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Post by earthman on Sept 11, 2017 22:41:13 GMT 1
I'm not too bothered about how much my bike'll be worth , they'll have to prise it out of my cold dead fingers , lol ! Aye, that's my way of thinking, I buy/own objects because of the enjoyment factor etc, not because of their value.
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Post by Jethro5 on Sept 12, 2017 0:24:22 GMT 1
I had the same want for nostalgia for a long time before I took the plunge earlier this year. Bought a bike that was a recently completed rebuilt. While it looks good and seems to be reasonably well built I have still spent time working on it. Sorting carburation, sent the pump to Arrow, worked on the clocks, head gasket was weeping, front caliper has a slight leak etc. I think you have to enjoy working on it, because it will need more than the occasional oil change. However it's great fun to ride and is definitely a conversation starter when there are other bikes around. Every second rider either owned one or had a mate that owned one, It doesn't go, stop or handle as well as my Ducati but it's the bike i go to when I have time to ride to the point where I may sell the Ducati. I should say though that I am only out 2 to 4 hours. It's not a touring bike, for me anyway.
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Post by bare on Sept 12, 2017 1:17:13 GMT 1
I remember the draw of a good two stroke all them years ago, thing is, once I moved onto the larger powerful 4 stokes, I didn't go back. I'm just wondering if I'm looking through 'rose tinted' glasses at the moment, buying one after all this years, will it be for me?? [/quote] Yeah... Likely selective memory (nostalgia) is playing it's part.. difficult to dismiss its' sneaky influence entirely. Agreed, these were Popular buys at the time... Hey! an Ersatz TZ ... for cheap. (cheap was a BIG factor :-) And Yama Advertised/Pushed the TZ connection Heavily! Truth be told I will be far more likely sell on my LC(s) Looong before losing my 600rr, a no brainer choice TBH. IF..? forced to choose, that is. As above; Find an LC and Rent it for a few days. A couple of hours ride won't nearly be enough to base a: "Can I live with this thing" decision. Initial rides are always misleading.. either way. One needs to get that bit of familiarity.
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Post by paulincayman on Sept 12, 2017 2:40:28 GMT 1
59 and counting ..7 in the shed .. do it while you still have the ambition and the energy..
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Post by earthman on Sept 12, 2017 7:07:50 GMT 1
I've always worked on vehicles, had gearboxes out etc so that aspect doesn't really bother me. I already have a modern touring bike so apart from the odd ride out at the weekend and maybe getting to work 20 miles away, is it worth me owning an LC again?
It's certainly the nostalgia, wanting to be young again, that's playing a big part at the moment.
A mate has had an old CB 400 and vespa for example, he said that he actually enjoys fettling with them more than actually riding them.
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Post by dusty350 on Sept 12, 2017 7:58:52 GMT 1
I happily admit that I enjoy building and modifying them more than riding them nowadays. That is thanks to 2 knackered discs in my lower back that makes riding anything uncomfortable/painful after a few miles. I had a Ducati 900SS for a short time, and it was agony after about 10 miles. I had a trick Fz1n that was comfortable up to about 30 miles and then the pain set in, and the riding position on that bike was good ! We all own our Lc's and pv's for differing reasons - I didn't own either back in the day -I had aircooled 400's and didn't get my first Pv project until 2003, but I was around Lc's and Pv's a lot in my youth, and they left an indelible mark on my memory. I think they are beautiful bikes to look at, easy to work on, most parts - genuine or good pattern are readily available with some great firms offering rebores, crank rebuilds, paint and powdercoating etc etc. All the big diesels I've owned were reliable, jump on and ride bikes that didn't attract much attention, no matter how nice they were. Go for a ride, park it back in the garage and forget about it till next time. Theses old strokers aren't like that ! You gotta love them to own them, but they don't have to be unreliable or horrible to ride, and the attention they attract is amazing. I've been on lots of forums when I've owned big diesels, and the 2 stroke forums are far and away the best, in terms of friendliness and popularity. I think we all need a hobby that gets us out of the house, and owning an Lc will certainly do that, and with the long winter evenings fast approaching, an Lc in the garage will keep you busy !! Dusty
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Post by dono on Sept 12, 2017 8:48:24 GMT 1
Hi, the reason for owning is nostalgia for sure. I owned an RD350lc back in the 80s and loved it, however after owning lots of different fast modern bikes I realized that I wouldn't get on with a standard bike as it would ride pants in terms of general handling and braking. So I've gone down the hybrid route with better tyres, brilliant brakes better engine, modern suspension,programmable electronic ignition. What's not to like, there are so many components that have come on so much that are easy to make a big difference. My hybrid rides really well, goes round corners like a modern bike but always gives you that feeling that your riding something a bit special and a bit naughty. Yes you will have to spend a little time tweaking her here and there but even that gets a little addictive. And they are Gorgeous to look at, brings on a smile just walking into the garage and seeing her!
