Just found this channel and it's awesome. I have an RD125 that was raced at Laguna Seca and Sears point back in the 70s before I got it 30 years ago. You have me stoked to get back on it and do a full restoration.
Hey Mark, wow that sounds like an awesome score. Is your RD125 in a race frame? Sounds like a nice piece of history. Glad you have gotten some inspiration from the videos, and welcome to the channel. I do a lot of different stuff here. Probably more vintage dirt bike oriented, but I have some twin cylinder Yamaha's waiting their turn in the shop. So that will probably interest you. I did a couple of videos on a RD125 engine a few months back, you might check them out. Look for them in my RD125 playlist. Again Welcome, and thanks for spending time with me in the shop.
@@montana2strokeracer I think it's in the stock frame, it's been years since I looked at it. I did tare it apart years ago and there isn't a part in the motor that wasn't custom machined. I only rode it once or twice but it screamed. The guy I got it from had a mint mid 70s black and gold TZ500 too but I think he was saving that one for his retirement.
Dale, you are right about the sound of those two stroke Yamaha Twins, just great. I had the 200cc and loved the exhaust note. Mike Waller at Britannia Motorcycles (British ex pat in NY State) is into building his own frames for trials. His channel would certainly be worth a look. Best wishes, Dean.
Love this channel! Very informational, I recently convinced my grandfather to let me fix and ride his 74’ rd250 and I’m still trying to figure out how it all works and where to get parts!
Wow thank you for watching. The RD250 is a great machine, wish you luck finding all the parts you need. They were popular bikes so there are lot of parts available out there. Good luck with your project, and you have a wonderful grandfather to allow you to do this.
@@montana2strokeracer yeah hes great! Bike is in really good condition was garage stored since it was parked in the 80s so the original paint is amazing, just need some mechanical love and she’ll be running again!
The Bash, how cool is that, hobnobbing with the machinist crowd. I was following his endeavor on these ovens; I bought one of the first. I did actually use it a lot at first, did some hardening of components. Haven't had the need for that in a while. However, it did come in handy for installing the sleeve in the lawn boy. Kinda which now I had gotten a larger one. Congrats on the 4-jaw contest.
I think I remember reading an article somewhere that the earlier 5 speed RDs had 6 speed gearboxes but with some sort of provision machined in the selector mechanism for some weird reason. Not much info of help but thought it'd be interesting & odd if Yamaha actually did something like that lol! Love my 6 speed 75' RD250 it's a blast to ride but the 5 speed 72' Yds 250 is also!
Nice Dale! I love RD’s. Just picked up a 76 RD400. My ignition is a mess, in need of some work. Thanks for the video! By the way, I believe yours should be a 6 spd.
Thanks Noah, sound like you scored, on the RD400, just missed a RD350 here in town couple weeks ago. I need to watch and react quicker. Bet you get your wiring straightened out in short order.
@@montana2strokeracer Thanks Dale! Found it on marketplace for $150. The guy bought a piece of property and wanted the garage cleaned out. These RDs are getting extremely popular. Hope you find a nice one!
Hi Dale love your channel. I was watching your videos on the rd250 when you were checking the points. The big bolt in the middle that holds everything on came loose. How tight do i need to tighten that. Thanks for your help.
Hi, thank you very much. Just snug up that bolt. If I remember its an 8mm bolt, your manual should give you suggested torque value for a 8 mm bolt. Dont remember off the top of my head. I always just snug them.
Hi again Dale ,great video, i bought one of those carbs from the states for my ts 250, 28 mm round slide , mikuni ,re jetted to 25 slow 180 main but it still will not run right , any ideas? many thanks Hugh.
Thanks Hugh, not sure what I am going to have to do, this will be a project in work for a while. Most of the carbs that you buy new will need some jetting for sure. Have you tried a different needle setting.
Ah man, just take the day off and watch CZcams. I understand buddy, get your work done and come home and kickback. It just seems wrong to have to work so much and enjoy your hobbies so little. It gets better my friend.
interesting, set up. think your the first to explain and demonstrate how this works. GREAT JOB!
Thanks buddy, looking forward to getting this one running
Dale is a man that REALLY knows how to enjoy retirement! Yet another cool project to follow along with.
Thanks Jim, I am for a fact enjoying retirement. You're getting close brother.
Thanks for the shout-out Dale! I appreciate it. I enjoy your work.
Chris Kilmer.
Hey Chris, you are welcome, hope you get your channel going. It has been a lot of fun, will be watching keep up the good work.
Just found this channel and it's awesome. I have an RD125 that was raced at Laguna Seca and Sears point back in the 70s before I got it 30 years ago. You have me stoked to get back on it and do a full restoration.
Hey Mark, wow that sounds like an awesome score. Is your RD125 in a race frame? Sounds like a nice piece of history. Glad you have gotten some inspiration from the videos, and welcome to the channel. I do a lot of different stuff here. Probably more vintage dirt bike oriented, but I have some twin cylinder Yamaha's waiting their turn in the shop. So that will probably interest you. I did a couple of videos on a RD125 engine a few months back, you might check them out. Look for them in my RD125 playlist. Again Welcome, and thanks for spending time with me in the shop.
