[silvr]

Originally Posted by MonsterPatrol

The talk of banning 2 strokes has been going on for a while. Seeing the air quality levels deteriorating rapidly across the country I think it's only a matter of time for the ban to come into effect. Is this why I see more RDs up for sale these days?

More will be coming, don't fall for "its a legend" , "ride a well tuned to know it well", "Duke 390 can never be a match to this legend "," only a true twostroke lover deserves RD" and such load of crap. Truth is there are better machines up in the market, and if you really love a vintage looking twin cylinder fuss free bike, get a continental GT 650 twin. You have got a limited life, you don't have to waste it at a mechanic's garage or searching spare dealers at FB. Live a fuss free life with a fuss free and better performing machine.

[am1m]

Question to the RD Gurus, what was the actual top speed of a stock RD350 HT and LT that were sold in India? Acceleration figures if any would also be most welcome. Googled for them, but found too many different figures. Anyone with actual experience on a good RD from back then would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Vmax1200]

I think its worth having a RD350. Most parts are available (aftermarket) and some components are same as Yamaha Banshee 350. In Indian riding conditions, RD is more fun than a superbike. All you need is passion and patience.

I recently replaced the full clutch components (Yamaha Banshee). Attaching the pictures of the parts which I replaced

[Vmax1200]

New project: Stainless steel hand made fuel tank for RD350. Posting the work in progress pictures.

[Intrepidspy]

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

I think its worth having a RD350. Most parts are available (aftermarket) and some components are same as Yamaha Banshee 350. In Indian riding conditions, RD is more fun than a superbike. All you need is passion and patience.

I recently replaced the full clutch components (Yamaha Banshee). Attaching the pictures of the parts which I replaced

Do you have a list of replacement parts from Banshee along with part numbers?
Also, a source would be of great help. Thanks!

[Vmax1200]

Originally Posted by Intrepidspy

Do you have a list of replacement parts from Banshee along with part numbers?
Also, a source would be of great help. Thanks!

Please find below the part numbers for clutch parts. These are available in Dubai Yamaha showroom.

Part numbers
4LO-16111-00-YX Primary gear
278-16367-00-00 Rubber ring cushion
498-16325-00 Clutch steel plate
278-16181-01 Spacer
5Y1-16331-01 Friction plate
31K-16150-10 Clutch bell

Other parts
4LO-83975-00 Engine kill switch RZ350 (approx 2,500 rupees for each side)
4LO-83972-00 LH switch
2GU-24500-02 Fuel cock
Reflectors-Stanley Japan (300 rupees each)

[jacobsam]

I have an RD 350 LT and facing an issue. The starting is normal with choke. But when I give throttle, it seams to be dying out. After multiple throttle inputs and at times driving for a few seconds with chokes it becomes normal. But as soon as throttle is low, it starts choking.
Took it to mechanic. Few months back due to this issue, got a carb repair kit but the mechanic says that we have to get a genuine one since there is difference in slide pins and all.
Also a thought crossed my mind to replace the carbs with Bullet 500 ones. It’s VM28.
Please guide me

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by jacobsam

I have an RD 350 LT and facing an issue. The starting is normal with choke. But when I give throttle, it seams to be dying out. After multiple throttle inputs and at times driving for a few seconds with chokes it becomes normal. But as soon as throttle is low, it starts choking.
Took it to mechanic. Few months back due to this issue, got a carb repair kit but the mechanic says that we have to get a genuine one since there is difference in slide pins and all.
Also a thought crossed my mind to replace the carbs with Bullet 500 ones. It’s VM28.
Please guide me

I'm not an RD350 expert. If a bike needs a choke to start and run then there is some problem with the A/F mixture. The original carbs were Mikuni (I Think) and what are yours?. Have the jets been replaced?. I would also check the spark, such problems in a parallel twin can also be due to one cylinder dying.

[Vmax1200]

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

New project: Stainless steel hand made fuel tank for RD350. Posting the work in progress pictures.

Tank is ready for painting

[Vmax1200]

Painted the fuel tank in "Gulf Blue" color.

[darshan1]

Vmax, where did you get the tank made? What grade of SS is it?

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by silvr

More will be coming, don't fall for "its a legend" , "ride a well tuned to know it well", ….only a true twostroke lover deserves RD" and such load of crap. Truth is there are better machines up in the market, and if you really love a vintage looking twin cylinder fuss free bike, get a continental GT 650 twin.

There is a certain pleasure in the roar and feel of a 1980’s 2 stroke motorbike that no modern motorbike however powerful and/ or fuss-free, can ever replicate.

And the Rajdoot-Yamaha RD350 - the Raj-Yam as we in Madras used to refer to it, was, for most of us who were young teenagers in the mid-late 1980’s, a dream as unattainable as the Moon. Some of us had older friends/ siblings/ contemporaries, who owned these, because they had the resources and/ or indulgent parents and our ‘poor-boy’ thrills with these superb bikes, were gained vicariously.

Yes, an old bike or old car will necessitate time at the mechanic’s garage but there is a lot of joy to be had in the learning to be gained there. (For the last 8 years… since I became irretrievably re-infected by the Gypsy bug, my best hang out pals are mechanics and greasy hands is a normal ‘thing’)

So its really a matter of One Man’s Meat etc. The larger majority will do what you suggest. Get a fuss free modern bike. But there are those few people whom I fancifully say, are cut from a slightly different and quirkier cloth and they will always love and care for their old, trusty steeds.

[Vmax1200]

Originally Posted by darshan1

Vmax, where did you get the tank made? What grade of SS is it?

The tank was made by a black smith based in Kothamangalam, Kerala. The grade is 304.

[Vmax1200]

Completed the restoration of my RD. Most parts are handmade from stainless steel (Fuel tank, silencers and headers, turn signals, front and rear mud guards, handle, saree guard, carrier, chain guard, crash guard, tail lamp stay, headlight ring, gear lever, seat beading etc.)

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

Completed the restoration of my RD. Most parts are handmade from stainless steel (Fuel tank, silencers and headers, turn signals, front and rear mud guards, handle, saree guard, carrier, chain guard, crash guard, tail lamp stay, headlight ring, gear lever, seat beading etc.)

That’s one good looking build you got there. How is the exhaust notes, internals seem to have changed quite a bit hence the ask. If you have an audio file please do upload of the same.