74 RD 350

[Bheezy27403_imp]

Finally! Blowing smoke.
Well that's a crappy picture. Oh well.

[misterprofessionality]

*sigh*. i've always wanted to own one of these obnoxious noisy smelly beautiful machines but I've just never had the mechanical chops. every time I think about getting one I remember how much skill and time and tools it takes to keep it working well and I back down. I'm glad somebody is keeping them on the road.

[LongRanger_imp]

Bheezy, congrats! You’ll get lots of compliments every time you take it out for a ride.

I had a ‘73 for several years. It was fun for what it was.

[the Ferret]

Cool. Congrats. Like LongRanger I had a '73 bought brand new. Wife and I even toured on it to Smoky Mts Natl Park from Ohio. Ended up trading it in on a TX 650 Yamaha.

[Bheezy27403_imp]

I've have a '73 and '74 I bought in bits that I've been trying to get put back together for years now. I finally said screw it and bought a '75 RD250 that was all together but upon tear down the top end needs rebuilt. I will swap in the 350 bits from the other bikes to make it a 350 and then hopefully sell all that off to just have the one in the pic. It's been a long road but I finally have one that is dialed in and a friggin blast to ride. I'll spend the weekend cleaning her up and swapping parts I have for the ones in use now if they are in better shape.

[Nachodaddy]

Congratulations. That should put a smile on your face every now and then.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Looks fantastic. In way better shape than my previous '76 RD400.

[peterbaron]

Love these smokers
.... and congrats!!!

[Bheezy27403_imp]

Thanks gents. Yes, the smile is visible through my tinted visor I am sure. Also, I usually listen to music in my helmet. I haven't bothered turning it on when on the RD, it plays it's own sweet music.

Looks fantastic. In way better shape than my previous '76 RD400.

It's in pretty good shape considering it's 47 years old. The crappy pic hides a few scars. I will be swapping out prettier parts in my stash for what's on the bike now if it's needed. An example is the front fender, it will pass but one of the ones I have is way nicer. A little tlc here and there and it will pop. Then I need to decide if I want it repainted and new decals or leave the patina. We'll see.

[Cormanus]

I was tempted to say something about not needing a 2-stroke to blow smoke, but, nah … congratulations Bheezy. Look forward to more pictures as it comes together. Enjoy it.