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Post by downerhouse on Apr 30, 2023 12:52:40 GMT 1
I've got one of those Oxford helmet locks with that uses a wire and combination lock. It would be fairly easy to remove if someone wanted to, but I only use it when necessary, and have confidence in the surroundings I'm leaving the bike in. No problems to date.
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Post by downerhouse on Aug 26, 2021 22:07:29 GMT 1
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Post by downerhouse on Aug 26, 2021 21:52:51 GMT 1
Hi all
Some of you will remember I started selling some 3d printed coil covers a few months back for the LC350.
The original items were 3d printed using ABS plastic, and were relatively thick compared to the stock Yamaha item.
I had some very reasonable feedback , which prompted me to redesign these, and re-engineer using a different more flexible plastic (PETG) to make them more like the original Yamaha items.
I've had quite a bit of help from a member of this forum in the redevelopment process, to try and perfect what is an extremely difficult part to produce. I'm very grateful for that forum member, who has been invaluable in their input and feedback.
After countless further prototypes, time and money spent, I've now listed the 3d printed coil cover in my eBay shop today. You can easily search for these as I'm not sure of the rules for placing direct link here.
Just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm responsible for the design and manufacture of these rare parts - so please direct any questions or feedback to me.
And if any suggestions for other products to make, then I'm always open to your ideas.
Thanks
Steve.
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Post by downerhouse on May 19, 2021 13:29:46 GMT 1
When you have some more let me know Steve I'd be interested [br I have a batch good to go - can do you a discount if you'd like to do a transaction direct as I will avoid ebay fees etc. You'll get the same customer service and support as any other of my customers. If interested, please PM me and I can give you the details. Thanks Steve]
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Post by downerhouse on May 19, 2021 11:50:23 GMT 1
Just received refund from Steve at Printed Parts..comms have been very good as has his word. For me the part just needs a little development to reduce rigidity and improve flex. It covers the coil area as per the std part (which I also have..in 2 pieces..🙄) so will fulfill its intended purpose. Repeat removal and refitting may also be a consideration arguably..it’s a genuinely good effort that, when tweaked, I would buy again. Thanks :-) I have been selling my printed parts on Ebay and other places for over a year, and I have not had a single disatissfied customer. I always make sure people are 100% happy, even if it costs me money. As an aside, I tried to demonstrate the normal strength and flexibility of the coil mount this morning, and I think everyone will agree that the flex withing the existing design, is more than enough to stretch over the LC frame. Was a bit difficult taking the photo without help, but I think you'll get the general idea from the attached. One photo shows the normal "resting" position of the coil cover, the other is as far as I could stretch the sides one handed. Hope that helps anybody who is interested in purchasing my product. And as a final comment, I do very much appreciate all feedback - good or bad. The beauty of 3d printing is that it is a truly agile production method, and every print I manufacture can potentially be slightly different from the previous one - as I try to build in as many improvements on all my products as possible in order to ensure that are as good as they can possibly be. Hope everyone has a great day and thanks for your interest.
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Post by downerhouse on May 18, 2021 22:10:50 GMT 1
Been a printer Weenie for a few years now. Yess I know .. I print junk for my grandaughters as my only redeeming excuse. Initial reaction on seeing that print was: It's Gonna snap on install. It's far too thick and it should be printed in PTEG filament .. similar stuff as plastic drinks bottles: tough and a bit flexy. One can also print in Nylon. Then there's the Price. IMO a Wee bit 'aggressive' to say the least. Thanks for the feedback. I'll aim to deal with your comments in turn: 1. Initial reaction. "it's going to snap". You do realise that the vast majority of motorcycle body parts are made from ABS? If so, you will know that such parts have reasonable flex and impact resistance? I may be a small company, but it goes without saying that I would not bring to market a product that has not been thoroughly tested. In my world, this means making a quality product that fits its intended purpose and does not snap. If my 100s of prototypes had snapped, it would not be for sale. 2.its too thick and should be printed in PETG or nylon. The original OEM Yamaha item was too thin and prone to breaking, and is a contributory factor on why this product has a demand. My version has a much higher quality design, but ABS is not as flexible as the OEM plastic, which is mentioned on my sales listing on eBay. 3. As you have knowledge of 3d printing, you will know that a part such as this coil cover will require significant printing supports to make it viable. Neither PETG nor nylon are good materials to use where significant supports are required. 4. The price. Well apart from the fact that nobody's arm is twisted to purchase, just consider the 100s of hours of development time and cost I have invested in bringing this to market. In addition, each product takes 7 hours to print. Consider the eBay fees, packaging, banking fees, material cost, R&D time, warranty replacements, and time I spend supporting my customers. That makes it seriously less than minimum wage stuff. But I'd be very happy for any other person to undercut me with a better product for less money. In the end I try to charge a reasonable price that makes it worthwhile for me to produce it at. Have a great evening.
