Yamaha RD 350

Bye Bye Bye RD350

2009-12-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

All you have not noticed any updates on this page, the most regrettable loss that I had in the recent past is to sell my RD350.

Yes, the bike I have been building with full my heart is not with me now and it is in Trivandrum the original registered location of the fast and furious bike.

Prior to sell the bike, it had under gone the following changes

1. Sleeved standard size cinders have been installed
2. Cylinders have been ported to High Torque specifications
3. Cylinder head has been converted from Low Torque to High Torque by shaving the surface by trained professionals in tuners work shop
4. New Jets and Pilot have been changed in the Mikuni carburetor (Main Jet 140 and Air Screw pilot 30)
5. Brand new HT Silencers have been installed

Hence the bike has been converted completely to HT specs. After the complete change, I drove the bike to Trivandrum by road (approximately 1000kms from Chennai)

on the way to the destination the bike had issue in the carburetor due to excessive fuel being supplied to the cylinders by slow speed jets. The same has been later replaced in Coimbatore en-route to Trivandrum. It was performed by Sundar Rajan the RD350 mechanic in Coimbatore.
After that the bike was flying like anything and gave 26kmpl fuel economy constantly. I was amazed by the final drive that my Savager extended to me and I wish all the best to the Savager and its new owner.

Adieu Yamaha RD350.

:::from now on this blog will be closed permanently:::

Yamaha NOS Standard pistons arrived

2009-07-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Wanted to see how my bike rides with a Standard size piston kit, quickly got a freshly sleeved barrels and original ART piston kit from Japan.
Are RD350 LC and RD350 AC pistons are same ? What you see above is a RD350 Liquid Cooled cylinder's piston

I have got a set of Original NOS Yamaha ART pistons shipped from overseas with the part number reading 4L0-11631-00.

I'm now confused as the part number search from google resulted that this Piston is a LC piston. Anyone got an idea if the same piston could be used in Air Cooled RD350 ? I'm only looking at the compatibility of LC and AC pistons.

Since both the bikes are 350CC and I guess the pison or the cylinder inner dia should match right ? Even if it matches is there any issue in the material used ? too many questions right, thats where my mind is working now. Soon I will get the answer and proceed with the plan.

I hope to do this experiment in the near future to drive the bike in standard sleeved barrels with original yamaha pistons.

Rajdoot RD350 - Mechanical improvements

2009-06-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

As my recent visit to the mechanic garaged proved that my rear swing arm bushes and front wheel bearings were worn out, I decided to change them for better stability and ride quality of my bike.

Luckily this time the parts required are easily available ones, hence purchase became just easy.
Along with today's purchase of the above items I myself found glad suddenly as to grab a pair of Rajdoot RD350 timing case License Yamaha plate. Yaaahooo one more body detailing will be corrected on my Savager.

Yamaha RD350 back to home

2009-06-16T06:08:00.001-07:00

Its been 2 months since I left the bike at my old mechanic Pattabi's workshop. I'm not sure, if my evaluation is correct about Pattabi as he was the one who restored my bike to perfect condition. By I always had second thoughts about his trouble shooting and performance tuning knowledge.

This has been proved in the recent incident as my bike had issues with the newly installed CDI kit and pattabi couldn't fix it for about 2 months. He kept saying that the kit had some problems and needs replacement. Hence another tuner helped me fixing the CDI kit which had actually no issues and only the configuration problem.

Now the bike is back to its feet and along with that now the Bike runs with a brand new NGK performance spark plugs and brand new battery.
Ok, guys listen very soon my bike is going to wear the Yamaha RD350 fairing, I got a person who can replicate the original like fairing for me.
Just looked at his previous work and amazed. So my order for the similar fairing has been already on queue.

Rajdoot RD350B - Performance tuning kits

2009-06-10T02:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going to really learn and tune my bike to better performance. After all RD350 is a famous performance bike for the world. Before I get into any tuning work, I'm going to build my own tuning kit collection. The first and for most thing are set of wrench, spheres, screw drivers, pliers and measurement tools.

