The Worst Motorcycle I Ever bought! (1973 Rd350)

[@VasilyBuilds]

Am I crazy?

[@H4HDJD]

Yes

[@matth5552]

gonna be sweet man

[@lengaming1651]

Of course and i like it

[@chicagovasko]

Yes and no. Ur smart mostly.

[@1byte4]

Its a huge project bro

[@mcmotohistory8770]

What you have is a 1971 Yamaha R5 350, same as the RD but no reed valves, someone has installed a RD front end with disc brake some time in the past. Kudos to you for trying to bring back a bike as far gone as this one. hope it turns out great!

[@rooskie]

incorrect. that's a 73 rd350 motor, rd frame as well. r5 frames don't have reflector holes in the front. it is r5 bodywork though.

[@victordesanderobledo4522]

For some time I had lost interest in the channel, but now... Absolutely amazing! I'm not going to miss the next episode. BTW, my grandfather had a bike that looked like this. Still keeps it in a barn. Maybe I'll get into a restoration project too...

[@karthik-manickavelu]

Actually it looks like a YR5 350, - the predecessor to the RD.

[@gleanerman2195]

It is,' 72 model.

[@josea.justiniano3329]

I work on mine is a labor of love I have it for more than 40 years. God bless.

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

I know exactly what you mean!😉👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼 I enjoy working on a 2 stroke and 2 stroke bikes, especially 125's & 250's , just the right power for fun and not to fast to get in trouble 🤷🏻‍♂️😉💪🏼 Current bikes a Aprilia RS 125 and is the only bike I've seen with a hydraulic clutch modification, I got the hydraulic clutch pump from EBay £8.50 and a pair of brake/clutch master cylinder for £ 32.98 & used the rear brake hose , routed through the bike a bit different than the original cable! 👍🏼 it's a great modification and have bee running it for about 500-600 miles and it's never been a problem 💪🏼 It's stuff like that, that makes me happy 👨🏻‍🔧😋 And then there's the smell 😌❤️

[@edmondpecotjr.8888]

it's not bad at all you can fix it man I have faith in your skills fix it back like new brah...

[@trevorphilips1971]

Projects piling up, hope the uploads do to and soon enough you'll have a fleet of badass machines

[@VasilyBuilds]

More projects less down time. More vids. Some ppl just don't get that. I work for my audience

[@ssoltys4128]

@@VasilyBuilds less down time? Dude what did you finish lately?

[@ashraf8663]

Hi I'm ashraf I'm from capetown south Africa......I really like all ur builds....Its gons be a good build looking forward to it

[@uyngane]

Greetings Capetown, from Edmonton Canada.

[@cristian6766]

Greetings Capetown and Edmonton, from Bucharest Romania.

[@ultimaterebuilds7127]

Bruh, pickup those vw rabbits and sandrail for me 😂

[@OneDownFourUp]

I had an R5 the predecessor to the RD, it had been sitting for a little while and was locked up. I poured a little brake fluid in the cylinders and let it sit and it fired up and ran. It wasn't nearly as rusty as this though.

[@dylanh7640]

Is that a yamaha r5 350. I am working on a ‘71. Check the numbers on the engine. By the oil tank on the side I believe it too is an r5. The previous owner of my bike told me it was an rd350 and I searched around and found it wasn’t

[@dylanh7640]

Another thing. The engine is not like the banshee. Well. It is but isn’t. It’s piston ported so the power band is more abrupt.

[@pinkporcelain]

The bike is in tiptop shape compared to that broom 😂

[@snafuequals]

You saw that too? Thing looks like it was used to sweep up after the 1904 world's fair 😂

[@josecarlos1922]

Eu Amo essa moto tive uma rd 1974 q moto sensacional

[@mercermechanics1788]

Man this is sick bro. I love old bikes but have never owned one 🤔😂

[@rckeith]

Hi I had the 250 version called the YDS7 I think yours is a YR5, not an RD350 . The RD series had Reed values I think that's where the name RD came from. Great bikes I loved mine. I was only 18 when I had mine in 1976, as you might have guessed I'm an old man but love watching your builds.

[@VFRrider]

I thought the YR5 had a drum brake on the front, and a more basic dashboard. But agree Reed valves seem to be missing..

[@rckeith]

@@VFRrider I suspect it's been upgraded to disc brake but my dash looked just like it. I could be wrong though.

