I am going to build my first chopper. I have a question though, came across a 1973 Yamaha RD350 in very good shape even though its been in a shed for twenty years and has had a few engine parts stripped. Anyway I would lie to use this frame has anyone done one of these before? If so got picts and or advice. I would like to do a 30 degree rake and use the widest rear tire I can.

 

why would you waste your time on a hunk of **** like that?

just buy a kit bike!

 

I want something my own not someone elses

 

Now kids....don't throw sand in the sandbox......

There's something to be said about restoring/chopping an older/different bike.

I've done it before and it's quite a challenge, but if you can look at the bike and envision what you want - then you can do it.

When do you think you'll get started on the bike? If you need any good resources for parts/mods, just let me know.

 

I pick up the bike and start stripping ti on fri. Thanks for the offer...and I dropped the sand

 

hey put up some pictures that sounds like its gonna be a blast!


id love to start something from scratch, hopefully i will once i get mine the way i want it.

 

that's a two stroke right? that is one strange bike to chop....(thinking) but you know what, that's gunna be really cool as a result. my hat's off to you, you freak. and i mean that in a good way. no sand. :-)

 

RD's make awesome play bikes for in town...if you want to add some speed contact Hempstead Yamaha in Florida. With just a few modifications you can really screw with the big boys in short :acelleration contests". Just get used to riding on 1 wheel.

A "Chopped" RD would definitely be different as most were done road race or flat trackstyle. But be advised that those liitle dudes have an awesome Power to Weight ratio.

Sure wish I still had the pictures of some of the strange things we did in the 60's & 70's...chopped Beemers, lots of HD & Brit bikes, tons of Jap (or should I put Metric) bikes...even a Harley Sprint...I suspect those days are slowly returning. Hope so as it gives more people the chance to "Express" their self.

Have fun with an "out of the box" project...ignore those limited to coloring within the lines. If it has 2 wheels it's cool.

 

no, don't do it, the RD350 is such a fun bike to ride, the power is awesome and they handle so well, it would be a shame to spoil one by chopping it. Besides do you know they are getting rarer since the stopped building them, so a standard one is worth a small fortune these days. If you do what you're planning to do it would be practically worthless.
thats better, I've got it off my chest now. Rant over.

 

Don't do it - the RD in RD350 stands for race developed - even in std trim they handle well, and as the previous post said are getting rarer, and much sort after, especially here in the UK. They are a Jap Classic.

I can imagine that to chop an RD you are going to run into massive difficulties with the exhaust, if this isn't right the bike will not perform. RD350's are very fussy with carburation / exhaust combo's.

Please, please don't chop it - buy it, clean it up - sell it at a profit then buy a H*nda.

Ian

 

From what I have heard, the RD350LC is the #6 motorcycle of all time, based on a poll in the May issue of BIKE magazine. This bike, in stock condition, is the type of motorcycle that is appreciating in value, rather than depreciating in value as do most motorcycles.
I have one, and of the five motorcycles that I own, it is my personal favourite to ride. It is much better to make it as close to stock as possible rather than chop it up.