A free bike

[mmattockx]

So I went and visited a buddy yesterday to pick up a 1976 RD400 basketcase from him. I originally owned it and then sold it to him when I moved away from Edmonton. He is now moving into his retirement condo and needing to clean out his garage and flog everything that won't fit into the new place. Along with the RD400, which I bought back from him, he gave me an almost 100% complete 1981 XV920 along with a bunch of other bits and pieces.

The load as I got it home:





The RD engine:



The RD came with a set of 28mm flat slide carbs, electronic ignition, chrome/nickel plated pipes and a custom set of Pro-Flo chambers that should nicely terrorize my neighbourhood when it is running again.

Now I just have to find the time to get all the work done...


Mark

[harley10]

Good dealio , my very first bike I bought was a 1977 rd 400 it was red , I liked it a lot , but it always gave me problems running!!

[steve murdoch]

I have seen a couple very cool cafe racers made from the XV920.
There was even one on the track at Mosport a couple years ago.
8" headlight still on yours?

[850 Combat]

XV920s are cool. Weird and inloved, but pretty neat. At the time I bought a couple new leftover XJ650 Secas for $1695 each, I could have had those for the same price. Should have had one of each. What are you going to do with it? An I recall, they have an enclosed chain drive?

[mmattockx]

I have seen a couple very cool cafe racers made from the XV920.

Like this one: http://www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-virago

8" headlight still on yours?

Yep. The original one has a broken lens, but my buddy sourced a replacement for it.

What are you going to do with it? An I recall, they have an enclosed chain drive?

I'm not sure yet. I only took it because it was going to the dump if I didn't want it and I couldn't let that happen. I think it will eventually become a cafe bike of some sort, similar to the one I posted above.

Yes, the chain is enclosed. It looks pretty straightforward to remove that and leave it open.


Mark

[dpep]

Yes, the chain is enclosed. It looks pretty straightforward to remove that and leave it open.

Why would you want to? Just so it could look like all the other chain drives on motorcycles?

In the shaft vs. chain debate the enclosed chain, IMHO, combines most of the best features of each. The chains last a very long time and require not much more maintenance than a shaft. At the same time you have the lighter weight and the flexibility to change your final drive ratio.

If I could get an enclosure for my 1100E I would do it. I got one for a 750 Honda I had many years ago but ended up trading the bike before I got it installed. I gave it to a friend who also had a 750 and he loved it. He rode to work at dusty and/or muddy construction sites but the chain stayed clean and lubed.
...

[GS1150Pilot]

XV920 is a very cool, quirky bike. Tons of potential, as in the pic posted above.

[mmattockx]

Why would you want to? Just so it could look like all the other chain drives on motorcycles?

Well, the enclosure is beyond hideous and I do like to see my chain. The enclosures also leak, which is worse than a clean chain, IMO. I always run an O-ring chain and keep it clean with WD-40. It never slings lube around and they last 30,000km. Just personal preference in the end I suppose.


Mark

[kochic]

Like Steve said a guy from quebec race one with VRRA.
Very unusual bike on a racetrack.
Marc

[speedbeats]

That's awesome man!

[wymple]

Fix them both up, you won't be sorry on either end!

[srsupertrap]

I would pick the one you want to restore and part the other bike to fund the project.

Just my 2 cents

[mmattockx]

Fix them both up, you won't be sorry on either end!

I would pick the one you want to restore and part the other bike to fund the project.

Just my 2 cents

Well, I bought the RD back because I want it. The XV came for free because it was going to the dump and I couldn't let that happen. I have shed space for them both and promised my buddy I would take a run at the XV if he gave it to me. It is definitely a long term project, may sit for years before I get to it.

The RD is already being worked on and will see some serious attention this coming winter. Currently I am working on salty_monk's twin pot brake upgrade and new paint for my 82 1100E and that takes priority until it is done and the 1100 is back on the road.

Too many bikes, not enough time...


Mark