1975 Yamaha RD 350 from United States of America

Summary:

Look, I can look at the sky without moving my neck!!! RD 350

Faults:

Everything!!! LOL, bought it seized and in the process of restoring it. Amazing bike. Bought it for $100 and I can say it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I am going to do the work so it's going to be fun!!

General Comments:

Growing up, I have always had a passion for two wheels!

A couple of times we were talking with an older crowd and they brought up the RD 350. They talked about it like it was the best bike ever made. They went ahead that their friend could drive them so fast that they would race against GSXR1100 and beat them straight.

Two strokes are amazing engines, and always smack a smile on your face when you turn your right hand. Overall, these are fun and well crafted bikes. Just simple, yet so amazing!!!

If you come across one and do not buy, you are missing out. They are a true gem.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th December, 2010

12th May 2019, 01:55

Mine was a '73, bought it new. Very nice handling bike, but a major problem I had was that the carbs would stick open when it was raining. Not fun when coming up behind someone on the highway and she won't throttle back... Big problem in NZ where it rains a lot! It turned out that the carb slides on the RD's were teflon-coated aluminum, and the fix was to replace them with the slides off the earlier R5 which were heavier brass; you just needed to modify the cut-away at the bottom of each slide to match the RD ones. That fixed the problem 100%.

Only other issue was fouling the plugs, which I probably could have avoided if I had used Castrol Super 2 Stroke instead of the cheaper Mobil Blue oil. I had the bike for a year before I moved up to a new CB750 in 1974.

I would love to get another RD if one came along in good shape.

1994 Yamaha RD 350 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Classic 1980 pocket rocket

Faults:

Exhaust gaskets blown; a common fault with this model.

Also the fuel tank leaks; another problem with this model.

General Comments:

A very swift lightweight bike, but a bit thirsty on fuel and oil. Last of the ypvs models that was made in Brazil, so had a few manufacturing problems, but mine seems to be OK now I have ironed out the faults.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st December, 2007

3rd Jan 2008, 03:49

I had a 1982 RD350, loved the thing. Its demise came when I lost it on an A Road in the wet, I had to jump off it as it was sliding on its frame. It smashed into a crash Barrier then burst into flames. I did not have it in my name, so I just left it where it fell. I still miss it to this day.

1975 Yamaha RD 350 from United States of America

Summary:

Every sportbike since, is riding on the coat tails of the RD 350

Faults:

Fouled spark plugs with regularity.

General Comments:

Other than the above mentioned plug fouling issue. (RD 350's were known for this and really needed a stronger ignition system). This motorcycle was the absolute most fun you could have for the money. In fact I'd love to find another 1975 and improve the ignition system. I would have no problem using one as a daily rider, even on the freeway.

The RD 350 was amazingly quick for its size, able to keep up with bike twice its displacement. When it came to the twisties, the RD could out-handle them all!

The cornering ability on this bike was amazing!

The RD was light, agile and powerful.

It actually was a pleasant bike to ride on the highway as well. The seating position was equally well-suited for just running about town or all day stints in the saddle. A friend of mine owned a 1974 model year RD 350, and he actually took a trip from Massachusetts to Nova Scotia and back on his, and enjoyed every minute of it!

One caution, the RD's are known for want to lift their front wheels during acceleration. This trait was even more pronounced with a passenger on-board.

The only thing I need to make sure of, is that the oil tank was full and that I always had a spare set of fresh spark plugs on-board. (It only took a minute of two to change them, but the RD could foul a set of plugs in 150-200 miles!

I loved the look of the bike, as well. The red-orange paint with black stripes on the tank looked great!

I only wish that Yamaha had solved the plug fouling problem by equipping the RD 350 with a stronger ignition system/coils.

I was extremely entertaining to own a two stroke twin, equipped only with a kick starter.

The price new in 1975 was amazing too - $999.

I sold my RD 350 in order to purchase a new Harley Davidson FXE 1200. I kept the Harley for nine years, sold it and went back to riding Yamahas. The Harley was a fine motorcycle, however I enjoy the combination of good acceleration, agile handling, and outstanding relaibility that my Yamahas possess.

I find myself checking the online classifieds for a pristine RD 350.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll ride one again.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2005

18th Aug 2005, 10:54

The RD400 was a neat little bike too, though a bit more modern with alloy wheels. In fact, so was the RD250!

Nothing sounded like those two-strokes! Ringa-ding-ding!

25th Aug 2005, 23:39

The RD350 is said to be one of the best handling motorcycles ever made.

It was absolutely the best handling motorcycle I have ever ridden.

Although only 350cc, it was amazing what it could do in the hands of an experienced/skilled rider. (Could be dangerous in the hands of a novice.)

Wish they still made them, just like in 1975. (Well with stronger coils!)