Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Upon its release in 1973, the Yamaha RD350 was an instant classic. An evolution of the R5, it featured the reliable two-stroke reed-valve 350cc parallel twin, which was capable of consistently dusting bikes with 750cc engines. This bike, simply put, was an overachiever. In fact, A period Yamaha ad showed a sad looking rider at a bar with the phrase “Don’t feel bad. You’re not the first 750 rider to get blown off by a Yamaha 350.”
While most big bikes could eventually beat the Yamaha RD350 in a straight line, this bike had quite an advantage when it came to the corners. At the time, this was easily one of the best handling bikes you could buy – the bonus being that it was dirt cheap. In 1974, a RD350 sold for $908. A Kawasaki Z1 sold for $1,995. Wanted a Ducati 750SS? You’d have to spend over $3,000. The RD350 was quick, agile, and accessible to the average rider. Motorcycle Classics calls this the “Best Bang for the Buck.”
Weighing about 350 pounds wet, this bike was capable of 14 second quarter miles. So you wouldn’t win many drag races, but this was a perennial champion when it came to amateur track racing. The RD350 also featured a trick Autolube system that ensured you’d keep the oil mixed in properly.
This example is VIN: 351117477. The seller has owned the bike for a year and four months.
It was featured in a spread in 70s Bikes Magazine (the issue will be included with the sale).
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 70 miles. The odometer shows 65 miles; however, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “The carbs run decently, but could use more tuning. The tachometer is jumpy at high RPMs, I redid 80% of the wiring, and the tires are almost new but are 11 (rear) and 9 (front) years old.” He adds that he has, “rebuilt the front caliper, installed new front EBC brake pads, new EBC performance rotor, new front master cylinder, rebuilt the carburetors, installed a new carb Y-boot, new Vape ignition/charging system, new spark plugs, new headlight bulb, and new Boyesen reed valves.”
The seller also notes that, “the previous owner did the following with documentation:
– Top end of engine rebuilt by Spec 2 in Sylmar, CA
– New vintage DG cylinder heads
– New HVC exhaust expansion chambers
– New HVC petcock
– New wheel spokes
– Rebuilt oil pump
– Rear shocks replaced
– New Continental tires”
Modifications:
Rebuilt caliper with EBC performance brake pads, EBC front floating rotor upgrade.
RedWing Hammerheads rear shocks.
Original Vintage DG cylinder heads, KN filter with new Y-boot, RZ350 intake manifolds.
HVC Expansion chambers.
Airtech fiberglass front fender, RSW Racing fork brace.
Custom tail/seat with oil tank and pop-up cap made by Ian Halcott.
5.75″ headlight bucket with integrated Koso electronic tach/speedo, custom bracket for Westach CHT gauge and ignition switch.
Cibie headlight from the owner’s 1972 Alfa Romeo with H4 LED bulb, Koso front LED turn signals.
Asahi Denso gas gauge fuel cap.
CRG Blindsight bar end mirrors, shorty brake and clutch levers, Nissin front master cylinder with 14mm piston.
Antigravity superlight battery
Fast from the Past rearsets.
LED integrated rear taillight.
Powdercoated frame, wheel, triples, engine parts.
Custom license plate bracket.
Not pictured: vape charging system/CDI ignition upgrade, custom Boost Bottle, Dave F Carb mod, Eastern Beaver headlight relay wiring upgrade, Boyesen reeds.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental Conti Classic Attack tires that have aged out.
The sale includes the original owners manual, a Ducati 999 steering damper, and an assortment of stock take-off parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Lancaster, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through November 2024.
Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
