Follow me as I try to decipher the instructions and attempt an install of a Vape generator and ignition system. Disclaimer - this isn't a how to video, it's just me bumbling along trying my best
Ive been running the Vape system on my Rd400D for about a year and its been totally reliable. I bought mine from Vintage motorcycle parts in the States as I wanted the machined key groove which made fitting a lot simpler. I checked the timing with a dial guage and it was spot on making it plug and play. Enjoying the videos.
Bike sounds great! I had a few 250 Aircooled back in the day, then a few LCs. I had the generator die intermittently on my 250DX as well, in the 80s, was a pain to track down the issue.
I bought an abused 76 RD400 because it looked stock.. had the airbox and exhausts etc until I discovered the cylinder ports were some of the most butchered Id ever seen so spent $$$$ finding another stock set. I love the way stock RD motors sound and run, they're great with low mid torque and perfect for bombing around town without having to rev the snot out of it. However, the one thing I replaced was the ignition points with a Vape and I LOVE it. The bike feels so much smoother and maybe stronger... might just be the added flywheel effect but it feels good. Next will be to purchase the programmer and add a curve. I had an iggy on it before the Vape that had a safe curve in it and the bike had so much more power I was really surprised but the flywheel in it was tiny and weighed nothing and it really took away from the smoothness of the engine, I just didnt like it, this is why I went to Vape.
Its great that we keep this old stuff going, getting crazily expensive for parts now and unfortunately the way prices are going for the bikes you won't even get your money back .I don't know if i missed it but did you put threadlock on the screws ? .
Subscribed. Good upload, I had an RD in the late eighties - very enjoyable knowledge base video, am sure this will be very useful for some RD owner out there. QQ.
A smaller gap will generate more current, Also you should not use a metal feel a gauge, A piece of cardboard is better. When I was an apprentice I had .25 brass feller specifically for that task.
I had one in the yellow white black livery with custom leathers way back when of course I was not in posession of a bike license but this bike was a blast first qtr litre to hit over 100mph
Recently had the Vape installed on both my stock '75 RD350B and '77 RD400D. A stronger spark at the right time all the time across the entire RPM range. Burns much cleaner, more power, don't have to rely on a 40+ year old ignition system to get me home. Absolutely the smartest upgrade I've done on these bikes. I bought the to ride and enjoy regularly and not worry about losing some of the original componentry. Absolutely no regrets!
I fitted one of these on my RD250 DX five years ago, the regulator failed after a couple of years a replacement was easily sourced any four wire regulator will do, i got a puller for a vespa scooter half the price of a powerdynamo ( vapes predecessor) had to grind the inside of the crankcase cover for it to fit. On the whole have been very oleased with the system.
Cool video. But I do have a question. What is the purpose of turning the ignition key all the way to the right while you're writing? What does that do?.... and I love the way those pipes sound!
Judging by the way that you set the system up it looks like it does not have a retard curve built into it which is a shame, you can get a lot more bottom end and mid range out of a 2 smoker if it runs such a system.
