My Yamaha RZ 350 & RD 250 Daytona Special: How I maintain old bikes

This is the first thing we do when we get a new old bike in the collection as many previous owners/mechanics skip on just basic preventive maintenance and parts fail.

BHPian SnS_12 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Quote from BHPian hellraiser_yank:

Yeah, both are with MS Dhoni. had to sell them when I was short of money. The RD had evolved further before I sold it. RZ was completely stripped down for a rebuild, He bought it as is.

In good hands. The man is surely building an insane collection of two strokes…

I was hoping to get the Daytona home today but things don’t always go as planned. I like to keep my bikes in top shape always and that is one of the reason why I haven’t sat on both bikes yet let alone ride them as I wanted to swing my leg over only when I know they are 100% mechanically ok to be ridden. Did the same for the 848 as well as I rode it only after I bought it and the basic required maintenance was done.

So, just posting an update on where we are with the work progress on the Daytona. My immediate concern was the front disc getting locked and i knew both front and rear master cylinder needed an overhaul. Unfortunately, the repair kit I ordered is not the correct size as for the RD 250F there were two different sizes listed on Yambits and I ordered the wrong one as the kit diameter is 14” which fits on the RD 400 Daytona Special as well. These are the challenges working on rare bikes but now that I know I have to order the right part.

Further, the cone set was bad and I had already ordered a replacement which is the same size on the RZ as well but then I found a tapered bearing set in Japan which is yet to be shipped out. So, my friend fitted the tapered bearing he had in stock for his RD for now so that we could complete that fitment. Also, the fork oil seals which are 35mm same size as the RD 400 Daytona Special were fitted as well. On the front brake calliper when it was opened for service it was noted that the brake pads had worn out in an uneven pattern and the main culprit was the front wheel bearing which had gone bad so that was changed as well. Now only the front master cylinder parts are required to finish off the front end.

Coming back on the bike the tank has been removed and cleaned for an epoxy coating to be done on the inside to stop any further rusting and that will also remove the need for the petrol filter which is put on both carbs. I personally don’t prefer them as they restrict fuel flow especially at higher speeds. The carbs have been cleaned again (the owner had cleaned it before delivery) and the rubber boots which are connected from the air box were replaced with the one I had got as the ones on the bike had developed cracks. 2t Oil tank has been cleaned as well and also the 2t pump has been cleaned and serviced. The air filter too has been cleaned and is in good condition.

On the rear wheel the bearing is in good condition and now only the rear master cylinder part is required to put it back in place. It seems it is the same unit as the R15 and we shall see if the internals match on that. Also, have ordered NGK Plug Cable and Cap from Japan and awaiting delivery of those parts.

Some pictures….

This is the first thing we do when we get a new old bike in the collection as many previous owners/mechanics skip on just basic preventive maintenance and parts fail. The cone set on the Daytona had gone bad and was changed with a tapered bearing.

The OE ‘T’. These parts are next to impossible to get new now.

Bottom part of the chassis

Front brake pads

The uneven wear thanks to the faulty front wheel bearing which was also the reason for the disc brake jamming up

Front master cylinder internal rubber seals. This has to be replaced and have one in the basket in my Yambits purchase list.

The rubber seal has aged too and will be replaced with a new one

Front brake oil reservoir

The top cap bolting screw bottom right is cracked. Will glue it for now till we get a replacement one

Top view of the cap. Getting maintenance work done at the right guys is important to avoid such damages on the physical part and wallet

Right side engine view minus the carbs, side panels and tank

Left side view of the engine with the 2t Oil tank

Top view with air filter taken out

OE air filter looks in good condition

The rear brake master cylinder

Its leaking oil so the internal rebuild kit is required to fix it

Internal of the rear master cylinder

Inside of the fuel tank

Bottom view of the fuel tank.

The mounting bracket on this tank is unique to
the 250 F , 400 F and Daytona series of these RD models.

The 2T oil tank up close

Rear view of the exhaust pipes with the rear wheel out

Can see the rectifier in this image

The carbs are back after being cleaned and the cables being synced. The new rubber boots from the airbox are also fitted on.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.