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Post by paualter on Jan 19, 2021 16:36:06 GMT 1
Hello guys,
I am from germany and could use some of your help for my rd. I recently bought a rd 250 lc (4L1) and want to build a hybrid. I already searched for a lot of information and reached out to Nigel from nk racing. My biggest Problem is the rear end. For the front I will look for the cheapest offer from gsxr/r6/r1/cbr ect. Since I can fabricate my own yoke‘s to fit the rd. So the problem with the rear end is not that i dont know how to do it. It is actually the part market for rgv swingarms here in Germany. I already bought a vj22 rear wheel,sproket,axle and chain adjusters. So the only thing left is the swingarm itself. I would like to know of someone has a converted swingarm for a lc for sale. I already asked on ebay uk for shipping to germany, but I did not recieve any answers. So in general I am looking for a rgv swingarm, or a converted one that fits right in.
Thanks and greetings from Germany,
Paul.
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Post by sbscnor on Jan 19, 2021 16:43:34 GMT 1
Hi Paul once you have 10 post's you get access to "Sales and Wanted", I have just had a look in "Sales" no RGV arms for sale at the moment.
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Post by lcmarky on Jan 19, 2021 16:59:05 GMT 1
Hello guys, I am from germany and could use some of your help for my rd. I recently bought a rd 250 lc (4L1) and want to build a hybrid. I already searched for a lot of information and reached out to Nigel from nk racing. My biggest Problem is the rear end. For the front I will look for the cheapest offer from gsxr/r6/r1/cbr ect. Since I can fabricate my own yoke‘s to fit the rd. So the problem with the rear end is not that i dont know how to do it. It is actually the part market for rgv swingarms here in Germany. I already bought a vj22 rear wheel,sproket,axle and chain adjusters. So the only thing left is the swingarm itself. I would like to know of someone has a converted swingarm for a lc for sale. I already asked on ebay uk for shipping to germany, but I did not recieve any answers. So in general I am looking for a rgv swingarm, or a converted one that fits right in. Thanks and greetings from Germany, Paul. Hello Paul You could consider Metmachex.. www.metmachexswingarms.co.uk/ |
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Post by paualter on Jan 19, 2021 18:15:30 GMT 1
I took a look at the memachex ones already. Sadly I don‘t like the looks since i think it is too short. The rgv looks perfect in my opinion. And to have it legal in Germany, I need the rgv since the metmachex has not been tested for german tüv certificate..
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 19, 2021 19:56:19 GMT 1
The Metmachex keeps the wheelbase standard, same as an Lc arm. Rgv will be 4" longer, which is ok but not ideal. Welcome to the forum  Dusty  |
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Post by paualter on Jan 19, 2021 20:38:42 GMT 1
That‘s right and what made me first think of getting one. But with the smaller 17 inch wheels it looks even shorter. I actually think the original one is too short too, just from die optical impression. Thats why i got stuck on the rgv conversion. By the way Dusty, I really really like your builds. Hopefully i can add some photos of my build one day!
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 19, 2021 22:13:29 GMT 1
I dont dislike the Rgv arm in the Lc - I've had a couple in the past, but I always wanted a Metmachex arm in the past and could never afford one when I was young. The price of ready converted Rgv arms isnt always that different to a Metmachex anyway, but you should go with what you want, plus the TUV certification sounds like it may be a problem for you. We all love pics and build threads, so make sure you pop them up as you go. Good luck Dusty |
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Post by donkeychomp on Jan 19, 2021 22:50:02 GMT 1
Welcome aboard Paul. Interested to hear you are building a hybrid. I always thought you couldn't modify bikes in Germany! But good luck with it and get some pictures up!
Alex
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Post by paualter on Jan 20, 2021 5:43:23 GMT 1
Sure, I just took the engine from the frame to get it rebuild, I hope that I can do that myself one day, but for now I that will be done by someone who knows better. Actually there are some Hybrids around in Germany, but they are very rare since it is really really hard to find someone who gives it the tüv certificate. For now the plan is to rebuild it and get it on the streets completely original, then time after time I want do convert it. I will upload some pictueres very soon!
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Post by paualter on Jan 21, 2021 19:45:56 GMT 1
So the engine is getting rebuild at the moment. Since it is just the 250 I thought if I should get some tuning done. The guy who is rebuilding the engine said that he would not recommend it, since the Engine itself is not build for more than stock power, or at least more than stock would not be reliable anymore. Since tuning is not legal in Germany too I wouldn‘t go too crazy anyway. So what could be easy (and maybe cheap) mods that still keep the reliability justifiable? Or would you maybe just keep it stock with some nice pipes? I don‘t really need a crazy fast rd, thats why I got my Aprilia Tuono V4, the RD is the bike for a sunny day at the local biker spot.
