I bought two RD 350s today, a 1974 RD 350 B (purple) and a 1975 RD 350 C
(orange). OK, so I am lonely/bored and this is what I do.

The plan is to use one for parts and make one a runner, however, both seem
to be intact..the 74 has a holed piston, but everything else is there..the
74 is kinda rusty too.

Anyway, not a big investment yet, it should be fun getting them up and
running...or at least, getting one of them up and running.



James Franklin
2411 Pine Summit DR. E
Jacksonville, Florida 32211

808-225-0994 (cell)

_________________________________________________________________
Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!




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OK, you UK greenlaners and mud scramblers, Go here, scroll down to the
video whose title is above on the Subject line, and someone tell me -
What bike is he riding, What class of bike does it belong to, and how
does one train for that??? Pedal bikes?




Ruari



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Anita:? I can't really tell you about other bikes, the W650 is my first (at least my first in 30 years).? But, I hear that like me, most have to get used to a firm flip up into second gear, or it may stay in neutral occasionally.? I still rev her in neutral once in a while.? Also, a slow "tick, tick" sound on idling is normal.? Look out for cracks starting on the rear fender at the edge near the top of the tailligh bracket.??? Keep the oil at 1/2 way up the sight window when cold, not at the top, or it overflows into the airbox.? Test for weave or wobble by taking your hands off and decelerating at 45-50 mph.? No, don't differentiate between the two (W or W), or we'll get a hundred e-mails explaining the difference ad nauseum.?? I will remember the other foibles tomorrow when I get on her.??

Send a pic when your "ride is pimped."? Paul on Vancouver Island here has a nice cafe style W.? I am trying for a 50s standard Britbike look, with lapses like 60s grips & the?later Lucas turn signals and round mirrors.? Look is half the fun with this bike.? I have a theory that the 1999-2000 model is closer to a 1959 T120? first year Triumph "Bonneville" in appearance than any other year, especially the seat, despite all the writers who say it's like a 1968.? Click?Google Images and see if you agree.

?

Ruari

?

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 8:48 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Thanks, Ruari. It had me worried since I have a trip planned in a few weeks to go up the coast in California to the Moto GP/Laguna Seca. I really appreciate all the? reassuring responses. It has been driving my husband nuts too. Are there any other things to look out for about the W650 that is different from other bikes? I ordered a bunch of things already from the W650shop.de just to make it a little bit more cafe style. :) Anita

Ruari McLennan ca> wrote:

Yes, Anita, they are all like that, they grab quickly at the very end of the range. ? I tried to have mine engage the clutch sooner (closer to the grip), but all that happened was I was left with some cable slackness.? Somethig to just get used to.

?

Ruari McLennan

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 4:27 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Sal,

Thank you very much this is very helpful. My husband already made these adjustments and it is a little better. Yeah we figured the clutch couldn't be worn yet with these miles, but weren't sure how the previous riders rode this bike :)

Anita

Salvyrider <salvyrider@gmail.com> wrote:

The only real adjustment is to ensure full release. You can't adjust for wear like you could in the old days.

Hi, Anita.

First adjustment is at the hand grip. First slide the rubber boot back. Then unlock the large thumbwheel, then turn the small one until the handle is loose - so you can get at least a nickel's worth of play where the handle meets the housing. Then re-lock the large thumbwheel and replace the boot. If this is unattainable, you can adjust where the cable grips, accessible on the left side of the engine, after removing the sprocket cover (if you go this route, be careful to keep track of the cover bolts. They are all different lengths.) In all likelihood, though, the hand lever adjustment will be enough with only 12K miles.

The W's clutch tends to be a bit grabby - that is, it grabs late in the handle travel and there's only a very narrow feather zone. This is normal. One of the few weaknesses of the bike, IMHO. Wish we had a nice hydraulic clutch like the Mean Streak.

-Sal

On 7/3/07, Anita <anita_reid@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Any idea on how to adjust the clutch on the W650? I bought my W650
used with almost 12,000 miles and noticed there isn't much clutch. My
husband looked in the Owners Manual and there was not a description on
how to adjust the clutch. I figure there might be someone else out
there that experienced the same thing and might be able to help. Thanks

Motorcycle Consumer News latest issue has an excellent article on
suspension setup. And there's a book called Total Control by Lee
Parks which has a very good chapter on this stuff. Both the W and my
Beemer need new suspenders, an expensive proposition. Sag for my bank
account!
Bill E.



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From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@...