When talking about measurement tools I need to have minimum of compression testing meter, Dial gauge, feeler gauge and a multimeter to test the electrical components. I have already got a multimeter and recently purchased a cylinder compression tester.
The usage of various instruments in here will be explained in various stages of my performance tuning phases.

Rajdoot RD350 - fresh from the factory

2009-04-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fresh the word always sounds exciting, let it be edible item or something for the RD 350. I managed to grab the every wanted "Front Mudguard", YAAAAaaaaaaaaahooooooooooooooo it is factory fresh. The picture below shows the new mudguard and the old Rajdoot 175CC bike's modified mudguard which I was using in my RD350. The Bike is getting ready for the final make up of the engine. Oh yeah the bike revs good but I still wanted to smell the std. size cylinders performance.I also got few more items for the bike including a set of old electrical consoles on the handle bar. They looks sturdy but the switches seems to be gone for a task. I will still restore them and use it in my bike.Another achievement that makes my radar proud is that the original RD350 seat with beading. I remember buying a replica seat and last minute finding prevented me fitting the same on my Savager. But now having the OE fresh stock, makes my next attempt to restore the bike in high ramp.
At the end of this service, I will be requiring only the silencers in better condition than of what is installed on my bike now. What next? hmm the mudguard tail light and number plate holder setup, here it is:

Finding OE Spare parts - Rajdoot RD350

2009-04-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

It's been tough job to find the OE parts for my bike during the restoration, hence I have decided to collect whatever parts comes on my way. Here are few items I recently found from someone and grabbed it for myself.

Now the person who had them all have no spares as all are in my custody. ;-)

Fork Cone and Front fork oil seals

Seat lock
Engine oil seal kit and Full Gasket kit for RD350

Nothing but RD350 attracts all

2009-03-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

I used park my RD 350 outside my house to see how is the reason of passer by people. I have many episodes of experience from different stories, lots of fun watching.

Last weekend I got my friend visiting the house and she saw the bike to my surprise she also jumped immideately into the bike and posed to the camera.

RD ROCKS as always.... Long live RD

Stanley headlight beam - Yamaha RD350

2009-03-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

After the CDI installation, I was not really having time to take the bike for a swing. Lately last week I touched up with the bike and went on riding to office. Wow... it was as always a pleasure fly.As and update, the bike is now wearing brand new Stanley headlight beam and after the CDI the halogen power also increased hence double gain.
I took these pictures in mobile camera hence sorry for the poor quality, will post some latest good quality pictures soon.

Instead of creating a new blog I thought I will update this blog post itself. As I've started using the RD for regular office commuting I'm experiencing many episodes of RD drive. These days my Mahindra Classic jeep and RD350 are sharing my daily office travel.Today a small tiny bike called Pulsar crossed my way asking me to race with him, I think the kid who drove the bike did some modifications in his tiny moped called Pulsar thought that the mods he did will make him over take the RD in a straight line.

I didn't really give an attention to him, but he opened the throttle with clutch applied again and again calling me to compete. hmmm my Savager roared thats it, I was in my office parking lot.
I didn't really know what happen to the kid who called me to race with him. Probably he is not trying with a cyclist. My best wishes to him.

RD350 - AutoEscorts CDI kit

2008-12-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

It was long time since I updated this page, actually many things happen during the interval. The recent flood caused by rainfall in Velachery, Chennai, My RD350 was submerged into water and I had to do a lot in the engine again as the water went inside the engine parts.
The crank bearings were wet and spoilt hence we reset the crank and changed to new bearings again. Obviously I can let my RD to sleep for long due to unattended issues.

Now the bike rocks back however I found few minor issues with the CDI kit that I’m currently using, so decided to convert it to superior quality CDI kits made by AutoEscorts. The same manufactures are also supplying their CDI kits for all the Royal Enfield products in India as OE suppliers.

The unit has been arrived and waiting for good time to get into my Bike, let me hope for the best to happen. As of now the feedback from current users of this CDI has been so good and they respond saying it gives above 18kmpl mileage while top speed touches around 140+.
The CDI kit comes with 2 ignition coils, 2 CDI units (for RD350), 1 wiring harness, 1 Pulzar ignition wiring and 1 Magneto cam replacement cap.

