Thread: The painful restoration of my RX100 (89)

Coincidentally I was born in the same year when the RX100 was launched (85). My love affair with RX100 started when I was 7 years old when I first saw an RX100 just zoom past me, the exhaust note was extremely addictive, the sound still echoes in my ears and the memories are still fresh. At that time I could hardly understand about the history of this bike. Before even I could grow up and learn to even ride a bicycle, this bike was discontinued.

Finally when I grew up and wanted to own a bike and didn't know which bike to choose, the thoughts of the rx100 was haunting me and I was already having sleepless nights. With a heavy heart I convinced myself that its gone for ever and had to settle for a four stroke Yammie. None of the Indian bikes had that kind of adrenalin rush in it. Whenever I see an rx tearing the city traffic, screaming for attention, leaving a blue smoke behind, with the smell of the burning 2t oil, I kept gazing at it till it disappears and then I realized that I was not the only one but, the whole crowd is awe struck watching by taking a break from what they are doing.

I decided to get my hands on one, the hunt for my first love started, but I could hardly find a good rx100. My mind was saying to give up but, my heart was not ready to listen. Finally the battle was won by my heart, when a rx100 came my way. I was just 4 years old when this bike was on road. The outlook of the bike was kinda ok but minor repairs and painting job needs to be carried out. But engine wise or performance wise there was no problem at all. It was really scary when I rode this the first time, It used to wheelie without even my intention, as I was not good at throttle and clutch combination. The exhaust note was completely addictive.

During the restoration process back in 2010, the piston rings were changed, the painting and plating was done, tyres were changed, and many other parts. The bike is running second oversize piston. Had been using the bike for all these days. Recently I find there is some noise in the engine. When opened the engine found that the crank needs a recondition and there are slight scoring marks in the barrel.

Things that needs to be carried out in the near future

1. Sourcing for the 3rd or 4th oversize piston and ring depending up on the need and few other spares.
2. Reboring of the block
3. Reconditioning of the crank

Thanks to sixspeedtwin, frankpilli and sriram for their support and lending a helping hand.

Rishi - Guess by now you have identified the problem idea. So start looking for spares around. Also, the pictures posted on the forum did not make much sense to be frank. Some of them are blurred and some not pointing to the problem area. If piston had gone bad, supposed to post the closer picture. Coming to the point, which area is your mechanic? What's your plan of action? Make a note of spares you might need to carryout the fix. Not sure if 3rd OS piston is readily available at stores.

Originally Posted by SriramEfunds

Rishi - Guess by now you have identified the problem idea. So start looking for spares around. Also, the pictures posted on the forum did not make much sense to be frank. Some of them are blurred and some not pointing to the problem area. If piston had gone bad, supposed to post the closer picture. Coming to the point, which area is your mechanic? What's your plan of action? Make a note of spares you might need to carryout the fix. Not sure if 3rd OS piston is readily available at stores.

I apologize for the poor quality pictures, I am a noob when it comes to protography. Still searching for a good mechanic, who knows what he is doing, I guess You be should able to redirect me to a good mechanic. To be precise, I might have to postpone my plans due to the busy schedule.

Good lord if this is the guy you plan on going to again lol only zeus himself can help you. Look at the piston land, let me guess he must have used a screwdriver to remove the carbon right? Find somebody else guy.

Originally Posted by dafc

Good lord if this is the guy you plan on going to again lol only zeus himself can help you. Look at the piston land, let me guess he must have used a screwdriver to remove the carbon right? Find somebody else guy.

Actually I was away from my bike for just few mins, so I am not sure how exactly he did. Could You throw some light on What is the exact procedure to remove the carbon?

Originally Posted by dafc

Good lord if this is the guy...Find somebody else guy.

+1; or atleast, buy a new piston kit; it pains to see how such possessions are trashed.

One will need to only scrap of the excess carbon, but, remove them evenly (done with patience) without scratching off the piston head. It doesn't matter on a long run, but its disheartening to see such shoddy jobs.

Originally Posted by aargee

One will need to only scrap of the excess carbon, but, remove them evenly (done with patience) without scratching off the piston head.

I guess from the next time I need to be more cautious

Originally Posted by Ri$hi

I guess from the next time I need to be more cautious

Staying cautious is different; like dafc says, try to change that guy if possible. If you're in midst of some work, try to gather up everything to one piece & try finding another one in your city.

Originally Posted by aargee

If you're in midst of some work, try to gather up everything to one piece

I didn't understand that could you please be more specific

All it takes to get the carbon off is a pad or two of scotchbrite and some 2t oil but these idiots they just have to r*pe a perfectly good part sheeeeesh if the scratches are deep enough they can lead to pre ignition the scratches actually start glowing when the motor is in operation