[@jimrowe4177]

I did one about 5 years ago. Parts are not cheap. Good luck!

[@bobg3034]

I had a RD 350 back in the 80's! I was only around 10 years old when I first got it. That thing was a rocket!

[@N1RKW]

My first bike was an RD-400. In stock form it could carry the front tire in 3 gears. I don't know if you're going to need any power upgrades, Vasily.

[@cheerdiver]

Know a former racer/small eng mech, has one trixed enough to need a dry clutch. Said his ethics wouldn't allow him to sell it, too fast. A big key is jetting due to alt/temp change, high end carbs such as Lectron, can comp for these factors. As for the frame, GO ENDURO. Don't bother with the antiquated forks, REPLACE THE CROWN BEARING TO THE TIRE, to be sure footed you have to have sure feet. While a single rear swing arm would be PHAT, mono-shock is a must (dual mounts are rusted out anyway). Gear it down in the final, to keep speed down. Otherwise plan on dual rotors, b/c this thing is too light and will take flight.

[@jessy6464]

Should make a video exploring that place if you have enough footage!! This is going to be a long and hard build but i cant wait to see it done!

[@Imarookieatthis]

Go for it man! If it’s doesn’t get done on time for the summer just keep getting done its going to be a epic build.

[@trevormartin5459]

Man that thing is rough but it's great to see another bike being saved.I'm watching this from Northern Ireland and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[@Skiridr22]

I’m here because the thing about this channel is the builds are challenge that a guy like me would do. And the fact that if it’s not possible at the time he will say the honest part loud.

[@TheVexCortex]

Air hammer - Harbor freight - $12.99 Punch set - Harbor freight - $13.99 I have the air hammer, it's actually a decent tool, will help with stuck things. I have a different brand punch set, bought on sale at Menards, probably the same plant turning them out, also decent, also will help with stuck things.

[@bdogjr7779]

Looks like a R5-350 from 1970 to 72. Only 5 speed compared to the RD350s 6 speed trans⛾It's pretty rough so Good Luck😎🎱☮🔊✌👍

[@m1a1hm]

I agree i think someone may have changed out the top end because it looks like it has the RD intake boots.

[@FULLTHROTTLEFILMZ]

Dude you’re a madman for rebuilding this bike! But damn am I excited to watch this project!!! 🏍 💯

[@Bugalona]

man, she rough but I'm glad somebody saved her before she rotted into the ground. A 2 stroke street bike is a dream of mine, good luck!

[@BlakeEM]

I've always wanted one of these but my garage is already full of motorcycles and projects. Many people prefer the rd350 over the rd400 and it's definitely worth fixing up. If you use epoxy to smooth out the rust pitting on the frame you can still powder coat if that's your plan. It may also be worth coating the inside of the frame tubes with something to prevent rust since water can to get stuck in there. I wish you luck!

[@bryanthorne3474]

Looking forward to the series! I bought an RD350 in similar shape a few years ago and I'm still finishing it up. Best of luck!

[@griptopia]

Judging by how light those exhausts looked they were to far gone, and when chains are that bad you will spend hours getting them off, cutting is best! but... when removing the exhaust studs cleaning the studs makes it so much easier. :) you have learnt a lot along the way it really shows x

[@308dhanushkumard9]

You are an luckiest person 💛 to have this legend ❤ keep it safe broooo

[@parker73711]

i had a 78 and it was stupid fast!!! it didnt like town riding!!1 im stoked to see this project!!

[@davidbevins8796]

I currently have one like the orange one you showed a pic of in the beginning. The bike is SOOOOOO much fun to ride!

[@miguelpagansr6128]

It kills me how people just leave stuff out to rot, that bike is gorgeous when it’s done. Hope you can bring her back to her former glory and also valuable in the right condition, good luck with the project see you on the next one.

[@MenofCourage]

Being an rxz owner am so eager to see the built....its a diamond in ur hand so handle it carefully even you can sell its rust

[@tyler238]

Lol that 21 savage tho😂💀💀💀

[@longlowdog]

Those RD 350's were real creatures of myth and fable when they came out. They are now super collectible. The back to childhood bike collection for a lot of guys would be a Fizzie, an RD350 and an RG500. The richest guys would add a Bimota Tesi to that list.