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 8:48 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Thanks, Ruari. It had me worried since I have a trip planned in a few weeks to go up the coast in California to the Moto GP/Laguna Seca. I really appreciate all the? reassuring responses. It has been driving my husband nuts too. Are there any other things to look out for about the W650 that is different from other bikes? I ordered a bunch of things already from the W650shop.de just to make it a little bit more cafe style. :) Anita

Ruari McLennan wrote:

Yes, Anita, they are all like that, they grab quickly at the very end of the range. ? I tried to have mine engage the clutch sooner (closer to the grip), but all that happened was I was left with some cable slackness.? Somethig to just get used to.

?

Ruari McLennan

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 4:27 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Sal,

Thank you very much this is very helpful. My husband already made these adjustments and it is a little better. Yeah we figured the clutch couldn't be worn yet with these miles, but weren't sure how the previous riders rode this bike :)

Anita

Salvyrider <salvyrider@gmail.com> wrote:

The only real adjustment is to ensure full release. You can't adjust for wear like you could in the old days.

Hi, Anita.

First adjustment is at the hand grip. First slide the rubber boot back. Then unlock the large thumbwheel, then turn the small one until the handle is loose - so you can get at least a nickel's worth of play where the handle meets the housing. Then re-lock the large thumbwheel and replace the boot. If this is unattainable, you can adjust where the cable grips, accessible on the left side of the engine, after removing the sprocket cover (if you go this route, be careful to keep track of the cover bolts. They are all different lengths.) In all likelihood, though, the hand lever adjustment will be enough with only 12K miles.

The W's clutch tends to be a bit grabby - that is, it grabs late in the handle travel and there's only a very narrow feather zone. This is normal. One of the few weaknesses of the bike, IMHO. Wish we had a nice hydraulic clutch like the Mean Streak.

-Sal

On 7/3/07, Anita <anita_reid@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Any idea on how to adjust the clutch on the W650? I bought my W650
used with almost 12,000 miles and noticed there isn't much clutch. My
husband looked in the Owners Manual and there was not a description on
how to adjust the clutch. I figure there might be someone else out
there that experienced the same thing and might be able to help. Thanks

Okie dokie, have fun on your run.

?

Oh, even if hubby finds the sprocket as ok, there may be a fair amount? of old chain lube and road grit built up in the cavity. Turns into something like hard tarmac, should be cleaned out every so often. He'll see it if he pops the cover off. If you do replace the sprocket, don't get an original Kawasaki part, it's soft steel, get one from ?. Of course, if it is visibly hooked, probably time for a chain and rear sprocket too.

?

Dennis

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:13 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Dennis, thank you very much for the input. Previous owner replaced the tires already. I ordered the short fender with small tail light from the W650shop.de so I should be good there. I'll have hubby check out the sprocket, it's great to have a slave to do all the dirty work, haha.

Anita

.

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@...

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:13 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Dennis, thank you very much for the input. Previous owner replaced the tires already. I ordered the short fender with small tail light from the W650shop.de so I should be good there. I'll have hubby check out the sprocket, it's great to have a slave to do all the dirty work, haha.

Anita

.

----- Original Message -----

From: bufallobiff

To: W650riders@...

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:55 PM

Subject: [W650riders] Re: bring back the w650 to the us - Petition

---I doubt if you see the W come back. I think values on W 650s will
start to go up and bringing more over will dampen that.
For what its' worth, Kawasaki is supposed to bring this to the
states in 2008. IT's got a lot of the Ninja 650R in it and if you're
a parallel twin fan, what's not to like?

.

Anita

?

Weaknesses on the W are a cracking rear fender, poor front tire if you still have the original Accolade ribbed tire, and if you have some miles on it the front sprocket may hook. All stuff you can inspect and take care of if needed before a long ride. Other than that, no problems.

?

Dennis

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 8:48 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Thanks, Ruari. It had me worried since I have a trip planned in a few weeks to go up the coast in California to the Moto GP/Laguna Seca. I really appreciate all the? reassuring responses. It has been driving my husband nuts too. Are there any other things to look out for about the W650 that is different from other bikes? I ordered a bunch of things already from the W650shop.de just to make it a little bit more cafe style. :) Anita

.

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@...

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 8:48 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Thanks, Ruari. It had me worried since I have a trip planned in a few weeks to go up the coast in California to the Moto GP/Laguna Seca. I really appreciate all the? reassuring responses. It has been driving my husband nuts too. Are there any other things to look out for about the W650 that is different from other bikes? I ordered a bunch of things already from the W650shop.de just to make it a little bit more cafe style. :) Anita

.

