Topic: '87 Radian Project

[Scott S]

 I never had the swingarm off the bike, and I didn't see this message until I re-installed the rear wheel. Sorry.
 You'd be fighting the XS650 guys for a swing arm. It's a near bolt on deal for the XS650 and they sell quickly and at a premium.

 In the meantime....
 I finished up the muffler installation today. I had to modify the hanger bracket slightly.




 Now they're on. It's a nice, tight fit. The factory trim parts on the side cover up the header/muffler joint and make it look really nice. They clear the swingarm nicely, etc. Really happy with the look and the sound.

[Scott S]

 I did manage to hear it run today.
 The Good:
 *The engine sounds GREAT. No bad/funny noises, really smooth, no leaks, etc.
 *The exhaust sounds really good, too. It's much more mellow than I was expecting, but still sounds meaty and aggressive.
 * The Danmoto gauge seems to have the right resistance for the tach to work. Just need to program the tire size in so the speedo will be correct. Oh, the oil light worked when I drained the oil, too, so that's good to go.
 * The charging system is working properly.

 The Bad:
 The carbs are still leaking like hell. They're not responding to adjustments as well as I wish they would. I have to decide what to do about them next. I guess they're going to require a full disassembly to fit new O-rings. I'm also very suspect of the pins that the floats fit on. I tried sanding them smooth, but whoever was in there before me marred them up and I'm wondering if the floats are sticking.

 Here's a quick vid:
Yamaha Radian initial start up

[Bandit18]

Hey Scott,love the way those mufflers sound + look.Your man did a great job on that seat but I can't get on board with those blinkers.Keep up the great work...

[Scott S]

Cleaned out the tank using "The Works" toilet bowl cleaner method. It's spotless now and just waiting on paint.

 I also picked up my carbs from Rick at http://oldskoolcarbs.com/ .

 I know Rick personally (heck, I could walk to his shop from my house!) and I can't recommend him enough. The O-rings between the carbs were shot, and he also found a problem with the new bowl gaskets I had just installed. The float levels were way off as well. He also "dressed" the three good IMS screws and they move like butter now. I can't wait to get these back on the bike.






 This bracket is usually in the way of the idle mixture screws, since they're plugged from the factory. We trimmed it a little bit, but Rick fixed that up as well.

[Scott S]

 Getting closer! I was actually able to ride it for the first time yesterday. Runs GREAT, with no issues so far (other than a pinched O-ring on the oil filter that leaks a tiny drop of oil every now and then. I'll fix that soon).
 I haven't hooked up the speedo yet, so I don't know how many miles I rode it, but I've only been around the neighborhood so far. No real miles to check for the intermittent cutting out issue the P.O. had.
 I'm beginning to think it was a combination of filthy carbs and a dead, dry battery.

Yamaha Radian project

 No...I know you all LOVE it, but I won't be keeping the stallion on the tank. Paint and body is coming up soon.

[Sixgunsrattlesnake]

heres a sweet little radian for you to scope.... Guy wanted to trade with me for my 750.... I was VERY tempted as I do love these little bikes.... Good luck...

[Scott S]

 That's pretty cool. I was THIIIIIS close to going to the John Deere store the other day and buying some Blitz Black paint.
 I'm going to let my buddy paint it....either dark, midnight blue or black.

[Sixgunsrattlesnake]

I think the Black on Black on Black does justice to the bike. Fits its demeanor. Not a fan of all black on most bikes but on these, I'm all in...

[Scott S]

 It's a blast to ride. PLENTY of mid-range power and handles really well with the short wheel base and 16" wheels.
 Can't wait to finish it and really start putting some miles on it.

[Scott S]

 I swapped out the bars today. A friend commented that he'd like more narrow bars and I have to say he's right. The Super Bike bars were super comfy, but they did seem a little wide. I also had a heck of a time finding mirrors that would work AND look cool.
 I had this set of Rizoma MA001B bars and put them on this morning. Looks much better and still feels nice. They're a tad lower and quite a bit more narrow than the S.B. bars.
 I finally broke down and bought a bar-end mirror. Cycle Gear had real aluminum (vs. plastic) mirrors on sale. Got this folding version for $25.

[Scott S]

Got the tank stripped, dents repaired and primed. Block sanded it in three stages. Here it is with the guide coat on, just before final sanding and color.



 We also prepped the tail and fender. The hole for the speedo cable was filled because I'll be running a Hall Sensor and it's mounted on the opposite side.

[Scott S]

 Painted, waiting to be buffed out. It may appear a little violet in the photos, but it's a dark, midnight blue.

[Scott S]

And...she's done! Paint is finished and Hall Sensor installed for the speedo.

[Bankerdanny]

Really nicely done. But the tank looks naked, it needs the tuning fork logo I think, preferably in gold.

[Elan]

nice! I most admire how fast this project has moved:)

[Lost and Confused]

That's a great project. What I liked also was how good you followed your built in the forum. It made me want to read all the post. I really enjoyed it. Thanks


Bob

[Scott S]

 This bike is a blast to ride. Dare I say it...more fun than my SOHC4's?!
 STUPID fast, complete hooligan bike. Handles great. Sounds amazing.

 My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that it's just the tiniest bit small. I'm a tall guy; 6'1", and the low seat is comfy, but after a full day in the saddle I'm ready to stretch my legs.