Topic: 1974 Yamaha RD250

[hondabbqman]

I need one more post to get to five so I am basically rambling here.  This bike is being restored by a local Yamaha shop for me.  The owner is my best friend and he took this on as a favor to me.  He has had it quite a while but he has two vintage mechanics that are going through the thing top to bottom.  Plus, he only charges me his internal labor rate for everything and parts at dealer cost!  Generally, I have to force payment upon him when its due (he also works on my old Sea-Doo).  I have actually never ridden the bike because it was a barn find but it was owned by the same guy since 1979 who is a meticulous nut at everything.  The tank had been drained properly before he put it up plus he cranked it over all the time.  He told me just before he stored it that it had less than 1,000 miles on it since he totally rebuilt the top end.  It has around 11,000 miles altogether.  I'm planning to run Amsoil Interceptor through it when I get it back in the next month or two.  Everything is original on the bike.  I'll post a picture when they finally let me do that around here.

Any tips on this bike will be much appreciated.

[becken]

If its been sitting for a while I would definitely replace the crank seals. If the one behind the primary gear leaks it will suck in your transmission fluid into that cylinder. If the one behind the alternator leaks it will suck air and cause that cylinder to seize. Go here http://www.2strokeworld.com/forum/index.php for any and all advise on 2 strokes.

[Stev-o]

Post the pics

[hondabbqman]

Here you go, still have some work to go but not far away!

[Stev-o]

Looks great!  Is that original paint? 
I recently bought a '73 RD350 and plan to have it back on the road next month.

[hondabbqman]

Yes, just about everything on it is original.  Been working on it since last February and just about done.  Had a problem with the stator in Dec and had that reworked.  I'm looking forward to riding it soon.  I have not ridden a 2 stroke since the 70s!  Anxious to see how it compares to my cb350f.  I am sure it will be a lot quicker.  I'll post more pictures when I can get it out in the sun and take some good photos.  Thanks.

[ekpent]

I also like that color scheme a lot,looks so much better than some of the other plain just one color RD models. Good luck with it.

[Stev-o]

I also like that color scheme a lot,looks so much better than some of the other plain just one color RD models.

Was thinking the same thing. I bet it will be quicker than your 350.

Beware, these bikes were wheelie prone!  I almost went down the first time I rode my buddy's, could not believe how fast it was.

You may know this, but MikesXS sells parts for the RD's now...


http://www.mikesxs.net/products-110.html

[robmanero]

That's a '75 by the paint scheme. My buddy has one and I have some other RDs. They are great little bikes, quick and nimble.

[hondabbqman]

I am glad you said it was a 75, I have been arguing forever with the guy I bought it from (good friend of mine) that it was a 75 - it was built in late 74 but I agree with you it is probably a 75.  I could not find any information that definitively told me it was a 75 - so thanks!  If you have other details