Yikes!
And that's the condition I usually find them in as well.
I like to refer to this as a 'blank canvas'. Thanks for posting, and looking forward to future posts!

 

That bike looks like it will be a real hoot to ride! Have fun with the resto!

 

I will! And you're right . . . the Yamaha 350's from the 70's were renowned for their acceleration, often (with the right rider) embarrassing 650's.
Stay tuned for more. Same Bat channel. Same Bat station.

 

Wish I could find one to restore.

 

Well, the work has started in earnest. I'm ready to go to the paint shop and I'm ready to start rebuilding the engine . . . almost. The crank wouldn't rotate 360 degrees! It turned out that the lead weight in the counter balance part of the crank somehow came loose and moved into the little space where the rod rotates. After various consultations, I decided to drill a small hole through the crank and into the lead portion. I countersunk the hole and then put a flat-head screw in to hold the lead in place. I then welded the screw in so it would NEVER come loose. I filed it down so it's smooth and has the same clearance it had before. Cool. More updates coming . . .

 

Seat repair and re-upholstering . . . I think I'd rather get a napalm enema than do another one of those. If you do one yourself, throw away the little "bolt things" that hold the cool chrome strip around the base of the seat, or believe me, you're gonna wish you were dead. Go to the hardware store and purchase the correct size rivets and some push-nuts. MUCH easier!

I should have the engine totally back together in a day or so . . . more to follow.

I'll be out of town for a few days . . . next update coming Novemeber 1st.

 

Nice.....can't wait!

 

I love cylinders with the diamond cut, they look so nice!

 

Diamond cut . . . I like that description. Sounds so much cooler than "The Striped Look". Thanks!!

 

Well, the engine went back together very smoothly . . . until I got to the clutch. *Sigh* See below . . .
Then I decided to tackle the front forks. Talk about oil! The ground beneath the sands of the Middle East ain't got nothin' on these shocks. I felt like changing my name to Yabdul Sahib.

 

The side covers came out very nice. I'll let the paint dry for several more days before I actually stick the decals on. I decided that the only way to continue from here was to have everything totally clean. I can't stand working on greasy, filthy parts . . . never could. Anyway, the bottom picture, although necessary, still makes my teeth sweat.

 

Great progress (even though we know the outcome!) More, please!

 

This is the 'low point' of a rebuild. The excitement of tearing the bike down is over, and now the only part of the entire process that is truly "work" begins. Every single piece, every nut, bolt, washer . . . everything gets washed and/or wire buffed until it gleams. There is however, a certain sense of instant gratification as each part appears from out underneath all the dirt and grease to become a beautiful shiny part again. Yes, I discovered the gears in the speedometer have been stripped. And, yes, I did make up a few new words in my deliriously happy display immediately following the discovery. Oh well, there are ALWAYS alternatives. The rims are at the tire shop getting brand new tires and tubes put on. When I pick them up I'll replace all the bearings and seals.

 

Awesome pix!
So you use paint then, and not powdercoat on the frame, swingarm and triple tree?

 

Correct - Not as tough - but it looks great and it's cheaper. I put 2 coats of primer and 2-3 coats of black. I just have to be careful when I'm installing parts on the frame.

 

I have a powdercoater who will clean, sandblast AND powdercoat frame, swingarm and triple tree for $250.00. When I figure in the time wasted in man/hours, paint and materials, I think I come out ahead. It's tough stuff, too.

 

Ha! I'm all done with the painting portion. All the myriad of little parts are all waiting to be installed. I have to do some work on the two wheels first . . . bearings and seals for both. And THEN It will start going the other way. Back together. I'm excited!

 

Well, the prep work has ended. Now begins the wonderful journey of building a classic motorcycle.:biggrin:

 

I have a 71 Yamaha r5 and was wondering what carb kit did you use?

 

Neat!....
My dad and I had matching '72 R5's......
I'd say they pioneered the RD's.....they fly....
exspansion chambers looked great on them too......

 

You don't happen to have any photos do you? I'd LOVE to see the 2 R5s together.

How cool is THAT to have a matching bike with your dad? Great memories, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing!

 

I now have a little time to really add some personal touches . . . so . . .

 

So far this is utterly AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Well, thank you, sir! As they say, 'the devil is in the details'. Does it take a lot of time? Yes. Is it worth it in the end? Definitely!!

 

I thought I was a great restorer, but your level of detail and perfection go further than I've ever delved. This build is an inspiration to my future restos. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

 

It is really encouraging to see something that looks like my motorcycle again. It has been scattered for so long I almost forgot how nice it was going to look.

 

What....am I the only one that thinks this thread is the cat's pajamas?

 

no buell, I am on board, love watching the transformation, mostly because i lack the skills to do it so...

 

No, I am very interested!!! This is amazing to watch the transformation. The details that are being attended to are incredible. I have been watching every post and have been showing my hubby. He also says Grace really knows what he's doing and pays great attention to make sure everything is "right". I just can't imagine he can do all he is doing in the timeframes he is talking about. I liked the prior resto thread he did also!!!! WONDERFUL
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

Here's a cool license plate frame I found on the net . . .

I'll post the freshly painted tank and body parts tomorrow!!! Yea!!!

 

By the way, a BIG 'thank you' to all who are following this restore. Your comments are most kind. :thumbsup: I hope I have provided either some helpful hints or some inspiration . . . believe me, the end result is SO worth the effort. I have always been a big fan of the classic 70's bikes, so it makes it all that much more fun.