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Post by veg on Sept 12, 2017 9:02:08 GMT 1
I do hope you didn't expect a rational or impartial response. Basically we lurves them.
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Post by paulsx on Sept 12, 2017 14:54:07 GMT 1
Most people find they are slower than they remember, generally this is to do with the riders nowadays having a lot more padding!!
They are still fun to ride, by modern standards crude and dont stop or handle very well but mine never stopped making me smile.
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Post by earthman on Sept 12, 2017 20:49:19 GMT 1
Hi, the reason for owning is nostalgia for sure. I owned an RD350lc back in the 80s and loved it, however after owning lots of different fast modern bikes I realized that I wouldn't get on with a standard bike as it would ride pants in terms of general handling and braking. So I've gone down the hybrid route with better tyres, brilliant brakes better engine, modern suspension,programmable electronic ignition. What's not to like, there are so many components that have come on so much that are easy to make a big difference. My hybrid rides really well, goes round corners like a modern bike but always gives you that feeling that your riding something a bit special and a bit naughty. Yes you will have to spend a little time tweaking her here and there but even that gets a little addictive. And they are Gorgeous to look at, brings on a smile just walking into the garage and seeing her! The nostalgia aspect is strong for me, that's for sure. The RD350LC is the only make/model of bike that I've bought twice, the first one I crazily sold after the tank got slightly damaged,.....I just thought that I could use my car to get around, that idea lasted all of two months, until I found another one. About a year or so later I traded that in for a GPZ750 Turbo, that were the end of the two strokes basically.
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Post by earthman on Sept 12, 2017 20:51:43 GMT 1
I do hope you didn't expect a rational or impartial response. Basically we lurves them. Lol,....I kind of guessed that.
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Post by Yogi on Sept 12, 2017 21:13:46 GMT 1
You only live once I tried all sorts from supermotos to sports bikes but the lure of stinking of cazzy R soon got to me and about 30,,2 strokes later it still won't let go,,,,Thankfully Matt
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Post by alistair64 on Sept 12, 2017 21:32:52 GMT 1
Caution! Highly addictive. Mine will be more than fast enough when done plus still light enough to push around with a pair of dodgey shoulders. Also , check three times , buy once. Paul I remember the draw of a good two stroke all them years ago, thing is, once I moved onto the larger powerful 4 stokes, I didn't go back. I'm just wondering if I'm looking through 'rose tinted' glasses at the moment, buying one after all this years, will it be for me?? I'm sure you are looking through rose-tinted specs, but what's wrong with that? To an outsider, most of us on here would be classed as going through a mid-life crisis (yawn), but I believe once you get to a certain age you start to crave what you had in your younger days. However, it's no co-incidence that the reason two strokes were always my bike of choice remains the same today. Ease of maintenance, addictive power band, easily modified...nothing has really changed in the last 30-odd years compared to newer bikes.
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Post by veg on Sept 12, 2017 21:43:09 GMT 1
Over 30 years of having lc's I have been away come back been away come back etc etc etc the biggest abiding memory for me and what always brings me back is walking into the garage putting the key into the ignition turning the fuel on pulling the choke out lifting the footrest and the kickstarting the bike as it goes bluuurgh into life then gets crisper as you rev it, smelling the oil as it burns and being envelopes in 2 stroke oil. Every time I end up just grinning like a fool because I know I'm going to be giggling like I'm 18 again. That's actually why I love them nothing for me two wheeled engages my senses like that.
