Well this project isn't dead yet but I almost wish it was so I wouldn't have to think about it anymore. I've been trying to find a new place to live and saving money for that has taken every penny out of this project. I did finally manage to wire the bike, get the tank back to primer and get my new clutch kit fitted so all that remains is a throttle cable, reg/rec unit from Oregon motorcycle parts and a non o-ring chain(new gauges and longer shocks once money allows but not a necessity). Easy right.
Wrong. The RD throttle cable is made up of 4 separate cables, all of which you have to buy individually for insane prices if you're looking for NOS parts since they are no longer offered by Yamaha. But there is someone on eBay selling complete reproduction cables in the UK. Sounded pretty good(ebay shows 48 sold so far) and the price was fair. Since it was the part requiring the longest shipping time I figured I'd order it first. I still haven't been able to order the reg/rec unit or chain yet so that train of thought doesn't matter anymore.
The cable arrived today and I was very excited to get it on so within 20 minutes of receiving it I tried to put it on. Emphasis on tried. The overall cable looked good, the "new" cable had clearly sat on a shelf for a good while since it was starting to rust but I could lube it up and move past that. But the cable literally cannot fit. The 2 cables running to the carbs off the splitter are at least 3 inches too short. They physically cannot be hooked up to the slides.
I'm beyond frustrated at the moment because It would seem that this should've happened to 48 other people as well. When I look at the photo they have on eBay I can see the problem now.
Old vs. New
I'm waiting on a response from the seller to see what they are willing to do.
If I don't receive any help from them I'm going to cut 3 inches out of the middle of the casing to get the length of cable I need and just tug the whole cable back a bit which will work except its going to make the oil pump cable stick out that much further. I'm literally $200 away from finishing this bike but that couldn't feel further away.
Tanks been primed and front fender has been clipped since I took this one. I hate the gauges but they'll be gone once I can afford it.
Cable eBay listing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-YAMAHA-RD350-RD-350-THROTTLE-CABLE-1973-1975-/230335856117?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D337000220941279353%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26
