1980 RM400 HYBRID

[80hybridRM400]

Hello,

My name is Morgan, I am 23, and live in Canada.  First off, this is an awesome website!  The VMX scene in Canada is pitiful. 

I got my first VMX the other day.  I was told it was a 1980 RM400 but upon looking at the frame, the stamping says RM250-47385.  So that makes me think someone did an engine swap..... right?  However I plan to restore it and call it a RM400.  It needs quite a lot of work, but the main thing is the engine runs and has a new oversize piston in it.  It's quite sad how they thrashed it, It will need new platics, rear axel, rear axel adjusters, new seat cover, drive sprog retainer(they spot welded it on!).  Plus much more little bits and pieces I am sure, the frame is cracked in one place, so welding is in order.  It will take a while to do, but I am ready for some fun lol. 

I paid the younger kid $40 for the bike.  I reckon I got a deal?  What do you guys figure?  was it worth it?  and also I would appreciate any info you guys have on this bike and parts suppliers!


thanx so much

Morgan


p.s. my dad is a KIWI and I have heaps of reallies in OZ

[cyclegod]

Good score at $40  this will help you get started...

http://www.vintage-suzuki.com/

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[vandy010]

welcome to the forum Morgan,
yep! you got yourself a sweet deal there.
love them big RM's and good luck champ!
 

[Oggy Doggy]

Just fix it up and race it Morgan. Don't worry about the numbers, it looks like a good starter to me and 40 bucks is a good deal whether it be Canuck, American or Aussie dollars. Welcome mate, eh!

[oldfart]

looks like you will be needing a new LHS case. It appears the chain has taken out your clutch push rod.
You will have no problem picking one up on Ebay USA 

[LWC82PE]

cant you just get the LH case welded? my 250 Z has damage there aswell from the chain, but i was just going to get it welded. Ive seen other guys get holes in that area welded up aswell on PE's

[80hybridRM400]

Thank you all for the kind welcomes.

I think I can fix the expansion chamber, but does anyone on here know of a company that manufactures pipe for Vintage motocross bikes?

 Got myself a mint condition seat today, turns out the origional owner had two of them, this one has brans new vinyl! 

My Uncle Dean used to race a twin shock RM, but I can't remember what size it was tho. 

Also if you guys are interested I have a few 1981 RM125 bits an pieces for sale or trade


thanx again

morgan

[DR]

G'day Morgan, you really were in the right place at the right time with that bike, good score! You are fortunately in the geographical centre of the universe when it comes to parts for vintage motocross bikes as near everything I buy comes from the US or Canada. If I were you I hunt up an original exhaust pipe. I'm sure one will come up on ebay if you keep an eye out. Also join the US yahoo TM/RM group and ask there. Like this site it's an excellent source of information and or parts but unlike this site the yahoo group is based in the US Don't worry about it having a 250 frame as they were pretty much cast from the same mold and there is little if any difference excepting the stamped number. A frame like a pipe will pop up for sale sooner or later. Look for the original parts and keep it stock, it's worth more this way if you plan to sell later but in saying that a DG pipe or such certainly won't detract any value either. Don't be tempted to try and turn the bike into something it's not (i.e. - a modern) think of this bike as an investment because unlike the new models this bike should appreciate in value and it's right in the thick of things when it comes to being a fairly desirable model. Take good care of it and it will repay you one way or another

[80hybridRM400]

I plan to restore it to its origional condition.  I pulled the head off of the engine last night and have found that the threads on the cylinder are buggered where one stud goes in, whats the best way to repair this, it catches a few threads but not much, I have been tempted to metal epoxy it in, like JB WELD( do you have that in OZ?)

[k2000x]

the same thing happened 2 my wifes rm80 i drilled the old hole out bigger taped a new tread then made a new stu that suited the larger hole and tread then laithed it down were the head went back on 2 standard size then put tread on it for the head nut presto problem solved

[oldfart]

Or simply buy a recoil kit ( master thread repair kit )   they cost around $40-00 .
Your JB weld method will not last

[80hybridRM400]

I thought that might be the case, I will stop myself now, this is going to be my first project with "no cutting corners"

Where can I get new swingarm bearings?.  Mine have become powder lol!  I welded up the frame today, it was cracked just above the swingarm.  Got the paint and sand paper, and will hopefully paint the frame tommorow.
I am excited to start a shopping list lol but I am not exc

[mainline]

bloody hell you're moving quick

Have you paint stripped the frame already, or are you planning on sanding it back? Could be a fair bit of time involved with the latter.

[mainline]

A couple of good threads on welding frames too...



http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=6186.0

http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=1163.0

[oldfart]

All Balls do a swing arm kit . Don't buy steering head kit as it's wrong 
Check you engine case for cracks in Behind the swing arm area ( that leads up to main out put shaft
Swingarms also wear on the top @ chain buffer