1973 rd 350

[SteveO]

I always loved this bike. Its been sitting in my shed for over 30 years. It slowly fell out of use after I got my XS 1100 in 1986. (The XS still runs great, by the way).

The last time I used the 350, it ran great. Was machiniclly sound and still kicked-butt on the road. But now it needs a lot of clean-up and TLC. Some creature made a nest in the battery compartment, and a ground hog ate most of my seat!

The engine might be frozen as the kick starter no longer moves the cylinders and I DO NOT want to force it. I removed the spark plugs and poured in some Miracle Mystery Oil, but it is not budging. I didn't want to remove the heads, but I may have to if I really want this to run. I am no machinic, but I am hoping I can work on this two-stroke; a little at a time. Wish me luck!

[LAB3]

I'd be more inclined to pull off one the covers off and grab onto the crankshaft directly with a socket and a breaker bar instead of using the kicker, more things to break if it gets stubborn with your kicker.

[rdmycguy]

Hey Stevo,Good luck getting the rd going,I have three of them and bought my first one in 1975, (and still have it )they are super easy to take the top ends off of and there is still a lot of parts to be found. Let me know how or if you need any ideas, thoughts or info about them.....Joe

[SteveO]

Joe ... Thanks for the good luck wish. I'm not a real mechanic so I'm relying on any help/advice that my friends and readers may have. I hurt my leg just before the 4th of July, so I've been hobbling around for a couple of weeks and have not gotten anything new done with the RD; but I am feeling better and getting around with more ease so I hope to pull it out over the weekend and see what is going on. Something is preventing the engine from turning, but I hope the Marvel Oil loosened it up (from sitting for so many years). Once it moves freely an I can prove that the oil injector is working, I hope to make some progress. I'll keep you informed. ... Steve

[rdmycguy]

Hey Steve, I'm not sure if marvel mystery oil will do the trick,two strokes have a series of "ports"that are open or closed depending on position of piston in the cylinder.its is possible that what you are pouring in is going right out of the ports.i would try putting the bike in gear and rocking it back and forth to see if it frees it up.in any case you should probably remove the top ends for inspection.Even with you limited skills it is not that difficult to do and I could guide you through it feel free to call me at 303-204-5886, text me first so I know to answer your call. Good luck...Joe

[SteveO]

Hi Joe. Thanks for your advice.

You are not the only one who suggested putting it in gear and trying to move or rock it. You also make a good point about the 2-stroke ports. Anyway, I ordered a set of gaskets for the RD350, including head gaskets; in preparation for removing the heads. I am hoping not to damage the piston rings; the guy who sold it to me way back when told me the cylinders may have been bored somewhat, but I have no evidence that this ever happened; but if they are not standard size I'm afraid I won't be able to replace the rings. I will try rocking it in gear first, but I think removing the heads is my next move. Working 45-55 hours a week and having so much family time over the weekend has not given me much time to pull it out, but I really want it to be running for next Spring/Summer; so there is a good chance I will take you up on a phone call.

Fortunately I have my XS1100 for riding, but it would be so cool to have the RD350 on the road as well.

I'll let you know if I make any progress.

[MarkD]

SteveO-- I hope all goes well. The RD350 is a great example of functional art. Those things are super fast, also. Easy does it on the rocking in gear, after a good soaking of Marvel, I think it should do the trick. These 2 strokes are quite easy to work on, there are few moving parts in comparison to our 11's. Please keep us up on your progress, and pics are appreciated!

[SteveO]

Here is a long overdue status report. Started working on the RD350 last year. Found the engine to be frozen, for some reason. (The last time it was used, it ran fine; but its been sitting in the shed for many, many, many years). I filled the cylinders and the lower end with Marvel Mystery Oil, intending to soak it for a few weeks. THEN found myself in the Hospital and with medical problems that took me off the road from my XS1100 for the end if the 2022 riding season. This year I am completely healthy, but have not looked at the 350 since last summer. Afraid to start without a machanic to help me, and I am not qualified to take it apart. Would still love to have it running, so I'll pull it out soon and see if 10 months of Marvel helped at all. So far, not looking too good.

[DiverRay]

When you pull it out, put it in second gear and rock it back and forth first. If it's free, you will know, if stuck, it will probably need a rebuild and have pistons bored oversized to get it running again.

[SteveO]

Thanks DiverRay. I've gotten that advice from others, while still others say not to do that. Hard to say what froze it up since it did run the last time I started it so many years ago. A rebuild is way more then I will ever do, so I am hoping soaking in Marvel Mystery Oil for 8 months did something. I will let you know the outcome.

[DEEBS11]

When you rock it back and fourth make sure you put it in 3rd gear so it has enough torque to break it free. If you do it in first it's like pushing a bolder uphill. Not good for the tranny. Also make sure the plugs are out and you have rags covering the spark plug holes. When she lets loose oil will come flying out. I did this with a 79 Kawi 750 twin and put 50,000 miles on afterwards. Bought the bike for $50.00 with a stuck motor at a tag sale.