“For those who dare to live their dreams” 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. 
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.
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. 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
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.
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 installation  but 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.
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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. 
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. 
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.
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) 
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 RX135  Another 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.
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.
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 makesEngine 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 TyresFront - 3.00-18-4Ply Nylon Rear - 3.75-18-4Ply Nylon 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.
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. 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 |
|