The very special feature of this CDI is that, it doesn’t require the OE magneto replacement. To fit this CDI one needs to remove the condensers, points and ignition coils from the stock bike and refit everything that comes in the CDI pack. Hence not much of alteration compare to other CDI units.
As my bike is using Yamaha RX135 model’s CDI kit, the previous owner has removed the stock magneto assembly hence I was searching for a generator assy and found one for the same purpose.

Yamaha RD350 - Trade Meet

2008-10-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

It is actually my mechanic who brought the idea of taking pictures of the RD350 that he has done and put on sale. (below bike didn't come for the meet, but I had this picture earlier)He requested me to post the pictures and bike details on the internet for some one who may be interested in buying the bikes.I had a gala time in trying out different restored RD350 today.

These are the picture taken during today's meet, if some one interested in taking the Silver or Blue colored bikes, please post your comments here.
I found the chambered RD350 runs and sounds better than the RD350s with stock silencers.
Also don't forget to write your contact number so I can pass them to the mechanic who may come in contact with you.

Aaudha Pooja – Celebrations with Yamaha RD350

2008-10-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today it is a festival dedicated to the equipments that we use for every other work. Hence automobiles are considered as equipment that supports mobility.

The pooja was celebrated in the mechanic’s garage, here is a video clip of the event today.

Hope you would have noticed couple of other RD350s parked at the garage.

I got a chance to showcase the turn signal solution for RD350 today, this is the custom-made turn signal light stem used in the RD350s worked out in my mechanic’s garage.The stem can hold the normal Yamaha RX100’s dome and lens to give RD350’s complete turn signal setup while reducing the parts issue.

Yamaha RD350 Street legal in India

2008-10-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

The bike is completely ready but what about papers? I was in rush to find the answer and found that I need to do the following:

New Insurance policy
Non-Pollution certificate
Fitness test and Renewal of Registration Certificate
Cancellation of Higher Purchase endorsement
Tax payment for the past 11 years
and Transfer of Ownership

Now you know why I was not running the bike regularly on the road.

So, my action started with filing a new insurance policy. Here in India no insurance company ready to even give subscription for 3rd party insurance for older vehicles, rather you need to tip the insurance agent and employees of the insurance companies for getting the 3rd party insurance. After running for 3 days finally I had my Insurance ready so now it is turn for other RTO (Regional transport office) related work. But my bike was registered in the capital of nearby state Kerala, so I need to take the bike to originating RTO which is 900+ kms from Chennai where I stay. Driving a bike without current papers is not so good so I decided to transport the bike and myself in Train. After booking the tickets I drove the bike to Chennai Central station and packed the bike with most care for getting away from transport time damages. The Coolie guys in railway station charged me Rs.350 for boarding and packing of the bike, but I still need to tip the gatekeeper in the station. Alas when everything done and we pushed the bike to parcel compartment of the train, we found they have already shut the parcel van and sealed it. Ohh I have to go on the train otherwise I won’t get ticket for next train, so with full of doubts I gave the bike to the coolie guys and boarded in the train towards Trivandrum.After a long journey in the Train, I reached Trivandrum and went to my relatives place for fresh-up. Soon I got a call from fellow RD owner in Trivandrum called Joy. He is the hero of the whole trip and without him the work would have been impossible. With Joy’s help I have received the bike from railway station (coolie charges Rs.150), it came in the next train and fitted the side view mirrors and indicators which were removed during the transport and we fixed our services for RTO work with a RTO agent. Joy also gifted me with a steering lock (OE Rajdoot) with packing, WoW my long pending parts list stroked with one item. The next morning was our re-test, as planned we were at the RTO place and the retest done without much difficulties. In fact the Inspector didn’t even bother to start the bike just by the looks he said everything ok. :- ) man.. I’m still in India. I forgot to mention, Joy rides a Tamilnadu registered blue color RD350 LT. Both mine and his bikes rocked the roads of Trivandrum for two days.By 5P.M in the evening on last Saturday, I received a new Registration Certificate with all current status. At least for next 5 years I have not many problems for legal papers as all other tax payment will made yearly once without bringing the bike to RTO. Finally we(forgot to tell I went with my family) boarded in the train with my bike (coolie charges for packing and boarding the bike Rs. 300) and received the bike in this morning in Chennai (Again coolie charges Rs.150). Thanks a ton to Joy for making my bike street legal.