Yes, Anita, they are all like that, they grab quickly at the very end of the range. ? I tried to have mine engage the clutch sooner (closer to the grip), but all that happened was I was left with some cable slackness.? Somethig to just get used to.

?

Ruari McLennan

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 4:27 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Sal,

Thank you very much this is very helpful. My husband already made these adjustments and it is a little better. Yeah we figured the clutch couldn't be worn yet with these miles, but weren't sure how the previous riders rode this bike :)

Anita

Salvyrider <salvyrider@gmail.com> wrote:

The only real adjustment is to ensure full release. You can't adjust for wear like you could in the old days.

Hi, Anita.

First adjustment is at the hand grip. First slide the rubber boot back. Then unlock the large thumbwheel, then turn the small one until the handle is loose - so you can get at least a nickel's worth of play where the handle meets the housing. Then re-lock the large thumbwheel and replace the boot. If this is unattainable, you can adjust where the cable grips, accessible on the left side of the engine, after removing the sprocket cover (if you go this route, be careful to keep track of the cover bolts. They are all different lengths.) In all likelihood, though, the hand lever adjustment will be enough with only 12K miles.

The W's clutch tends to be a bit grabby - that is, it grabs late in the handle travel and there's only a very narrow feather zone. This is normal. One of the few weaknesses of the bike, IMHO. Wish we had a nice hydraulic clutch like the Mean Streak.

-Sal

On 7/3/07, Anita <anita_reid@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Any idea on how to adjust the clutch on the W650? I bought my W650
used with almost 12,000 miles and noticed there isn't much clutch. My
husband looked in the Owners Manual and there was not a description on
how to adjust the clutch. I figure there might be someone else out
there that experienced the same thing and might be able to help. Thanks

----- Original Message -----

From: Anita Reid

To: W650riders@...

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 4:27 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Clutch Adjustment

Sal,

Thank you very much this is very helpful. My husband already made these adjustments and it is a little better. Yeah we figured the clutch couldn't be worn yet with these miles, but weren't sure how the previous riders rode this bike :)

Anita

Salvyrider <salvyrider@...> wrote:

The only real adjustment is to ensure full release. You can't adjust for wear like you could in the old days.

Hi, Anita.

First adjustment is at the hand grip. First slide the rubber boot back. Then unlock the large thumbwheel, then turn the small one until the handle is loose - so you can get at least a nickel's worth of play where the handle meets the housing. Then re-lock the large thumbwheel and replace the boot. If this is unattainable, you can adjust where the cable grips, accessible on the left side of the engine, after removing the sprocket cover (if you go this route, be careful to keep track of the cover bolts. They are all different lengths.) In all likelihood, though, the hand lever adjustment will be enough with only 12K miles.

The W's clutch tends to be a bit grabby - that is, it grabs late in the handle travel and there's only a very narrow feather zone. This is normal. One of the few weaknesses of the bike, IMHO. Wish we had a nice hydraulic clutch like the Mean Streak.

-Sal

On 7/3/07, Anita <anita_reid@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Any idea on how to adjust the clutch on the W650? I bought my W650
used with almost 12,000 miles and noticed there isn't much clutch. My
husband looked in the Owners Manual and there was not a description on
how to adjust the clutch. I figure there might be someone else out
there that experienced the same thing and might be able to help. Thanks

The only real adjustment is to ensure full release. You can't adjust for wear like you could in the old days.

Hi, Anita.

First adjustment is at the hand grip. First slide the rubber boot back. Then unlock the large thumbwheel, then turn the small one until the handle is loose - so you can get at least a nickel's worth of play where the handle meets the housing. Then re-lock the large thumbwheel and replace the boot. If this is unattainable, you can adjust where the cable grips, accessible on the left side of the engine, after removing the sprocket cover (if you go this route, be careful to keep track of the cover bolts. They are all different lengths.) In all likelihood, though, the hand lever adjustment will be enough with only 12K miles.

The W's clutch tends to be a bit grabby - that is, it grabs late in the handle travel and there's only a very narrow feather zone. This is normal. One of the few weaknesses of the bike, IMHO. Wish we had a nice hydraulic clutch like the Mean Streak.

-Sal

On 7/3/07, Anita <anita_reid@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Any idea on how to adjust the clutch on the W650? I bought my W650
used with almost 12,000 miles and noticed there isn't much clutch. My
husband looked in the Owners Manual and there was not a description on
how to adjust the clutch. I figure there might be someone else out
there that experienced the same thing and might be able to help. Thanks