My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#331 Post by JonW » Wed Mar 15, 2017 4:07 am

Ok, the OEM LC frame (with a couple of grommets and a set of steer bearing head race caps) came out on my scales at 12.91kgs.

So... if we believe the scales then my new parts and welding weigh in at 1.75kgs.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#332 Post by JonW » Wed Mar 15, 2017 8:55 am

Next up today was making up a pressure testing kit and testing this motor before it goes away for storage as Id never done it.

Lucky i did as there was a hole in the rubber flange that the carb bolts to! OMFG!

Looking at it I can see that the jubilee clamp was badly pressed together and when done up there are some metal pieces that should hold the bolt captive, yet on mine they've moved inwards and went right through the rubber causing a 2mm hole!
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#333 Post by JonW » Fri Jul 07, 2017 1:06 am

PLEASE NOTE:

And then in July 2017 Photobucket came and fucked it all up for everyone...

This build started off with Imageshack hosting the photos, they got greedy and while they continued to host the photos for a while I moved to Photobucket and all was great with the world until they decided we needed to pay $399/yr to post our pics across the net.

So, Thanks photobucket, you trashed this thread and thousands (more like millions!) of other around the world.

IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS THREAD WITH THE PHOTOS AND MY REHASHED TEXTS (BUT NOT THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE THREAD), HAVE A LOOK AT MY WEBSITE, 2SMOKED.COM.

-------
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#334 Post by JonW » Sun Oct 08, 2017 1:19 am

Ive recently been painting with my new spraygun and one of the things I did was the 421s frame. This was originally going to be satin black, but as I had gloss in the gun from doing LC frame parts I kept going and the result was not too bad. Frames are a bit of a nightmare to paint as its overspray city, but while its not perhaps as perfect as a powdered finish its come out more than good enough and with a polish it'll be great.

The resto LC is ahead of this one in the project line now, but I have been gathering extra parts, including a DID VT2 narrow X ring chain, this should help with the issues with the chain run near the frame and the tyre. If its a good fix I'll grab one for the XT as well.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

hondaror
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#335 Post by hondaror » Sun Oct 08, 2017 4:44 am

Glad to hear about progress. We hedge into winter and you'll soon have to deal with the heat.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#336 Post by JonW » Sun Oct 08, 2017 8:14 pm

Thanks Rory, yes we will, they predict a hot one this year as well as weve had a very mild winter, in fact weve not seen any rain for about 2 months here :/
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#337 Post by JonW » Thu Sep 13, 2018 1:42 am

After a rearranging of the garage as I now have another 'fun' car to play with, I now have the 421 back on the bike lift and am hoping to get round to sorting the alignment issues Ive had with this swinger. Watch this space...

This work will herald the start of LC421 Version 2.0. With more goodies and a bunch of better parts, lots more parts painted, plated and powdercoated and all in all a better build, not that it was bad before lol.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#338 Post by JonW » Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:20 pm

Alignment looks to be sorted with a 4.5mm offset sprocket and the skinny DID X ring Enduro chain. Phew.

Now the debate in my head about wether my painting on the frame is acceptable enough or if i need to powder it ... right now its looking like powder, why spoil the boat for a ha'porth of tar as they said back in sailing times... another setback. :smt018
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#339 Post by JonW » Thu Sep 20, 2018 8:36 pm

Decided to stay with the painted frame for a bit longer. Its Au$500 to blast and powder a frame in Sydney and I just cant justify it just cos I dont love the finish on this one in some places. That $500 is needed elsewhere on this and other builds etc.

So, the build is on!
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#340 Post by JonW » Fri Sep 21, 2018 4:55 am

With the decision made to just use the frame ‘as painted’ with its imperfections, I’ve stated the build up. They say this kind of hybrid project is never done, perhaps leaving the frame finish as a means of improving it later is a good idea! :)

Of course the build isnt simply a case of just bunging all the old bits on the new frame after giving it all a good clean. Instead there are new and improved parts to be fitted along the way and also new or replating fixings will be used. I clearly remember our old friend Nik Fubar (RIP) castigating me for a rusty case bolt a good few years back and so I am replacing everything this time round. I’ll also be updating and improving things as I go; small brackets and standoffs will be better made and overall the bike should come out nicer... It was nice before of course, but now it should be better.

One of the first things to get fitted was the new YSS rear shock. With the much more solid RGV front end and the strengthened frame something more in keeping at the back end was a no brainer. The YSS gets a good rap so I got a few for my bike projects. Easily fitted of course but much harder to adjust, especially on a modded LC like mine, but such is life. I can get to the adjusters, so it’s not impossible.

