RD400 Custom

[Apexxn]

This is what I started with. The PO stripped it down and had a lot of parts but nothing bolted together it was just an idea. I dug it so took it on and will get it on the road again.



Tried a few different tanks. This is a RD250 tank it looked too small.



This is a Euro RD400 tank which is quite a bit bigger than a U.S. RD400 tank.



Then I came across a H2 tank. After some mods it fits perfectly.



May not look like it but I have about 30 hours in to the frame at his point. The upper shock mount, rearset mounts, gussets etc. are done.

 

[VonYinzer]

Your forks are going to hit that H2 tank with it mounted that far forward.

 

[Apexxn]

Appreciate the heads up but I installed the forks before I welded up the mounts for the tank. I did have to weld up my own steering stops to prevent contact with the tank but still plenty of travel. I think the angle of the picture makes it look tighter than it is.

When I get it back to a roller I'll post more pics.

 

[bradj]

Those gussets are in the wrong spot there doing more harm than good they need to be on the edge of the tube not the middle and while the motor is that far apart replace the crank seals other than that it looks rad

 

[cosworth]

 

[Apexxn]

Those gussets are in the wrong spot there doing more harm than good they need to be on the edge of the tube not the middle and while the motor is that far apart replace the crank seals other than that it looks rad

I agree they should be on the edge. If I was going road racing again that's where they'd be. I don't agree that they are doing harm but I get what you're saying. This is just a fun bike to hang out with the crew on a nice day. I only welded them on the inside(except on the backbone because of access) and not edge to edge. There is a look I'm going for and after I hose on too many mils of single stage black the outside of those gussets is going to look like they were melted in to the tubes. This isn't my first bike or RD for that matter that I've done this type of gusseting. They always handle well enough for me to arrive at the top of the hill and order breakfast first.

Now that you mention crank seals, here's a quick story about this engine. When I went to look at this frame and parts I was told that the bottom end had a rebuilt crank. I looked at it and I could see that yes all the seals were fresh and the yamabond was new and clean between the case halfs. But as I looked at the crank seal I said hey whoever did this bottom end put the crank seal in backwards. The seller said yea my builder fucked up. No problem, I would have split the cases anyway just to shim the gearbox and check the crank for myself.

I've finally gotten the YZ490 swingarm bushed correctly and now I'm working on the cush drive. The original cush that came with the wheels was too wide even with lathe work so I had to find another cush that was thinner but still fit the hub correctly. Had to use a 15mm offset counter shaft sprocket as well. Another thing that I would never put on a race bike, but for this shit it'll work.

I've never posted any of my builds here but checked out many, many other builders and there is some sharp heads here.

Appreciate any feedback, tips, ideas etc.