newbie front suspension question

[evso]

Hi, I just purchased an 82 rd350 in boxes and am looking forward to the build. I would like to put some beefier front shocks on (preferably inverted) and switch to spoke wheels. Anybody have any advice on the easiest way to do this/ simplest parts swap?
thanks, Patrick

[evan_calgary]

Quite a few projects on here if you choose to browse with inverted front ends. Basically a newer full front end if you want to go inverted. Its not really easy or overly simple. Your also asking for likely the most expensive wheelset if you go spoked.

[hondaror]

If you are going to beef up the front end, you will have to gusset the frame and it would be wise to do the swing arm too.

[two-stroke-brit]

If you are going to beef up the front end, you will have to gusset the frame and it would be wise to do the swing arm too.

hey Rory, i seem to remember you saying that the stock forks would flex under the bottom triple tree .
so if you upgrade to USD forks you think the frame will then be the weak link.
where would you suggest to reinforce.?
just curios Mark

[evso]

Thanks for the info. I think I would prefer spoked wheels over inverted fork. The person I purchased the bike from told me that a 2003 wr250 f swap is not to complicated- does anybody kow if this is the case?
thanks, Patrick

[hondaror]

If you are going to beef up the front end, you will have to gusset the frame and it would be wise to do the swing arm too.

hey Rory, i seem to remember you saying that the stock forks would flex under the bottom triple tree .
so if you upgrade to USD forks you think the frame will then be the weak link.
where would you suggest to reinforce.?
just curios Mark

Stuart Shaw was the RD guru on the race circuits in the Toronto area in the '70s and '80s. He gusseted the frame at all bends. Between that, a beefed up swing arm and TZ, stiffer forks...good to go. The frame and swing arm mount are the reasons for the LC hinge feeling. Stuart had a '77 RD400 that was fondly referred to as the TZ beater.

RZ350 forks would be an improvement, but yes, with your swinger mods too, your frame becomes the weak link.

[2smoke]

Hi, I just purchased an 82 rd350 in boxes and am looking forward to the build. I would like to put some beefier front shocks on (preferably inverted) and switch to spoke wheels. Anybody have any advice on the easiest way to do this/ simplest parts swap?
thanks, Patrick

Welcome Patrick
What country are you in? Maybe add it to your avatar.
The easiest and maybe the best setup seems to be RGV usd front end, RGV swingarm and wheels. Its pretty popular with the Brits.
But hard to get in Canada and the States.
Before you buy any parts, first decide if you want to use the stock gauges(need a speedo drive),and what tires/sizes you will want to use. (17 or 18 inch and how wide), Rear disk or drum brake?
Dirt bike parts wont work out. Instead people use hubs from street bikes and have wider snazzier rims laced to them.
If its gotta be cheap, I would use spoked wheels from the XS 250/360/400/650 family and use forks and swingarm that have the correct axle diameters.

[Hooligan]

Hi, I just purchased an 82 rd350 in boxes and am looking forward to the build. I would like to put some beefier front shocks on (preferably inverted) and switch to spoke wheels. Anybody have any advice on the easiest way to do this/ simplest parts swap?
thanks, Patrick

Consider long and hard how much you want to spend on this bike before you get into a project that is gonna cost a lot of money. I know this cause I have about $7k into a hybrid LC project that has just become a bit beyond my abilities to complete. Sadly I will not get even half the money out of this bike as I have into it.

The LC can be loads of fun to ride in a mildly modified condition without spending too much dough. Early model RZ forks will fit without too much trouble and allows you to retain the OEM wheels. Keep in mind if you choose to change the front wheel then you will have to change the rear wheel too, which is a lot more difficult due to the drum brake configuration of the original.

Currently I am running R1 Blue Spot brake calipers and slotted disks which is a massive improvement in braking from the OEM LC setup. My next modification will be RZ forks as the LC units are just a bit too spindly.

[JonW]

I often wish I lived closer to you Hooly, Id come over and help you finish that bad boy :(

I have RGV on my LC, its a very easy swap for the front end, just a 5mm spacer and I fitted KTM motard front wheel at one point, and everyone got excited, but I hate the look of those spokes on the LC and it was never in my plan to keep that wheel on the bike. My bike is on my 2smoked.com website, its under my LC421 build if you want the easiest read, get coffee of beer before you start tho LOL

In the USA GSXR is probably a better set of forks as they are more available. try and find a smaller cc bike as the forks will be weighted better, hence why we all use RGV here and in Eu.

The rear end is harder to work out but speak to NK in the UK, they can do you a kit I expect, they do an RGV one and I bought that for my LC and 31k projects.

As for the hinge, yes its true the frame is the weak point when you have more power, better brakes and more grip to the road, but its not like the frame will snap, its just not as solid as a modern bike and you need to understand that. Most people dont find it a huge issue for road use, its better than a standard bike etc.

[Hooligan]

I often wish I lived closer to you Hooly, Id come over and help you finish that bad boy :(

This is a good spot for RD/RZ. There are 5 of us on the board in Calgary. Me, Rory, Steve, Jeff and Evan. And Solo2 is 3 hours north of us.

[JonW]

yeah but none of them have come and helped you move that project forwards... c'mon guys, help a brother out! :D

[evan_calgary]

I am thinking about it...Peter is just down the road from me.

[Hooligan]

yeah but none of them have come and helped you move that project forwards... c'mon guys, help a brother out! :D

Evan came over the other day and we had a good rummage through all the parts.

[L.B]

This is a good spot for RD/RZ. There are 5 of us on the board in Calgary. Me, Rory, Steve, Jeff and Evan. And Solo2 is 3 hours north of us.

Aww how cool is that! So lucky you guys & Pete im with Jon,you need to build that lc & enjoy it. Wish Jon & i lived closer so we could help each other out more often.
Sorry Patrick for going o/t. Personally i like the spokes on lc's, maybe try the North American tz forum for suitable hubs/rims?

[hondaror]

I'm so busy trying to finish my garage and earn a living, I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel right now. The neighbour is making my life tougher too. Things will improve fast if I find a decent full time job. I'd like to take that project off Peter's hands. He's been asking me for help, but I HAVE SO LITTLE TIME. I can't wait to start my builds. AAAAaaaaaarrrrggghh!!!