SriramEfunds

Restoration of 1993 - RX100

Prolog

I don't want to sound pomp and grind about restoring RX100 which I recently acquired. I know most of the members know what it takes and it is going to be no different that what you guys have already experienced. Ok, here I go, was thinking about RX100 for a long long time and ever since missed to purchase one from the showroom and later ended up getting RX135, always felt my heart want RX100. Then time passed by finished my PG, moved on to job, different cities, different jobs, so what? Whenever I happen to see nicely maintained RX100 would always think had my parents been little accommodating in 1995 would have not felt bad today. Anyways, I always agree that parents are right in their decision. Their fear that I might get spoiled is justified knowing my notorious nature. While doing my UG, there were lot of friends and my brother's circle used to bring home RX100 of their brother's, father's, newly acquired and even 2nd hand. I had not missed to beg for a ride just for the sheer riding and musical note pleasure. Sometimes was so uncontrollable, once my father's friend had come home in his RX100 Red color believed to be 1988 model, when he was leaving our place had already sat on his bike to get the feel. When I asked him for a short ride through the street and back, my dad ask him not to give the bike to me. Felt bad.Another Sunday he came home and I was in my room. He came to my room and said that he is leaving and asked me if I want a ride. I was smiling from ear to ear and ran down the stairs to the parking, this time I pretended not looking at my dad's face and kick started the ride. She pulled clean in the first gear before I shifted to second that left me speechless. I came back after doing a turn and safely returned the bike back to him. Later learned that he got shifted to Vizag. (Else would have got his bike for sure). Ah! that was a long long one.

Search for RX100

After reading many RX100 restoration started to weigh many angles before making a dive to realize my dream. Went through lot of ads, friend's contacts, internet for buying a bike. Whether I happen to prepare for my conference call or working on project plan at office would definitely not miss to go through sale ads posted in web portals daily. Then, went to Bells Road (famous for 2nd hand bikes) and got to see 1991 model ugly as it could and was over priced. Nevertheless, took a decision to give a try. When asked about the bike, was told beat is superb and good engine. When had a closer look, it had nut between left outer case covers and understood this is some turbo charged and that was provision for air duct! Damn! Seat was a cliffhanger and chunk of wires popped beneath the gas tank like an executed Terminator. After I said would like to take a test ride, they all worked to get the bike started as if a new R&D bike. 3 people engaged to figure out first to release the rear wheel lock. Hurray! they were successful to find out the rear brake got jammed. Then they poured petrol and was searching for the oil Can. They found a CAN and just about to pour inside, to my shock found it was 4T oil 20w40! Was even given an explanation that this would also work. When I asked to read the spec given on he can whether it was ever meant for 2 stroke they realized that they realized that were wrong. It is more likely they were using this oil for other 2 strokes too (Jawa and Shogun) when required. When I was about to take a ride on that so called 1991 model, the guy at the shop said, 'Use front brake please, the rear brake will need some work'. That's it. I loved the bike. Soon as I returned from TD, jumped on my ZMA and fled the scene. On the way back home got a call from another seller who's bike is 1993 model and have seen his bike previous week and it was not all that great least good engine if not for the cosmetics. Since the seller was desperate to upgrade his ride, made a good bargain bought it.

Some details of the bike

01. 3 owners
02. Insurance and Green tax paid
03. FC done and vaild till 2014.
04. Engine is somewhat good however, yet to find out which size it is running.
05. Revs good and engine noise is evident when idles.
06. Brakes are not up to the mark
07. Battery present for horn and rear brake light but nothing else.
08. Indicator switch missing the button thus rusted metal piece protruding would cut my thumb and cause septic if not conscious.
09. Silencer assembly is dull, covered with dirt and few dimples near foot rest.
10. Carburetor 36L00 says Made in Japan, however discovered only after cleaning the oil smudge on the sides
11. Front foot rest not in position and rear foot rest has no spine.
12. Number plate is bold and looked new.
13. Frame looked not damaged from overview and traces of rust seen
14. Headlight doom is of TVS Super which I hate to the core.
15. Left rear indicator died and buried somewhere
16. Throttle and clutch cables were decent.
17. Clutch slip is evident when taken beyond 50kmph.
18. 5 speed tank and side shields however, looks good condition with tank bag.
19. Wheels both front and rear tyres are bald and rim lost the shape. Wheel Bearings needs to be changed.
20. Front and mud guard show some rust growing.
21. Both L and R mirrors present with FIEM with chrome legs with rust crawling.
22. 2T oil tank present however they were not used for long time I believe.
23. Chain drive covers are painted and looks decent.
24. Front suspension is somewhat ok, however suspect rear shox is long gone.
25. Regn number goes well with my other bikes.

