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Post by charles13 on Aug 9, 2021 15:43:44 GMT 1
After much anticipation I picked up my 1982 lc, I’m already building a ypvs hybrid but when this lc came up for sale I researched them and just fell in love with the uniqueness and limited availability (at least on this side of the pond).  The frame and swingarm where previously Powder coated and through my sorting of parts and subsequent inventory has revealed that I am missing the right side panel and center stand (if anyone has these please let me know). I read through JonW’s post about frame bracing and had intended on copying some of his ideas but it’s a shame to ruin the Powdercoat so I need some input on the pros and cons of the stock frame and swingarm for spirited riding. The forks are all rusted and would need a complete overhaul so; I have a choice between using the ypvs forks (may need re-chromed) with lc wheels or, a complete sv650 wheel and fork swap. I like the look of the stock wheels honestly but I also enjoy 17” rubber between me and the road! My ultimate goal with this one is a reliable daily driver that looks and sounds nostalgic and works like a modern bike. If I am asking too much please let me know. |
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Post by dougw on Aug 9, 2021 16:52:37 GMT 1
Hi nice project !
Hmm, "works like a modern bike" , might be asking too much.
In the 90`s I put Cagiva Mito forks and wheels on my proddy race 350 and did a few races. Got the chance to race an RGV250, never took an LC on the track since.
Personally, I`d use the YPVS forks with some YSS cartridge emulators in and keep the standard wheels , as I like the look of the stock wheels, even though they are incredibly heavy.
I`ve built my current LC to use as a daily ride , conservative tune, It's a time machine taking me back to being 18 again.
I`m in the process of updating the suspension on mine with a YSS rear shock and some cartridge emulators, though won`t be able asses the difference for a few months as I`ve just had my mashed shoulder rebuilt.
The most modern road bike I have is a TL1000R with Ohlins rear shock and modified forks, don`t want to ride anything newer as I know it will show up the TL !
Others with uprated bikes may have other opinions, but I love my 350LC despite knowing it doesn't compare in any measurable way to a "modern" bike, apart from the noise, smell and "Smile" factor !
Good luck with the project.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 9, 2021 17:58:24 GMT 1
I do like the look of the stock wheels a lot! and the suspension upgrades are a must, I have also been thinking about the metmachex swingarm upgrade. A lot of people are talking up the YSS upgrades and I have personally been talking to Maxton suspension; but keep in mind my ypvs uppers would need re-chromed and I’m not sure what that is worth. I also have the ypvs pipes, carbs, reeds and wire harness if necessary (I really am ignorant about what these old bikes need and what actually works), so I really am dependent (and gracious) on the input from this forum as there is a ton of knowledge on here for me to digest.
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Post by veg on Aug 9, 2021 18:07:00 GMT 1
Charles the stock wheels are incredibly heavy, but are an iconic part of the bikes look.
If you have lc2 forks as above strip and completely rebuild new seals, bushes, springs oil etc and the emulators. Forget about the air part of the forks. Yss shocks have a following as they are decent shocks at decent prices, the metmachex is probably more looks than anything else. Jon’s bracing is a good bet if you’re upgrading the motor for more performance these old bikes were designed when chassis design and development was a misunderstood art.
Minimum brake up grade would be a 250 master cylinder but you can also easily upgrade the calipers.
Part of the charm of these bikes are the fact that they entertain at far less serious speeds than modern stuff. 👍
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Post by charles13 on Aug 9, 2021 18:18:27 GMT 1
I don’t plan on upgrading the powerplant other than the ypvs carbs, yz85 reeds and basic port matching and blueprinting, although I have been interested in the o-ring head threads. I am leaning towards JonW’s post with regards to finishing the welds and some discreet bracing. I honestly did not realize that the stock wheels are ridiculously heavy so that is a concern but I do love the spiral spokes and; I have heard mixed replies about the metmachex. I am also looking for input about upgrading the electrical as it’s all very old and not looking so good.
