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? for motorcycle guys. Yamaha R5

TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
edited September 2012 in General Discussion
I have 'inherited" a 1972 Yamaha R5 350. A 2 stroke with very low milage, garage kept covered and in great condition. The seats, chrome, exhaust look great. It has been stored for 32 years, and was running when parked. Fuel was drained.

I plan to fill the crankcase, if possible, with Marvel Mystery Oil and let it soak for a week or so. Drain the oil, and clean the fuel tank. Also do the same with the cylinders just to make sure things are lubed and move properly.

I've seen these things sell for $1,200 to $3,900 in good condition!
I bring it home this weekend.

Beside rebuilding the carbs ,new battery and new tires, what else would you do before attempting to start it, since it's been sitting so long?

Comments

  • catpealer111catpealer111 Member Posts: 10,695
    edited November -1
    If it's oil injected, make sure the pump is moving oil. Plus two on the brakes. If it's been sitting that long there's a good chance that the friction material will separate from the shoe the first time you need the brakes.
  • Sav99Sav99 Member Posts: 16,037 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You may not want to sell it after you take it for a ride. [8D]

    Be sure to post some pictures after you bring it home!
  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'll be sure to post a few pics! And I know the brakes need going through. Front and back drums.Maybe a new throttle cable too.

    How do I make sure the oil pump is injecting oil?

    Look for the telltale smoke of a 2 cycle?

    I understand this is a fast bike, in it's day!
  • asphalt cowboyasphalt cowboy Member Posts: 8,904 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    First thing I'd do is check the steering head bearings, go through the brakes and replace All rubber hoses fuel and brake.

    If it has oil injection I'd disable the oil pump and simply mix in a gas can or the tank. The damage done when an injector pump goes bad ain't pretty.
  • asphalt cowboyasphalt cowboy Member Posts: 8,904 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Topkick
    [br)

    How do I make sure the oil pump is injecting oil?

    Look for the telltale smoke of a 2 cycle?

    I understand this is a fast bike, in it's day!


    If it has one, the oil pump should be inside the engine side case with the oil tank under the seat. Take the pump outlet hose loose and crank her over. It should spurt oil.

    forgot to mention. Pull the plug wires before you crank it.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    Nice find! All that's been said is what I would have. The oil pumps on some of those old Yamaha's weren't too reliable, so pay close attention to it. Might just be best to keep the automatic oiler dry and mix your gas.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Built just 2 years so parts may be a little hard to find.

    It does have a Injection Pump. But as was said they do fail.
  • Bill JordanBill Jordan Member Posts: 1,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you need parts, my race bike was built from an R5, and I might have som thing left over in the garage.
    Also Breley's Yamaha in N. Royalton, OH has been a good source for vintage parts, ever for a '69 AT-1
  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Bill Jordan
    If you need parts, my race bike was built from an R5, and I might have som thing left over in the garage.
    Also Breley's Yamaha in N. Royalton, OH has been a good source for vintage parts, ever for a '69 AT-1


    Thank you Bill!
  • milesmiles Member Posts: 2,548 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've owned several Yamaha two stroke bikes in years past. If you have never ridden one,
    treat them with respect or they will leave your butt setting on the ground behind them.

    If that little 350 is running like it's supposed
    to, they are a hoot to ride.

    They rev so quickly and the power band hits all at once and hits hard.
    I love those two stroke ring dings..

    I always carried a couple of extra spark plugs under the seat just in case ..
  • T Ruth HertzT Ruth Hertz Member Posts: 87 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I will swear the one I had was a RD 350?
    a little squirelly steering wise,brakes were not the best
    but she would run like a raped ape. It is a wonder that
    I lived out my youth
    After I locked up my first motor, I learned to add a little oil
    to my gas when the oil pump failed(and it will fail)
    oh yea carry spare spark plugs
    jody
  • asphalt cowboyasphalt cowboy Member Posts: 8,904 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jmp
    I will swear the one I had was a RD 350?


    The R5 was preceded the RD line up. Both were The sport bike of their era.

    My '74 RD400 before stripping off the wind screen and backrest.
    I've surprised many gixxer pilots and embarrassed better'n half of them.
    pict1.jpg

    Topkick, if the parts will interchange the wheels and brake system would be an advisable upgrade. Even a single disc setup would be better than the weak drum.
  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just got a good look at it. All the parts are here. Tires are shot as expected. Thinayer of dust and oil covers it. I will strip it to the frame. No sign of a wreck. The chrome is in good shape. Lights are all there.
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