1975 was the end of the RD350 run, by which point it had established itself as a giant killer. A period 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.”
That was possible thanks to a claimed 39 horsepower (though Cycle magazine saw 30 on their dyno), excellent brakes, and additional bracing in the frame that resulted in better handling than the competition. For more on the RD, check out this profile on Motorcycle Classics where they call it the “Best Bang for the Buck.”
This example features RD400 wheels (including the rear disc brake) and Spec II exhaust chambers. Everything is said to work except for the high beam, and the seller includes a running video at a perspective which can’t prove he’s not naked:
Find this RD for sale in Iron Mountain, Michigan for $3,900 here on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Dan A!