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Post by kostas on Sept 12, 2017 21:50:25 GMT 1
Wrong forum to ask this question. We love the pro's and laugh at the con's. Just read thru the rebuild section and you will quickly figure out that the forum needs a designated therapist.
I'm 38 years old and never even ridden an RD before I bought and restored mine. Would be the last thing I sell before I starve to death.
If you can afford one get one.
Kostas
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Post by rigga on Sept 12, 2017 22:45:18 GMT 1
walking into the garage putting the key into the ignition turning the fuel on pulling the choke out lifting the footrest and the kickstarting the bike as it goes bluuurgh into life then gets crisper as you rev it, smelling the oil as it burns and being envelopes in 2 stroke oil. I think Phil West did an article in MCN or some other publication some years back, and stated this same ritual, and I read it and thought, hell yea I remember that, and I need it again, so began my search for another LC.
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jarvy
L plate rider.
Posts: 35
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Post by jarvy on Sept 13, 2017 8:08:50 GMT 1
Back in the day I wanted a 350LC but never had the money or time. Had a RD350B that I loved.Fast forward to 2017 and although my Super Tenere does every thing I want of it I still wanted a project. Found a 250LC and having a bit of money now bought it. On the way home it seized but not before an hour of laughing and feeling 20 again! Its still not been rebuilt but its nearly there and I may finish it next week when I get back from the Classic Bol D'or. So buy one, have fun and enjoy.
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Post by bryan on Sept 13, 2017 8:16:15 GMT 1
This was 1 of 2 LCs I had in the 80s. 80s LC red wheels003 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr In 2006 I got another LC after 22 years without a bike after passing car test in 1984, thinking I would get another bike when I could afford both! Knowing myself, a big bike was a bad idea and thoughts of another LC came to mind. Ended up with a £950 numbers matching running, Taxed and MOTd UK 350LC needing help!
DSCF0639 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr Which I fully restored.
DSCF0708 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr Got a blown up YPVS engine to rebuild and put in it in 2009 for £80, but decided I had enough parts to start to build a second bike if I could get a frame, £40 got me very good German 350LC frame with a log book. Stripping Frame by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr And I built this.
DSCF0687 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr Didn't need 2 so sold the restored bike in 2010, as realised a standard LC wasn't what I was about.
DSCF0621 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr You may notice my LC affliction in for Marsbars as that's what both the LCs I had as an 18 year old were so my reasons for owning were nostalgic of a better time in our life. Added to that prices wernt too bad in the mid norty's, bits were cheapish. I'm also a tinkerer which I think LCs suite. Then In Easter 2015 after a long term relationship break up this came to stay for a while! IMG_5033 by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr My first 4 stroke ever after a DT175MX and 4 350LCs (2 in the 80s) and it proved a point, I cant be trusted on a big, fast powerful bike and moved it on in October of that year. I just love riding the LCs, they arnt that powereful or mega fast, but are just so easy and fun to hoon about on, but it still nearly has got me banned once.
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Post by bryan on Sept 13, 2017 11:02:45 GMT 1
Hi Welcome to the forum. Most members here actually use their bikes. Spose it's mainly nostalgia, as well as they are easy bikes to ride and maintain. A lot of peeps get rid of their big diesels to own an Lc/pv again, and lots have both ! Parts are readily available, including new pattern petrol tanks and bodywork. The only downside is the rising cost of parts on ebay - quite a few dealers now specialising in them and hiking the prices up. A decent Lc clockset sees £300 now, carbs £150, an Lc frame, Uk registered with paperwork can fetch £4-500 now !! It's an addictive hobby - owning an Lc or Pv, but you wont regret owning one again I'm sure Dusty Just got a new Genuine Yamaha 1 key lockset off Norbo for the measly sum of £135! 31k petrol cap though. Untitled by Bryan Haynes, on Flickr
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Post by mattybeckett on Sept 13, 2017 12:10:28 GMT 1
Welcome on board, the proof of the pudding is in the eating
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Post by speedkills on Sept 13, 2017 17:15:36 GMT 1
I own a rd250/350lc, bought it in 2009, mainly as i love 2strokes 60mph is like 140mph on a new sports bike, i have and still issues wuth the running of the bike so like any older machine you need to understand the mechanics of them it will save you money when i was younger i owned gt250, rd250, gt500, gt750, H1, H2, rgv250. Kris 250, nsr250 but never a watercooled yamaha, when its on song they are lively bikes, handle great as well, mine has bigger front brakes, short can allspeeds, micron fork brace, Avons, Main issue is fuel leaks but it will be resolved soon i hope
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Post by earthman on Sept 13, 2017 19:19:56 GMT 1
Going by bryan's photo's, isn't the back wheel meant to be off the ground when the bike is on it's center stand? I can't remember if mine were like that back in the eighties,......is it just down to wear and tear in the stand/frame mountings??
