Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
They look great, nothing like the manky ones you removed .
So how long until we see a bike that looks like its just rolled off the production lines ?
So how long until we see a bike that looks like its just rolled off the production lines ?
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"
- BikerGran
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
Come on Gio - 'restoration' usually means something that goes on for years and years - oh and a bit more time cos that didn't work, on the road by summer? Which summer though? And so on.......
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
Well it depends if you have all the pieces of the jigsaw dunnit, if my project bike was like that, I'd be sweating to get it back together pronto.
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"
- mangocrazy
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
I'm not intending to make it a concours restoration. The only reason I'm doing this to the engine is that it was in such a manky condition before and while I'm cleaning it up it costs very little more to do a proper job. The rolling chassis will be pretty much the same as when I put it away in the garage 30 years ago (but it is in quite nice condition). The only parts that have had the full resto job have been the front brake calipers, and they were in a similar state to the engine. Here's the rolling chassis:
I'd really like to get it back on the road for August 2020, as that is the 40th anniversary of the 350LC arriving in the UK, and also my ownership of this bike. Will I manage that? I have no idea...
I'd really like to get it back on the road for August 2020, as that is the 40th anniversary of the 350LC arriving in the UK, and also my ownership of this bike. Will I manage that? I have no idea...
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
It looks remarkably well preserved for its age.
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"
- mangocrazy
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
It's fortunate in a way that it hasn't had recent use and no ethanol has got anywhere near it. The inside of the tank is pretty much rust-free, which is a bonus. And I think I'll run it on pre-mix rather than use the Autolube pump, so that should help preserve the inside as well. There are a few slightly scabby bits on the frame, but I'll probably just give them a dab of smooth black Hammerite.
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
That will massively reduce the risk of your bike contracting Corona cigar virusmangocrazy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 01, 2020 8:50 pmThat's the wonder of vapour blasting, Bobbi. I couldn't believe it when I first saw them, after the state they were in before. Very impressed. I'm making sure my hands are clean when I handle them now...
Cleverly disguised as an adult !
- mangocrazy
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
It's getting close to the 'at-risk' group - it'll be 40 in August...fatboy wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:26 pmThat will massively reduce the risk of your bike contracting Corona cigar virusmangocrazy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 01, 2020 8:50 pmThat's the wonder of vapour blasting, Bobbi. I couldn't believe it when I first saw them, after the state they were in before. Very impressed. I'm making sure my hands are clean when I handle them now...
- BikerGran
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
That bike is just SOOOO pretty!
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
- mangocrazy
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
Thanks Bobbi! Bike manufacturers don't make 'pretty' bikes any more. They're all angry, angular Terminator-styled things or galumphing great adventure bikes with ridiculous amounts of panniers, headlights and bash plates. Or sad, dull utilitarian things.
Ho hum. Must be getting old...
- BikerGran
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
We have a big bike night in Poole, a few miles from where I live. I used to go along most weeks, look at bikes and take photos. Haven't been for years now since it all got a bit "There's one, there's another one... and another one...."mangocrazy wrote: ↑Mon Mar 09, 2020 11:36 pmThanks Bobbi! Bike manufacturers don't make 'pretty' bikes any more. They're all angry, angular Terminator-styled things or galumphing great adventure bikes with ridiculous amounts of panniers, headlights and bash plates. Or sad, dull utilitarian things.
Ho hum. Must be getting old...
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
There must be a fair bit of this going on at the moment due to people having a bit of time.
Mine just needs the tank decals and bodywork fitted and it's finished after stripping it 9 years ago.
Mine just needs the tank decals and bodywork fitted and it's finished after stripping it 9 years ago.
- mangocrazy
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Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
That's lovely work - just as it rolled out of the factory (with the exception of the 'zorsts, but we'll overlook that ). That looks like a full nut and bolt, bare bones restoration. Even the carbs look absolutely new. Well done that man!
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
That is very clean and tidy, good work that man !
Might just be me but your front tyre looks the wrong way round
Might just be me but your front tyre looks the wrong way round
Cleverly disguised as an adult !
Re: Yamaha RD350LC restoration.
Very nice
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"