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Post by paualter on Jan 21, 2021 20:13:54 GMT 1
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 21, 2021 20:43:43 GMT 1
Looks good for 10 years in a barn ! Some decent pipes from Dave (Muttsnuts), or Kenny (TSA) on the forum, and a modern ignition will improve things and not affect reliability. Pair of Pwk's wouldn't hurt either Dusty |
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Post by paualter on Jan 21, 2021 21:56:46 GMT 1
Thats what was in my head, fitting 28 pwk‘s and Pipes. The guy who is rebuilding the engine just gave me the advice for the ignition half an hour ago. Pretty funny he‘s just 18 years old and a real genius when it comes to old yamaha 2 strokes (well otherwise I would not have given him the engine). But I am more focused on the fork and swingarm conversion for now, but tuning will definitely be done someday. |
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 21, 2021 22:06:56 GMT 1
Beauty of those mods are they can be done without stripping the engine - all "bolt on" mods Dusty |
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Post by paualter on Jan 22, 2021 19:21:37 GMT 1
I just thought about the front end. I would really like to keep the original speedo, problem in the first place is the speedometer cable i guess. Are there any USD front ends that could be used „plug an play“ that work with the speedo? Or do you have any other ideas how it could work? I think I should get an adjustable fork to get the right handling, or are there some models that just work well in terms of handling? Would be nice to get some tipps! Thanks.
Paul.
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Post by paualter on Jan 23, 2021 0:39:11 GMT 1
Well today I learned that everything that looks good on the outside just isn‘t always on the inside aswell. The engine got opened and the Pictures speak for themself. Some one tried to tune it and ruined the air intakes on the cylinders. Well not completely but it wasn‘t done how it should be. Then there were mounted new pistons but they have been too big for the cylinders. As if that wasn’t enough, it seems like it had a leak somewhere and coolent went into the cylinders. And last but not least the crankshaft is swimming in a mixture of oil, coolant and fuel... but well thats just how it is and it will be rebuild completely, all new bearings, new sealings, new crankshaft, reworking the air intake, new pistons and getting the cylinders honed (hopefully thats the right word for it, correct me if I am wrong). So it is going to be a rebuild thread, at least for the engine, electric seems fine, suspension too. Brakes will be refurbished and the thank + plastik will get fresh new paint and decals, and new tires of curse. Here are the pictures....  452CA34B-8F25-4711-ACF2-21A76C75B248 5D5763D2-400E-4FB0-866D-518034093F65  C61A1B63-6D77-4ABB-A81F-65F26C82A0AA 51778119-1A51-48C7-A862-C60DFEB7C833  BF8B260E-757B-43D8-843D-1E5BE289D2B2 1E7EFC2A-A370-40EB-9FD2-D234F2467439 |
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Post by 4l04ever on Jan 24, 2021 11:33:19 GMT 1
The Metmachex swingarm may still be an option, as I am sure they could make a longer version for you for drag racing etc. :-)
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Post by paualter on Jan 24, 2021 20:16:43 GMT 1
The Metmachex swingarm may still be an option, as I am sure they could make a longer version for you for drag racing etc. :-) That is a good idea, sadly not possible for germany. The rgv swingarm can be legal, since it was mounted on a street legal bike in germany (in the Original rgv of course). So metmachex sadly is no option. Just used a abrasive fleece to get the fork in good shape again. I really liked how it came out. Also the transmission is completely fine. Engine could be ready on 2-3 weeks, in that time i will hopefully finish the rest of the bike. before  Ohne Titelafter  Ohne Titelgreetings, Paul. |
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Post by paualter on Jan 27, 2021 22:25:27 GMT 1
So I finally bought an RGV swingarm that is soon on it‘s way to Nigel from NK-Racing. Soon after I opened the thread, a Member Ian wrote me a message and we had a deal! Really happy about that. So the next step will be the front end. I thought about a Fork that is easy to fit, sadly RGV parts aren‘t getting cheaper so I wanted to ask are if there any other parts that could fit just as easy.
Greetings,
Paul.
