'74 RD350. Yeah... I know....

[Jim]

While we're on the carbs....
Ordered some stuff from Niche Cycle. Half the parts didn't fit. Email from a guy there who has an old RD said that the new VM28's are all they have parts for... said the old VM28's are a fair bit different and they don't have parts for 'em. Anyone know of a source for bits for a 70's era VM28?

 

[Jim]

Thankfully the choke lever is a direct swap. This old one soaked for weeks and is still locked solid and pitted almost all the way through in places. Didn't relish reusing it.

 

[jpdevol]

https://hvccycle.net/mikuni-carburetor-replacement-parts/?sort=alphaasc&page=1

 

[Jim]

Thanks JP. I shoulda thought of them....
You recall off the top of your head which style needle jet these 28's take? Mine are pretty mangled after I beat 'em out.

 

[arcticXS]

Yeah, I'd be interested in reading that. In the back of my mind I recall we modded the carbs quiet a bit... but that was all 40-50 yrs ago. I've had a few tokes since then...

Also, it is generally recommended to add 2 locating dowel pins, to ensure the head is centered over the cylinder. Especially important if you plan to tighten up the squish band. I believe both head mods/ dowel pinning, and the carb mods are covered in the Dale Alexander/ Dave Freist writeups.

 

[jpdevol]

Thanks JP. I shoulda thought of them....
You recall off the top of your head which style needle jet these 28's take? Mine are pretty mangled after I beat 'em out.

My VM28's have the 169 series, IIRC P-0

 

[Signal]

I have found Mikuni in Australia very good and have lots of info on the website.
https://mikunioz.com/?v=13b249c5dfa9

Hopefully attached is the PDF of the mod. I had a quick re read and they don't mention that you need to also cut the spray bar on the needle jet down to 2mm high. I read this in Dale Alexanders tuning guide also attached (hopefully)

 

[Jim]

I have found Mikuni in Australia very good and have lots of info on the website.
https://mikunioz.com/?v=13b249c5dfa9

Hopefully attached is the PDF of the mod. I had a quick re read and they don't mention that you need to also cut the spray bar on the needle jet down to 2mm high. I read this in Dale Alexanders tuning guide also attached (hopefully)

Thanks Signal!

 

[arcticXS]

Thanks JP. I shoulda thought of them....
You recall off the top of your head which style needle jet these 28's take? Mine are pretty mangled after I beat 'em out.

The stock RD350 needle jets are the emulsion/ bleed type. While the R5 needle jets, used in the Dale A mod is the primary type. I did those mods to my RD350A carbs, with good results.

 

[BowlingSS]

I would love to have a RD350 or RD400 to rebuild. Anyone have one for sale?

Bill

 

[MrBultaco]

Have you tried Sudco? They were the go-to in the 70's and I bought needle/seat and jets for my '82 Seca years ago.

 

[gggGary]

I would love to have a RD350 or RD400 to rebuild. Anyone have one for sale?

Bill

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1165576054386016/

 

[Jim]

Have you tried Sudco? They were the go-to in the 70's and I bought needle/seat and jets for my '82 Seca years ago.

Never checked Tom. I was thinkin' they just sold to dealers. That not the case?

 

[MrBultaco]

I did buy directly from them in about 2012 or so...no problem.

 

[Jim]

I did buy directly from them in about 2012 or so...no problem.

Just looked at their catalogue.... Says sales are only to licensed dealers with $500/yr minimum order to stay in good graces.

 

[Signal]

How about Jets R Us
https://www.jetsrus.com/a_jets_by_carburetor_type/a_jet_kits_mikuni_selection.htm

 

[Jim]

How about Jets R Us
https://www.jetsrus.com/a_jets_by_carburetor_type/a_jet_kits_mikuni_selection.htm

Doh...
Forgot about them. Just a quick perusal and it looks like they have what I need. Thanks mate!!

 

[arcticXS]

A good source for RD parts is Economy Cycle.
economycycle.com

 

[MrBultaco]

I thought I did buy directly from them, but they might have redirected me to one of their USA distributors...here's a list of US distributors on their website.
http://www.sudco.com/usa_distributors.html

 

[jpdevol]

Jim - do your VM28's have one choke, a choke tube and are the NJ's primary or bleed type? Also, are the carb tops regular or "high top"? I'm getting a suspicion that there were different VM28's around (don't know what's OEM and what's aftermarket genuine Mikuni)