No Reserve – 1973 Yamaha RD350

Description

Additional photos of this 1973 Yamaha RD350 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 1973, a RD350 sold for $839. A Kawasaki Z1 sold for $1,895. 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: 351114494, Engine #: 356119884. The seller originally purchased from a private party in Atlanta just over three years ago.

During his ownership, the seller has ridden the bike for less than 30 miles. The odometer shows 18,877 miles.

Maintenance:
Upon purchase, the seller immediately tore into the bike for a partial restoration. In addition to having the forks rebuilt with stronger springs from Sonic springs, he also had the engine rebuilt at AdvMotoTech in Glendale, California. Moreover, he had the tank lined at GTL, installed a clutch kit, and replaced the tires. He reports that the “carbs need fine-tuning after sitting.”

Modifications:
Stronger front fork springs.

Sissy bar.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on IRC Grand High Speed tires with date codes of 3019 and 0320.

The sale includes one key.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Pennsylvania title. Have any RD350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!