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Post by midlifecrisisrd on Jan 27, 2021 22:32:04 GMT 1
Gsxr400 gk76 forks are near identical
Steve
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 27, 2021 22:43:32 GMT 1
Glad you got sorted What about Rgv Vj21 RWU front end ? Still get a 17" wheel and it will match the rear spoke design. Looks good on the Lc I think;  20200421_115655 by dusty miller, on Flickr Normally a lot cheaper than the USD front ends too Dusty |
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Post by paualter on Jan 27, 2021 23:27:41 GMT 1
Well that would be a great alternative, but somehow my dream Hybrid is one with a USD-Fork in it. I have seen some yamaha yzf 750 r forks really cheap (model 1993). Has anyone ever tried these? Maybe I will look for a cheap Front end and just get it fit.
Another question, has somebody ever fitted a wirespoke wheel in the rgv swingarm? I once read in a german forum that a ktm supermoto wheel does fit, but haven‘t seen any pictures. An RD LC Hybrid with 17“ wirdespoke wheels would be dream, so I just want to know if it would be possible from the rear end.
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Post by dusty350 on Jan 28, 2021 8:58:05 GMT 1
Speak to Steve - Midlifecrisis - he has done a lovely Pv build with wire wheels. Pics in the resto section Dusty |
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Post by midlifecrisisrd on Jan 28, 2021 10:00:11 GMT 1
Cheers Dusty 🤗 Yes I did a wire wheel hybrid last year Used a tdr 250 rear hub as it is narrow but has a cush drive for the sprocket Unfortunately it uses a 15mm spindle and the bearings are small OD so can't be changed so spacers and reducers need made to get it to fit If you are wanting a wire wheel in an RGV arm I'd be looking for a dirt bike or supermoto rear hub with a 20mm spindle size and if possible a cush drive Without the cush or mud to absorb the shocks I'd worry about spokes breaking The front was more of a problem. Getting space for modern calipers to clear the spokes took some complex spacers and a spacer between the hub and the Speedo drive so it would clear the disc bolts I used an SR500 front hub Steve  |
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Post by midlifecrisisrd on Jan 28, 2021 10:05:53 GMT 1
Oh and I wouldn't use yzf750 forks
They will be sprung and damped for a much heavier bike so it will shake your teeth out
90's 250/400 sports bikes are your target
I've used FZS600 forks on my last couple of builds and they feel good
A soft and bouncy 600 front end is taught on a lighter 350
Right way up though
Steve
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Post by paualter on Jan 28, 2021 13:05:34 GMT 1
Oh and I wouldn't use yzf750 forks They will be sprung and damped for a much heavier bike so it will shake your teeth out 90's 250/400 sports bikes are your target I've used FZS600 forks on my last couple of builds and they feel good A soft and bouncy 600 front end is taught on a lighter 350 Right way up though Steve Well that makes sense, I already thought that too stiff suspension just won‘t work with the frame. So know I know what to look for now! What would you think about a Ducati monster (the first ones for exampel). When it is rolling and driving on the normal wheels, I will try some hubs in the rear that could fit. Greetings, Paul. |
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Post by paualter on Feb 20, 2022 22:34:41 GMT 1
after a looong time the RD was almost finished. It already went to the german TÜV and i got the license plates, the Idea of the RGV converision is not only still in my head, all the parts I need are actually stored in the garage. Sadly the guy who rebuilt the engine made a mistake and the gears can‘t be shifted properly. So the engine is on it‘s way back to be checked. Otherwise it would have been ready for the very first ride. But just to give you guys some updates on the looks, here are some pictures. Body parts are painted in a metallic white, which I think looks just perfect compared to the original plain white. Still not sure about the sticker colours. The original should be orange and red, but it like the blue way more. Can‘t really decide yet  So here is the converted swingarm (which arrived 6 months after shipping due to brexit and did cost me a fortune)  That was when the engine was removed and i cleaned every part I could reach   Then the rd got new tires and the engine was back in again  And then the almost finished bike. Cant really wait to ride it the first time    I will update you guys when the rd is completely built and when the rgv conversion starts. Greeting from Germany! |
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Post by dusty350 on Feb 21, 2022 7:37:24 GMT 1
A vast improvement on what you started with Well done |
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Post by LC_BOTT on Feb 21, 2022 9:42:25 GMT 1
Seems a shame to hybrid it, after doing such a good job on the restoration.
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Post by paualter on Feb 21, 2022 12:48:13 GMT 1
Seems a shame to hybrid it, after doing such a good job on the restoration. Yes you do have a point there, and the plan is by now to ride it at least 1 season original. But I already bought all the parts for the conversion, so the money would be wasted if I dont convert it. And I am still in love with the looks of a hybrid rd lc. I will at least try to able to put it in stock condition anytime I want to. But since I dont really have a lot of sparetime the conversion could be delayed to an unknow year I guess  |
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