1975 Yamaha RD350

The Yamaha RD350 has a well deserved reputation as fast and nimble. Many consider it the pinnacle of two stroke road warriors. In stock trim you could ride the RD350 to the track and compete. Using readily available Yamaha race bits you could win. Not to mention what you could do to your favorite canyon road.

Directly developed from the R5 Yamaha, in 1973 the RD350 debuted with reed valve induction, a six speed transmission and a single disc front brake. The reed valve induction meant a wider power band, which made it more rideable on the street. The six speed allowed you to stay inside the power band and the brakes stopped the lightweight very well. The RDs race derived frame made it a complete package.

The 1975 Yamaha RD350 used a 347 CC air cooled two stroke parallel twin motor that made 39 HP with a six speed transmission that made it good for a top speed of 93 MPH (Cycle World Test). A single disc front brake and drum rear were touted as ‘best in class’. Wet weight for the bike was 352 LBS with the 3.2 gallon fuel tank and the auto lube oil tank both full.

This particular 1975 Yamaha RD350 (VIN# 351307128) is in Tampa, Florida and is listed as a non running project. It came from a car collection. The listing is a little skimpy, but there are lots of pictures. I can see that the bike has an expansion chamber exhaust system that is non stock. The bike is currently bid at $1,151.00 (28 bids)