1974 Yamaha RD 350 B

[clutch]

Hello to any and all two stroke folks that are out there.

I have had the pleasure of owing several two stokes over the years and have one in the barn today. It’s a 1974 RD 350 B.

It runs very good, and is in very good condition. However I feel that it may need some work.

I have made contact with a very reputable two stroke shop that is to far away to be practical to work with. However they have made some suggestions on what it is I should have done to the bike to insure optimum performance.

My past wrenching experience on my past bikes has giving me the insight as to the task at hand. And I have performed this type of operations in the past.

However, I would rather not tackle the project only for the fear that my busy life as it is now will not allow me to keep the continued pressure of devoted time to see the project through in a timely matter.

My question here for all of you that are connected to two strokers and the people that love and or ride them is:

Is there a shop or person that is dedicated and VERY WELL knowable with the RD’s of yesteryears?

If so, I would appreciate a lead or some contact information that may lead me to connecting with tem to perform some work on my RD.

Very much appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks.

[JohnnyV]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Bold 9930)

Not a "shop" necessarily, but Mark(TLRMan) used to race Yami 2-strokes and from the stories he has told seems to know just about anything one could know about the bikes. Perhaps he may be interested in taking on the project.

[DynoTune]

www.dynotunepowersports.com in Hudson ma... building 2 stroke street and drag bikes.... rd/rz based....

[boosten lebaron]

im rebuilding my rd right now after a meltdown. probably one of the best mechs on the east coast is lyn garland. he just redid my crank and im having him rebore and port my heads. he is super detailed. He will send you every single measurement before and after and has super quick turn around. he rebuilt my crank, trued it, new seals and bearings in 2 days. only cost me a couple hundred too. my other option would be a guy out in cali but lyn worked out fine.

[Rambunctous]

Simple bikes. Great handling and power.

[Richyzfr1000]

Not necessarily local, but HVC cycle and Economy cycle are 2 great resources. I just rebuilt a 79 Rd 400 daytona and last year did a 1976 Rd 400 café racer. The 2 stokes aren’t terribly difficult to rebuild most qualified mechanics should be able to do a tear down and rebuild.

[DynoTune]

I would stick to a 2 stroke guy vs letting any shop work on the motor..... It is basic but nothing like experince....when you have had a melt down....now your talking a lot more than a simple ring job.... Good luck with the build!

[VTRumble]

If you haven't already check out www.2strokeworld.com , plenty of good info there. I had my R5 cylinders bored by Advanced engine rebuilding in Wareham. Took about a week, and came out perfect. Not sure where you are, but there's a shop in Hanson (http://www.knkcycles.com ) that has a bunch of old 2 strokes in the front. Sounds like there's enough people around here to have a smokey ride next summer.

[boosten lebaron]

Id love a smokey ride next year. The piss poor mileage of these bikes combined with the small tanks mean i almost always ride alone. Ive got my rd torn down the frame right now for the engine rebuild and im gonna powder coat the frame and repaint all the tins.

[DynoTune]

that would be cool! Lets ride.... a bunch of smokers.....last smoker ride i went on was years ago...rz350's. rd400, ns400r etc...was so much fun!

[boosten lebaron]

if im not mistaken youve already seen my bike. i bought it in hudson from scott. i think he said you helped with his engine work. its a flat black and yellow 74.

[DynoTune]

I did not do work on it.... would have loved to work on it I still work on stock stuff but mostly stroker bigger rz engines...

[scottieducati]

I miss my RD350. Thing was a hoot!

[backinthesaddle]

Probably being too detailed here but i believe B signifies model year 1975 in Yamaha models.