Hello friends--

I'm trying to understand my newest bike the 1968 YR1..

whilst doing this, I've been thinking CDI ignitions to replace the stock system.

as the YR1 grand prix is referenced as "the grand dad to the RD350" I'm wondering how much changed in 5 years.

does anyone know the engine number/ designation?

i also read from the R5 wiki: "The engine cases are similar enough that with modifications, they can be interchanged"

Im wondering if this applies to the YR1?

without seeing an RD350 I've established they have a different port map, as well as reed valve intake.

but are the cases different? is the crank different?

​I've seen this ignition which seems to work for all aforementioned yamahas

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-PVL-Racing-Ignition-System-Stator-Yamaha-YCS1-YR1-YCS-R3-/390573213821

yet, when i searched yamaha yr1 CDI on hvc cycles, the power dynamo is a result:

http://www.hvccycle.net/yamaha-rd-r5-cdi-ignition-12v-150w-71-05-799-00/

please advise- any assistance is greatly appreciated!

Hi elliot , Members Pre-load &Mervin are RD specialists,,, they"l be along with answers .. or try the Aircooled RD club,,,

Hi Elliot, I'm not that familiar with the YR1 however, I know the cases on the YR5 also known as R5 are different to the RD350 the main crank seal have a locating lip on them which fits into a groove in the cases also isn't the gear box internals different but not sure.

The ignition system is fairly basic I would have thought its possible have a word with Nick @ Vintage Smoke in the US as he makes good affordable systems for the RD350 and 400's.

Engine numbers over hear:

RD350A - 360.

RD350B - 521.

However in the US the RD350 is 352 I think?

Any pictures of your bike..

hey preload! thank you very much for the info, its a great start!

as for pictures, here it is the shape i got it:

I've completely broken down the bike since, and powder coated it- i do hope you guys approve when i start posting process.

Very nice. Very, very nice.

Your welcome, Nice Elliott that should keep you busy.

Hey Dudes!!

an update-

so unfortunately i didn't do a bottom end rebuild. i was hoping for the best, but i feel like there is definitely a clutch side seal leak.

has a smell of tranny fluid burning.

will redo the seat soon too.

here is an updated picture, not the ignition.. WOOHOO!

once again, when i got this bike, it was pretty weird- wiring was a nightmare, a lot of hack job stuff.

was going for a modern twist to the classic look, hence the unusual headlight. the main focus is the ignition, and just the engine.

any leads on affordable expansion chambers? these pipes have got to go!

Elliott. Wouldn't a set of RD spannies be close?

ps. the bikes looking good.