@@montana2strokeracer I think it's in the stock frame, it's been years since I looked at it. I did tare it apart years ago and there isn't a part in the motor that wasn't custom machined. I only rode it once or twice but it screamed. The guy I got it from had a mint mid 70s black and gold TZ500 too but I think he was saving that one for his retirement.
Man that's going to be heaps of fun!! Looking forward to seeing how it shapes up.
I think so also, not sure about my frame building skills though. Only time will tell.
Dale, you are right about the sound of those two stroke Yamaha Twins, just great. I had the 200cc and loved the exhaust note.
Mike Waller at Britannia Motorcycles (British ex pat in NY State) is into building his own frames for trials. His channel would certainly be worth a look.
Best wishes, Dean.
I do watch Mike, have been for several years. Don't think I will be brazing frame joints though. Yes, those Yamaha twins sound great. Thanks buddy
Fantastic video Dale. You are clearly the master when it comes to Japanese motorcycles. Great test of the ignition system.
Don't know about master but, thank you anyway. Just like messing with them.... their fun.
@@montana2strokeracer it's all about fun my friend. More power to you.
Love this channel! Very informational, I recently convinced my grandfather to let me fix and ride his 74’ rd250 and I’m still trying to figure out how it all works and where to get parts!
Wow thank you for watching. The RD250 is a great machine, wish you luck finding all the parts you need. They were popular bikes so there are lot of parts available out there. Good luck with your project, and you have a wonderful grandfather to allow you to do this.
@@montana2strokeracer yeah hes great! Bike is in really good condition was garage stored since it was parked in the 80s so the original paint is amazing, just need some mechanical love and she’ll be running again!
great video dale love these rd 250 engines so simple to work on next video please
Yes sir, I just like them all, I want to hear this one.
Ive been to stans house party ,great guy who builds those ovens. I got 3rd place in the 4-jaw lathe competition .
The Bash, how cool is that, hobnobbing with the machinist crowd. I was following his endeavor on these ovens; I bought one of the first. I did actually use it a lot at first, did some hardening of components. Haven't had the need for that in a while. However, it did come in handy for installing the sleeve in the lawn boy. Kinda which now I had gotten a larger one. Congrats on the 4-jaw contest.
Cool motor. A great project. Thanks for sharing brother. I’ll check out that Ck-cycles
Thanks Cain, think its going to be fun. Thanks for checking out CK. I know how hard it is to get started. Thanks for hanging out here with me.
oh yeah, im here,carry on!
Alright Frank
I think I remember reading an article somewhere that the earlier 5 speed RDs had 6 speed gearboxes but with some sort of provision machined in the selector mechanism for some weird reason. Not much info of help but thought it'd be interesting & odd if Yamaha actually did something like that lol! Love my 6 speed 75' RD250 it's a blast to ride but the 5 speed 72' Yds 250 is also!
Really not too familiar with these. It only shifts to 5th. I will be delighted if for some reason there is a 6th in there.
Nice Dale! I love RD’s. Just picked up a 76 RD400. My ignition is a mess, in need of some work. Thanks for the video!
By the way, I believe yours should be a 6 spd.
Thanks Noah, sound like you scored, on the RD400, just missed a RD350 here in town couple weeks ago. I need to watch and react quicker. Bet you get your wiring straightened out in short order.
@@montana2strokeracer Thanks Dale! Found it on marketplace for $150. The guy bought a piece of property and wanted the garage cleaned out. These RDs are getting extremely popular. Hope you find a nice one!
Hi Dale love your channel.
I was watching your videos on the rd250 when you were checking the points.
The big bolt in the middle that holds everything on came loose. How tight do i need to tighten that.
Thanks for your help.
Hi, thank you very much. Just snug up that bolt. If I remember its an 8mm bolt, your manual should give you suggested torque value for a 8 mm bolt. Dont remember off the top of my head. I always just snug them.
@@montana2strokeracer You are the man Dale!! Love your stuff!!!!!
Thanks
Hi again Dale ,great video, i bought one of those carbs from the states for my ts 250, 28 mm round slide , mikuni ,re jetted to 25 slow 180 main but it still will not run right , any ideas? many thanks Hugh.
Thanks Hugh, not sure what I am going to have to do, this will be a project in work for a while. Most of the carbs that you buy new will need some jetting for sure. Have you tried a different needle setting.
@@montana2strokeracer Hi , Dale, ive tried the needle also , it ticks over fine ,but when you go for a run and it gets hot it starts playing up.
Try a 10 larger on your main jet. If you have a 200 go to a 210. Sounds like your lean.
@@montana2strokeracer Hi Dale,yes it came with a 200 main ,ill try a 210 as you said, thanks.
Yes those bikes haul ass Peace out
Thanks buddy
Well I made it. Better late than never.
Holy smokes Cain, what happened?
What? There's a Dale Sweger two stroke twin video and I have to go to work? Bah humbug.
Ah man, just take the day off and watch CZcams. I understand buddy, get your work done and come home and kickback. It just seems wrong to have to work so much and enjoy your hobbies so little. It gets better my friend.