I utilised my Profi CAT to give me confidence of the chain run, even thought ive found the Mk1 Eyeball to be a good indicator really. Ie if it looks right it generally is. I did my XT500 ‘by eye’ and the ProfiCAT proved me bang on. Anyway, for those that have never used one, you place the unit on the sprocket and twist it a few degrees to ‘run’ the laser pointer down the chain, checking it still points to the outer link when it gets to the other end. Here you can see it does:

Image

Image

Image

I should add here that Im totally ignoring any markings on the RGV swingarm as they're well known for being out. Instead I’m using a tool made by a good mate (Thanks LB!) to ensure the distance between the axle and the swinger pin are the same both sides. Sure that’s a bit fiddly to do, but much easier than believing the lies told by mass produced OEM parts when running the power this bike has.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#341 Post by JonW » Wed Sep 26, 2018 9:46 am

Im proceeding slowly with the rebuilding of this bike, hoping to sort out details along the way of course.

The loom went back in and I fitted a bunch of other parts like the subframe and the tailight parts with the indicators, plus I removed the handlebars and the front end to work better on the rad.

Once the loom was in i fitted the Zeel in a the same good spot I found in the tail. Originally it was in the tool area and used the rubber strap mounts with a shorter strap. Its now screwed securely on rubber mounts to the stainless steel recessed-light/tidy bracket.

Ive fitted the rear caliper with replated banjo and new washers but the master will have to wait as im having some of the parts replated (and also some Raask parts) and making a better master hanger bracket now I have access to a mill. Im in two minds about refitting the carbon hugger... we'll see.

I've been rejigging/re welding the rad/fan mount I made to ensure its dead level (as it wasnt quite right) and when its done I'll powdercoat it. I need to turn up some standoffs for the rad and Ive fitted replated top hats on the OEM rubbers I used in my bracket design. Im also fitting a temp sender to the rad to auto activate the R6 fan using a control module and that needs me to turn up the temp sender bung. I found a 1/8NPT taper tap in my taps drawer so that should be easier than I thought. :) At the same time I'll make a stat bypass (from the head) connector to add to the rad and have them welded in together.

Ive also fitted my Halo headlight to the headlight bezel in readiness for when the forks go back on. The top triple is also getting some work done to hold the dash better and will also be powdercoated this time round. Im not sure if i want to redo the lower triple, I do have the rare SP alloy version... hmm... watch this space...

So, some things moved on, but lots of things Ive found I want to improve...
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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two-stroke-brit
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#342 Post by two-stroke-brit » Wed Sep 26, 2018 2:13 pm

JonW wrote:Im proceeding slowly with the rebuilding of this bike,

Ive fitted the rear caliper with replated banjo and new washers but the master will have to wait as im having some of the parts replated (and also some Raask parts) and making a better master hanger bracket now I have access to a mill..
Hey Jon, when you get thr rassk parts back and together please post a pic of the back of them as i have a set and think a PO has modified them .
cheers mark
350LC,Athena 392 big bore,stock porting,swiss cheese air box,stock reeds,spec11 pipes.(now TSA big bore pipes)
She might not be pretty but she will always be a fun ride


1982 YAMA RD350LC
98KDX 220R
1967 TRIUMPH TIGER
2001 TRIUMPH TT600

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JonW
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#343 Post by JonW » Wed Sep 26, 2018 7:35 pm

Ive still got them together at this point Mark, what side do you need, or both?
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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JonW
Posts: 10598
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:33 am
Location: Sydney
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#344 Post by JonW » Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:28 am

Im still playing with the rad bracket but today I keyed-alike a fully restored (powder and zinc) helmet/set lock to the ignition and will run a Wicked fuel cap from now on which will save me time lol. Gentle progress...
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

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two-stroke-brit
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Re: My RD LC Athena 421 Hybrid with RGV suspenders

#345 Post by two-stroke-brit » Thu Sep 27, 2018 1:57 pm

JonW wrote:Ive still got them together at this point Mark, what side do you need, or both?
both please .
thanks a bunch mark
350LC,Athena 392 big bore,stock porting,swiss cheese air box,stock reeds,spec11 pipes.(now TSA big bore pipes)
She might not be pretty but she will always be a fun ride


1982 YAMA RD350LC
98KDX 220R
1967 TRIUMPH TIGER
2001 TRIUMPH TT600

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