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.
The Yamaha RD350 was an instant classic - and this bike is an excellent example of the breed. With just 5,016 miles, this bike has great original paint, and everything mechanical seems to work just fine. It's always been garaged, never been down, and comes with the OEM tool kit.…
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…
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this Yamaha RD350 sold for $2,495. The Yamaha RD350 was an instant classic once introduced by Yamaha in 1973. 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…
