Yamaha RD500 special

A really interesting bike which was much admired by the guys next door in the Jaguar restoration workshop. Built by current owner Vin, it’s got a fairing from a genuine YZR500 GP bike, and the tail unit adapted to suit it. Nerds will also spot the Ducati 996 front end, RGV swing arm, custom expansion chambers, light wheels (the rear is from a GSX-R400) and projector headlight.

The bike arrived with a tatty loom bearing the evidence of many repairs and alterations. The fuses, battery and horn were at the back but most of the rest was in the normal place. Vin wanted a neat new loom to suit all the above mods, plus the Zeeltronic ignition and power valve controller.

I forgot to take a pic of the Translogic dash. Translogic aren’t cheap but they are very well made (in the UK), give a good display and are easy to plumb in. I like them.