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Post by veg on Aug 9, 2021 18:26:38 GMT 1
Yes unfortunately the std wheels and discs are massively over weight, I changed both wheels and discs because of it, if you think of the effect they have on handling, braking etc it’s pretty horrifying for a lightweight junkie like myself. If you lighten those you’ll make a dramatic difference and you don’t necessarily need to go down the route of modern suspension and wheels if done properly.
Ignition upgrades are one of the best things you can do for more consistent and better performance.
You say over the pond? In the states? There are a few guys over your side of the woods. They may be better to advise about getting the stanchions re hard chromed etc.
I’m sure Jon will more than happily advise re frame bracing etc.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 9, 2021 22:17:03 GMT 1
Veg, what wheels and discs did you use? I have been looking at Vape ignitions, what are other brands I should be looking at?
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Post by shaunthe2nd on Aug 9, 2021 22:56:20 GMT 1
Welcome Charles, you made a great decision to buy.
I recently did a 'build from box' on a 31k and decided to put it together as a dry build to start with to understand what I had, what was missing, what is crap/wrong and importantly how it goes together.
Once done, I made a note of what I needed, and what needed doing, stripped down and started from scratch. Took 12 months start to finish.
This was different from previous as most my builds started from a rough complete bike, so good luck with yours.
... and yes the stock wheels are heavy but look fantastic in my eye.
Good luck with yours, keep the pics coming.
Shaun.
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Post by JonW on Aug 10, 2021 2:22:34 GMT 1
Welcome Charles!
Ok, how about this for a curve ball... My advice: Don't do anything at all, build it OEM...! OMG, did i really just suggest that?! LOL
My reasoning: You've never ridden a standard one of these, how do you know what you will need to improve? The LC is actually really likeable and fun just as Yam intended. It obviously has a charm and is fast and capable 'enough', thats why we all love it. It changed learner laws and provided a generation with thrills we will never forgot. So, its obviously not all bad. Ok, yes small upgrades (like a 1/2" master cyl), pipes etc etc all add a little to the package, thats why we did that stuff back in the day, it also made the bike 'ours'. Its an iconic bike and rare where you live so Id build it and enjoy it like that for a bit at least. Certainly losing the iconic 'italic' wheels would be sad as you've a cush drive 350 as well I see etc. Thin tyres dont meant zero grip, tho our modern obsession with fat rubber might make us believe otherwise.
Ok, part of my reasoning is that you're a long way to having a bike to ride with the frame the way it is now and if you can build it up and ride it for a bit you might well decide you like it for a daily rider as it is. All old bikes (especially 2 strokes) are a compromise and will need way more maintenance, handle worse and go less well than even some cheap brand new commuter 4T bike etc. If you really want to go fast and handle well you really need a modern bike etc. So as for expecting too much, yeah probably, but you wont hate the LC to daily I dont think, its just going to need a bit more love than a modern machine and it will have character, not be like owning a kitchen appliance etc.
Also, remember many of us rode these bikes as daily transport and did a lot of miles on them as standard, or close to it. Back in the day not everyone did major mods to these bikes, a lot of it was simple bolt on stuff for looks, most of us were skint remember. You defo dont need modern wheels and tyres or brakes to enjoy an LC, really as veg said the fact its not silly fast is one of its charms as it'll excite and scare you without doing silly speeds; so less chance of death, just some serious maiming lol
As for frame bracing, I certainly would leave for now as you are not looking to put a lot more power into the bike. No matter what you do this design of tube frame isnt going to be as solid as a modern alloy beam frame. The work I did was to cope with the forces from modern suspension/wheels and also for double the power at the rear wheel. I think what i did was about the best I could do and will agree that some of it was probably overkill. For sure Yam did leave a bit to be desired when they built these, they got a lot better at frames as the years and models moved on. Remember the LC has old style suspension and the frame flex helps ride quality. We are used to cars and bikes so stiff now (and tyres so thin with no flex) that the suspension has to do all the work, but thats not how the 70s was, and thats when this bike was designed.
