oring fixed it. The oil seals in the autolube pump failed twice, resulting in major oil leaks. I resealed the oil seals and it failed after a week and later I replaced the oil seals, I am yet to test the pump since the oil pipe has a crack and the new RX oil pipe is about 5-6" shorter.

Since day before yesterday the clutch oil started leaking, I have some worn threads and screws of the clutch cover are not tightening, they are presently 10 size and I am planning to helicut the threads again and use a oversize(size 11) Allen screws of the right length. I have ordered the Helicut key.

The bike is also fluttering heavily post 5k RPM, I have to check if it has a 165 main jet, if it has, I will have to down jet to 145 if its 145 I may have to come to 130, I was planning to install 2 UNI pod filters post runin, they will take care of the air flow and I might have to upjet to 200+

Aug 15th Weekend is going to be a busy one.

Pramod

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

I have to check if it has a 165 main jet, if it has, I will have to down jet to 145 if its 145 I may have to come to 130, I was planning to install 2 UNI pod filters post runin, they will take care of the air flow and I might have to upjet to 200+

Pramod

Are you sure of these Main Jet upgrades? What is the mileage to a liter of petrol? What are the state of plugs when you open them? Are they wet or are they dry?

Based on the spark plug condition you might want to retune your bike before fiddling with the jets?

How is the Bottom end of the machine? Does the bike pull effortlessly in top gear in speeds of around 25-30 on a level road?

My 2 cents mate...do post the pictures of the plug if you don't mind?

PS: Suggest you to get the tuning sorted out before you upgrade the air filters.