The following expenses have been made for the whole trip:

RTO work: Rs. 5500
Coolie charges: Rs. 950
Rail parcel charges (two ways): Rs. 2,250
Mechanical work for fitting and removing indicators: Rs.50
My train fare: 1800

Essential Consumables & Tools - Yamaha RD350

2008-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is time to start collecting the essential spares(consumables) and tools for my RD350. Guys pour all your inputs so I can start collecting them. I need the exact tool that needs to be placed under the seat of RD350.

As I was reading through some of the fellow RD350 owner's blogs I have found everyone keeping a set of spare spark plug, hence here it goes. I just got a set of MICO (BOSCH licenced) manufactured in Hosur road of Adugodi, Bangalore. You please let me know is there any other better brand I can use in my RD350. Have seen the internet people suggesting NGK etc. is it really matters to use costlier replacement than of made in India stuffs ? if yes, let me know why?Apart from the spark plugs, currently nothing available with me as spare for my RD350. Though I have some idea of what are the other consumables to be carried along such as

Clutch cable
and Accelerator cable

and the Owners Tool Kit

The Owners tools provided in the owners tool kit are sufficient for performing the service as described in the lubrication and maintenance chart

Spanner open jaw 7 x 10
Spanner open jaw 13 x 17
Spanner open jaw 19 x 22
Screw Driver Combination slotted & Phillips type
Grip Driver (Box spanner 13)
Box spanner 17 x 21
Cap Grip Driver
Spanner Point 5.5 x 8
Plier
Hexogon Socket Screw Key 5A/F"
Spanner special 22 x 30

Location: Below Fuel Tank

Let me know if you guys found something is missing on my list. Will soon update each and ever item that I have listed above with a picture displayed after I procure them.

Bangy in Help - Yamaha RD350B accessories

2008-08-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Readers, Thank you so much for your encouragement on my RD350 restoration. As many of you suggested me to find and fix the carrier and crash guards that came with Rajdoot RD350 during the age old days, I rolled my search to all the scrap markets in various parts of this country and got a call from one of my pal in Bangalore. That's it me on the way to Bangy and got the stuffs that you guys urged me to fix. The carrier was full and needs only installationbut the crash bar was not installalable contidtion as I still need to holder plates that stands between the crash bar and the bike's chase. If you some one know where is it available do let me know.

Savager - My RD350

2008-08-15T04:22:00.001-07:00

This post is to let the world know I'm naming my RD350 as "Savager". The adjective is marked by extreme and violent energy.
Now you know how good the name matches to the bike. I thank my Jeep Guru "Mr.UBS" for giving a suggestion on this name.Today after a first drive to office, I found couple of teething issue hence the bike has been sent back to the mechanic to fix the problems. Looks like the engine advances faster than the normal and same will be corrected today.
My trip to Bangalore fixed to fetch the missing spares for the RD350 today.

Update: Some one asked me about the tube that runs between the manifolds like "what is it in between the block and the cabs ........ the pipe joining the 2rubbers.......can u pls explain what is it for.... " I answered him with the below email, I'm posting it here to answer as many as who can get same query.

This is modern manifold design found on the Banshee / RZ350, with Balance tube. The balance tube will help cure flat spots, improve throttle response and mileage. It works like a boost bottle. The design acts like a reed stuffer. Unlike the stock RD/RZ manifolds where your intake velocity drops sharply as it enters the reed cage. These manifolds improve and sustain higher in take velocity.
To improver further we can go with Boost bottle setup, Just need to replace the balance tube with the boost bottle. The Manifold stays as such.