[@123Poppa321]

those RDs were a hell of a rip at their time. Acceleration blows your mind. I hope you could get it fixed. Even though I think this one will be difficult.

[@hallieboy]

I had the predecessor R5, learned to ride on it. Very fast in a straight line, crazy narrow powerband, and terrifying in turns. When I went to a BSA is was such a pleasure. Not as quick off the line, but so nice to ride something that didn't feel like it would kill me if I made one wrong move.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

You've joined the "2-Cylce' club.You'll always be adding,and changing.You'll have a buttload of fun too.LOL.Can't wait to see this journey.

[@ofenfrischeritaliener4441]

This is something to drive on a sunny day pure art

[@imrebicyclemanszelid1496]

Cool ! With a mild port job bigger carbs reeds and pipes it’ll be a screamer!

[@vineethmangattu5521]

Hey... I'm from India..Rd350 highly performance.. it's like a gun.... Superb sound and power... Save 2stroke 😍😍 I'm wait for ur next video....❤️❤️

[@griffspeed]

I enjoyed watching that mate... Im doing nearly the same thing with my old 1976 RD250/350B that was stored in a box down a damp shed since 1987.!! Im going for the "Flat Tracker" sort of style with mine.. Ive stuck Suzuki GSX600F complete front end in, all was needed was to use a pair of RD350LC tapered bearings and its fitted perfectly with no fiddling! Ive made my own Box section swinging arm and have a pair of those Joking Chinese Ohlins shocks on.. The Engine is here on the table infront of me... Its 1.5mm oversize and ive made my own Billet Heads for it.. Its got YPVS reedblocks and 32mm Kehin carbs.. Ive noticed yours is a bit of a "Bitsa" You have YR5 bodywork and right side engine casing.. The left side has an RD casing.. Im realy looking forward to the next videos... If you need any helpfull advice on anything, give me a shout.. Thanks Mate..

[@sonybhau8340]

Nice job Bro 😎,,,this is my favourite Bike rd 350,i wait for next video 💐💐🙏from Punjab India 🇮🇳

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

That is Awesome. Can't wait to see the next episode. BTW you did such a great job editing, great video!

[@cobyburrow9339]

I owned one of these in 78-79 fun to ride and the power band was awesome!

[@dillyd3488]

Oh man...I'm crazy jealous! My first bikes were RDs and I restored/modified a few of them. Benny jonesing for another one for a long time, but they are expensive now and parts are hard to find. Can't wait to watch this series!

[@dillyd3488]

...BTW-That looks like a R5/RD mix.

[@llamamanism]

That model was my first bike, way back in ... 1978 !

[@everythingwithwheels4614]

New favorite build on youtube

[@chillycheeze2207]

I was hooked!!! Cant wait!!! 👌👌 Chain was so stiff it coulda got up and walked away😆🤣🤣

[@MiamiGunNut]

Looking forward to the build, only one thing to add, the only part of the bike that seems to be rd350 is the front wheel because of the disc, but everything else is r5 350, gear box is also 5 speed not 6 like an rd350. The bottoms of the cases are completely different. Although you can make a hybrid by buying the rd350 jugs and putting them on, you should have noticed that the cylinders you took off had no reeds, rd350 had reed valves. Keep up the good work! I’m currently building a 71 r5 350, with pistons, cylinders, heads and carbs from an rd350. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MiamiGunNut]

Also you should look into upgrading the chain, as r5 had a thinner chain, just buy yourself a front and rear rd350 sprocket and chain kit and it will all built right in and give you a thicker chain and gears 👍🏻👍🏻

[@yourboyhunter142]

I never owned an older 2 stroke but I used to own an 84 xl 100 and the older bikes are just awsome

[@TorchFpv]

That bike is sick 2nd gear rollon wheelies I had a 72 RD 350 my grandmother bought it brand new and it sat for years in the mid 90's I got it running it was awesome. I was a dumb kid and trashed it.... Wish I still had it!!!

[@maynardcapellan1969]

Got my 1970 YDS 250cc Forgotten in a Collapsed Barn, same state with this. I saved the Tank, Engine, Frame and Spokes..

[@user-vr8xv5jz7r]

Good job

[@2vintage]

Haha this reminds me of the bike I'm working on right now...just so far gone lol. Good luck!

[@tylerpopken3479]

Lol ur here

[@tylerpopken3479]

Do a Honda Crf250x build

[@griptopia]

when there isn't much left.. you don't have a choice right.. When purists kick off i say... What have you built lately..

