1975 RD350

[clutch]

The bike: 1975 RD350

I am having a problem with this bike and I can’t get a handle on the issue.

1) It will start up flawlessly.
2) It will idle fine.

However, when you hop on and ride it, it appears to run on the right cylinder and the left only comes alive at around 7K RPM’s

Fuel system: Fresh gas, good flow.

Ignition system: New plugs, points look good I have tried to adjust them. However I don’t have a dial gauge for a true setting.

I am hoping that someone here on NESR has some good experience with RD 350 or knows of a shop that does.

Thanks.

[jpallein223]

have you tried syncing the carbs? just had to do so to the rz. now it runs amazing. that or make sure the carbs are all cleaned and you have the right jets

[catamount]

Have you checked the points? Doesn't explain why one cylinder would be stronger than the other, but we had an engine that would bog down under load and the problem was worn points.

[dontpanic]

Bad ground involving that coil / plug lead?

[VTRumble]

www.2strokeworld.com lots of good stuff there.

[butcher bergs]

Clogged main jet.

[Sheppo]

I would tend to agree with Bergs.... Is there a spark when you just kick it over? Does it go away when it's HOT or just under load?

[clutch]

Thanks for the great tips and link.

What I have done so far is:

I have taken apart the left carb, because of the suspect of bad firing within that cyclinder.

Replaced the left coil.

I guess my next approach will be the points. And carb, sync.

Very frustrating!

Thanks again.

[orion899]

glad to see another rd owner. I just did all that to the carbs and points (new) and it runs just ok. I took it on a 30 mike ride and it started to die then couldn't keep running. think I have a charging problem.
good luck

[Ri_De_bike]

clutch
75 Rd 250 here, most of running problems with the RD series is usually timing. get a dial gauge and a check lamp. gap the points then set the timing to 1.8 btdc BEFORE you do any other work; carbs, coils etc.

you'll be like a dog chasing its tail if the timing is off.

[Stromper]

Back in the day I had 2 of these

Stock coils etc very weak
plugs become partially fouled almost immediately

Many just upgraded almost immediately to aftermarket electrics
pvl ignitions is one

Look at a antique motorcycle publication called walnecks

There is a CALI company that sells RD parts and has an electronic ignition upgrade that ends the problem.

I ended up on my cafe having CAR COILS screw clamped to the front frame.

Some guys who ran high compression power would start the bike on HOT plugs then when fully hot swap out to cold range plugs so she wouldn't detonate

Other than that have fun

There is a microscopic possibility that the reed valve on that side not seating but 98% would be weak coils