Description
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: 351311549. The seller purchased the bike on an online auction approximately a year ago.
The true mileage is unknown, however, the odometer shows 8.6 miles. The seller has covered approximately 5 miles since purchasing the bike.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department performed the following maintenance: New battery, new throttle tube, replaced fairing bolt, new front brake fluid/flush, new horn, rust cleaned out of gas tank, corrected front brake pad orientation. The seller states “this is a frame up restoration, (see album) with a rebuilt engine, completed in 2020. It has a new OEM seat plate with new foam and cover, new OEM rubber parts, new rear fender, new OEM oil pump, new OEM exhaust, fuel filters added, and frame newly powder coated. All work done by HVC Cycles and Don Lycan. Includes a new aftermarket front fender and an extra handle bar ( Euro style ). The bike was tuned and carbs jetted and synced by John Tippin at RDs Only in Texas.” Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK, NEWLY CLEANED
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
Coolant Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW, PASS < 1.5%
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: CABLE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: CABLE
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: OK
Horn: OK, NEW
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 100
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: DRUM
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 3831
Tire Date Code Rear: 2313
Tire % Remaining Front: 99
Tire % Remaining Rear: 9
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.45V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: 0
Notes:
• NEW BATTERY
• NEW THROTTLE TUBE
• REPLACED FAIRING BOLT
• NEW FRONT BRAKE FLUID/FLUSH
• NEW HORN
• RUST CLEANED OUT OF GAS TANK
• CORRECTED FRONT BRAKE PAD ORIENTATION
• TIRES ARE AGED OUT
Modifications:
The bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45R tires with date codes of 2313 and 3813.
The sale includes one key, aftermarket front fender, extra handlebars, left and right hand grips with throttle tube, cables, owner’s manual and miscellaneous extra parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
