Please note: Iconic is proud to call Dreamcycle one of its approved iconic locations! We have partnered with the British Columbia-based museum in order to support all of your Canadian motorcycling needs!
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, even though you wouldn’t win many drag races, it proved 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.
Manufactured in December of 1972, this example is VIN: 351116108, Engine #: 351-116108. The seller purchased it from the original owner twenty years ago.
During his ownership, the seller covered 200 miles. The odometer shows 3,053 miles.
“I purchased this bike to display in my Yamaha dealership, I sold the dealership and no longer have room for it.” The seller recently sold a Yamaha TDR250 through Iconic and he also has a Yamaha YR-1 350 on our Buy It Now section as well.
Maintenance:
“Trans oil, spark plugs, new battery.”
Our partners at Dreamcycle inspected the bike and have provided the following condition report:
Modifications:
The seller states that this bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys and several spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Scratches and slight dent in tank, cracked/chipped paint on headlamp mounting brackets, worn paint on top of dash cluster, some scratches and stain on exhaust, crack/scratch on right side cover, chipped paint on Yamaha gas tank logos.”
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada, this Yamaha is offered on a clean British Columbia registration. Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