[@RazerTech6330]

I literally just got a 76 kawasaki KE100 a few days ago and I'm restoring it aswell for a daily at college. Once it warms up of course

[@zanetti8142]

When working on badly corroded stuff all you need really is heat. Saves a lot of time

[@cleonhaughton3806]

Build a power wheels go kart next

[@emaneaaeae2247]

Sick man good luck can wait for a video in that bike

[@anthonyconrad1456]

I had that exact bike in the 80s same color and everything. It brings back alot of memories.

[@FJ80Coop]

The reason they're kinda rare is due to guys like us picked them up dirt cheap and made our own enduros out of them by adding taller shocks,wider more aggressive knobby rear tire and knobby front with spring spacers and heavier oil to add a little more stiffness to that boingy front end and voila we had a very competitive dirt bike we could ride on the street to get wherever and then ride it off road all day and back home at night...the oiling systems in them sucked so we all ran pre mix... I'd love to see that thing made like new again...

[@AlexRR1]

I am gonna wait for your videos even more from now on! It’s gonna turn up into a really sick bike!

[@evoemperor3776]

I don't care about this bike but i just have to watch it because i like his builds.

[@davidbeer]

Can wait to see your take on this cool bike.

[@fw1421]

Now this is how you find RD’s today. Gonna take a lot of time,effort,and money to bring her back. Good luck finding the body parts to make it look new again,Yamaha hasn’t made them since the 80’s or 90’s.

[@kerrystimpson5111]

I used to have a 1970. It was very quick. Only thing - they continued using this motor in the banshee after they quit producing the 350 motorcycle. It is a great little motor. I beat harley sportsters to 90 mph

[@elmerfudd1086]

Those side covers/ oil tank are from an R5 not an rd350. They are rare and worth much more than the rd versions. The bike is an rd, just those two parts look to be R5.Since you arent using most of the original motor try contacting venom motorsports in los Angeles , they often have completely rebuilt and even those 60hp versions you mentioned . They are around $3000 to $4500 but that is what you are going to have in your engine anyway. Believe me, i just built my own 74 rd 350 with 68hp. I had mine built by spec 2 and it cost me $9000 with pipes, carbs, ignition system, clutch, filters,chain.and cables. Dont be surprised if you even need new gears due to rust. I wish someone had told me about these guys before i started down this road.It would have save me a lot of cash. Do build it though...these things are crazy quick and sound like nothing else once you port them out.

[@VasilyBuilds]

68hp out of an air cooled or watercooled ypvs? I already purchase a cdi igniton and jim lomas pipes

[@elmerfudd1086]

@@VasilyBuilds aircooled. I put the sunburst or DG style heads on it. Increased compression, cc'ed the heads, bored out 30 thou, ported to stage 3, crank rebuilt and welded, lighter con rods made bt "long", rd400 transmission gears, race clutch, race only ignition( no charging system) 32mm mikuni carbs, 2 into 1 air filter, boysen reeds from a banshee, cross over pipe on the intake manigolds, spec 2, F1 pipes, and im running c16 fuel. I put it on a diet by installing an aluminum fuel tank, fibreglass seat, aluminum rims / stainless spokes, and cut off all the tabs and footpeg mounts, aluminum clip on bars, led tail light, headlight. Im guessing but I figure im close to 75 pounds less weight now than a stock RD 350. Gary shumake told me to expect around 60 plus hp but with the race only ignition, increased compression and 116 octane fuel it has to be 5 to 8 more horsepower. This is not taking in to account that every 11 pounds lost equates to 1 horsepower gained. Its pretty quick, and certainly scares me well enough.

[@elmerfudd1086]

@@VasilyBuilds i love those JL PIPES. they look as sexy as they sound. As for the cdi...you will have much less trouble with that and maybe even more power. My guess is, you are going to really enjoy your new ride. I get people pointing or staring at me all the time and with the power being around the 60hp mark, these bikes are seriously fast, im talking power wheelies without useing the clutch in secound gear fast. Enjoy🤯

[@larryalexander4833]

They made one that had six gears and had direct slide carbs and reed valves like most dirt bikes . ( Good bit faster than this model) also made a 400 cc hard to find ! And yes this is the for runner of the banshee engine and rt water cooled 2 stroke super bike style.