Curtain Raiser!!! - Rajdoot (Yamaha) RD350B

2008-08-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Officially I announce that my Yamaha RD350 is back to his original glory. The restoration was successful.Got to compromise couple of items for using non-standard color or design due to unavailability of spares such as indicator holders, License plate on the timing cover, Crash bar, Carrier and fork lock.
I hope I will slowly locate them to fit it on my Yamaha RD350. This is the newest bike in Chennai road today.
Yamaha RD350 reborn now. I need to get the birth registered now, as the papers are outdated and needed another ten grants to fix the legal issues.Except the tank sticker I have retained all other Rajdoot original spares. The illumination of the main console, WoW I have attained the RD enlightenment today.

Give me RED... Rajdoot (Yamaha) RD350 LT

2008-08-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Another important step in restoring a classic bike is to bring it to its original color. As my RD350 registration book says red as color. Here is my attempt to restore the bike to its original color. I heard someone saying "German Red" as a code to identify the RD350 original red color. Though the Indian version of RD350 is stamped with Rajdoot on the tank and even few of my friends suggested to stick it as it is an Indian bike. I somehow got to like the Yamaha (origin) name on the tank.
Hence same has been sprayed over the paintable parts. Though the Chassis and engine are already painted with black already, the Red stands the color of my bike. Here are the exact parts painted with Red other than the tank which is shown above.Tomorrow going to be the day for rest of my restoration to complete, hopefully as the mechanic promises I will take the delivery of my red beauty in the afternoon. Otherwise I will wait for few more days to pick it up as I have plans to go out of station by Sunday.

Yamaha RD350B - Assembly update

2008-07-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hey whattzup with your bike ? a question that is been asked couple of hundred times by everyone around. Also for next couple of days I won't be here in Chennai hence it will become too difficult to update this blog for few days.
So just rushed to the garage and furnished the details for you guys who are reading here. The engine block is completely setup including the head and barrels.
Just needs to fix the tank, headlight and side shields. They are anyway going to take 2 more days as the painting, sticker works are pending already.

The wiring is also in the speed look around the console plate almost things are in place. Also the mechanical cables are set to be connected. They are all popping up over the handle bar here and there.Fork bolt was actually rusted to unrepairable hence managed to source another good one, look at the glittering Allan key type fork bolts in the mechanic's hand.Finally the clutch assembly was set and fixed properly, another milestone. I'm just few yards away to hear the sound of my storm.In addition, here is the picture of another RD350 which was made by the mechanic few months ago with original YAMAHA XJR1300's shocks imported from Singapore. Actually the person who fitted it in his bike wanted to sell it (Price quoted is Rs.4000), if anyone interested contact me with your contact details. Infact the bike is also for sale with standard shocks. Hmmm one more near to stock recently build bike is also available with my mechanic for sale (that bike's pictures are not available at the moment.)The above blue colored RD350 is not mine and just uploaded to support my answer for Ravi who commented early in this day.

Building the legend - Yamaha RD350B restoration

2008-07-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yahoooooo! I have witnessed a bike shape back with my RD350 in the assembly line. My Bike is a 18year old legally major to drive the crowd on the road. The assembling process is growing rapidly to catch up with the road runners. I 'm too excited now, bike god make this bike recovered soon so I can ride it at the earliest. I could see the whole garage is scattered with the parts of my RD as everyone out there is seriously working on each and every nuts and bolts.Guys reading this blog: post your suggestion for a name to this bike. I know it is Rajdoot (Yamaha) RD350, but to differentiate from my automobile lineup I wanted to give a unique name. My Mahindra Classic jeep was named as an “Explorer” to remind its ability to go on any terrain searching for a path. Likewise I would like to key a name for the RD350. Some of my ideas are listed here, you can also suggest something