Its easy to forget when you read (as you should) the builds and mods on here that the LC/ypvs was actually a really good bike when new. Ok that was the early 80s, and things are different now, as ive said modern stuff is better all round and there is great temptation to improve the LC, we've always been doing that. I really do think that the reason that we like to mod these was that we got the bug to do mods on bikes from these bikes. They were cheap transport and easy to work on. The lent themselves to mods from day one and we just got more daring as we got older etc. Some of the stuff we can do now is light years from the knowledge/ability and the rubbish parts we had back in the day, the net has helped with all of that.
Just FYI, I have 3 LCs. One is a totally standard 350 resto. One is mildly modded in the JDM style with a ypvs engine and some fork internals/YSS shock etc The third is the 421 with the RGV wheels/suspension, modded frame, steering damper, huge rad with auto fan, zeeltronic, gps clocks etc etc etc It was the ultimate expression of what I could do when i first built it 10 years back and ive refreshed it a few times over those years. i love it, but its not really an LC if im honest like the first two are. Its a totally different animal.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 10, 2021 2:53:53 GMT 1
Well JonW,
You’ve really got my attention now! I did have a 76 rd400 with just a set of pipes and jetting, and I put a lot of miles on that bike so I really hear where you are coming from and, I do have the ypvs hybrid build to complement it (although I am constantly waiting on parts). It’s settled then; stock heavy wheels and some subtle mods will make it a memorable and fun daily driver. I am however going to use my ypvs forks, buy some lightweight rotors, triumph calipers and a new shock as nobody will really notice these mods. In the name of reliability I will also upgrade the ignition and charging systems and just ride it, a lot. So tomorrow I will start mocking it up and see what I’ve bought.
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Post by JonW on Aug 10, 2021 3:08:43 GMT 1
Sounds like a plan Charles, glad i could help. I am only one opinion tho, plenty more out there lol. I do think as youve one hybrid already that you might enjoy this standard. We'll see i guess!  FYI You will find you need to fit the LC2 top parts of the fork setup to the lower legs of the later models in order to fit the Triumph calipers, not least if you want to use the LC headlight ears etc. Have a good search on this subject on the forum, a fair bit on info exists already etc. Maybe try the early forks with their calipers and a 1/2 master first? those parts are likely easy to find where you live (I assume USA?) unlike the later fork bottoms. Lightweight brake disks... considering the weight of the rest of this setup, I admire your optimism lol The 'not noticing of mods' was how I wanted my 251LC to be. If you check out that build you might agree, it does look to most people like a standard LC until they look closer. The resto LC is one people just nod at and smile, the 251LC holds their attention while they look for whats different. The 421, er... some people shake their heads and walk on by haha. |
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Post by arrdy350 on Aug 10, 2021 8:16:47 GMT 1
Welcome to the forum and good luck with the project 👍
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Post by oldbritguy on Aug 10, 2021 9:26:28 GMT 1
I love a box of bits project.
Keep it as standardish as possible without going overboard and enjoy the journey. As everyone has said so far, these bikes were great fun in the early 80s and are still great now. Cheap reliable thrills with massive grin factor thrown in.
Keep us updated with your progress as you go along
John 🙂
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Post by donkeychomp on Aug 10, 2021 21:10:33 GMT 1
Like the lads and lasses say, I'd keep it stock, at least at first. so you can experience the joys of owning a standard LC. You think an RD400 is a hoot? (and yes it is), the LC will shock you compared to that. Fast and frantic lol. Later on down the line is when I'd be thinking about modding it. And welcome aboard!
Alex
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Post by charles13 on Aug 11, 2021 23:48:59 GMT 1
Well… the wiring looks a mess so I thought I would start with that,I really need someone smarter than I to give me some direction or  input at this point; should I try and save it? Or, can I use a 31k harness that I have in good shape?  I guess I should really start a proper build thread at this point in the inventory. |
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 0:17:18 GMT 1
The 31k harness isnt going to fit right, the LC is a different layout. You can get new looms, I would go that route for a daily, old wiring isnt going to be good enough for that.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 12, 2021 0:21:06 GMT 1
At the risk of sounding new: where from?