Lesson learned

What I have learned from the hunt is, in Chennai good condition RX100 would cost a bomb and pathetic condition would just give excuse to few thousands less that all. End of the day all the seller say only one phrase, 'Sir, this is RX100'. Said to myself So WTH?? Some even said you'll get RX135/RXG but RX100 are rare would not come to your budget. I even saw a single owner maintained 2000 model 5 speeder for 28k if negotiated well, looked decent. But the next bike was RX100 17 years old was quoted 25k shocked me.


What I have planned?

Change - Gas Tank and side shields to Maroon color, Fenders, borekits, head and crank shaft assy, headlight doom, cables, brake shoes, complete wiring kit, reed valve, rubbers, rims, tyres, rear shox, seat assy, crash bar, pillion handle, complete bolt nut, clutch plates, mirrors etc.

Painting - Front fork legs, frame, L bracket, crank set, outer crank case covers if necessary or else might go for new ones.

Chrome - Spokes, handle bar, headlight stay, silencer if it comes good or else shall go for new one.

Some parts are procured and the details will be posted as the project progresses.


The key

__________________
'Get your motor runnin, head out on the highway'

ZMA-R 2011 | RX 135 1998 | RX100 1993 | Unicorn 2005 - 2011

SOL Helmet Review

October 2011 Ooty Ride | March 2011 - Munnar Tri-state Meet | October 2010 - Point Calimere | August 2010 - Horsley Hills | June 2010 - Yercaud - Tri-State Meet

sunilg

Restoration approved.

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(Been There Done That) x 3.25

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SriramEfunds

Thanks Sunil.

__________________
'Get your motor runnin, head out on the highway'

ZMA-R 2011 | RX 135 1998 | RX100 1993 | Unicorn 2005 - 2011

SOL Helmet Review

October 2011 Ooty Ride | March 2011 - Munnar Tri-state Meet | October 2010 - Point Calimere | August 2010 - Horsley Hills | June 2010 - Yercaud - Tri-State Meet

dual disc 200

Woww...Woww...! Here it is....! Finally...! Feels a bit sad that I wasn't of any help to you in this acquisition although i was trying real hard, nevertheless I'm gonna enjoy it as you know mine will take atleast a year to put-up something like this...! Congrats again & keep us updated

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Whenever there is a Rainbow in the sky, I know it's u mastering the art of Cornering. U will always be remembered brother, R.I.P Arun.

http://ramphotography.wordpress.com/

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/thumpers...kers-envy.html

psr

nice going..looks like the engine casing and chassis are the only parts that will remain in the present bike , after restoration...since I kow your obsession to details and thoroughness of restoration.
Wish you tons of good luck...

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When Was The Last Time,You Did Something For The First Time.

http://www.codewins.com/motorcycles/...alveclearance/.( D I Y Valve clearance setting.. )

NitinGirish

Finally you bite the bullet

Congrats and all the best

If you decide to install new Chrome mudguards, try to get Araldite coating done on the inside. Prevents from rusting.

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SriramEfunds

Thanks for your wishes Ram. I might need some help if not for acquisition for spares, who knows just entered the arena!

Thanks Sir. It's a long way to go. To approach the restoration, have set an objective and work towards the plan. First, need to procure spares and think about the paint job. Oops! budget dictates all of the above.

Thanks Nitin. The difference is that you had 100 and bought and restored 135, in my case it going to be exactly opposite.

What do I ask Araldite for to the shop keeper, i.e what purpose? Actually was thinking of doing a aluminum spray painting, but thought might add unnecessary expenditure.

__________________
'Get your motor runnin, head out on the highway'

ZMA-R 2011 | RX 135 1998 | RX100 1993 | Unicorn 2005 - 2011

SOL Helmet Review

October 2011 Ooty Ride | March 2011 - Munnar Tri-state Meet | October 2010 - Point Calimere | August 2010 - Horsley Hills | June 2010 - Yercaud - Tri-State Meet

asif

Just a Suggestion:
On the factory RX-100, things like the brake drum,cylinder head,front forks were chromed/buffed. It would really bring back the authenticity of the restoration and look great.

The oil gauge(i don't know the exact term) is a rare thing. Make sure you keep this intact and use it on the new oil tank. I so miss seeing it on my RX-100.

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SriramEfunds

Thanks for the suggestion Asif. I've a long list of things to be done. Will definitely keep your point in mind.

Yes. Oil gauge is the right term. If you see the lens it is not the oil shows contrast, but rust sediments. Planning to clean completely and change the new lens and hoping that needle gauge works fine.

__________________
'Get your motor runnin, head out on the highway'

ZMA-R 2011 | RX 135 1998 | RX100 1993 | Unicorn 2005 - 2011

SOL Helmet Review

October 2011 Ooty Ride | March 2011 - Munnar Tri-state Meet | October 2010 - Point Calimere | August 2010 - Horsley Hills | June 2010 - Yercaud - Tri-State Meet

vijaymeyou

congratulation on you RX100 acquisition Sriram!