Infinity
RACE
Speed
Light
P.A.N.T.H.E.R

RD350 - Restoration assembly unit

2008-07-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tic Tic Tic... There is a progress, every moment I call the mechanic I hear he saying some thing or other getting improved and results are validated. As he stated the frame is set on assembly unit ;-) for consolidating spare parts into a complete bike.Yesterday as he was assembling the bike and now I would like to Introduce Mr.Pattabi - Yamaha RD350 Mechanic in here. He is my official mechanic and one of the well known name in Chennai,India for Yamaha RD350. The garage is filled with parts related to RD350's and quite a few RACE bike's.I visit the garage once in a while and when visited the garage yesterday this was what happening with my bike. The new chrome plated spokes and the rim were first impression and attraction yesterday as it was placed on the street side of the garage.
Almost all the body parts are wearing new coat of paint or plating. Look at the engine covers they are real eye-catchers.
The broken engine cover was replaced with another used one, but now no one will say it is used. After the painting and puffing the covers are too good.The aluminum parts were gone through puffing process so they look illuminating. Especially the wheel hubs where one got to see the most of exposed aluminium surface.The heads and blocks were looking real nice, since we didn't re-bore the power terrain, this bike got nothing to worry about the performance related areas. As my bike never had issue with performance. Only that it was crying for new dress and body work.Even the steel parts were made to look new, I don't have any idea how could he make the most dirty part of my bike (the sprocket) to look as if just out from the factory.

Desired Gift for RD350

2008-07-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Some time I desperately search for something without luck in finding them in time. But some times the moment I think I need this one for some purpose I get the desired item by some other way instantly. You know what that happen to my RD350 restoration dreams recently. Yes, as the engine build up is on the spin, I was thinking I will get one set of good screw kit which are not iron made to prevent rust formation.

My friend who is well known in JEEP, RD350 and Yezdi clubs with the nick name MadBull Ram returned from US of A recently with a the above said desired gift. I don’t think if anything else would have made me so much excited, we in India don’t even have a wish list to express the desired gifts but he is a real predictor. We didn’t even meet before, but he predicted my pulse and brought me a set of engine screw kit for the RD350. He has gifted the set of stainless steel screw kit(Alan key type) from US of A for me to use in my RD350. My heartfelt thanks to Madbull RAM for such a precious gift.The kit was packed in a sealed compartments with exact numbers required for complete engine build-up. The screws,nuts and washers are superior in quality and the way it was presented made me to think, why in the hell here in India we don’t have such “packaged micro parts” for the RD350?

Yamaha RD350 - Clean Engine cases

2008-07-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

All the patching and tinkering work completed in the bike. Now from the foot rest to engine case all are ready for build-up.The painting of chassis also started and engine case is neat and clean.
Look at my previous post and this post see how the engine looks after a thorough cleaning.
I didn’t know what was used to clean the engine cover, but it looked brand new. Found the engine side covers also, so my major worries have gone. Also the headlight ears are also found from the mechanic’s old stock.This weekend the actual build-up of engine will start. Much awaited process to see the bike growing up.

Yamaha RD350 - Engine cover fixed

2008-07-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Off late the mechanic of my RD350, found a way out for the broken bottom cover of the engine. That is to take the case to the aluminium fabricator to fix the broken part. You know what the fabricator has tinkered it well so the broken area got the original shape.Though the area where a small piece of the metal broke off is a screw mount, after the tinker's work it looks great and fits properly. You can see a bright white area in the above picture where the actual fix was applied, if the above picture is not clear, have a look at the area from bottom view(bright area next to the orange colored stuff). Since the broken engine side cover is bit of thin fabrication, the tinker couldn’t fix it as he could do for the bottom cover. Hence search is on swing.

Rajdoot RD350 – Used spares

2008-07-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yet another luckiest day as to receive the next consignment of parts for my RD350. Though this time, the parts are used ones, but they are good to go once painted and polished. I’ve got a deal from a friend in kerala and he sold those parts used in its ex-RD350 bikes. There were mostly the body parts so no issues.
The above picture shows assorted items such as front break & clutch levers (they are original Rajdoot and new), Yamaha clutch housing, front break adjuster, read valves, fancy plastic piece on the side shield, spark plug cap, meter console rubbers, front shock absorber cover and a gear like wheel (not sure what it is).The deal also came along with a .010 TKR piston set; sure it is not useful to me. But I can give it to someone who really needs it.
Finally I got the headlight doom with chrome plated cover ring(new part from old stock) along with RD350 original seat assembly with the aluminium beading on the sides. Also the front fork tubes, I’m really not sure if my bike needs it, but let me hold it for future use.
Mudguards and center stand is also added to the list, I need only chrome and paint those stuffs with minimal tinkering left.I don’t know if anyone would have seen the old RAJDOOT mud flap, here it is.
The Yamaha license plate and monograms needs somecutting work for the monogram.

