RGV Hybrid

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#1 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:18 pm

Hi guys,

I have long been lurking about on this site, looking at everyone's projects and daydreaming a lot. Some projects have really inspired me to build a special hybrid. If anyone thinks my hybrid is special, I credit fabricators who have shared their experiences on this forum and others like it. I thank all of you special individuals from all over the globe.

My goals include light weight, robust power, and unique style. So, let's get started on this journey. What a journey it has been.... BTW, I tend to gloss over things, so if you have a question or comment, let me know. Believe me, there are LOTS of steps that take place in between each picture posted. I am only showing the build, not the fabrication.

First, I purchased a 1989 RGV250 from a guy in New Mexico. It was truly rough. I played with it in the neighborhood twice before stripping it down. I sold all of the bits that I would not need for my build. Basically, I kept the tank and the frame. Everything else went bye-bye. I bought newer parts for it to update both the style and the performance. This includes a T-REX Banshee engine and GSXR suspension.

The picture of the frame below looks pretty standard, but it has been heavily modified. The hard part was actually making it look like it was OEM stock. Too bad I was not successful!!! Everything done to this hybrid project was done by myself and my assistant. Some parts were bought to be sacrificed in the fury of high-octane fuel pumping through a big-bore two stroke. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

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Last edited by RGV543 on Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:31 pm, edited 3 times in total.

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#2 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:33 pm

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#3 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:36 pm

Bye Bye stupid frame plates... Filled in and smoooooothed out!

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Engine cradle modified and beefed up!

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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#4 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:39 pm

Shaved and boxed the right side of frame... Necessary to fit large swingarm...

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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:35 am, edited 2 times in total.

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#5 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:47 pm

Steering stops? Check!!! Drilled and tapped 8M X 1.25

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Front fairing stay? Done!!! Made of recycled shock plates, tubing, and aluminum solid rod.

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Also, milled a bracket for the coil. Made of 1/2" aluminum plate machined on bridgeport mill.

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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:37 am, edited 2 times in total.

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#6 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:53 pm

Hmmm. Where should I put that pesky ignition??? Here, maybe?

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Add some mounts real fast. These are typical aluminum mounts like those on a radiator of bodywork drilled and tapped M8 X 1.25. Then, tacked in place.

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Guess what? Problem solved.

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Last edited by RGV543 on Wed Aug 14, 2013 12:51 am, edited 2 times in total.

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RGV Hybrid

#7 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:12 pm

Same for the regulator/rectifier... Milled the ends on the bridgeport making fitment so much easier.

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Plastic--Making sure chains and frames remain on friendly terms!!!

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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:39 am, edited 1 time in total.

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#8 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:21 pm

GSXR600/750 swingarm meets new home. There is an Adam Sandler joke here.

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The powder coating was removed with great effort. Then, I almost decided to paint the chassis black, but then thought better of it. What do you think? I installed a FOX shock and adjustable link rods. Plus, the upper shock mount is an adjustable kit part. In the late eighties, this mount was available to racers switching rim sizes (18" vs. 17" compensation). The rear of the bike is now fully adjustable with the exception of swingarm pivot point.

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Fully adjustable linkage added. To get the links straight, I turned a few spacers on the lathe.

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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:43 am, edited 3 times in total.

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JonW
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#9 Post by JonW » Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:53 pm

Cool fast build, looks like it will be a fun bike when built. what motor is going in it?
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

Ricino
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#10 Post by Ricino » Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:19 pm

I like it, too!
From what we can see in the avatar pic and user's name, the engine is going to be really high performance
Yamaha SZR 660 '96(4SU) ---> in the process to YPVS hybrid!

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aaronmvrider
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#11 Post by aaronmvrider » Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:36 pm

user name suggests a 543 ???
1 x 4mm stroker rz 375cc 1983
1 x 7mm stroker rz 443cc 1984 (under construction)
1 x rz 500
1 x mv agusta 1000

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nikfubar
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#12 Post by nikfubar » Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:01 pm

Great build :smt004 but try holding the camera steady :smt003
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Running on 3

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RGV543
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RGV Hybrid

#13 Post by RGV543 » Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:07 pm

A reservoir mount is needed for the shock. Presto!!! I made this from aluminum plate. Milled it, drilled and tapped it M5 and M6, then MIG welded some rolled sheet onto it. Update: I have changed the mounting of the reservoir and no longer use this mount. Sorry I do not have pics of the new setup.

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I plan on removing the threaded inserts in the frame. They are steel and they are not needed--two reasons for removal that work for me.
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Last edited by RGV543 on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:47 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ricino
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#14 Post by Ricino » Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:19 pm

What kind of welding technique are you using?
Yamaha SZR 660 '96(4SU) ---> in the process to YPVS hybrid!

stpierre
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Re: RGV Hybrid

#15 Post by stpierre » Mon Aug 05, 2013 10:02 pm

WOW nice work!

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