Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The Yamaha R5 350cc twin punched way above its weight class and was considered one of the best bangs for the buck in the ’70s. Though Honda had moved into the world of 4-strokes, Yamaha was making great strides in two-stroke technology; and unlike the Suzuki Titan, Yamaha was looking to get every last drop of power from their small displacement two-stroker, leading to a bike that had 36 hp and was capable of hitting 91 mph.
Many confuse the R5 with the better-known RD350, though there are some slight differences: the R5 is piston ported, not reed valved. The R5 has a five speed transmission to the RD’s six, and the R5 has a drum front brake. Want to learn more? Check out this R5 write up on Motorcycle Classics here.
This example is VIN: R5115339; Engine: R5115339. The seller purchased the bike four years ago and states, “Bought it from my uncle, who had it for about 10 years. The engine had been torn down since the early nineties but with the crank cavity completely filed with oil. Engine has great power, very strong mid range with good top end.”
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 80 miles. The odometer shows 1,311 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Previous owner seized the engine (not cleaning the carbs after 20 years storage) so I put in new RD350 cylinders with larger Banshee reed valves, sonic cleaned the carbs and tuned them appropriately. Still uses the autolube pump. Cylinders have been properly chamfered and uses the proper pistons for the air cooled cylinders. Pistons have also been balanced and squish adjusted to 1mm. Engine has passed leak down test to make sure crank seals were still perfect. Gauges act a little funny… RPM just goes to the max past 7,000 RPM and speed needle seems wobbly. New parts: LED headlight in OEM bucket, RD350 cylinders & pistons, K&N air filter, battery, fork oil, transmission oil, petcock seal kit (OEM), Mikuni 2.5 needle & seats, Mikuni P-2 needle jet, Mikuni 160 main jets, fuel lines, air intakes and cross over tube, spark plugs, horn, mirrors, grips, handlebars, tank support rubbers.”
Modifications:
LED headlight.
Not shown: RD350 cylinders (reed valve instead of piston port) modified to fit the larger Banshee/RZ350 reed valves.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires with date codes of 012 and 032.
The sale includes one key, OEM stock bore cylinders, and NOS .25 pistons
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Sherbrooke, Montreal, Canada, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Canada title. Have any R5 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