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Post by 46ob on Sept 13, 2017 21:16:01 GMT 1
Im 3 months in after much deliberation and nearly 3 decades my 4th LC is now in the garage..yes it needs tweaking,sorting & tinkering but after most rides im laughing my f*****g head off,Go buy one!!
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Post by mikee on Sept 13, 2017 22:16:02 GMT 1
They are still surprisingly practical , faster than modern traffic comfy , can be economical and reasonably cheap , but you don't want to know that They are still FUN , wazzing about , watching the rubbernecking that happens when you drive by , wheelieing away from junctions , just being a general 17 year old arse in your mid 50's , sure the big bikes in my garage can do all that ,and more , but there's a real sense of fun using the lc Then there's the fettling them Simple machines , unbolt some bits ,clean them polish them paint them , and know you've improved them , in real terms still cheap for bits too
Mike
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Post by Tobyjugs on Sept 14, 2017 8:35:37 GMT 1
I just like the way these 2 stroke machines work and deliver their power, and i also think the 4L0 type is very comfortable as well. Then you get a lot of attention from all sorts of people. I need one 2t and one 4t bike in my garage, plus i want to show other people that you should never under estimate the 2 stroke bike
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Post by bryan on Sept 14, 2017 10:20:50 GMT 1
Going by bryan's photo's, isn't the back wheel meant to be off the ground when the bike is on it's center stand? I can't remember if mine were like that back in the eighties,......is it just down to wear and tear in the stand/frame mountings?? yes, normally find that the stand goes too far back, you can drop forks a little in the yokes or get spacers welded on frame of stand to push it forward a bit.
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Post by LC_BOTT on Sept 14, 2017 12:25:25 GMT 1
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but it WILL break down on at some point, the hours of frustration, when it's been started fettled etc the night before, when you want to use it on a ride out, morning comes and 150 kicks later you'll still be thinking next one it will start fraid not, carbs off and 2hours later your on your way, don't you just love them, I've got all sorts of strokers, but just have more 'Love' for an LC, probably because it was 'my' era, and I was a rich apprentice so had new ones, and not looked back since.
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Post by earthman on Sept 14, 2017 19:31:39 GMT 1
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but it WILL break down on at some point, the hours of frustration, when it's been started fettled etc the night before, when you want to use it on a ride out, morning comes and 150 kicks later you'll still be thinking next one it will start fraid not, carbs off and 2hours later your on your way, don't you just love them, I've got all sorts of strokers, but just have more 'Love' for an LC, probably because it was 'my' era, and I was a rich apprentice so had new ones, and not looked back since. I never had any problems with the LC's that I owned back in the day, are you having problems now just because they are so old, just like with any other classic vehicle I'm guessing?? Let's say that certain parts are shot by now, what if you replaced the whole carb (s) now for example, wouldn't that get the bike's reliability back to how it were??
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reggit
Drag-strip hero
Posts: 230
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Post by reggit on Sept 14, 2017 21:18:13 GMT 1
In my case, I've only ever had one LC that I bought after passing my test in 1991. It's currently off the road following popping the (modified) engine on the way back from a rally last November. Going to build up a standard engine over this winter to gain more reliability.
As lard increases with age, and you get used to big capacity diesels, they seem really slow, but still bloody good fun!
I also run a fazer 1000 (gen 1) and am (supposed to be) restoring my Honda CB1000 'big one'.
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Post by earthman on Sept 14, 2017 23:12:35 GMT 1
So you guys call 4 stroke motorcycles 'diesels' ? That's a new one on me.
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