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 1:02:27 GMT 1
Have a bit if a search on here for the details but the LC club (and someone else as well?) had them. Ive never used one, just know it exists. These are brand new reproductions, not OEM, but apparently a good fit etc. A NOS OEM one will be circa 500 quid now id think. NOS LC parts are only going one way it seems...
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Post by charles13 on Aug 12, 2021 1:59:00 GMT 1
Well the best I can come up with is this one from Legend Cycles but it’s pricey and I don’t know anything about it, has anybody got a review for this harness?  |
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 2:14:13 GMT 1
I would avoid anything Legend. But thats just my opinion. As you might have seen in your searching Ive been quite vocal about their stuff before on here, tho not used that loom.
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 2:15:33 GMT 1
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 2:18:16 GMT 1
3rd link was to a thread on here with info and some about some guy who makes them etc: rdlccrazy.proboards.com/thread/47855/wiring-loom?page=1Worth adding to that thread or PMing those guys? --- Im stopping now, you can do this stuff yourself... lol The forum has a great search and lots and lots of good info from people who have done this stuff and google is also your friend as ever. |
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Post by julianboolean on Aug 12, 2021 8:54:30 GMT 1
Well the best I can come up with is this one from Legend Cycles but it’s pricey and I don’t know anything about it, has anybody got a review for this harness? Those looms are made in India, I've got one for a YPVS, I bought mine from a shop in Dallas, Texas and with the postage to the UK it was about £180, it looks okay, it's a wiring loom there isn't much to go wrong.
BTW mine's for a US spec RZ350 not a European bike and is a little different to the European loom.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 12, 2021 15:02:22 GMT 1
Jonw, I actually joined the lc club just to get information about this; and when I click on the forum link it just sends to the home page with a Facebook comments window (I don’t have Facebook). I followed the link that you provided and that looks like exactly what I need but it is sold out. I’m not sure if it is my phone but I can’t seem to access the forum and there is no search function, it was quite frustrating actually and I really felt very tech ignorant. |
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Post by charles13 on Aug 12, 2021 15:36:55 GMT 1
This is all get after logging in to the lc club (after paying the membership) almost every link I click on sends me here, I’ve emailed them but I can’t figure out how to get into the forums  It’s actually the most frustrating forum I’ve ever joined; I spent hours trying to get in! the worst part is I actually got into the forum through a google search once. |
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Post by oldelsieboy on Aug 12, 2021 16:35:27 GMT 1
This is all get after logging in to the lc club (after paying the membership) almost every link I click on sends me here, I’ve emailed them but I can’t figure out how to get into the forums It’s actually the most frustrating forum I’ve ever joined; I spent hours trying to get in! the worst part is I actually got into the forum through a google search once. There is no longer a forum just a chat room accessed via "Team App" www.teamapp.com/?_detail=v1The looms are made in batches, ATM they are indeed sold out but, IIRC the guy who makes them is in the process of making the next batch. Send an email enquiry to shop@lcclub.co.ukOEB |
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Post by charles13 on Aug 12, 2021 17:02:18 GMT 1
Thank you very much oldelsieboy! That was well worth the effort if I can get my hands on a new loom!
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Post by oldelsieboy on Aug 12, 2021 17:18:41 GMT 1
Thank you very much oldelsieboy! That was well worth the effort if I can get my hands on a new loom! They are excellent replicas, have fitted one myself, plug and play just like OEM. OEB |
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Post by JonW on Aug 12, 2021 23:49:59 GMT 1
Perfect, thats what i meant by sending an email. Get on the list etc.
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Post by charles13 on Aug 22, 2021 21:22:34 GMT 1
So I’ve been digging in a little more and the ignition switch is toast, the voltage regulator appears to have come from a bike wrecker, the fuse box is missing and I’m suspect as to how the stator and ignition has held up throughout this traumatic life! It appears I will have to redo the entire electrical system in order to have a reliable daily driver, my issue at this point is that putting it back to nos will cost me upwards of $2000cad so I need to know what alternative solutions others that have gone done this road before me have done? I am putting a Motogadget m-unit on my 31k hybrid with Zeeltronics and Power Dynamo and that’s not much cheaper! Someone must have a better (cheaper) solution?
Charlie
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