Yamaha RD350LC restoration.

[Gio]

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 ?

[BikerGran]

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.......

[Gio]

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.......

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.

[mangocrazy]

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:

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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...

[Gio]

It looks remarkably well preserved for its age.

[mangocrazy]

It looks remarkably well preserved for its age.

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.

[fatboy]

Thoses casings look brand new!

That'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...

That will massively reduce the risk of your bike contracting Corona cigar virus

[mangocrazy]

Thoses casings look brand new!

That'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...

That will massively reduce the risk of your bike contracting Corona cigar virus

It's getting close to the 'at-risk' group - it'll be 40 in August...

[BikerGran]

That bike is just SOOOO pretty!

[mangocrazy]

That bike is just SOOOO pretty!

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]

That bike is just SOOOO pretty!

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...

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...."

[Tipper2]

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.

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[mangocrazy]

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!

[fatboy]

That is very clean and tidy, good work that man !
Might just be me but your front tyre looks the wrong way round

[Gio]

Very nice