1975 Yamaha RD 350 review from United States of America
"Every sportbike since, is riding on the coat tails of the RD 350"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
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 |
| Model year | 1975 |
| Year of manufacture | 1975 |
| First year of ownership | 1975 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1976 |
| Acceleration marks | 9 / 10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Handling marks | 10 / 10 |
| Braking marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 6000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Suzuki TS 125 |
| Date of Entry | 14th August, 2005 |