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.
This example is VIN: 351114777. The seller acquired it four years ago from a collector in Jacksonville, Florida.
“I don’t know why the engine number ends in ‘8’ crossed out with a ‘7’ above it! Obviously, that must be factory, how could one find a motor one sequential number off but what the heck? That’s kind of interesting by itself.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 300 miles. The odometer shows 16,257 miles.
Maintenance:
“Owner reports having put new Dunlop K82 tires, which he actually bought from the UK. Date codes are from 2521 for the front and 0522 on the rear. The carburetors have been rebuilt. The brake master cylinder has been replaced; the front hydraulic brake line was replaced. The ignition coils and leads were replaced. The oil pump was rebuilt. New air filter, cables, seat cover and foam, battery, reproduction or non-oem tool kit, petcock. All of the work was done personally by the owner/seller. He kept handwritten notes, which will be included along with his extra books and literature.”
Modifications:
“The owner reports that the muffler baffles have been trimmed.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop K82 tires with date codes of 2521 and 0522.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys, maintenance notes, an Ian Smith report, Haynes manual, factory owner’s manuals, Riding Tips manual, and the factory warranty guide book.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The paint on the gas tank is damaged, appearing as if someone either polished the top of the tank too hard, or it faded, and has bit of extra clear coat cover over it. The are some places where the chrome is thin, e.g. the front fender, the taillight housing.”
Currently located in Edgewater, Florida, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Florida title with registration current through March 2026.
Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