Yamaha RD350 - Parts Part and Parts

2008-07-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Newly imported spares… Old stock OE new spares… New local spares… Used spares… search is going like this for my RD350. The main sources are Orkut, Yahoo groups, Ebay, Classifieds, my Mechanic and Local automobile spare part shops. Found a set of speedo & RPM meter with the console and bottom plate, but I have them in my bike too… what to do, these items are original Rajdoot used stuffs… let me collect them so if anyone got any spare that I might need during my restoration, I can use this item for exchange. (Not really interested in making money with the hard to find Rajdoot RD350 spares, but for Exchange of spares to my own RD350.)
Found some items original and same quality of OE items. Lucky to have the original rim and bottleneck spokes kit.
hmmm my search for spares is going on and on and on and on… wait… got the Escorts rear shock absorbers for the RD350.Also the Yamaha Genuine friction plate (clutch plate)

2008-06-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

Rajdoot RD350 LT has reached the operation theater and now almost all the truth about my bike’s internals for dummies.My bike has a standard unsleaved barrel with .50 or 2nd over size piston as recommended by Yamaha.
The piston is TKR, Japan make as I could read the letters from inner sidewall of the piston.I’m lucky to hear that barrels and bore are in good condition and not required for any attention. It saved my pocked heavily.
Though the initial observation proved that the bike got the CDI kit & Magneto of Yamaha RX135Another great thing is that my crank connector rods are not having much ply however a look like the bearing needs attention. Probably Crankshaft is also needs to be reset with a professional during the restoration of my bike.
It’s been officially decided that the bike will be painted with Red in color, Chrome plating of originally chrome parts and puffing all aluminium areas.The actually spares requirement seems to be reduced a bit, though I will get more details after opening up the transmission and clutch case of the bike.
Expect more on this space about my RD restoration.

Yamaha RD350 - Spare part collection

2008-05-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Guys, yesterday was great I could manage to source some OE and local spare parts (Just for temporary use if I need to wait long for OE spares) for my Rajdoot RD350. I'm once again back to search for the parts required, I have been calling and speaking to people who could help me out in the restoration. As the major part of restoration lies in collecting spares, I'm searching each and every OE item what I could get at the earliest.
The OE parts from above picture are packed in Rajdoot packing (Rear break pedal, Fork boots, Break shoes), Tail lamp lens(It's my bad luck to find a OE with a hair crack in white colored area in the bottom side) and one of the 3 indicator lens are OE(The OE lens inner top part is smaller than the local makes).
Look at here the tail lamp lens(one OE lens) with Rajdoot printed on it. Its been years since I was the Rajdoot logo. I'm proud to see this in my own restoration after a long time of extinction.

Yamaha RD350 - First set of spare requirement

2008-05-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today the mechanic visited my door step to asses the bike's current condition and estimated the spare requirement for complete restoration. He listed the following spares, hence my search is on already. If any of my readers find this spares anywhere near to be, please do drop me a email.

Crank Shaft
Main Bearing
Oil Seal (LC make)
Crank 'O' ring
clutch Plate
Clutch Bell
Clutch 'O' ring
Clutch Big 'O' ring
Gaskit
Gear Shaft
Gear Lever
Rear Stay pin with Bush
Manifold (RX100) - [read valve]
Cable kit - Clutch cable, Front Break cable, RPM cable, Accelarator cable, Speedo meter cable
Rubber kit
Fork Bolts
Fork Oilseal
Fork Boot
Headlight doom, cover ring
Side shield wings
Center Stand
Front and Rear Mud flap
Front footrest for gearlever
Front & Rear Mudguard
Handle Bar
Handle bar switches
Monograms and indicator lenses (got one but need 3 more)
Front and Rear Rims and Rear Tyre
Rear Shocks
Petrol tank tab - Petrol fuel petcock
Barrels

Blue color ones are available from one of my friend (but used ones), hence I will pick them up too. However If I could get new ones I'm more interested.

