The Yamaha RD350 is a Two-Stroke Legend

Yamaha’s fabled RD350 introduced a generation to fast, good-handling, and affordable motorcycles. The value proposition was a winning combo. This survivor, recently listed on eBay, is one of the few still in its original condition.

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Performance Superstar

Thirty-nine horsepower doesn’t sound like much—especially for a machine as revered as the RD350. But its power spec doesn’t diminish the RD’s outsized role as a revolutionary motorcycle.

The RD350 has a parallel twin two-stroke 347-cc motor with a torque curve that peaked early. In other words, unlike typical two-stroke bikes that need to be wrung out, the RD could pull well from low rpm right up to its rev limit beyond 7000 rpm. The two-stroke’s lithe 341-pound stature enables it to reach 60 mph in about six seconds, which is lively even by today’s standards.

The RD350 is about more than performance figures. Enthusiasts love riding them because they handle beautifully. Early examples, like this unrestored survivor on eBay, position the footpegs a little far forward. But apart from that, the RD got everything right.

Cycle World magazine reported after its 1973 launch:

No bike has cried ‘Flog me!’ quite as shamelessly before or since.

All Things to All Riders?

Thanks to its fine braking and handling, the RD could compete with bigger bikes that cost twice as much. When new in 1974, the list price was under $1,000, which helped the RD find many keen owners.

Meanwhile, on the track, no four-stroke bike won the Daytona 200 again until a maximum capacity rule change gave Superbikes an advantage in 1985.

The seat is plush, and the bars are at a height that suits cruising and hard cornering. The front braking is by disc. You have six speeds to play with, and there’s no messy mixing of oil with the fuel when you fill it up, thanks to Yamaha’s Autolube system. This bike looks and sounds wonderful. The only missing thing for modern riders is an electric start.

Not Many Survivors are Left

Today, an enormous market of aftermarket go-faster goodies for the Yamaha RD350 exists.

Modestly priced performance machines could suffer in the hands of thrifty young street racers. By the late 1980s, when values reached their low point, many RDs were in poor condition. So, although many were sold, many were cut up or dismantled, making this 1974 RD350 increasingly special.

Recently pulled from long-term storage, this RD was brought back to riding condition. However, the seller advised that more work is required before you put this performance icon back on the street.

The only non-original item appears to be the period-correct expansion-chamber exhaust system, which is crucial if you want to tune your RD for more torque and/or power. eBay’s marketplace gives you the choice of an OEM exhaust for authenticity or an aftermarket system for a higher level of performance. Either way, you can’t go wrong.