Description
Please note: Iconic Motorbikes is pleased to announce its first listing from the Legendary Sportbikes Collection! The project was started to preserve and celebrate the golden age of sportbikes, a period the seller describes as “the transition from dual shock, air-cooled, two valve naked or bikini fairing bikes into single shock, liquid-cooled, four (or five) valve fully faired machines.” We will be creating a dedicated Legendary Sportbikes page as more of the collection comes to auction. Stay tuned!
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1975 Yamaha RD350. 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, 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: 351301772, engine #: 351301772. The seller acquired the bike from a “Hollywood actor, motorcycle stunt performer, and coordinator” approximately two years ago.
During his ownership, the seller has covered less than 100 miles. He notes that “the bike has been stored inside in a temperature and humidity controlled environment.” The odometer shows 6,605 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that he has “cleaned the carbs and tank, deep-cleaned the bike, and changed the oil.”
He had his technician perform a safety inspection. He notes the following in his condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front & Rear: 0315/0215
Tire % Front & Rear: 90/90
Tire Press Front/Rear: 30/34
Brake % Front/Rear : 90/90
Front hydraulic fluid: clean
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: NA
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: NA
Oil: level ok, color ok
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.2
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.3
Modifications:
Per the seller, this RD350 is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC tires with date codes of 0215 and 0315.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Bloomington, Indiana, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
