1994 RVF400R Build Project

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by NorcalBoy, Nov 7, 2018.

  1. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    I'mma sit this one out.
     
  2. KarlR

    KarlR New Member

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    Thanks again for the explanation. It makes sense to me. I am aware of the altitude affect, but now with modern vehicles and computer fueling we tend to forget about that. I guess you would need a tuner that is in your area or altitude to get the optimum tuning, as you are doing.
     
  3. GreginDenver

    GreginDenver New Member

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    400cc 4 cylinder bikes are truly "sea level" bikes. The further you live/ride above sea level the more "fun" drains out of it.
     
  4. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    After speaking with Rick Oliver in the UK, he was kind enough to ship me just the J9MC needles and clips by priority Royal Mail, as I already had most of the other parts of the HRC jet kit. This saved me about 90 USD. They were sent out on 07.05.2021....then, wait for it, the tracking stopped showing any updates after 07.06.2021. I had feared the worst and that they were lost.

    I contacted Rick on 07.12.2021 in the hopes of getting another set sent out by DHL priority and, of course, the missing needles were the last set of J9MC needles that he had in stock :Tsk:. Rick has these needles machined from the original HRC shadowgraphs, as they are long discontinued by Honda. He was having a new batch of needles made up, but didn't know when they would be completed. Fucked again.

    There must be some higher power testing my resolve, as today I received an unexpected text from the USPS that the package had made it through customs and had just left LA. So, it now looks like the needles will be delivered to my tuner early next week. I was pretty convinced they were long gone, but I'm stoked to find out they aren't. I immediately fired off an email to Rick and my tuner explaining that everything was good again and I'm hoping my guys can dyno test the new needles next week and that they solve the overly rich midrange issue.

    Rick also sent some 0.5 and 1.0 mm needle shims, so if they come up a tad lean, it will be any easy fix by moving the clips, and or, moving the clips and adding a shim to make it perfect. The J9MC HRC needles have the leanest midrange taper, so I'm hoping that it all works out. Once that is done, the HRC map can be loaded into the Ignitech and the ignition can be programmed. I really hope to have some positive updates very soon, fingers crossed.
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2021
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  5. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks for the updates....much + energy coming your way!
     
  6. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Thanks JM. I feel that we have traveled many of the same roads. You can never, ever, quit. Having someone to hold the flashlight every now and then makes it all seem just a little easier.
     
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  7. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Especially if they can point it in the right direction...
     
  8. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    After two years and a stupid amount of sweat and effort, the tuning was completed today on the new engine package. It ended up requiring two of the HRC needles with one 0.5mm shim in the #2 and #4 carbs, and 1.0mm shimmed oem needles in the #1 and # 3 carbs. Phil was able to get the HRC ignition map loaded into the Ignitech TCI and he said it made the single biggest difference, to the tune of 2 HP. He admitted he was impressed with what a change it made to the overall package, so a HUGE shout out and thank you to Rick Oliver in the UK for all of the technical and product support with the ignition and the carb needles. Phil's exact words, this thing fucking rips, you're gonna dig it.

    Phil put a lot of effort into getting it as perfect as possible. I was at the shop today and all I can say, is that it fires up instantly, it's very crisp on the throttle, and it sounds excellent. I am pretty grounded, when it comes to motos, builds, and tuning, but this really turned out decent. I have attached a dyno chart from the last pull of the tuning process, because I know people wanna see 'em, final best number of 71 horsepower, 94 degrees F, 46% relative humidity. As shown by the graph, once it hits around 7k, it starts making power really quick, when compared to RPM. I can smile about that.

    [​IMG]

    There really is no comparison to the original run plots I saw, very disappointing. To go from that, to this, says a hell of a lot about my tuner Phil Allison. Phil put a LOT of personal effort into this project and I cannot thank him and Evan Steel Performance enough, for what they were able to accomplish on my behalf. Thanks Guys, you are the best for a reason!

    Now, the process is moving to the chassis and the chassis is going to be setup using a system very similar to a GMD Computrack system. It's getting it's 4th oil change and filter, and Phil is hand fabricating a heat shield to protect the rear master, brake line, and HRC res kit and it's getting weighed on MotoAmerica certified scales. Once that is completed, it will be time to put her clothes on and finalize this build.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2021
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  9. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks for the update. I am pleased you were able to get that engine done finally.

    Looking forward to seeing the final product and what it weighs. Congrats!
     
  10. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Thanks. It was almost surreal watching it on the dyno, I have to say it was a moment I won't soon forget. It will get weighed one more time with all the bodywork mounted and a half tank of fuel, but we are all interested in the number as it sits. We talked about emptying the tank and putting a couple gallons of VP in it, just to see what it would do, but I decided it was too much extra work. The guys estimated another HP or two with race fuel. They were into it, getting down to splitting hairs, I had to say no, it's plenty good enough boys, rofl.

    They are recommending a ride height adjustment to make it razor sharp, that is why the chassis measurement is going to happen, will probably end up raising both ends, especially the rear. We'll see how it goes after they take all the measurements. For 428cc, it's a little beast.
     
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  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    As with any set of gear heads, they appreciate a lovely bike.

    Looking forward to the next part of its evolution - THE FIRST RIDE... lol... I'm happy to help you with this if needed.
     
  12. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    Daily rider?

    LR Art?

    Who knows with NCB...
     
  13. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Shoot, Reg. I don't even know. I need to get a hold of Hagerty and get it insured, then I need to head over to my third party DMV office and take it off the non-op list so it can be ridden.
     
  14. KarlR

    KarlR New Member

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    That is great news NCB. I am picturing you zipping around AZ on your rocket.
     
  15. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Great news. Great numbers. And that torque "curve" is awesome too. Can't wait to see it dressed for the prom.

    Good job!
     
  16. tosaw

    tosaw New Member

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    This build is truly amazing, absolutely top notch! One of my other bikes is a 78 RD400, I love the two strokes but your 400 is in another galaxy altogether.

    Thanks for sharing!
     
  17. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Thank you for the kind words, really appreciate it. Thanks for taking a look.
     
  18. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Beautiful curves, they really did a nice job on the tune. People often get lost on max HP and torque numbers. Where, how broad and smooth the HP and torque are much more important and make it wonderful to ride. Roughly how much do you think it's going to weigh?
     
  19. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Less than mine -- lol
     
  20. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Honestly, I don't really know :Laugh:

    Edit: I had never looked up the weight of stock RVF 400...decided to look because of your question,, lol. Looked at multiple sets of specs. Apparently, the consensus is 365 pounds wet weight for the oem machine. Guess I'll find out when it has all the bodywork mounted and a half tank of fuel.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2021
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