Description
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: 351310664. The seller is thinning out his collection and has decided to let the bike go to a new home.
The odometer shows 8,857 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “New fuel lines and filters, fresh fluids. New seat cover, newer battery, fresh tires, and, what appears to be, newer intake boots and an air box delete kit with 2-into-1 K&N pod filter. Carbs weep if the gas is left on, would benefit from some fresh needles, not an issue when running. All switches, lights, horn and keyed points work. Starts with a quarter kick, runs and rides just as good as it did in 1975.”
Modifications:
2-into-1 intake and K7N filter.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC tires with date codes of 1322 and 3922.
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 Littleton, Colorado, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Colorado title. Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