[@alexyurchenko9696]

Awesome video quality

[@r5yamaha]

I've done 5 1972 R5's... One of mine was pretty bad but this one is not worth the time and money. Hopefully you have met Brad at HVC Cycle. I purchased parts from all over the world. That is parts bike for other restorations.

[@streetrossi937]

Interesting build

[@2strokeunlimited2.06]

Looks like a fun project

[@dabtech7456]

If you heat them up with a heat gun and spray the pb blaster it will help it free up a lot easier .

[@ianjones4116]

Great job mate. I had one of these. Scary when your 17 lol. Dont think it's an RD, more like YDS series if I remember rightly. I am old now. Still love the Smell of an old 2smoker. 😀👍🐢

[@knexfreak32]

Man I thought my cb550 was rusty and crusty but this bike takes the cake haha

[@4fiddy_a_aron]

That's gonna be one badass bike when you're done with it

[@glenncrockett4451]

I was given one of these that was abandoned during Hurricane Gloria in a campground. It was under salt water and then sat for a few months, I got it running and it had electrical problems, it would run on one cylinder until about 2500rpm then the other cylinder would kick in like a mean powerband, I road it off road with a full front fairing and windshield lol, then one day it had a total electrical meltdown and fire, junked it after that.

[@nasty2ndgenneon]

the rd350 is what most banshee guys get their transmissions from because they have longer gears

[@VasilyBuilds]

Really Interesting!

[@msw3456]

Ohhh damn. I'm excited for that project!

[@muppets56]

Before I watch video pal that's a classic bike now great find keep going sweet

[@funkytransport]

nice project Vasily

[@timstewart567]

I did the same with a 1973 Honda SL125. The engine was toast, so I adapted it to take a Predator 212 (similar to how KZbinr Mike Festiva). It's my favorite bike!

[@staytruetv3896]

Cool as man, dont know how true it is, but had a mate swore by white vinigar in seized cylinders,,, But keep an eye on it as if left to long the vinigar eats the aluminium... Cant wait to see this transformation

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

What tool is being hammered on at 02:24? What does it do?

[@beobe99]

Budgets depending - Banshee engine swap (if that engine is toast), R6 fork swap, and Mono shock rear!!! Regardless, whatever you build will be sick to watch!

[@shaharsdechen2537]

Great video, can't wait to see more!

[@tamusbaby]

Thanx for your vids man. Im about to start on a build myself...

[@curtism7203]

Yes You`re crazy!! That thing is clapped out! hopefully the motor is salvageable because everything other than maybe the signal lights is toast!

[@nasty2ndgenneon]

had a 50cc sunl frame with a rd350 motor on it.....absolutely nuts eventually took itnoff that frame and put it on a lt230 frame

[@michaelblacktree]

That bike should look great as a cafe racer. 👍

[@alexiselsass1143]

Being an RD250 driver, I'm pretty stocked to see what you are gonna do with it !

[@Boostedlifestyle]

Damn, Look at that algorithm say, "nope!" its kind of annoying :(

[@VasilyBuilds]

I guess KZbin wants me to finish some projects first :/

[@griptopia]

@@VasilyBuilds do what you want, F the numbers dude!! build it when you want how you want!

[@perziee5012]

That engine is definetly rebuildable, hone it out and new pistons and you are good to go, but you might want to go through the entire engine with new bearings and so on, LOVE rd´s i was close on impulse buying a rd125 last year

[@lomsomesGarage]

I'll check with Danny and see if he still has a rd stashed back for parts if you would like

[@islandlife9127]

Going to be a awesome build and yes you just might be crazy. Looking forward to this build.

[@BUILDNIGHT]

Man.... I thought my ‘78 Honda Hawk was rough... sheesh!

[@bueno784]

Nice project, looking forward to future videos 👍

[@Mikefngarage]

IDK if that motor is savable. Easy enough put a banshee motor in it. Really the same thing but water cooled. Rode those back in my day was like riding on a hot coal. Super fast. BUT even faster was the Kawasaki 3 cyl 750 of that era. OMG even if your standing on the bars it would still wheelie when you hit power band.

[@ebenwaterman5858]

My Boss bought one new though I remember it as a 250. He let me take it for a spin. Couldn't keep the front wheel on the ground. Real peaky. And yes it can be restored. You seem to have the ambition and patience.