RD350/400/banshee motors Similar?

[smokerider29483]

Hey fella's,

I was just thinking about this and I had to post. I love old 2 stroke street bikes. So I have been looking for an RD400 daytona special for a while and as soon as I find one I will add it to my stable. How similar is the Shee motor to the old RD twins? I think it would be a killer swap. I would gain the 6 speed gear box and water cooling. How would the Shee motor hold up on the street? I don't think the bore and stroke is to different. I have had 2 stroke street bikes before so I know how to handle them on the street to keep them alive, basically they are just boulvard bruisers, stop light to stop light rockets. I restored a 76 GT550 and sold it to a collector. I have also riden the old water buffalo, and the 2 wheeled rocket Kawasaki H2. But the Daytona Special really gets my blood stirring. Whataya think?

[Blaster350]

Size wise they are pretty close. The RD engines had a 6 speed trans. I had a R5 350twin in my blaster which was the model before the RD's. The R5's are only 5 speeds. But the banshee engine should drop in with minor if any mods to the engine mounts. If you decide to do it good luck and I know it will be easier then shoe horning that R5 in my blaster.

[smokerider29483]

Well thats good to know. I'll have to get the bike first. I have to find one I can afford. They usually bring a pretty penny. I didn't know the RD400 had the 6 speed, but there is just alot more parts availiable for the Shee motor, So I think just parts availability will make the swap worthwhile.

[370banshee]

ok.... they made water cooled rd350s.... they were called rd350LC...

as for a rd400.... they have 7mm (might be 8mm) more stroke then a banshee...


if you really wanna make a water cooled street machine.... why not pick up a rz350 engine... they are water cooled and power vavled and already have street freindly gearing.... plus.... were something like 65rwhp in stock trim.... a stroker crank and port job could easily put you in the 100rwhp range...

[1994rm250]

The rd 350 and 400 is based on the banshee motor but water coold and lil other changes and my uncle has rd350 and it beast gsxr750's its freekin scary ass fast

[BigG]

Somehow I think the Banshee motor would have based on the the RD/RZ not the other way around. Basing this soley on a timeline point of view. Unless there were Banshees in the early 70's that I don't know about.

[smokerider29483]

Actually I think the Banshee motor is based on the RZ350.

370,

I think you're right the RZ would probably be a better swap, but finding the engine will be the kicker. Thanks for all the replies.

[1994rm250]

yeh my bad thats wat i meant lol.... banshee is based on the rd