Red colored ones are already found OE makes

Rajdoot RD350 LT - Specifications

2008-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Engine Specifications:
347cc 2-stroke Twin Cylinder (Parallel)
Air-cooled Torque Induction
Stock 27 bhp @ 6000 rpm for LT,
this bike's figures unknown with HT cylinders & exhaust
3.1 kgm @ 5500 rpm
Bore & Stroke - 64mm x 54 mm (x2)
Compression 6.6:1

Turbocharger & Induction:
Twin Mikuni VM-28

Fuel & Tuning:
R Chinoy's Programmable Digital Ignition Kit from RD Dreams

Exhaust:
Stock HT Pipes

Drivetrain:
Constant mesh, 6 forward gears
Wet 7-disc clutch
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.571
2nd 1.777
3rd 1.318
4th 1.040
5th 0.888
6th 0.785
Stock top-speed 130 kmph, clocked upto 145 kmph after modifications, with more to go.

Suspension, wheels & tires:
Front - Telescopic Oil damped Forks
Rear - Adjustable Coil Spring with Oil Dampers on Swing Arm

Exterior:
Length - 2040 mm
Width - 880 mm
Height - 1110 mm
Wheelbase 1320 mm
Weight - 150 kg dry

Tyres
Front - 3.00-18-4Ply Nylon
Rear - 3.75-18-4Ply Nylon

Yamaha RD350 LT @ my house

2008-05-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

From this post onwards I will call my Rajdoot RD350 known as Yamaha RD350 worldwide. Here is a much better picture of my RD350.
This is the day I could see the smiling Yamaha bikes talking(roaring??) each other in my house behind my Mahindra Classic Jeep. The brothers Yamaha RX100 and Yamaha RD350 seems to be so glad to meet. As they are meeting first time in their life I heard they saying "Hajime mashite" - A greeting exchanged in Japanese language.
Since my RX100 was parked in my office when I went to brought the RD350, I had to take one of my colleague's help to drive it back home. he he he I took my RD350 to office today. While returning from office, both the legends were allowed to drink their favorite fuel (Petrol). Even at the petrol bank I could see the brothers to stay together.
Prior to take it to the bike doctor, I'm assessing the most important issues to be addressed at fire fighting speed. After which the original restoration of color and chrome going to start. There is also legal work to bring the bike papers into current state.

Rajdoot RD350 LT

2008-05-22T06:51:00.001-07:00

A only two wheeler sold all over the world without much modifications, Yamaha RD350 got introduced to India in a collaboration with Rajdoot and Yamaha Japan. It was great failure when introduced, hardly people dare to look at the bike for buying intention. So the company pulled out the bike from market. Later on that bike become success in Second hand market, an ever wanted and highly priced and super performance with no fuel saving bike.
It's almost a bike of many Indians. My search for this bike dates back to 90s but I never thought I will own one. But it had happen, here is my bike. My Rajdoot (Yamaha) RD350.These are the initial look of my Bike when picked up from a 15 year single handed owner. He kept the bike right from the delivery of the bike from dealer till handing it over to me. probably he kept it for me to come and buy it. However it was a sad moment for the kids of the ex-owner to part the bike, they accepted quickly to pose with the bike.The bike was actually red in color as per the RC book, but the ex-owner changed it to Black. No doubt I will make sure the beauty gets into its original shape and color.As I see this bike didn't have much issue in restoration, except painting and chroming I'm more comfortable with it.
The pictures were taken with mobile camera hence lower quality, I will try to bring up more clear pictures in the future posts.

Happening.....

2008-05-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's happening, I'm under transition to get upgraded to super bike.....

WAIT and WATCH this space for upcoming restoration project of a YAMAHA RD350