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Post by downerhouse on May 18, 2021 19:39:37 GMT 1
Hi everyone
Just thought I'd chip in, as I'm the guy that makes and sells these, and to hopefully help with any concerns or questions
This 3d printed coil bracket part is made in a single piece. It is not plastic welded or assembled in any way using glues etc.
I have spent 6 months designing this and getting it ready for market. For those who have any involvent with 3d printing will know how difficult it is to print an item such as this.
During the development, I have printed countless prototypes at considerable expense, and I can honestly say that during this development time, not a single part has failed in this way. ABS is an inherently strong and flexible plastic, albeit not as flexible as the OEM Yamaha item.
I am sure that most people have had product issues before with household names & brands, and no product is ever 100% perfect.
The most important thing is what a business does to make its customers happy when unfortunate and unforseen issues occur.
I already offered a number of resolutions to my customer within a few minutes of being notified there was an issue.
I'll continue to refine my design and product and any customer who buys from me can be sure I stand behind anything I bring to market
Hope that helps but happy to take any questions!
Steve
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 16, 2018 8:03:45 GMT 1
I think one of the main problems in the article is that there is nowhere near enough info / pictures to show the amount of work and quality of workmanship done on any of the bikes.
We all know from this thread the manhours, attention to detail and quality that has gone into this build
I’m sure that the others have similar story - but in my view those cannot have been as difficult as this build, and produce such a “factory” finish.
Just my 2p worth.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 15, 2018 20:26:38 GMT 1
The specials are all great, but honestly speaking, the 550 makes the others look lame. Really hope she wins.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 15, 2018 14:09:17 GMT 1
My vote done!
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Post by downerhouse on Mar 18, 2018 10:52:11 GMT 1
Absolutely stunning. The photos are fantastic. I know which bike I’ll be voting for 😀
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Post by downerhouse on Feb 5, 2018 10:14:02 GMT 1
Thanks arrow. Much appreciated.
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Post by downerhouse on Feb 4, 2018 19:07:48 GMT 1
Hi, could somebody tell me the inside diameter of the shims for adjusting the stroke on a oil pump please?
Thanks a lot
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 20, 2018 12:38:29 GMT 1
I ordered some Dyna this morning along with some Taylor HT leads. Looking forward to feeling the difference.
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 19, 2018 19:48:23 GMT 1
Hi all, please could somebody give an opinion on what would be the best ignition coils for a RD350 YPVS 31K? I've been looking at Dynatek stuff, but not sure if anything better?
For any recommendation, please could you advise appropriate part number and whether any mods required in fitting (will fit to standard mounting or not?)
Many thanks Steve
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 13, 2018 19:26:48 GMT 1
I either use Triple S or DR Coatings in Romsey, Hampshire. Dave there is a top bloke and does a great job for little money. Had loads of my stuff done there. I've never come across DR, thats close to me, hows his work and is he quick? Yes, they are quick, very friendly and very cheap (in my opinion). I’ve had several frames, sets of wheels and other stuff done by them. Great job every time. These days I live in London and drive down to still use them
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 13, 2018 16:47:40 GMT 1
I either use Triple S or DR Coatings in Romsey, Hampshire. Dave there is a top bloke and does a great job for little money. Had loads of my stuff done there.
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Post by downerhouse on Nov 27, 2017 19:23:46 GMT 1
I admire your patience. Getting this project to current state has been fascinating. By now I’d be ready go and thrash the arse of her! Fantastic.
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Post by downerhouse on Jul 11, 2017 19:17:06 GMT 1
Deleted account. Appropriate feedback given.
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Post by downerhouse on Jul 11, 2017 15:03:53 GMT 1
Likewise Jon, another 2 weeks and I'll be deleting my Photobucket A/C. It still fills me with great sadness that people (taken from us far too early) like Nikfubar : all his fantastic, inspirational work and information will be lost. I'm still so angry with photobucket, they haven't thought about all the implications of their actions. Someone will take them to court.
