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!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.