Anyway Jon, I've added missing photos to my thread as well, and yes my thread is getting a bit like "war and peace"
I deleted ever photo Friday night. Just need to find a way to delete my account now. The more people that delete accounts means the sooner their advertises pull their funding due to dwindling audience the better. I would have paid say €20 a year, to host my photos, but the greedy barstewards have totally got their marketing wrong. I expect many would have coughed up say €20, but €400 a year, when there are other alternatives for free!!! (at the moment). Worst of all is the no notice. I don't trust them anymore (along with most folk). Last time I accessed their site it was like a corrupted dodgy site. Jon I agree. I logged in to my account for the first time in ages at the weekend. Pop up ads every few seconds, some I could hardly get rid of. Like a dodgy scam site. So I deleted all my photos, but could not find a way to delete my account.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 7, 2017 10:06:56 GMT 1
Yep, I saw that too and reported it to Ebay this morning.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 2, 2017 17:27:15 GMT 1
Doesn't work if you don't have Yamaha keys / locks to start with.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 2, 2017 16:55:36 GMT 1
I tried various combinations of taking the bottom off, and brass ring etc. But when the ignition was switched to steering lock, the power would come back on. So after a few hours of faffing decided the solder method would be quickest.
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Post by downerhouse on Apr 2, 2017 16:16:38 GMT 1
Single key conversion for YPVS.
Thought some of you might like to know this. I've just spent a few hours converting my multi key 31K YPVS to single key.
I took a gamble and ordered a new old stock 4L0 key set off eBay. Not cheap at around£180.
The fuel cap fits straight on.
The seat latch needs taking off and is very easy to dismantle and swap the old / new lock cylinders over. If you can't be bothered to do that that 4LO catch bolts straight on but the helmet hook and seat catch are slightly smaller.
The ignition was a little trickier. I cut the new 4L0 wires and soldered on the cable from the original 31k lock. Same colours, you just need to take care of the 2 black wires - the 4L0 block is 6 wire and 31K 5 wire with a separate black bullet for the 6th. Pretty easy really if you take your time.
As an added bonus I also got a working steering lock as my bike was a Belgium import which originally had a frame steering lock - so I had the frame modded to accept a uk steering lock.
Hope that helps. Steve
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Post by downerhouse on Feb 25, 2017 14:30:37 GMT 1
Hello. Does anybody know the Internal diameter of the coolant hose on a YPVS please? Could somebody kindly measure it for me if you have your bike in bits?
Thanks a lot. Steve
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 18, 2017 12:39:04 GMT 1
Hi all My '84 RD350 YPVS 31K will shortly be completed after a full and thorough, and very professional restoration by Cider County 2 Strokes. I have yet to see her in the flesh, but the photos look stunning. Originally a Belgium bike, has matching frame / engine numbers and from the factory was a LC2. Has been converted at some point to a "N" model, which I prefer. For the restoration, I left as an N, and kept the red frame, which looks superb. I've got some Gibson allspeeds for it made up, and other than that is pretty standard, apart from the rebore had to +0.75. And had the frame / lockstops mod done to accept UK key / steering lock rather than the original annoying frame based lock. I've attached a few photos to give an idea of what she will look like. So a couple of questions: 1) Which firms would you recommend (if any) for guaranteed insurance value? 2) How much should I insure her for? Thanks Steve
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Post by downerhouse on Jan 2, 2017 23:52:23 GMT 1
Here goes....
Suzuki Love (!), 1983, 50cc (originally belonged to my mum but got me into biking) Kawasaki AR50, 1989 Yamaha RXS100, 1989 GPZ500, 1992 CBR600, 1998 Honda XL250 motorsport, 1974 VTR1000, 2000 Yamaha R6, 2004 Yamaha R6 Rossi rep, 2006 Aprilia RSV1000, 2007 Peugeot Satelis 500 (winter bike and commuter weapon) KTM SMT 990 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner (current main bike) Yamaha TZR125 YPVS, 1989 Yamaha RD350 YPVS 31K, 1984
I think that's it for now!
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Post by downerhouse on Dec 31, 2016 10:32:57 GMT 1
Wow. I bought a NOS one from Spain on eBay just over a year ago for £30 including shipping to U.K.
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Post by downerhouse on Dec 30, 2016 10:26:28 GMT 1
Just for amusement, I typed in just the words "barn find" into Ebay. It's amazing what finds its way into a barn these days....
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Post by downerhouse on Dec 30, 2016 6:42:31 GMT 1
Wow.
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